Alicante
At its core, Aix-en-Provence is a small Provençal town brimming with quaint cafes and vibrant markets. But its university students — tens of thousands of them — keep this southern French city young, exciting and cosmopolitan. There may be 18th-century homes flanking the streets, but the French boulevards are filled with chic Paris transplants. The still-popular Aquae Sextiae thermal baths may have been discovered in Roman times, but these therapeutic waters are accompanied by the on-site spa's latest in luxurious treatments.
You visit Aix for all of these reasons, but also for the French-Mediterranean cooking, trendy boutiques, Cézanne's artistic influence and the city's overall easygoing and sunny disposition. An added perk is its proximity to the lavender fields, vineyards and mountains of Provence, as well as the Côte d'Azur. Daytrip, anyone?
JAN
63
44
1.6
FEB
64
45
1.8
MAR
68
49
2.2
APR
71
52
2.4
MAY
76
58
2.2
JUN
83
64
1
JUL
88
70
0.2
AUG
89
71
0.4
SEP
84
66
3
OCT
77
59
3.6
NOV
69
51
3.2
DEC
64
46
2
Best Time to Visit
May to June or September
Perfect beach weather without the intense summer heat
Primary Reason
Beach & Resort
Coastal & Harbor
Mediterranean
History
Europe
Southern Europe
Spain
Valencian Community
Top 5 Things to Do
Santa Barbara Castle
Explanada de Espana
Postiguet Beach
MARQ Archaeological Museum
Hidden Gem
Tabarca Island
A tiny island with stone lanes and clear water perfect for snorkeling.