Where to Take the Best Photos in Aix-en-Provence? Our 10 Must-See Spots

The southern French city and commune of Aix-en-Provence is located roughly 30 kilometers north of Marseille. The city has beautiful historical buildings and landmarks that date back to the Roman era. It has a ton of beautiful locations! Although it is difficult to pick just ten, we have compiled a list of our top ten locations for stunning photos while you're there.

We're sharing our top picks for breathtaking photo spots in Aix-en-Provence in this guide. In order to avoid crowds and capture the ideal light, we also advise you on the best time and method to visit each location.

Let's take a tour of the city's most picturesque locations, ideal for making memories along the way.

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1. Pavillon de Vendôme

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Architect Pierre Pavillon constructed the historic Pavillon Vendôme between 1665 and 1667. It is situated at 32 rue Celony and is encircled by a French formal garden. Louis, Duke of Vendôme, commissioned it so that he might take Lucrèce de Forbin Solliès, a.k.a. "la Belle du Canet," his girlfriend. In 1669, he passed away at home. Jean-Baptiste van Loo, a painter, later acquired it and used it as a studio. Barthélemy-Louis Reboul, Secretary of the Académie des Sciences, Agriculture, Arts et Belles Lettres d'Aix, later bought it.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  A quiet mansion with classic French gardens and baroque charm.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Morning or late afternoon for soft natural light.
• Photography tip 📷
  Capture the front view with the garden path leading in.

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2. Fontaine de la Rotonde

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At the base of the Cours Mirabeau in the middle of the Place de la Rotonde lies a historic fountain known as the Fontaine de la Rotonde. Between 1840 and 1850, the Place de la Rotonde was constructed. This fountain was designed by Théophile de Tournadre ten years later, in 1860. It is twelve meters high and thirty-two meters broad. Bronze statues of twelve lions, sirens, and angels perched atop swans encircle it. Three statues of female figures representing justice and the fine arts are located at the top of the fountain.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  A grand 19th-century fountain with statues and lions — it’s the center of Aix.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Evening, when it lights up beautifully.
• Photography tip 📷
  Shoot from the center of the roundabout for a full view.

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3. Place des Quatre Dauphins

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At the intersection of rue Cardinale, which leads from place Saint-Jean-de-Malte, and rue du Quatre-Septembre, which leads to cours Mirabeau, lies the Place des Quatre-Dauphins, a plaza in the center of the Mazarin neighborhood. The Four Dolphins fountain, which is situated in the middle of the square, is the source of its name. Sculpted by Jean-Claude Rambot in 1667, the fountain in the middle of the square depicts four "architectural dolphins" encircling a pyramid that was once topped by a monument of Saint Michael. A Maltese cross, a fleur-de-lis, and finally a pine cone took the place of the statue.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  A small square with a lovely dolphin fountain, surrounded by old buildings.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Early morning, when the area is quiet.
• Photography tip 📷
  Get a close-up of the fountain details and water reflections.

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4. Saint Jean de Malte

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The first Gothic Roman Catholic church in Provence is the Church of St. John in Aix-en-Provence, which is located at the intersection of rue d'Italie and rue Cardinale. The majority of its construction took place in the 1270s of the 13th century. The church's magnificent stained glass windows from the 19th and 20th centuries are among its most striking characteristics. The beautiful glass that graces the apse was made by local craftsmen. The church's aesthetic appeal is further enhanced by a rose window that was built above the main entrance and a window by Henri Guerin that was added in the transept.

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• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  A gothic church with peaceful and beautiful stained-glass windows.
• Best time to visit  📅
  Late afternoon, when the sunlight filters in.
• Photography tip 📷
  Capture the church exterior with the trees framing it.

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5. Place des Cardeurs

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This square, which represents the Jewish quarter of the Middle Ages, was opened in 1963 on the location of an island of filthy homes that had been razed to make way for the new urban area. It is bordered by exquisitely restored homes from the classical era and features a fountain designed by Aix artist Jean Amado in 1977, to whom Aix paid tribute this summer. This square is brand-new, but it fits right in with the city. The aura that emanates from this square is evocative of Italy because of its beauty, liveliness, and vivid tones. The Place des Fontêtes is a little, quaint square located at the base of this square.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  A lively square with cafés, restaurants, and colorful façades.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Evenings, especially in summer.
• Photography tip 📷
  Shoot wide to capture the dynamic life and colors.

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6. Terrain des Peintres (Field of the Painters)

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Terrain des Peintres, or the Land of the Painters, is a public park because of its breathtaking views of the Montagne Sainte Victoire and the fact that artist Paul Cézanne frequently painted here in his later years. Like an outdoor museum, you may go up the hill to a viewpoint that looks out over the surrounding mountains and farmland and admire reproductions of well-known paintings that were made here. One of the most exquisite pre-Roman settlements in Provence is the Oppidum d'Entremont, which was home to a Salyens community of Celto-Ligurians who had resided here before the Romans did.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  A peaceful spot that inspired Cézanne, with views of Montagne Sainte-Victoire.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Sunrise or sunset for the best mountain light.
• Photography tip 📷
  Use the artist's easels for a creative composition.

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7. Cours Mirabeau

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One of the town's busiest and liveliest spots is the 440-meter-long and 42-meter-wide Cours Mirabeau, one of the main thoroughfares. Numerous cafés flank it, including the well-known Les Deux Garçons, which has been frequented throughout its history by well-known French cultural figures, including Paul Cézanne, Émile Zola, and Albert Camus. Double rows of plane trees are planted along the street's broad walkways. Fountains adorn the Cours Mirabeau, chief among them the Fontaine de la Rotonde, a massive fountain that forms a roundabout at one end of the street.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  A tree-lined avenue with fountains, old mansions, and lots of life.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Anytime, but golden hour adds charm.
• Photography tip 📷
  Shoot from one end to capture the depth and perspective.

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8. Saint-Sauveur Cathedral

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The Archbishop of Aix-en-Provence and Arles resides in the Roman Catholic cathedral of Aix. The Saint-Sauveur Cathedral was constructed on the location of the Roman forum of Aix in the first century. Constructed and reconstructed between the 12th and 19th centuries, it features Romanesque, Gothic, and Neo-Gothic features in addition to Roman columns and portions of a Christian church's baptistery from the 6th century. It is a French national monument, situated along the Via Aurelia, a Roman thoroughfare.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  A mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles in one stunning cathedral.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Morning for quiet, or during services to hear the organ.
• Photography tip 📷
  Photograph the doors and arches up close.

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9.  Montagne Sainte-Victoire

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The limestone mountain ridge known as Montagne Sainte-Victoire stretches more than 18 kilometers between the départements of Var and Bouches-du-Rhône in southern France. The Pic des Mouches, at 1,011 meters, is its highest peak; nonetheless, the Sainte-Baume massif is the highest point in Bouches-du-Rhône. One of the mountain's prominent features is the Croix de Provence. Despite not being positioned at the mountain's summit, this 19-meter-tall cross is far more noticeable from the ridge than the Pic des Mouches.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  The mountain that Cézanne painted dozens of times, full of trails and views.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Early morning hikes or sunset views.
• Photography tip 📷
  Use a zoom lens from a distance for the full peak.

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10. Place d’Albertas

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In the center of Aix-en-Provence, France, sits the lovely square known as Place Albertas. Both locals and visitors enjoy this charming area because of its sophisticated architecture, busy eateries, and dynamic atmosphere. Place d'Albertas has continued to be an area of activity for generations. Numerous historical occurrences, such as village festivities and royal visits, have taken place there. The square is still a popular meeting spot for both locals and visitors today.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  A hidden gem with a central fountain and 18th-century architecture.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Midday, when the sun hits the stone walls.
• Photography tip 📷
  Stand facing the fountain to capture the symmetry.

Final Thoughts

These are the top photography spots you won't want to miss in Aix-en-Provence. However, there is much more to see and enjoy, as the city offers endless photo opportunities. Take a walk and explore more, and make both your day and your photos amazing. Hopefully, this guide will help you capture your best moments in Aix-en-Provence.

Ready to explore?
Don’t forget to bring extra storage, as you’ll be taking a lot of photos.

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