Avignon or Aix-en-Provence: Which Should You Visit?

Last Updated on 25th October 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

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Avignon and Aix-en-Provence are both beautiful southern French cities with plenty of historical buildings, stunning architecture, and a myriad of hidden gems. Either would make a delightful holiday destination and so it can be tough to choose between the two! But if you’re deciding on whether to visit Avignon or Aix-en-Provence, this guide will help you choose which city is best for you!

Provence is one of my favourite destinations in the world, and I’ve visited at least once a year since I became an adult. Even as a child, I remember holidaying with my family to visit friends and relatives in the south of France, relaxing on sandy beaches, strolling through pastel-hued towns, and soaking up the summer rays.

Introducing Avignon

Avignon is world-famous for its long and rich history and is probably best-known for its role as the seat of the Papacy for seven successive popes in the 14th-century. Today, the Palais des Papes (former Palace of the Popes) is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important attractions in Avignon.

Another iconic landmark is the Pont Saint-Bénézet, which is also known as the Pont d’Avignon. A structure which once spanned the River Rhône and even inspired a nursery rhyme of the same name, much of the 12th-century bridge was actually washed away during the 17th-century.

If you visit Avignon during July, then you’ll be just in time for the annual Festival d’Avignon, which showcases a wide range of performances and cultural events. Last but not least, the city has plenty of surviving medieval treasures and unusual hidden gems.

Introducing Aix-en-Provence

Nicknamed the city of a thousand fountains thanks to the abundance of water features in the town (though there are closer to a hundred than a thousand), Aix-en-Provence is particularly renowned for its delightful old town, peppered with stunning squares, narrow streets, and cobbled lanes.

The main thoroughfare is Cours Mirabeau, a stunning boulevard lined with shops and café terraces which are perfect for drinking a coffee and watching the world go by. Aix-en-Provence also happens to be the birthplace of none other than Paul Cézanne, and today you can follow in the painter’s footsteps.

If you’re on a budget…

Both Avignon and Aix-en-Provence are pretty much tied when it comes to affordability. They both offer plenty of budget and mid-range accommodation options, and when it comes to dining out, both have plenty of small family run brasseries serving up local fare at affordable prices.

Just remember that, whichever city you choose, you should be sure to book your accommodation as far in advance as possible (particularly during high season, i.e. summer) as both cities are quite small and the best places to stay sell out fast.

If you’re into art…

If you love art then you should stay in Aix-en-Provence. Follow in the footsteps of Cézanne by picking up a free pamphlet from the tourist centre and visit the artist’s studio to see where he painted iconic works such as The Bathers.

If you’re interested in history…

Though Aix-en-Provence is home to plenty of gorgeous architecture and plenty of centuries old buildings, nothing can quite beat Avignon for all of the history!

After all, as one of the few remaining walled cities in France, you can stroll around the ramparts, not to mention that you can discover all about the Papal history of the city in the Palais des Papes. The only caveat to this would be if you have a particular interest in Roman history.

Because, while Avignon does have some surviving Roman fortifications (present within the city limits), Aix has significantly more Roman ruins. Both cities are around an hour’s drive from Arles, which in turn boasts one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres from antiquity.

If you’re looking for a quiet escape…

One of the more famous nicknames for Aix-en-Provence is “Sleeping Beauty” and this came about in the 19th-century thanks to the quiet and relaxed nature of the town.

Indeed, Aix is much more laid back than pretty much any other large town or city in the region and so you should opt to stay there if you’re looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of busy modern day life. Around almost every buttery stone corner you’ll stumble upon a hidden gem, yet another fountain, or another stunning gallery where you can buy local artwork.

This isn’t to say that Aix-en-Provence doesn’t have a nightlife for those in search of one. Quite the opposite, in fact. Thanks to a number of universities in the area, there are actually quite a few late night bars and clubs in the city (and after visiting a few for myself I quite enjoyed the option to indulge in the city’s famous pizza slices post going out!)

If you’re looking for a foodie city…

To be honest, anywhere you opt to stay in the region of Provence will have excellent food, much of which is produced in the region itself. Think bursting red ripe tomatoes, tasty lavender honey, and sweet smelling melons.

To be honest, whether you opt to visit Aix-en-Provence or Avignon, you won’t be disappointed! Both also have excellent dining options. If you’re looking for a fine dining experience in Avignon, look no further than the Michelin Star dinner at La Mirande. In Aix-en-Provence, you should head to Restaurant Le Art.

If you only have a short time…

If you only have a day or two to spend in either city and are the kind of traveller who prefers to see a lot (or all) of a city before departing, you’ll want to visit Avignon (see here for our suggestions on how to spend one day in Avignon).

Thanks to its walled nature, all of the main attractions in town are within easy walking distance of one another. While Avignon has a population of around 92,000 residents, Aix has a population of 142,000 residents and is much more spread out. Aix also offers easy access to nearby countryside where you can go hiking and participate in other fun sports.

If you want to visit the beach…

If you want to enjoy some sandy beaches and take a dip in the Mediterranean during your time in Provence, then you’ll want to stay in Aix-en-Provence. Avignon is further inland, meaning greater travel times (and more difficulty if you’re not renting a car and relying on public transportation) to reach the beach.

Meanwhile, Aix-en-Provence is just under an hour away from Marseille by train, which in turn is home to a number of beaches. From Aix-en-Provence you can also take easy day trips via public transportation to delightful Provençal towns such as La Ciotat and Cassis.

A final note

Ultimately, the destination you decide to visit is entirely individual and will depend on your personal preference. If I were to choose, I would probably opt for sunny Aix as it will always hold a place in my heart as one of the first places I ever visited in Provence. With this being said, Avignon is certainly not without merit and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the city during my countless visits to the walled destination.

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