The Best Boutique Hotels in Aix-en-Provence
Aix-en-Provence in southern France is the city of a thousand fountains, the home to Cézanne and his impressive Sainte-Victoire mountain, as well as the delectable sweet dessert, calissons. Stay in one of these chic boutique hotels, complete with fine Provençal restaurants and opulent spas.
There’s plenty of high culture to be found in Aix-en-Provence – from Cézanne’s studio to one of the best conservatoires (music schools) in the country. It might seem clique for France, but it’s also a foodie’s heaven. Sample the best local wares at the daily market in Place Richelme, before enjoying the sunset with a cold glass of local rosé in hand.
1. Maison du Collectionneur
Boutique Hotel
Just five minutes from the famous Cours Mirabeau, a central location isn’t the only advantage of this art-inspired B&B. Aptly, in the city of 19th century artist Paul Cézanne, each room is designed to resemble a painting, from contemporary pop art prints to classic works. Every detail is considered. Psychedelic curtains, snazzy lighting, and ruby red bowl chairs are seemingly straight from the set of A Clockwork Orange – perfect for that Instagram snap.
2. Villa Saint Ange
Hotel
Whether you prefer organic lamb from La Roque d’Anthéron, quail from the Dombes, or goat’s cheese from Meyreuil, this five-star hotel proudly boasts a fine dining menu that is exclusively sourced locally. In the summer, enjoy freshly-baked pissaladière (pizza-like onion tart) out on the sun terrace. The villa’s 34 elegantly-decorated rooms and suites are spread throughout its five 18th century bastide cottages.
4. Hotel Le Pigonnet
Hotel
5. Hotel du Globe
Boutique Hotel
Looking for an affordable stay in Aix? Book Hotel du Globe. A radiant terrace bar provides sun loungers and cafe tables with splendid views of Aix-en-Provence’s terracotta rooftops. The limestone peak of the Sainte-Victoire Mountain can also be glimpsed to the east. Rooms are clean, modern, plus you are only a three-minute walk away from the city’s Roman thermal baths.
6. Villa Gallici
Boutique Hotel, Spa Hotel, Hotel, Villa
The Villa Gallici is situated in the heart of Aix-en-Provence, not far from the impressive Cathedral Saint-Sauveur. It has 22 suites, many with outside terraces. Relax in the spa, have a drink by the pool, eat on the terrace, or take a guided trip around some of Provence’s beloved markets. The restaurant is open every day, except Monday and Wednesday. The hotel closes in January for its annual break.
7. Les Lodges Sainte Victoire
Boutique Hotel, Resort, Hotel
Situated under Cézanne’s favourite Sainte-Victoire mountain, just outside of Aix en Provence, this stylish spa resort offers a tranquil space to unwind in the French countryside. Once home to a nobleman, it’s now a chic boutique hotel with cool modern interiors decorated in earthy tones. The spa is a real focus here – it comprises two treatment rooms, a sauna, hammam and gym, alongside two pools, a herbal tearoom and a terrace with a view over the gardens. Try the Five Flowers Ritual facial which will leave you glowing, before finishing the day with a cold local rosé on the terrace.
8. Le Mas d'Entremont
Boutique Hotel, Hotel
The Mas d’Entremont is just outside Aix-en-Provence in 1.5 hectares of countryside. It has 20 rooms and a wealth of activities; tennis, swimming, a spa, and well-manicured grounds for a lovely evening stroll before you head to one of the two bars. Suites come with a private terrace and many locals frequent the restaurant, which is said to be one of the best in town. Reserve a table on the terrace in summer, shaded by lime trees.
9. Hotel Aquabella
Boutique Hotel, Hotel
Centrally located, Hotel Aquabella is in a prime position for strolling down the Cours Mirabeau and exploring Cezanne’s studio. 116 rooms and suites offer views over the Tourreluque, the cathedral or old town rooftops. Rooms are bright and contemporary, opt for the Privelege Room with its large soaking bathtubs. One of the highlights here is the hotel spa, built on the grounds of the old Roman baths, which has its own unique water source 80 meters below the ground and keeps naturally warm at 33 degrees celsius.
Alex Ledsom contributed additional reporting to this article.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.