Getting around Aix en Provence

Public transport

Aix has a good bus network serving the city centre and suburbs (tel: +33 9 7080 9013; www.aixenbus.com). You can buy single or two-journey tickets on board the bus. Alternatively, you can buy a 10-journey pass or load a pass with anything from five to 99 journeys; these are available from the tourist office or authorised sellers throughout the city.

Taxis

Taxis are plentiful in Aix, with several taxi ranks in the city. Otherwise, Taxi Radio Aixois (tel: +33 4 4227 7111) and Taxi Mirabeau (tel: +33 4 4221 6161) are both reputable companies.

Driving

Parking is always a problem in Aix-en-Provence, as many of the streets are narrow and the traffic is heavy. Kerb-side parking in and around town is regulated by meter, and uniformed contractuels (traffic wardens) dispense PVs (fines) to motorists who overstay their slot. Parking garages (signalled by a large P sign) are usually the best bet, but they can be expensive. An alternative is to leave your car at one of the two 'Parcs Relais' outside the city centre and hop on a bus to Aix from there (journey time - about 10 minutes). Visit www.aixenbus.com for more information and a map.

Car hire

Car hire companies in Aix include Avis (tel: +33 820 611 638; www.avis.fr), Europcar (tel: +33 825 896 976; www.europcar.fr) and Hertz (tel: +33 4 4269 3110; www.hertz.fr).

Bicycle hire

You can hire bikes from several outlets, including Aix'prit Vélo, 8 avenue St Jérôme (tel: +33 4 4221 2405; www.aixpritvelo.com). Cycloplanet, 33 avenue St Victoire (tel: +33 4 4263 2471; www.cycloplanet.com) hires out electric bikes.

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Book Accommodation

Featured Hotels

Hotel Saint-Christophe

This Art Deco-style hotel is only a few steps away from Cours Mirabeau and the Rotonde fountain, and there's a lively brasserie on the ground floor. Rooms are smartly furnished, and some come with balconies or terraces. Those in the luxury category have especially stylish bathrooms with modern stand-alone baths.

Renaissance

Just a few minutes' walk from the Grand Théâtre is this sleek, contemporary five-star hotel with a Michelin-starred restaurant and a spa with an indoor pool and a gym. Its 133 stylish rooms have breezy modern décor, and the garden terrace is a wonderfully relaxing spot for a cocktail.

Le Pigonnet

This gorgeous 18th-century Provençal bastide (country house) has 44 rooms and suites, beautiful gardens and an outdoor swimming pool. Just to the south of Aix, this five-star hotel is within easy walking distance of Cours Mirabeau. There is also a renowned restaurant, a stylish lounge club plus a hammam and fitness area.

Villa Gallici

Located in the north of the city, this elegant and peaceful 17th-century Provençal house features a romantic restaurant, a lavish terrace and a swimming pool. The hotel has 22 rooms and suites overlooking a lavender-scented garden, all of them sumptuously decorated in rich fabrics. It's one place worth splashing out on.

Hotel Cardinal

In a quiet street close to Musée Granet, this two-star hotel is full of old-world elegance. Its traditional décor is all florals and vintage furnishings, which perfectly suit this venerable 18th-century building. Some have original fireplaces and balconies, and the suites come with kitchenettes.

Hotel des Augustins

This tranquil hotel is a stone's throw from the Cours Mirabeau. Housed within the walls of an ancient convent, it is a happy blend of history, architecture and modernity, with 28 individually decorated rooms. If you want to splash out, two of the rooms are loft style and have private terraces.

Introducing Aix en Provence

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