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Why not succumb to the charm of one of the city center's numerous hotels and enjoy the wealth of historical and architectural delights on your doorstep? Or perhaps you'd rather get acquainted with local traditions and the very best in Provençal food and wine while staying in one of the gîtes dotted around the surrounding countryside? Alternatively, you can of course choose to stay in one of the many hotel chains that in most cases have hotels situated close to main roads on the outskirts of the city.
Cours Mirabeau, the main thoroughfare of Provence's former capital since the beginning of the 12th century, was improved between 1649 and 1651. Lined with hundred-year-old plane trees, both the Cours and adjacent streets provide a prestigious setting for the city's main luxury hotels. Behind the elegant facade of the Grand Hôtel Nègre-Coste - where rumor has it that Louis XIV played tennis in the ground floor reception rooms, luxurious bedrooms offer the last word in comfort. Just a short walk from here is a former 12th century convent which serves as the beautiful setting for the Hôtel des Augustins, whose appeal stems from its combination of modern comfort and eternal charm that only older buildings can offer. A stroll through the streets of the city center will bring you to the Manoir situated within a former cloister where guests are guaranteed a friendly welcome based on a mixture of tradition and conviviality.
A couple of establishments located in the heart of the city offer excellent value for money, making them particularly suitable for the traveler passing through and for families. The Saint-Christophe, the Caravelle, and the Hôtel du Globe all offer moderately priced accommodation. Moving eastwards towards the Mazarin pedestrian precinct, there are quieter hotels such as the Hôtel des Quatre-Dauphins, overlooking a square of the same name, the Cardinal, whose patio is filled with the gentle, tinkling sound of water flowing from its fountain, and the Vigouroux.
Skirting the city center close to the fontaine de la Rotonde (one of the city's best-known features) are two prestigious hotels. The Grand Hôtel du Roi René, on the boulevard du Roi René, offers all the luxury and comfort you would expect from a hotel belonging to the Pullman chain of hotels. Ideal for business travelers, it is equipped to hold major conferences. In similar fashion, the Pigonnet, which has been in the hands of the Swellen family since 1924, is a hostel with character. It is situated within an 18th century bastide (Provençal country house), adorned with formal gardens and a swimming pool to boot.
Continuing westwards on this tour of discovery, next stop is the residential area of Place Bellegarde, which has its own distinguished hotel. Situated high up overlooking Aix, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, is Villa Gallici, a 17th century Provençal house, which has maintained its original elegance and exquisite decor since the hotel's inauguration in 1992. Its calm, peaceful environment and luxurious surroundings combine to create a touch of Venice just minutes from the famous Clos de la Violette restaurant (awarded two stars in the Michelin Guide, the guide to French gastronomy).
Aix-en-Provence has a long history as a spa town. The Romans named it "Aquae Sextiae" a reference to the abundance of hot and cold water in the area. A long neglected activity, "taking the waters" has enjoyed something of a renaissance since the beginning of the year with the building of Hôtel Aquabella on Cours Sextius. This establishment is a particular favorite with fans of thalassotherapy and other curative water-based treatments.
Beyond the city, montagne Sainte-Victoire (Sainte-Victoire mountain) remains the most famous subject of painter Paul Cézanne's work (those interested in finding out more about Cézanne can follow a tourist trail marked with the letter C, which takes visitors on a tour of places in the city where the painter lived). Towering above the city, the mountain fulfills its role as protector of a landscape that has taken its cue from Florence, where authentic Provençal bastides surrounded by elegant gardens serve as homes or prestigious hotels. A case in point is the Relais Sainte-Victoire, whose owner, Mr Bergès, also champions the region's culinary specialties.
In an entirely different category is Fleurs de Soleil, an organization that brings together providers of bed and breakfasts and country gîte accommodation. The organization has a considerable number of private individuals living in the Aix-en-Provence area all of whom are keen to open their doors to visitors curious to find out more about Provençal traditions, food and wine.
To the south of the city, close to the city's economic hub and the Milles commercial center, is the attractive Château de la Pioline. Completed in the 18th century, the château nestles in a hollow provided by natural grounds, which include a river and formal gardens.
The majority of hotel chains usually have hotels located on the outskirts of the city, close to main roads with a high level of passing traffic. If you're heading for Nice or Marseille, Novotel, Best Western, Campanile and Appart'Valley are all ideally situated close to motorway exits, providing easy-to-find, hassle-free accommodation and just what customers on the move are looking for.
It's worth noting that people flock to all these delightful hotels at the first signs of summer, so it's a good idea to call the reservations hot-line set up by the Tourist Office (tel: +33 4 42 16 11 61) to avoid disappointment. Prices don’t always include holiday tax which can range from (EUR 0,60 to EUR 1 per person depending on
which type of lodgings you choose. Finally, prices quoted by hotels are often per room and not per person.
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