Car Rental Aix en Provence

With a medieval centre, fascinating attractions and sprawling sunflower fields, Aix en Provence makes for a great backdrop to any trip.

Driving on French roads is easy enough to do once you get the hang of the local rules, and the speed limits will usually be clearly signposted.

In built-up areas such as Aix en Provence, the maximum is typically 50km/h unless otherwise signed, while through the vast landscapes of Provence where country roads wind through the scenery, the limit is usually 70km/h or 80km/h. On major highways, known as autoroutes, the maximum is generally 130km/h in fine weather – of which there is likely to be plenty.

There are a great number of accessible parking lots locally where you can park up to explore. The Boulevard du Roi Rene has plenty of spaces close by, which is convenient for taking in the historic centre.

Towering over an expansive lavender field is the symbol of the city, the Montagne Sainte-Victoire. This limestone rock scales more than 1,000 metres above ground level, which gives it an awe-inspiring appearance on arrival.

Stand at the base and peer up at the limestone rock as it shimmers in different shades at different points in the day. Less than 20km east from the city centre, drive along the D17 through the lush, green rolling hills of the French countryside to reach it.

If you’re in Aix en Provence for an extended period of time, you can also take a day trip south to the magnificent port city of Marseille. It’s just a 45-minute drive away via the A51 and adjoining A7 highways. Here you can explore the trendy harbour, watch a celebrated game of soccer, or visit the fantastic museums.

Expect local farmers’ markets, atmospheric alleyways and decadent architecture when you head to Aix en Provence.

You can immerse yourself in the city’s proud heritage at your leisure – and see all that it and the surrounding region has to offer.

Admire extravagant art

Tour the iconic Musee Granet for a classical selection of world-renowned art. First opening its doors in 1838, this museum hosts thousands of works and is home to creations by some of history’s most iconic creatives.

Stroll around the arched hallways to marvel over neoclassical sculptures and Picasso masterpieces.

Then there’s the Atelier Cezanne in the city, which is dedicated to celebrating the life and work of the French post-impressionist painter Paul Cezanne. With his trinkets on display and an overgrown garden to explore, the artist’s home shows off even more of his personality than his pictures which hang in the Musee Granet.

Visit his preserved 19th-century studio to see how he lived and worked during the peak of his career, where he created his most famous still-life paintings.

Explore the Ctre Ville

Throughout the city you’ll find quaint courtyards lined with cafes, restaurants and stores. Lose yourself in the maze formed by the medieval Ctre Ville neighbourhood to find yourself at the door of independent art galleries and antique French bookshops alike, and immerse yourself in the local culture.

There’s a famous farmers’ market at Place Richelme. Visit for a spectacular array of stalls selling everything from local Provencal cheeses and fresh bread and fruit to bunched lavender, macarons and traditional apricot-flavoured calisson cookies. It’s a great place to grab something simple for lunch to take to the Fontaine de la Rotonde, where you can eat by its scenic bench spots.

The tree-lined Cours Mirabeau avenue is where horse-drawn carriages used to transport bourgeois residents on a 17th-century evening. Today, the area is bustling with restaurants, stores and fashion boutiques. Take a stroll here admire the Great Fountain and relax alfresco in the avenue-side cafes.

Explore the city’s sophisticated nightlife

With a rich creative heritage, Aix en Provence continues to celebrate its artistic flair. Evenings in the city are made to experience the wide breadth of theatre, opera and music performances that are set throughout the year.

The Theatre du Jeu de Paume is a plush setting for an opera. Dressed in a magnificent renaissance and rococo style, some of the original 19^th-century elements still remain.

Before you settle in for a performance, peer up at the stunning embellished blue and gold-domed ceiling that complements the Italian-inspired velvet interior. Interestingly, this building was actually where Louis XIV used to play tennis, until it was transformed into this striking auditorium.

An art festival takes over several theatres around the city, including Theatre du Jeu de Paume, in the summer each year. Visit during this time for fabulous opera, dramatic and music performances.

Car rental in Aix en Provence puts all of these wonderful attractions and possibilities within your grasp. Reserve direct today and plan your adventure.