After not eating much provencal food in Marseille I was really interested in the best restaurants in Aix en Provence for provencal food- where is all the traditional food?
But Aix (pronounced X) is a bit more complicated. Perhaps it’s because it is considered little Paris complete with its own Champs-Elysées aka Cours Mirabeau.
Here well dressed locals enjoy lots of great shopping and restaurants. It’s a very different vibe from Marseille and more similar to food in Paris.
The focus isn’t so much on eating traditional provencal food but looking forward.
If you’re looking for provencal food you can find it but locals aren’t eating traditional food at all.
Here are some of the most popular local picks:
Local Favourites for Shops + Restaurants in Aix en Provence
The morning market at Place Richelme begins at 8am and it’s the best spot to try to get local food and seasonal produce.
Although you can’t take cured meat back to North America, there is local honey and other preserves.
Maison Nosh
While brunch is generally a North American phenomena it’s becoming more popular around the world.
American style brunch is popping up in Bologna, Italy and it’s also trendy in Aix en Provence. The 32-seat Maison Nosh is in a prime location downtown and locals flock for the 20 Euro brunch.
32 Cours Mirabeau – 13100 Aix en Provence
La Fromagerie Du Passage
An ancient narrow passageway from the Cours Mirabeau to the church is also home to great shops and trendy restaurants like La Fromagerie Du Passage, which offers a set menu with 10 cheese based dishes with wine pairings.
If you fall in love with a cheese you can buy it in the cheese shop on the street level.
Passage Agard 55 Cours Mirabeau – 13100 Aix en Provence
Choose Your Goutez Wisely
Locals choose restaurants in Aix en Provence based on the season.
In the summer tourists crowd 2 Garçons as it was once Cezanne’s bar so locals avoid it and head a few doors down on Cours Mirabeau to Le Grillon.
But in the winter you’ll find locals at both for a Goutez – the late afternoon snack in Aix en Provence.
Art + Wine at Hôtel de Caumont
Aix en Provence attracts top exhibitions like the current Marilyn Monroe photography exhibit but the building in itself is a reason to go.
Hôtel de Caumont is a beautifully restored 18th century mansion.
So even if you’re not into art I highly recommend a glass a rose in one of the salons.
3 Rue Joseph Cabassol, 13100 Aix-en-Provence
Le Môme
Widely considered to be one of the best restaurants in Aix en Provence, Le môme serves Corsican food.
Great Corsican food.
Yes you definitely need a reservation as it’s a tiny space but it’s worth planning to eat here. Bonus: There are English menus and local biodynamic wine.
5 Place Ramus, 13100 Aix-en-Provence
La Pastisserie
An anise spirit in Provence, pastis is usually served as an apéritif. I love this shop because they are experimenting with different local flavours. It’s worth a trip.
2 Rue Paul Bert, 13100 Aix-en-Provence
How to Get to Aix en Provence
You won’t need a car in Aix en Provence as the city centre is small. It’s an easy 3 hour ride from Gare de Lyon in Paris on the high-speed TGV train.
Where to Stay in Aix en Provence
Staying central is key and Hôtel de France was perfect as everything was 10-15 mins away.
The rooms are not large but they are modern. The hotel has a fantastic breakfast and friendly staff.
Read Reviews on TripAdvisor or Check Rates on Expedia
63 Rue Espariat, 13100 Aix-en-Provence, France
We actually have a couple friends living in Aix-en-Provence. We were supposed to go visit last summer when we were in Rome, but got too busy and did not go,,, maybe next summer! Your virtual tour with restaurants and shops worthy of a stop tickled my curiosity! My favorites: la Fromagerie and The Hotel de Caumont! Thanks!
I really hope you got to eat some provencal food in Provence! I’m starting to feel sorry for you! I also love these posts because it reminds me how much I want to go there, ever since reading A Year in Provence. I know where to look when I finally do, and need places to eat.
We went to Arles in lieu of Aix on our honeymoon and there’s rarely a chunk of time that goes by that I wish we had carved out time for Aix as well. All these places looks and sound terrific – great picks!
Everything here looks so wonderful. I have yet to explore Provence, and you’ve made me move it further along my list!
It’s been a while since I was in Aix (we also visited Avignon and Arles) but this makes me want to go back! Love that you specifically included places to go for le goûter! That, along with l’apéro is possibly my fave time of the day in France!
The way you capture the fun and food of Aix-en-Provence would easily convince anyone to visit. It is a hard to resist not grabbing my passport.
Really nice round up with plenty of info on places to eat. Love the look of the little Corsican place as I went to Corsica a few years ago (camping and travelling around the island) and loved the food.
A set menu with 10 cheese and wine pairings? Oh my word, that sounds like heaven!
We almost went to Aix en Provence last year after spending a glorious month in Lyon but sadly went to Marseille instead. Seeing your photos reminds me why I loved Aix so much years ago. I can’t wait to schedule a return visit and eat all the great food!
I love to traveling to different places. And while traveling I test many types of foods. This topic explain a lot about some beautiful restaurants and foods. Really enjoyed it:)
Been There two years ago… I would definitely have to go there again and visit those restaurants!!!
I love a good travel guide – thanks for the tips!
We really have two or three companions living in Aix-en-Provence. We should go visit the previous summer when we were in Rome, yet got excessively occupied and did not go,,, possibly next summer! Your virtual visit with eateries and shops deserving of a stop stimulated my interest! My top choices: la Fromagerie and The Hotel de Caumont! Much obliged!