Are you in Provence on Sunday? Well you might be in for a big surprise! – Aix en Provence practically shuts down on Sunday… or so it seems!
There are actually quite a bit of things to do in Aix en Provence on Sunday, you just have to know where to look. After spending a month in Aix, we definitely had to plan our week around what you would save to do on Sundays. But, if you go in with a plan, and have a back up in case of rain, there are tons of things to do on a Sunday in Aix!
Plus, remember, the reason why things are closed on Sundays in the first place… it’s to give you a day off! So maybe it’s best just to take advantage of that and relax!
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Sunday Closures In Europe
Our biggest culture shock while spending 4 months in Europe was that places close on Sunday. So Aix en Provence is no exception to this, in fact, they’re the queen of having time off.
The problem with Sunday in Aix is that it’s such a small town in the South of France that you notice it a lot more than in other cities. We never had an issue in other cities because there was just that many more options for things to do. If one grocery store or main attraction was closed, there were 5 others that were open.
Because Aix is so small, it seemed like the city just shut down for the day…
Provence On Sunday
It turns out, there’s actually quite a bit that’s opened on a Sunday in Aix, you just have to know where to look.
Stores and restaurants might have different opening hours, but they will most likely still be open at one point during the day. The main thing you have to watch out for is to make sure you have enough groceries to get you through Sunday (and Monday).
And if a store or restaurant is open on Sunday, they might actually close on Monday instead.
P.S. Still debating on adding Aix to your South of France itinerary?
Things To Do In Aix En Provence On Sunday
Spend Time Exploring Aix En Provence City Centre
Aix en Provence is a really special city. There’s so much to explore, even on a Sunday. If it’s nice out, you can walk around the city discovering all the main outdoor attractions. You’ll want to see the Cours Mirabeau (with the moss fountain) and the Cathedral Saint Sauveur.
Or, even better, give your walk a purpose on Sunday in Aix by following in Cézanne’s footsteps. The city placed gold plates on the sidewalk to mark where Cézanne was like his old school, where he lived …etc.
To know where you’re walking, you can pick up a guide at the tourism office, or find it online here.
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Sunday Aix En Provence: Retreat To Nature
If you’ve already explored the city, why not spend your Sunday in Aix surrounded by nature? Join the locals by packing a picnic lunch (p.s. don’t forget the wine!) and heading to the beach or even the mountaintops.
Some favourite spots we heard about was Mont Sainte-Victoire, Cassis, and La Bec d’Aigle.
If you don’t want to go that far, you can also walk to see the mini waterfalls at Parc La Torse on the edge of town. This is also a great way to work up an appetite for your next Provence on Sunday activity…
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Sunday Is Brunch O’Clock In Aix!
We somehow got very unlucky with our weather in Aix and every Sunday managed to be raining. But, it gave us a chance to realize what everyone did: they went for brunch.
It turns out that all our favourite cafés doubled as the ultimate brunch spot on Sunday in Aix. If you want to make sure you have a Sunday brunch spot, make a reservation beforehand... they’re all quite small and fill up fast!
If you didn’t, don’t worry because Weibel doesn’t take reservations so you can always go there (and you definitely won’t be disappointed!). Otherwise, if you’re on top of your game, make a reservation at Mana Espresso. This vegetarian brunch spot was beyond anything we could’ve imagined!
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Things To Do In Aix En Provence on Sunday: Enjoy Afternoon Tea
If you missed brunch, no need to worry, you can still make it in time for afternoon tea at Wiebel. I’ve never seen such a reasonable price for afternoon tea in my life.
For €22, you get sandwiches, toast with local jam and honey, 4 delicious pastries, and 2 pots of tea!
The Best Way Rate, Review & Record Afternoon Tea Experiences!
Print and assemble your own afternoon tea logbook to never forget a high tea!
Have A Museum Day On Sunday In Aix En Provence
Most museums are actually still open on Sunday in Aix! So if it’s a cloudy or rainy day you can spend it going from museum to museum.
Watch out though! In typical Aix fashion, museums close for a 2-hour lunch break from 12:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M.. So while the employees and locals lunch, take advantage and use that as your lunch break too!
Aix has a mix of small and large museums. Smaller ones include the Pavillon Vendome, the Museum of Vielle Aix, and the Tapestry Museum. You also have bigger art exhibits to explore like at Centre D’Ar Gallifet, Musée Granet, Hôtel de Caumont, and Foundation Vasarely.
All these museums are open on Sunday, in fact, some might close on Mondays instead.
Sundays Are Shopping Time!
You can in fact still go shopping in Aix on Sunday. The only stores that close for the day are the small boutique shops in the old town.
The stores in the shopping complex near La Rotonde will open as of 11:00 A.M. , and Monoprix is open until 1:00 P.M.
Plus you still have the daily market in Place Richelme. It’ll be smaller, but you can still pick up any fruits and veggies you might need!
Family Fun Activity – Go Bowling!
It’s time to bring it back to your childhood! No joke! When I asked our tour guide for suggestions for what to do on Sunday if it was raining, she recommended going bowling.
We didn’t end up going in the end, but putting it out there as a suggestion, I really wanted to but it never worked out.
The bowling arena is open on Sundays and it’s just on the outskirts of the city centre. They also have pools tables there, a bar …etc. There’s no better rainy day activity!
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Improve Your French By Seeing A French Movie
Movie theatres are still open on Sunday Aix en Provence! There are two movie theatres in Aix: Le Cézanne and Le Rénoir. Le Cézanne is their mainstream movie theatre, here you can find a mix of Hollywood films and French films. They will have showtimes in English too, so you don’t have to see a movie in French if you don’t want to. .
Or, if you are confident in your French skills, you can opt to see a French independent film at Le Rénoir.
Staying In Aix En Provence – Need A Hotel?
Aix en Provence is a very small city in the South of France so there’s no bad location to stay during your visit. We stayed at an Airbnb in Aix because we were visiting for a month. Here are some hotel suggestions I found to stay at while in Aix en Provence.
I would recommend staying in an apartment get a more local taste of this small South of France town and a balcony is a must-have! I love Loft “Le Petit Séquoia for both of those features. You can sleep 5 people in this apartment on the edge of town and it has an unbeatable balcony for everyone to enjoy. See room rates and availability.
For a truly luxury getaway with a pool and spa to relax in the South of France, book a room at the Les Lodges Sainte-Victoire Hotel & Spa. Although it is further outside the city centre, they offer a truly relaxing South of France getaway. I mean, they have not one, not two, but THREE swimming pools! See room rates and availability.
If you want a luxury stay in the city, book Luxury Design Hotel Particulier le 28 where every room is different! They also have an indoor pool and give you one of a kind stay in Aix en Provence. See room rates and availability.
For a budget-friendly option in the city centre (on Cours Mirabeau) stay at Séjours & Affaires Aix-en-Provence Mirabeau. They offer a full kitchen and apartment amenities to live like a local in Aix! See room rates and availability.
For more hotel accommodations in Aix en Provence, Click here.
Leave The City For A Day Trip In Provence
If you find there’s still nothing to do in Aix on Sunday, you can always opt to leave the city for the day. Just double check that wherever you decide to go that things are open.
You might also be interested in reading…
My France Day Trip Essentials
More Guides To Aix-en-Provence
- 27 Day Trips From Aix-en-Provence
- Discover Aix-en-Provence: The South of France Hidden Gem
- How To Hike Mont Sainte Victoire
- Guide To Cafés in Aix
- Discover Paul Cézannes in Aix-en-Provence
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Last update on 2024-05-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Amy
Saturday 18th of January 2020
Aix looks like such a beautiful part of France and that brunch and afternoon tea look absolutely delicious!!
admin
Saturday 18th of January 2020
If you can imagine it they tasted even better than they look :P Highly recommend planning a trip here, it's the perfect escape!
Jackie
Saturday 18th of January 2020
I thing I would enjoy all of these things on any day of the week. They each sound delightful. Good plan to save them for a Sunday and maybe enjoy a more relaxed day.
admin
Saturday 18th of January 2020
Anyone of these definitely works during the week too!
Renee
Saturday 18th of January 2020
I had never even heard of Aix before reading this guide! Thanks for sharing
admin
Saturday 18th of January 2020
Most people haven't, it's not a common place to visit. I won't lie, I hadn't either before doing some extensive research before my trip to the South of France.