The historic university and cathedral city of Aix-en-Provence stands only about 20 miles north of Marseille in southern France, but it retains an entirely separate identity from the larger neighbouring Mediterranean port. It stands inland, separated from the sea by Marseille and its enormous industrial docks, on a flat plain at the junction of several major road routes. So if you hire a car in Aix-en-Provence you’ll find it’s very convenient for getting around the South of France. For example, the A8 motorway runs through the city; heading west to Avignon and Arles, and east to the Riviera and Italy.
If you have a hire car in Aix-en-Provence you’ll be able to tour the sights of the old town centre, and the attractions further afield too. Start with the medieval district around the gothic cathedral; this has a particularly ornately decorated interior. And don’t miss the Archbishop’s Palace and cloisters next door. Nearby, you’ll see other memorable old buildings, like the 17th-century Hotel de Ville and old Corn Exchange. Elsewhere explore the old Roman spa baths, the cafes along Cours Mirabeau and the Deux Garcons Brasserie, a favourite of Cezanne and Hemingway. Just a short drive away, explore the picturesque Touloubre valley and find its intact 2000-year old Roman bridge.
