Planning a trip to Aix-en-Provence

Arriving — Trains arrive frequently from Marseille (trip time: 40 min.; 9€ one-way) and Nice (trip time: 3 hr.; www.sncf-connect.com; tel. 36-35.; 45€ one-way). High-speed TGV trains—from Paris as well as Marseille and Nice—arrive at the modern station near Vitrolles, 18km (11 miles) west of Aix. Bus transfers to the center of Aix cost 4.30€ one-way. Buses arrive from Marseille, Avignon, and Nice; for information, see www.lepilote.com or call tel. 08-10-00-13-26. If you’re driving to Aix from Avignon or other points north, take A7 south to A8 and follow the signs into town. From Marseille or other points south, take A51 north.

Visitor Information — The Office de Tourisme is at Les Allées Provençales, 300 av. Giuseppe Verdi (www.aixenprovencetourism.com; tel. 04-42-16-11-61).

City Layout — Aix’s Old Town is primarily pedestrianized. To the south, it’s bordered by the grand cours Mirabeau, which is flanked by a canopy of plane trees. The city was built atop thermal springs, and 40 fountains still bubble away in picturesque squares around town.

Special Events — The Festival d’Aix, created in 1948 (www.festival-aix.com; tel. 08-20-92-29-23), mid-June through late July, is undoubtedly Aix’s most popular annual event and features music and opera from all over the world.

Throughout July and August, Les Instants d'Eté is a series of free open-air movies. Films are screened around town in eight of Aix’s parks and gardens. Contact the Aix Tourist Office (www.aixenprovencetourism.com/en, tel. 04-42-16-11-61) or search "Les Instants d'Eté" at the Aix-en-Provence city website (www.aixenprovence.fr) for current screenings and locations.

On the first Sunday in September, Aix celebrates La Grande Fête du Calisson, a festival honoring its traditional local sweet, the calisson. Expect live music, Provençal folk dancing, and plenty of calisson-tasting. Contact the Aix Tourist Office (see above) for further details.

ATMs/Banks — Scores of banks are in downtown Aix, including three along cours Mirabeau.

Mail & Postage — La Poste, pl. de l'Hôtel de Ville (tel. 36-31).

Pharmacies — Pharmacie Victor Hugo, 16 av. Victor Hugo (tel. 04-42-26-24-93).