I will be staying five nights in Nice in July at the end of a singles tour. My wife died quite unexpectedly last year and this will be both the first trip I have taken without her and the first organized tour I have ever taken. But I digress... I will have one day I would like to spend in either Arles or Aix. Which would you suggest? I am an avid photographer and would prefer the most photogenic city. I would welcome any suggestions, including restaurant recommendations. Thank you all in advance.

I think Aix is the more photogenic city of the two.

If you will be dining by yourself, I suggest the "famous" Deux Garcons on the Cours Mirabeau. Food is good, and it's a great place to "people watch". Reserve ahead.

Stu Dudley

Ditto Aix. Arles has a nice Roman coliseum, but otherwise is a nice mid-sized urban town.
Aix has some personality. Plus, the countryside on the way to Cassis is pretty, as is Cassis/

I love both, and have stayed several days in each. By myself, for only one day, I would definitely choose Aix. Arles tends to be overall gray and a bit depressing. Aix has squares filled with beautiful windows and tumbling flowers that cast wonderful shadows, towering plane trees that offer shade and light and shadow patterns on the walk way, a magnificent wide boulevard and a warren of narrow cobbled streets for great walking, plus cafes with stacks of chairs right out of a painting. They also have some very good Moroccan food.

Aix.


Thin

I'm surprised that nobody has mentioned the dozens & dozens of beautiful fountains in Aix.

Stu Dudley

Thanks to all who responded. I just returned from three great weeks in France. Based on the recommendations here, I took a day trip to Aix. I thoroughly enjoyed my private tour. Thank you all.

glad you had a great time