The former capital of Provence, Aix-en-Provence, is located in the Bouches-du-Rhone department and is one of the most charming old cities in southern France. An important city in Provence, Aix was originally a Roman city and is known for its old town, its cultural life, and its links to Paul Cezanne, Aixois’ most famous painter. It also has lovely daily markets.
Paris to Aix-en-Provence by train
TGV Méditerranée trains to Aix-en-Provence train station depart from Paris Gare de Lyon (20 boulevard Diderot, Paris 12) throughout the day.
Metro lines to and from Gare de Lyon:
- Line 1 – La Defense to Chateau de Vincennes
- Line 14 – Saint Lazare to Bibliotheque Francois Mitterand
TGV trains to Aix-en-Provence train station
- Paris to Aix-en-Provence train station in 2 hours 59 minutes.
- Lille (connecting with Eurostar) to Aix-en-Provence train station in 4 hours 32 minutes.
- Charles de Gaulle Airport to Marseille Saint Charles. Then take the train to Aix-en-Provence central station. The entire trip lasts 4 hours 59 minutes.
A new Eurostar service runs in summer directly from London St. Pancras, stopping in Avignon. From here it is a quick train ride to Aix-en-Provence. The train continues towards Marseille.
Other popular direct connections to the Aix-en-Provence TGV include Montpellier, east of Provence, directly along the Côte d’Azur to Nice, Lyon, Dijon, Metz, Toulouse, and Strasbourg.
How to get from the Aix-en-Provence TGV train station to the center of Aix-en-Provence
The TGV train station is located 13 km from the city center. Shuttle buses take about 15 minutes.
Book your train
- From the US book With Rail Europe
- From the UK book with Voyages sncf (formerly Rail Europe UK)
- Plan a trip with OUI.sncf (French only)
- TGV Europe Booking
Getting to Aix-en-Provence by plane
- Marseille-Provence Airport is a major airport with domestic and international flights, including to and from New York and London.
- The airport is 21 km (13 miles) south of Aix-en-Provence. Shuttle buses run regularly from the airport to Vitrolles-Les-Pinchinades, Aix-en-Provence TGV train station, Les Milles – La Duranne and Aix-en-Provence city center, which take 30 minutes .
Direct online booking
- MP2 is the connected airport for cheap international flights. Take the shuttle bus from Marseille-Provence main airport for a five-minute ride to MP2.
Paris to Aix-en-Provence by car
The distance from Paris to Aix-en-Provence is around 760 kms (472 miles), and the journey takes around 6 hours and 40 minutes, depending on your speed. There are tolls on the Autoroutes. You will drive through the beautiful Provence department of Vaucluse on your way there. Provence is one of the most beautiful regions in France and the countryside is a pleasure to drive, even if you are careful with the motorways in the main cities.
Car rental
For information on how to rent a car under the return lease scheme, which is the cheapest way to rent a car if you are in France for more than 17 days, try Renault Eurodrive’s buyback lease.
If you drive, make sure you are comfortable with the roads and driving in France.
Paris to Aix-en-Provence by bus
Eurolines operates a bus service from Paris to Aix-en-Provence. It also operates to other cities in Provence: Marseille, Nimes, Avignon, Toulon, Marseille and Nice. Visit the Eurolines website for more details.
Getting from London to Paris
- By train (Eurostar)
- Eurostar between London, Paris and Lille
- By bus / coach Eurolines offers a cheap service from London, Gillingham, Canterbury, Folkestone and Dover to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport and Paris Gallieni. Six coaches a day; 2 all night; Travel time is 7 hours. The Eurolines stop is located at the Paris Gallieni bus station, 28 ave du General de Gaulle, right next to the Gallieni metro station, near Porte de Bagnolet (metro line 3, final stop).
- Eurolines website for French travel
- The French company OUI Bus also operates between London and Lille and London and Paris. OUIBus also runs from Lille to Amsterdam and Brussels.
- OUIBus website
Read guest reviews, compare prices and book hotels in Aix-en-Provence with TripAdvisor .