One of France's most picturesque and culturally-rich cities, Aix en Provence is ideal for travellers looking to enjoy a stay in a chic, contemporary hotel amid fascinating history and architecture.
At the same time, a number of individual hotels located in the countryside around the city also offer all the advantages of a
city hotel break with the delights of a stay amid some of France's finest scenery
Royal Mirabeau in Aix en Provence
While many tourists flock to Aix en Provence for its historic squares, excellent arts scene or picturesque boulevards, equally as many are keen to combine the joys of one of France's most attractive cities with a relaxing holiday in the stunning surroundings of the country's south-east.
With this in mind, the Royal Mirabeau Hotel represents the ideal compromise between urban joys and rural idylls.
Situated just a few minutes' drive outside of the town of Aix en Provence, the three-star hotel boasts everything guests need to relax, including its own outdoor swimming pool, sauna and attractive grounds.
In addition, as its name suggests, the hotel offers unrivalled views over the Provence countryside, while it is also well-situated for some of the region's best golf courses and picturesque villages.
Other benefits of the Royal Mirabeau include its excellent restaurant, as well as the fact that guests are able to check in with their pets in tow.
Chateau de la Pioline
While the international chain hotels springing up in downtown Aix en Province may be fine for those travellers keen to stick to what they know, it's also more than possible to enjoy a true taste of the region, even on the shortest trip, at one of the many individual hotels in the area.
And, when it comes to charm and originality, the Chateau de la Pioline has it in abundance.
Located just three kilometres from the centre of the town, the four-star hotel is housed in a magnificent chateau dating back to the sixteenth century, though renovated in 1991.
Amidst four hectares of landscaped grounds, guests are able to lounge in marble-walled rooms, relax in the poolside bar, take advantage of world-class gastronomy or, if they are feeling more adventurous, pop out and explore the nearby Cathedrale Saint-Saveur or the Eglise de la Madeleine.
Cezanne Hotel
For those visitors to Aix en Provence after more of an urban, contemporary buzz, then the Cezanne Hotel offers chic and unique accommodation in the heart of the old town.
The first boutique hotel in the town, the Cezanne prides itself on the strength of its interior design, with its bold prints and colours likely to have impressed the local artist after whom it is named.
At the same time, as well as being uber-cool, the hotel is also one of the most laid-back in the region, with guests invited to help themselves to a self-service bar or dine in a contemporary yet informal restaurant against the backdrop of a bespoke fresco by the Berlin artist Zidan.
Furthermore, the location of the Cezanne Hotel is also a major plus, with guests within walking distance of the likes of the Paul Cezanne University, the Place General De Gaulle and the Quartier Mazarin.
