Tours of Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is a French city full of history and tourist attractions. But if you're looking for more than just walking the streets, here are the best tours in the region.

Some of the best things to do in Aix-en-Provence include exciting activities such as sidecar riding, which is a perfect choice. The adventure of vegetable gold hunts, excursions along the Provence wine route, even relaxing walks in contact with nature such as a stroll through the lavender fields or a hike on Mont Sainte-Victoire. There is something for everyone and here is a top list of things to do and see in this corner of the French Riviera.

If you fancy a panoramic sightseeing adventure to stimulate your senses between stone villages and the best landscapes of Aix-en-Provence, the sidecar tour of Aix-en-Provence is for you.

This type of excursion usually starts with a pick-up from your accommodation in Aix-en-Provence for a fun ride in a classic sidecar with a maximum capacity of two people plus the driver, who will be your guide.

Already in high spirits, your guide will take you along the roads of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in search of typical villages such as Vauvenargues, the best museums of Aix-en-Provence, the mountains of the Montagne Sainte Victoire or Saint-Marc-Jaumegarde.

Along the way you will see palaces, fountains, and examples of Baroque art such as the Cathedral of Saint-Saveur, one of the World Heritage Sites on the Way of St. James in France. This stone church surrounded by pine forests is a visual spectacle. And not far from there, the walk stops at the Bimont dam, a work by the engineer Joseph Rigaud, the colour of its waters will leave you speechless!

Interesting details

• Price: from 92 € per person.
• Duration: approximately 45 minutes.
• Timetable: morning and afternoon.
• What the tour may include: a bottle of bottled water, sidecar ride through the centre of Aix-en-Provence. Transfer service to and from your accommodation.
• Means of transport: sidecar.
• Pros: it's a comfortable, convenient, and waste-free ride to enjoy the city with the Provençal breeze accompanying the ride. It's usually pet-friendly so you can bring your pet with you on request.
• Cons: This type of guided tour is often only offered in English or French.

Discover the highlights of Provence on an immersive tour of Mont Sainte-Victoire where you will learn to distinguish the characteristics of at least 8 types of Provençal grapes by following one of the best wine routes in Aix-en-Provence among magazine imprints.

The tour starts with a pick-up from your accommodation to head to the Cézanne countryside. During the minivan ride, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy incredible views of the gradient reddish landscapes typical of the Roussillon or the limestone of its perched villages that inspired the French painter for his works.

The minivan will then arrive at one of the vineyards of the Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire appellation, located at the foot of the mountain, where you will learn about their history, way of working and other interesting facts about the local vineyards and their grape varieties.

Later, the tour usually continues to a couple of premium wineries where you will enjoy an exquisite wine tasting among varieties of rosé, red and white wines, another reference of wine tourism in this area of Provence. At the end of the tour, you will be taken back to your hotel or villa after visiting some of the most beautiful villages in Provence.

Interesting details

• Price: from €84 per person.
• Duration: 3 to 4 hours.
• Timetable: morning.
• What the tour may include: transport to and from your accommodation. Wine tasting with 8-9 grape varieties in two wineries. Walk through the vineyards. Professional guide service.
• Means of transport: air-conditioned minivan.
• Pros: groups are usually small, with a maximum of 8 people, which makes the service more personalised.
• Cons: casual or smart dress code required. Tour is often conducted in English and French only.

Tour one of the most beautiful seaside villages in Provence, one of the first vineyards with Appellations d'Origine Contrôlée and get up close to the famous Calenques during your 4-hour tour.

After pick-up from your accommodation in Aix-en-Provence, your transport will make its way along the Corniche des Crêtes, known as the coastal road that goes all the way from Cassis to La Ciotat. The first stop is at the picturesque port of Cassis, surrounded by pastel-coloured houses and streets lined with shops and markets that have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage National Park.

Next, you'll head to the Massif des Calanques, one of Europe's 20 most famous national parks, where you'll visit the Cosquer grotto on this rugged rocky coastline, as well as its coves and cliffs that stand out from the metropolis of Aix-Marseille-Provence.

And, to conclude with the emblematic escarpments, the last stop is a walk along the Route des Crests to reach Cap Canaille, one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe. Your guide will stop to enjoy the views of the city and the surrounding Mediterranean Sea from the 394-metre straight drop of this cliff. After a delightful walk, you will be taken back to your point of origin.

Details of interest

• Price: from €72 per person.
• Duration: 4 hours.
• Timetable: morning.
• What the tour may include: a wine tasting. Expert guide services. Transfer to and from your accommodation.
• Means of transport: air-conditioned minivan.
• Pros: The groups are small. Getting to know by land and sea one of the most popular meeting points of the French Riviera in less than half a day with personalised attention and the comfort of the transfer included is an opportunity worth enjoying.
• Cons: The boat trip is usually optional. No food or drinks are included in addition to the wine tasting. Guide service is often only available in English and French.

Get ready to enjoy a world of flavours and aromas on one of Traveler's must-do experiences in Provence. This guided tour takes you through the vibrant market, where you'll discover the freshest local ingredients and learn about the history and traditions of Provençal cuisine.

Led by an experienced local guide, you'll have the opportunity to sample a variety of delicious dishes, from creamy cheeses and Calisson - their traditional almond caramel - to cod brandade, sweet nougat, green and black tapenade toast and crispy pastries such as galette to succulent meats and aromatic spices.

You'll also learn about the unique flavours and ingredients that are synonymous with the inexhaustible wealth of Provence from which you'll gain valuable insights into the region's rich culinary heritage.

Finally, you can sit down in the heart of the city, which is lined with colourful terraces perfect for a glass of wine or beer to complete your date on one of Aix-en-Provence's must-see and do tours.

Interesting details

• Price: from 75 ¤ per person.
• Duration: 3 hours.
• Timetable: morning.
• What the tour may include: expert local guide service. Tasting of local products. Glass of wine or beer.
• Means of transport: walking tour.
• Pros: a tour to delight the palate with the flavours of Provençal gastronomy with fresh produce. It is usually a personalised experience, so each experience is unique. They usually include options for all types of diets, including vegans and vegetarians. If this is your case, I recommend you mention it when making the reservation to adapt the tastings.
• Cons: Spanish is often not one of the language options in the guide. It is offered in English and French. Although the meeting point is usually central, no shuttle service is included.

Have you ever dreamed of walking through fields of lavender blossom? Experience this unique experience on Aix-en-Provence's half-day lavender tour, which will take you through the region's beautiful lavender fields, where the farms are dressed in purple as the atmosphere is infused with the fragrance of lavender.

Guided by a local expert, you will discover the history and importance of lavender in the Provence region and learn about the techniques of cultivation and production of this precious flower.

Some operators choose to take you to Sault, where you will find beds of lavender flowers, and since 1890 the Lavender Museum of the Luberon has been located. Others head for Valensole where there are extensive crops of pure lavender and lavandin. In either case, the lavender experience will remain idyllic.

You will also have the opportunity to visit a lavender distillery and learn about the process of extracting lavender essential oils. Don't miss the chance to discover the magic of the lavender flower! Especially if you visit Aix-en-Provence in summer. In July, August and September, the crops are in full bloom.

Interesting details

• Price: 75 € per person.
• Duration: 4 hours.
• Timetable: morning.
• What the tour may include: professional guide service. Entrance to the lavender fields. Shuttle service to and from your accommodation. Sun loungers and access to the shaded areas of the fields.
• Means of transport: air-conditioned minivan.
• Pros: This tour is perfect for nature and culture lovers, as well as those looking for a relaxing and peaceful experience amidst the beauty of the French countryside.
• Cons: No meals or drinks are included. Guide service is usually in English or French.

Join the Vegetable Gold Hunting Tour in Aix-en-Provence, where you will have the opportunity to hunt two of the region's most precious treasures: mushrooms and black truffles.

Mushroom hunting

This experience takes you deep into the forests of Provence, where a local expert will teach you how to distinguish edible mushrooms from poisonous ones.

The adventure will introduce you to at least 10 different varieties of mushrooms, including the golden chanterelle, the hedgehog mushroom, the blue stem mushroom, the saffron chanterelle, the dwarf saddle and the black trumpet, also known as the trumpets of death, one of the most aromatic and delicate wild mushrooms.

During the hike, the natural beauty of the region's unspoilt forests will enrapture you and invite you to enjoy the serene and relaxed atmosphere of Provence. It is important to be prepared with sturdy and comfortable shoes ready to step in the mud during your hunt.

Black truffle hunting

During this excursion you will meet a real truffle hunter and learn how this precious "black gold" is cultivated, as well as see first-hand the allies of this hunt: the truffle dogs. After you've found your treasure, you'll celebrate your find with a glass of champagne while your truffle guides show you how to clean, store and cook these delicacies of Provençal cuisine.

On this tour, you'll also tour the vineyards, olive groves and walk among bee hives to immerse yourself in the roots of Luberon gastronomy.

To complete the experience, you'll often sample a variety of truffle hors d'oeuvres, plus you can buy some locally produced delicacies to take home a unique souvenir of this truffle hunt in Provence.

Details of interest

• Price: from 63 € per person.
• Duration: 3 hours.
• Timetable: morning and afternoon.
• What the tour may include: tasting of local products. Wine tasting. Expert local guide service. Orange juice for the kids. Shuttle service to and from your hotel or villa.
• Means of transport: air-conditioned minivan.
• Pros: it is a perfect activity to share with the family, I especially encourage you to include it in your itinerary among your things to do and see in Aix-en-Provence with children.
• Cons: the guide is often only in French or English.

• Plan ahead: before booking any tour, be sure to choose the ones that best suit your interests. Also, check if there are any special requirements, such as appropriate footwear or dress code, as is often the case with wine tours.
• Be prepared for the weather: Aix-en-Provence has a Mediterranean climate, which means that summers can be very hot and winters can be cool. Be sure to check weather conditions before booking your trip.
• Be punctual: tours often have specific times and it is important to arrive on time so as not to delay the group.
• Be respectful: be sure to follow the tour rules and respect the guide's instructions. Also, remember that you are sharing the experience with other participants and it is important to be respectful and friendly at all times. Enjoy and have fun!