Looking for a 3 or 4 star hotel on or near Cours Mirabeau in Aix. We like small hotels with lots of atmosphere and great service. Negre-Coste & St Christophe have been recommended.... any other suggestions or comments?

Simply loved the Hotel des Augustins. It's been a while. Princess Di was killed while we were there. We stayed a week. Very atmospheric and just a couple steps off Cours Mirabeau. We liked it much better than Negre-Coste. Don't know about St. Christophe.

ttt

We didn't like the St. Cristophe. The public rooms were slightly run-down and our room (a junior suite!)was very small and very hot. It consisted of a bathroom and a crowded dressing area plus a staircase to a loft bed area. And it's a 2-star hotel. Have you looked at the hotel reviews at www.tripadvisor.com?

Villa Gallici(sp?) is great, right in Aix.

If everything good is booked already, try www.Chateau de la Pioline.com or check trip advisor

It's just a 5-10 min. drive from Aix.It's in an odd area of car dealerships, but when you turn down the drive to the property, it's another world. Our room had a terrace on a small river that was just delightful. Also a gourmet restaurant, if you desire.

Just read the reviews on Chateau Pioline on trip advisor and they were all bad.

I can only say that we found nothing negative in our experience with them and thoroughly enjoyed our stay.

Is it difficult to find? Just a bit, I guess it depends how much driving you have done in Europe.

Has anyone heard of HOTEL CÉZANNE near Cours Mirabeau. The website is very enticing.... I'm considering it but would like some info from someone who has actually been there.

louanne...
I stayed at Hotel Cezanne last summer 2007.It is Art Deco style.

The hotel is old but nice so you'll see worn spots in the carpet, marks on the walls but it was clean. It is not pristine but I thought it was charming.

The bathroom in our room was HUGE! Stand up shower. The only odd thing was that the tub wall was really high so it was slightly hard to get out of.

The beds were the best- very comfortable, crisp white linens. The mini fridge has FREE beverages. We booked a room with 2 twin beds.

Our room was a nice size.

It is probably about 5-10 walk to Cours Mirabeau.

I heard parking is tricky. We rented a car after we left Aix - we stayed in other parts of Provence when toured the area.

Let me know if you have any specific questions about the place.

I have a few pictures...I'm just not sure how to set up a link for you to view. If someone can tell me, I'll create a link.

I have stayed at Villa Gallici and thought it was wonderful. It is not on the Cours Mirabeau, but it is a 15 minute walk away. Parking is right there at the hotel.

http://www.villagallici.com/

Enjoy your travels!

We really like Le Manoir last fall. Great location about a block north of Cours Mirabeau, near the circle. Plenty of free parking in the forecourt. Beautiful public areas including its own 13th century cloister. The room was large and clean, and though in need of a little attention was not the least bit unpleasant. Bathroom was fine. However, I would not call the service great. Just efficient.

Aix was easily my favorite city in Provence. Architecturally interesting and eautiful, vibrant, and great food.

Another vote for the heavenly Villa Gallici. We stayed there a few years ago, and still talk about it. It's an easy walk to the center of Aix from the hotel, although you might have a difficult time leaving the hotel- yes, it's THAT good.

I vote for Villa Gallici too! And we didn't even stay there!

That was our first choice but it was sold out. If you are thinking of staying there, book early. It is fairly popular.

we stayed at Cezanne ; very central and handy to everything.
nice beds, good service, solid 3 star.

Thanks, this is very helpful. I think we will try the Cézanne