Rent a Campervan in Aix-en-Provence & Explore Provence

Discover Aix-en-Provence: The Heart of Your Provençal Adventure

Welcome to Aix-en-Provence, the cultural and historical heart of Provence. To truly experience this enchanting region, there's no better way than to rent a campervan in Aix-en-Provence and let the open road be your guide. Known as the 'City of a Thousand Fountains,' Aix is a place where history, art, and the gentle pace of southern French life merge seamlessly.

Geographical Charm: Nestled between the Mediterranean coast and the Luberon mountains, Aix-en-Provence boasts a privileged location. The iconic Montagne Sainte-Victoire, immortalized in the paintings of Paul Cézanne, looms majestically to the east, offering breathtaking landscapes and hiking trails. The surrounding countryside is a tapestry of vineyards, olive groves, and fragrant lavender fields. Opting for a campervan rental in Aix-en-Provence allows you to wake up to these stunning views every morning.

A Rich History: Founded in 123 BC by the Roman consul Sextius Calvinus, who named it Aquae Sextiae after himself and the local thermal springs, Aix has a long and storied past. It became the capital of Provence in the Middle Ages, a center for art and learning that attracted nobles, artists, and scholars. This legacy is visible today in its elegant architecture, grand mansions ('hôtels particuliers'), and the charming, winding streets of its old town. When you explore the region, you're not just driving; you're traveling through centuries of history.

People and Culture: With a population of around 145,000, Aix is a vibrant university town, which lends it a youthful and dynamic energy. The 'Aixois' are proud of their city's heritage and its reputation as a cultural hub. The most famous son of Aix is undoubtedly the post-impressionist painter Paul Cézanne. He was born here, and the city and its surroundings were his greatest inspiration. You can follow in his footsteps, visiting his studio and the landscapes he painted. Your journey to rent a camper in Aix-en-Provence is a chance to see the world through his artistic eyes.

Climate and Best Time to Travel: Aix-en-Provence enjoys a wonderful Mediterranean climate with long, hot summers, mild winters, and abundant sunshine year-round. Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) are arguably the best times for a road trip. The weather is perfect for exploring, the summer crowds have thinned, and the natural landscape is at its most beautiful. Summer (July-August) is hot and vibrant, ideal for those who love the buzz of peak season. Even in winter, the crisp, sunny days are perfect for exploring. A flexible camper rental in Aix-en-Provence means you can chase the sun and find your perfect season.

Your decision to rent a campervan in Aix-en-Provence is the first step towards an unforgettable adventure. It's a journey of freedom, discovery, and immersion in the authentic soul of Provence. For those seeking more rugged terrain, a 4x4 camper rental in Aix-en-Provence can open up even more remote and beautiful areas.

Sights and Activities: Your Provençal Playground

Your campervan rental in Aix-en-Provence is your key to unlocking a treasure trove of sights and activities, both within the city and in the spectacular surrounding region. Park your home-on-wheels at a nearby campsite and dive into the wonders that await you.

In the City of Aix-en-Provence:

Cours Mirabeau: This is the vibrant heart of Aix. This wide, plane tree-lined avenue is perfect for a leisurely stroll. Admire the magnificent fountains, including the famous Fontaine de la Rotonde, and stop at one of the legendary cafés like Les Deux Garçons, once frequented by Cézanne and Zola.

Vieil Aix (The Old Town): Get lost in the labyrinth of narrow, charming streets. Discover hidden squares, bustling markets (don't miss the flower market at Place de l'Hôtel de Ville), and countless boutiques. Look up to admire the centuries-old architecture and ornate doorways.

Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur: A must-see architectural marvel that showcases a mix of styles from the 5th to the 17th century, including Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque elements. Its serene cloister is a peaceful escape.

Atelier de Cézanne (Cézanne's Studio): Step into the world of the master painter. His last studio has been preserved just as he left it, offering a deeply personal insight into his life and work. It's a short trip from the city center, easily managed while your camper is parked.

Musée Granet: Home to an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and archaeological finds, this museum features works from the 14th to the 20th century, including several masterpieces by Cézanne himself.

Beyond the City with Your Campervan:

The real magic of choosing to rent a campervan in Aix-en-Provence is the freedom to explore the wider region.

Montagne Sainte-Victoire: Drive towards this iconic limestone ridge and find a spot to hike or simply admire the views that inspired Cézanne over 80 times. The raw beauty of the landscape is breathtaking.

The Lavender Fields of the Valensole Plateau: If you're visiting from mid-June to early August, a drive through the Valensole Plateau is non-negotiable. The endless rolling hills of purple lavender are an unforgettable sight and scent. Your campervan gives you the flexibility to chase the perfect sunset shot.

The Luberon Valley: Drive west into the Luberon, a region of stunning hilltop villages like Gordes, Roussillon (with its ochre cliffs), and Bonnieux. Each village offers incredible views, charming markets, and a glimpse into traditional Provençal life.

Calanques National Park: Head south towards the coast between Marseille and Cassis. The Calanques are dramatic, fjord-like inlets with turquoise water. While you can't drive into them, you can park your campervan nearby and hike down to these hidden beaches for a swim. A 4x4 camper rental in Aix-en-Provence might give you better access to some of the rougher approach roads.

Unforgettable Road Trip Itineraries from Aix-en-Provence

Starting your journey after you rent a campervan in Aix-en-Provence opens up a world of possibilities. Here are a couple of tour ideas to inspire your road trip.

🚐 The Lavender & Villages Tour (4-5 Days)

🌊 The Coast & Calanques Route (3-4 Days)

Returning Your Campervan Clean: Washing Stations in Aix-en-Provence

After an amazing trip, it's time to return your campervan. Part of the rental agreement is returning it clean, just as you received it. However, cleaning a tall vehicle like a campervan can be tricky, as most standard automated car washes are not high enough.

Trying to use a regular car wash can result in damage to the roof, vents, or solar panels of your vehicle. To avoid this, you need to find a washing station designed for large vehicles like trucks and campers. These are often 'high-pressure jet wash' stations where you clean the vehicle yourself. It's an easy and affordable way to get the job done right before you return the keys to your campervan rental in Aix-en-Provence.

Here are a few suitable washing stations in and around Aix-en-Provence with enough height clearance for campervans:

1. Eléphant Bleu - Aix Les Milles
This is a reliable chain of self-service jet wash stations. The open-air bays are perfect for high vehicles. Remember to bring some euros or a credit card for the machines.
Address: 150 Rue Vialis, 13290 Aix-en-Provence (Les Milles)

2. Lavage Poids Lourds - Station AS 24
Truck stops are an excellent option as they are built for large commercial vehicles. This AS 24 station has high-clearance washing facilities.
Address: Pôle d'activités des Milles, Rue auphan, 13290 Aix-en-Provence

3. Superjet Station de Lavage
Another self-service option with high-pressure wands and open bays suitable for cleaning the exterior of your campervan thoroughly.
Address: 185 Avenue du Camp de Menthe, 13090 Aix-en-Provence

Pro Tip: Check the interior cleaning requirements of your rental agreement as well. Most companies require you to sweep the floor, wipe down surfaces, and empty the waste water tanks before returning the vehicle.

Getting to Aix-en-Provence for Your Campervan Trip

Getting to Aix-en-Provence to start your campervan adventure is straightforward, especially with the major international airport of Marseille Provence (MRS) just a 25-minute drive away.

From the UK & Ireland:
You are in luck! There are numerous direct flights to Marseille (MRS) from major UK and Irish airports. British Airways, Ryanair, and easyJet offer regular services from London (Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted), Manchester, Bristol, Edinburgh, and Dublin. The flight is short, making a long weekend trip entirely possible. Alternatively, the Eurostar to Paris followed by a high-speed TGV train directly to Aix-en-Provence TGV station is a fantastic, scenic option.

From the USA & Canada:
While direct flights to Marseille are rare, you'll find easy one-stop connections from most major hubs like New York (JFK), Atlanta (ATL), Los Angeles (LAX), Chicago (ORD), Toronto (YYZ), and Montreal (YUL). Common connecting cities include Paris (CDG), Amsterdam (AMS), Frankfurt (FRA), or London (LHR). Once you land at MRS, a shuttle bus or short taxi ride will take you to Aix-en-Provence to pick up your campervan.

From Australia & New Zealand:
Your journey will involve at least one stop, typically in the Middle East (e.g., Dubai with Emirates, Doha with Qatar Airways) or a major Asian hub, followed by a connecting flight to Marseille or a larger European city like Paris. Plan for a longer travel time, but the sunny landscapes of Provence will be well worth the trip. Once you arrive, your campervan rental in Aix-en-Provence will be ready for you.

From South Africa:
Travelers from Johannesburg (JNB) or Cape Town (CPT) will typically have a one-stop flight to Marseille via major European hubs such as Paris (Air France), Amsterdam (KLM), or Frankfurt (Lufthansa).

Once you arrive at Marseille Provence Airport (MRS), there is a convenient and frequent shuttle bus (Navette) that takes you directly to the Aix-en-Provence bus station ('gare routière') in about 30 minutes. The Aix-en-Provence TGV station is also nearby, connecting the city to the rest of France's high-speed rail network.