Excursions around Aix-en-Provence: my ideas for places to visit in Provence during your immersion stay
- virginieinprovence
- Apr 16
- 7 min read
Hello,
When traveling far from home, we often want to see as much as possible—especially when discovering a region as rich and diverse as Provence.
So I thought that an overview of the best excursions around Aix-en-Provence could help you choose according to your interests: villages, nature, heritage, sea, gastronomy, or vineyards.
Below, I’m sharing a list of the main places to visit in the region, from the closest to the furthest, starting from my home in Rousset.
Read also: what to do in Provence and around Aix-en-Provence
To go further and plan your stay in Provence, I also recommend these articles:
Excursions around Aix-en-Provence: my favorite places near Rousset
Let’s start by discovering the village of Rousset itself and its immediate surroundings. It’s an ideal base to explore Provence while enjoying a calm, authentic environment close to many beautiful sites.
Saint-Privat Chapel in Rousset
La chapelle Saint-Privat est un petit édifice religieux situé sur le territoire de la commune de Rousset.
The Saint-Privat Chapel is a small religious building located in the commune of Rousset.
Built in the 12th century, it is dedicated to Saint Privat, a local saint.
This chapel is a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture in Provence, with its stone walls, simplicity, and discreet charm. It was restored in the 19th century and is now only open during occasional religious ceremonies.
Even when closed, it is worth visiting, as it can be admired from the outside all year round.
It’s a lovely walk for those who enjoy peaceful places, local history, and hidden gems of Provence.
The Rousset Olive Mill
The Rousset olive mill is an old olive oil mill located in the village.
It dates back to the 17th century and was restored in the 20th century.
Today, it is mainly a part of the local heritage and can be seen from the outside, although it is not open as a museum.
Even without visiting inside, it remains an interesting place to understand the strong connection between Provence and olive cultivation.
It reflects the traditional know-how of olive oil production in the region.
The Rousset-Peynier Wine Cooperative
This wine cooperative is a great place to discover local wines.
You can enjoy a tasting and sample some of the best wines from Provence, appreciating the richness and diversity of the region.
Le massif de la Sainte-Victoire en Provence
The Sainte-Victoire mountain range is one of the most iconic landscapes in Provence.
Located near Rousset, this majestic mountain dominates the region and offers many opportunities for hiking and outdoor activities.
It is also famous thanks to the painter Paul Cézanne, who depicted it in many of his works.
Visiting Sainte-Victoire is not just about enjoying a landscape—it’s also about entering the artistic and emotional world of Provence.
Excursions near Rousset (20 to 40 minutes) from the villa
Aix-en-Provence
Of course, discovering Aix-en-Provence is a must. It is located just about 20 minutes from the villa.
Aix is an elegant, lively, and charming city. People come here to stroll through the narrow streets, admire shaded squares, enjoy café terraces, and experience an atmosphere that is both refined and relaxed.
Among the must-see places, I especially recommend Saint-Sauveur Cathedral, the Town Hall Square, and the famous Cours Mirabeau, lined with plane trees, fountains, and beautiful historic buildings.
It’s the perfect city for a cultural excursion, a peaceful walk, or a break for shopping and gastronomy.
Museums in Aix-en-Provence
If you prefer to stay in Aix-en-Provence, you can also choose a more cultural outing by visiting some of its iconic museums.
The Granet Museum is probably the most well-known and features beautiful collections. The Pavillon de Vendôme is appreciated for its elegance and setting. As for Cézanne’s Studio, it offers a unique opportunity to step into the artist’s world in an emotional and authentic place.
These visits are particularly interesting for lovers of art, history, and heritage.
Vineyards of the region
Provence is world-famous for its rosé wines, but it is also worth discovering through its vineyards.
You can visit estates such as Mas de Cadenet, Terres de Mistral, Grand Boise, or Château La Coste, which also combines wine, contemporary art, and architecture.
These visits allow you to taste local wines while enjoying beautiful landscapes. It’s often a very popular experience, as it combines nature, gastronomy, culture, and pleasure.
Marseille
Marseille, the second-largest city in France, is only about 40 minutes by car from Rousset.
It is a vibrant, contrasting, and lively city with a strong identity. The atmosphere is quite different from Aix-en-Provence—more popular, more maritime, and more energetic.
Marseille offers a rich cultural scene, many museums, typical neighborhoods, beaches, the iconic Old Port, and of course delicious Mediterranean cuisine.
It’s an ideal excursion if you want to discover another side of southern France—more urban, but just as fascinating.
The Calanques of Cassis
Located about 40 minutes from Rousset, the Calanques of Cassis are among the most spectacular landscapes in the region. These white cliffs plunging into turquoise waters offer breathtaking views of the Mediterranean.
It’s a perfect place for hiking, but also simply to admire the natural beauty of the coastline.
Depending on the season and your preferences, you can explore the area on foot, take a boat trip, or just enjoy the unique atmosphere of the site.
It’s one of the most impressive excursions to experience in Provence.
Excursions around Aix-en-Provence: from 45 minutes to 1 hour from the villa
The Luberon
The Luberon is located about one hour from Aix-en-Provence and is one of the most iconic regions of Provence.
Here, you’ll discover beautiful hilltop villages such as Gordes and Roussillon, bright landscapes, lavender fields (depending on the season), olive groves, and a truly Provençal atmosphere.
It’s a perfect destination for those who love picturesque villages, local markets, photography, and the southern French lifestyle.
The Alpilles
The Alpilles, located about 45 minutes from Aix-en-Provence, offer stunning landscapes of rolling hills, vineyards, olive trees, and charming villages.
This area feels softer, sometimes more mineral, with a beautiful light and a strong identity.
In this region, I especially recommend Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, an elegant and pleasant town that is both lively and authentic.
Arles
Arles is a fascinating city for anyone interested in history, culture, and art.
It is home to remarkable Roman heritage, a very unique atmosphere, and of course the world of Vincent Van Gogh, who lived and painted some of his most famous works here.
It’s a rich and rewarding excursion that combines heritage, art, and the pleasure of walking through a city full of character.
Avignon
Avignon is a historic city located about one hour from Aix-en-Provence.
It is best known for the Palace of the Popes and the Saint-Bénézet Bridge, but it also charms visitors with its old town, cultural atmosphere, and strong historical identity.
It’s a great excursion for travelers who enjoy characterful cities and places full of history.
Les Baux-de-Provence
Les Baux-de-Provence is a medieval hilltop village perched on a rocky outcrop in the heart of a spectacular landscape.
It offers breathtaking views over the surrounding countryside and immediately immerses visitors in a historical atmosphere.
It is a very popular destination for its charm, heritage, and the beauty of its setting.
Excursions around Aix-en-Provence: longer day trips
The Camargue
Located about 1.5 hours away by car, the Camargue is a protected natural region that is truly unique in France.
It is famous for its white horses, black bulls, pink flamingos, and vast wild landscapes. It feels very different from the rest of Provence, with a strong identity and nature everywhere you look.
You can visit places such as Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and Aigues-Mortes, two very interesting destinations to explore this unique region.
The Verdon Gorge
The Verdon Gorge is located about two hours from Aix-en-Provence and is considered one of the most beautiful natural sites in France.
This impressive location is often described as one of the largest canyons in Europe. People come here to admire spectacular scenery, go hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, or simply enjoy a day surrounded by nature.
It’s an ideal excursion for active travelers, nature lovers, and anyone who wants to experience a wilder side of Provence.
The French Riviera beaches
The beaches of the French Riviera are about 1.5 hours from Aix-en-Provence.
The most famous seaside destinations include Cannes, Nice, and Saint-Tropez, but there are many other beautiful spots depending on the atmosphere you’re looking for.
It’s a great option if you want to spend a day by the sea, enjoying swimming, walking, glamour, and the relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle.
French immersion stay in Provence with Virginie in Provence
If you come to stay with me for a French immersion experience in Provence, I will help you discover all aspects of the region: landscapes, scents, culture, gastronomy, villages, and the most beautiful excursions around Aix-en-Provence…
…while helping you improve your French in real-life, meaningful situations.
See you soon in Provence!
Virginie in Provence
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