Provence by Design Guide, Part 2
My highly curated list across Aix-en-Provence, Arles, Avignon, and Cassis
Note: Applications for the Provence by Design Spring 2027 trip are currently open, and the group is already filling. If you’ve been dreaming of Provence, , I’d love to have you along.
Dear friends + travelers,
In Part 1 of this guide, we explored some of my favorite villages in and around the Luberon — the stone hill towns that might be exactly what you picture when you think of Provence.
But the region has another completely delightful side to it: small cities and coastal towns where you can spend a morning at the market, wander into a museum or gallery, stop for a pastry in a sunny square, and shop antiques or design boutiques in the afternoon.
On my first visit to Provence at fourteen, my family and I stayed at a quaint little hotel in Aix-en-Provence for a few nights. I remember wandering past all the fountains, feeling like I had stepped into a much more charming version of everyday life. A few years later, after studying abroad in Paris, my mom met me in the south of France and we went back to Aix — and came away with matching pairs of platform raffia sandals that I wish were still in my closet.
Since then, I’ve returned many times — sometimes with family, sometimes scouting locations for my By Design trips. It’s a place I never get tired of exploring.
One of the things I love about this part of the region is how easy it is to build a trip around these cities without a car. From Paris, it’s just a two to three hour train ride to Avignon, Arles, or Aix-en-Provence. From there, you can explore most of these towns on foot, with a taxi ride once in awhile — or maybe a day trip into the countryside with a hired driver.
If you’re planning your own stay for more than a couple of nights, Aix-en-Provence is a favorite home base. Avignon is great for shorter stays steeped in history and culture, Arles is perfect for lovers of art and history, and Cassis is completely different again, with its small harbor, beaches, and access to the incredible calanques — dramatic Mediterranean fjords that have to be one of the most stunning places in nature I’ve ever experienced.
Below you’ll find my personal edit of places I love — museums, shops, restaurants, hotels, and a few special stops nearby. Many come from my own travels over the years, and some were recommended by creative friends (noted below) who live in the region and know it intimately.
And of course, don’t forget… Provence by Design Guide Part 1: L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue + the Luberon villages: Lourmarin, Gordes, Ménerbes
Provence by Design Guide, Part 2
Aix-en-Provence, Arles, Avignon, and Cassis
And now for some of my favorite spots in and around the small cities and coast of Provence. This isn’t meant to be comprehensive — it’s a highly edited roundup of places I love, recommendations by local creative friends, and some spots I’m dying to visit on my next trip to the region.
I’ve organized everything in alphabetical order by town, and then according to See/Do, Shop, Eat/Drink, and Stay for each town.
Hotel prices are based on rates for September 2026 at the time this guide was published.
Aix-en-Provence
Aix-en-Provence is one of those places that’s made for wandering — fountains everywhere, shaded squares, and plenty of cafés and shops to duck into along the way. It was also my first stop in Provence at fourteen, and I’ve been going back ever since.
See / Do
Atelier Cézanne — The home and studio where Cézanne worked during the last years of his life. Beautiful, atmospheric, and very much worth the visit. I once did a sensory art workshop here with a few of my nieces and nephews — so fun!
Cours Mirabeau — Aix’s grand tree-lined boulevard lined with fountains and café terraces. Perfect for strolling or lingering over a drink. Legendary writer MFK Fisher spent time here almost every afternoon with her two daughters when they lived in Aix in the 1950s.
Fondation Vasarely — Striking museum dedicated to the Op Art pioneer Victor Vasarely. The architecture alone is worth seeing.
Granet XX, Collection Jean Planque — An excellent modern art collection featuring works by Picasso, Dubuffet, and others. Recommended by Heather Robinson.
Hôtel de Caumont — A jewel box of a mansion turned art center, with rotating exhibitions. Don’t miss the lovely garden and garden café.
Musée Granet — Aix’s main fine arts museum. This is where I first discovered Nicolas de Staël, who became one of my favorite painters. Recommended by Louise Pascale.
Place d’Albertas — A gorgeous little square dripping with patina.
Shop
Deus Ex Machina — Surf/skate/motorcycle-inspired clothing brand from Biarritz with a cool outpost here.
Galerie Jeanne Bossert — Beautiful eye for antique and vintage art. I first met the owner at a high-end flea market in Paris.
La Feuille d’Or — Antique shop specializing in gilt frames and mirrors. One of those tucked away, unique spots that felt so magical when I stumbled upon it.
Outdoor markets — Famous for a reason. On market days the old town fills with flowers, produce, textiles, vintage books, and more. Do not miss.
Santons Fouque — Traditional Provençal clay figurines made by hand. I came here with my mom on that first trip when I was fourteen — she has a knack for finding the best artisans.
Also, if you’re in shopping mode and looking for some French girl fashion, try you can find pretty much all of the stylish French chain stores in the old part of Aix, too: Séssun, Sezane, Soeur, American Vintage (yes, this one is also French, lol)…
Eat / Drink
i’Pinguini — Locally made gelato that hits the spot on a warm afternoon.
La Méduse — Great vibes, food, and wine. Recommended by Emilie Jolie Johnson.
Les Vieilles Canailles — Seasonal, fresh food, an extensive wine list, and an intimate atmosphere. Recommended by Jamie Beck.
Pâtisserie Béchard — Known for its calissons, the almond-and-candied-fruit specialty of Aix. (Hint: my favorite are the ones dipped in dark chocolate.) I know this place is one of Louise Pascale’s favorites, too.
Philippe Faur — Artisanal ice cream and sorbets with inventive flavors.
Stay
💌 Continue reading for where to stay — plus more design-led addresses in Arles, Avignon, and Cassis.
