Hi,

I am planning a "day trip" to Aix en Provence on a Tuesday in May...I have read on this board that there is a "large" market on Tuesdays..I believe in the town center, right???

Will be traveling from Avignon to Aix by TGV...I was curious how far the TGV station in Aix is to the town of Aix??? What type of transportation is avilable to get to the town of Aix, if not in walking distance???

Also wondering if anyone could provide any suggestions on what to do and see in Aix...I know that there are many beautiful fountains to see...(Would like to possibly see some historical sites, places to shop, etc...)

I've also looked on the Aix en Provence Tourism site...it's a little overwhelming because it seems like there are so many things to do but I only have a day in Aix and would like to know if anyone can help...

Any suggestions on great places to eat at???

I heard that many of the restaurants and cafes close at 2:00PM (14:00), is that true???

Thanks!!!

Let's start with restaurants' closing at 2:00 p.m.--yes, some will do that, but others will not. That's not the problem: the problem is that places you might want to see will be closed between twelve and two or perhaps even three.

The Aix TGV station is out of town, but you can take a bus into the town center.

As for what to do, get a copy of M. F. K. Fisher's "Two Towns in Provence," a wonderful book about Marseille and Aix that will give you many ideas. Try to go on market day if possible.

Like Underhill said, the shops will close from about 12:30 till 3 - when everyone heads out "en masse" to lunch. I've never encountered a restaurant closing at 2 in the afternoon - that's in the middle of lunch time. We always enjoy lunch at Deux Garcons under the plane trees on the Cours Mirabeau (04 42 26 00 51). Reserve ahead & ask for a table in the shade. It's a vary famous place and a great location to people watch.

The food market is from 9 to 12:30 in front of the Ste Marie Madaleine church, There are antiques, fabric, craft vendors across from Deux Garcons on the Cours.

I hope you are traveling to Provence with a copy of the Michelin Green Guide for Provence. There are two walking tours of Aix in the guide, along with descriptions of other sites.

Stu Dudley

Ok, for the day trip I would visit the Atelier de Cezanne (ave Paul Cezane) He was born there and died there in 1906.
His studio is carefully recreated but if you want to see his paintings, a few small ones, along with other great artists go to the Musée Granet (23 rue du quatre-septembre-considered one of the best museums in provincial France) Don't you love the names of French streets?
Stop for a drink or lunch at Aix's preeminent see-and-be-seen waterung hole and has been since Zola was a regular.
Suggested reading MFK Fisher's "THE Boss Dog" as well as two towns in Provence. She lived there with her two young daughters and you get a refreshing look at the town.

I dont know how long your stay in Provence is and what you have seen and have yet to see in Provence. Aix is a nice place to have been to but if you need information on what to see I don't understand your taking such a long distance trip when there is so much to see closer.But I am one who does not think Aix is "to die for" when there is so much else.

By "closer" do you mean "closer to Avignon", Bigal? If so, why not suggest some must-sees there?

I for one DO think that Aix is to die for.

Don't want to hijack the thread, but have you bought your property yet, Bigal?

I was wondering the same about the property since I have been spending a good bit of time to and from Huntersville. Heard the other day that houses there are selling within days.

Well...I haven't been to any of the provencial towns before...I only have three days...my base is Avignon and since I heard that Aix is a great place to go...I thought I would check it out (plus is not very far away from Avignon)

Be good, Guy

I don't think this poster is the one you are thinking about from the US board. He/she always put a # after the name - and those posts were deleted. This one has been on the Europe boards for a while.

Thanks, starrsville. Hee hee. I couldn't help myself.

Where've you been? Hows that Georgia gtg coming?

You could take a train to Arles, where, IMO, there is much more to see and do than in Aix.

Thanks Underhill...

Arles is close to Avignon so maybe you can go there one day and your Day trip to Aix, there is much to see there and it is beautiful. If you select Arles by sure to visit the Musée Arlaton because it is the santuary of the traditions of Arles and the region of the Camargue. It was founded by Mistral using the money awarded him for winning the Nobel Prize for literature.

Both my wife & I like Aix more than Arles. My wife thinks the shopping is much better in Aix.

I wouldn't visit all three cities - Avignon, Arles, and Aix - that's too much of the same thing, IMO. Try to wrangle your way into the countryside - the Luberon, Dentelles, etc.

Stu Dudley