Luggage storage Aix en Provence

About Aix en Provence

Around 20 miles north of the large port city of Marseille, Aix has a long history dating back to Roman times. Occupied briefly by Saracens in the 8th century, Aix was recaptured by French forces led by Charles Martel. In the Middle Ages, it became a center of learning, and it remains a university town to this day. 

From 1501 until 1789, it was the capital of Provence. Although it has since been eclipsed by the larger cities of Nice and Marseilles, it remains a popular destination and a city where you can see a side of France many tourists neglect.

The warm climate and 300 days of sunshine each year make Aix a perfect place to explore at any time. The Mediterranean climate means warm winters and hot summers with very little rain. Perfect weather for strolling the boulevards and exploring the surrounding area. Long recognized as a cultural capital, Aix has a lot to offer,  whatever you like to spend your vacation doing.

Things to do in Aix en Provence

Aix isn't a place to lets itself be overshadowed by its large neighbors. The town hosts more than its fair share of festivals throughout the year, and is home to some fascinating attractions. With its mostly pedestrianized city center and its almost endless fountains and squares, Aix is a wonderful place to explore on foot.

• Take a walk along the Cours Mirabeau. This broad boulevard is lined by plane trees and dotted with extravagant fountains. It forms the lively heart of the city and divides Aix into the Old Town and the New Town. It's also home to some of the city's best bars and restaurants.
• Take a dip in the Lac du Bimont. A popular destination for locals and tourists, Lac du Bimont is excellent for hiking and watersports.
• Step into the past at Cézanne's studio. This bright studio has been preserved just as it was at the time of the legendary artist's death. You can see where this genius created some of his most famous paintings and take in the same view that inspired so much of his best work.
• See the works of more famous artists at the Musee Granet. Due to Aix's history as a cultural hub, this small museum punches well above its weight when it comes to famous artwork. You'll find paintings by Rembrandt, van Dyck, Cézanne, van Gogh, Picasso, and others in this fascinating institution.
• Discover Aix's ancient history at the Oppidum of Entremont. The Oppidum of Entremont is the remains of a pre-Roman settlement dating back over 2,000 years.
• Get some peace and quiet at Aix Cathedral. Built on top of a Roman temple to Apollo, this church is considered a national monument of France. Much of the existing structure is from the 14th century, and it’s a humbling experience to explore this beautiful old building.
• Witness the resilience of the human spirit at Camp des Milles. This former tile factory was turned into an internment camp during the Nazi occupation of France. Because of Aix's history as a center for the arts, an unusually large proportion of the prisoners were artists, and the works they created in the camp are now displayed in the museum. It's a sobering yet ultimately inspiring place to visit.

Transit options in Aix en provence

• TGV high speed train (Aix-en Provence TGV Train Station)
• Public bus service (Aixenbus)
• Bike rental (Giant Aix-en-Provence, Aix Bike and Go)
• Taxi rank (Taxis Radio Aixois)

Luggage storage in Aix en Provence

With its relatively small size and largely pedestrianized center, Aix is a truly walkable city. In fact, as with many French cities, this is one of the best ways to enjoy Aix. A slow stroll through the Old Town will show you many of Aix's best sights.

Make things easier on yourself by dropping any heavy bags at a Bounce luggage storage in Aix. You can leave any size bags for as long as you like and know they will be waiting safely for you until your return. It's the perfect way to travel light and see more of this charming region.

Activities and attractions near Aix en Provence

• St. Victoire Mountain: Just outside the city, St. Victoire Mountain looms over Aix and was the subject of many of Cézanne's paintings. The craggy limestone bluffs make the perfect backdrop for hikes, and the spectacular scenery and ancient churches and villages along the way keep the journey interesting. You can also go mountain biking, rock climbing, or paragliding if you're looking for a real adventure. Of course, you don't want to be carrying more into the mountains than you need to, so drop off any heavy bags at a luggage storage in Aix en Provence before you visit.
• National Park of the Calanques: A calanque is a narrow ocean inlet between tall limestone cliffs found along the Mediterranean coast. This National Park is home to some of the most spectacular calanques, and is a perfect location for swimming, diving, boating, and other water activities. Roughly an hour south of Aix, the stunning formations can be reached by car or on a guided tour.
• Attrap'Reves: Sleep under the stars while remaining protected from the weather at the Attrap'Reves hotel. These unique clear plastic bubbles offer a comfortable place to stay while still retaining that feeling of the outdoors. Located in the countryside outside Aix, this quirky hotel gives you all the fun of camping with none of the hassle or discomfort.
• Aix Cathedral: Aix Cathedral is a popular attraction in Aix-en-Provence. The site which Aix Cathedral was built on has been an important religious site for thousands of years. Construction of this cathedral began in the 12th century, but wasn't completed until the 16th century. Aix Cathedral is unique due to its eclectic design, which boasts Romanesque, Gothic, Neo-Gothic, and Baroque architecture. 
  Inside the cathedral are some important religious sites, namely a 6th-century sarcophagus thought to belong to Saint Mitre. One of the highlights from the museum is the Burning Bush Triptych by Nicolas Froment. This religious painting is considered to be one of the most beautiful 15th-century paintings in Europe. You won't want to drag any huge bags into this sacred cathedral, so stop by an Aix luggage storage service before visiting.
• Cezanne's Studio: During the last four years of his life, Paul Cezanne moved back to Aix-en-Provence and used this studio to create some of his most famous pieces of art, including The Large Bathers, one of his last and best-known paintings. Located on Lauves Hill, Cezanne's beautiful country studio has been preserved for future generations to enjoy and admire. As well as being an important piece of art history, Cezanne's Studio holds several works of art by Cezanne and regularly hosts temporary exhibitions, so check ahead of time to make sure you don't miss out on anything special during your stay in Aix.
• Granet Museum: The Granet Museum is one of the most popular museums in Aix-en-Provence and is home to a plethora of sculptures, paintings, and artifacts from the local area. The museum first opened in 1949 and was named for the painter François-Marius Granet who donated to its renovation. The building was originally a priory belonging to the Order of Malta.
  One of the best things to see at the Granet Museum is the severed heads sculpture, which was discovered at the pre-Roman settlement of Entremont. The museum also has an impressive collection of art, including the Jupiter and Thetis by Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres, Portrait of Marie-Hortense Fiquet by Paul Cezanne, and Pumpkin Harvesting at Malvalat by François Marius Granet. Oversized bags are not allowed inside the museum, so ensure you stop off at an Aix luggage storage service beforehand.