
How to Spend 3 Days in Aix-en-Provence
With tree days in Aix-en-Provence, you can see the city sights and sample the best of Provence—from the lavender fields to the Luberon Villages.
Located on the limits of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department, on the edge of the Luberon, Manosque is an old walled town filled with ancient doorways, fountains, meandering streets, and charming squares plus historical buildings such as the Notre-Dame-de-Romigier Church, which was built in the 10th century. It’s a great place to wander or take photos, particularly if you like old architecture.
This walled town boasts plenty of historic buildings and is surrounded by beautiful countryside complete with olive groves and orchards. Less than a mile away from Manosque’s center, Mont d’Or is also home to the remains of a 10th-century castle and lookout post erected by Guillaume the Liberator, which offers 360-degree views of the vast horizons stretching over the Luberon. You can even see the southernmost peaks of the Alps on clear days. Provence lavender tours stop here and many people visit en route to the nearby L'Occitane en Provence factory.
Manosque makes for an easy day trip from Aix-en-Provence, being just 35 miles (57 kilometers) away via the A51, roughly a 40-minute ride. It is also possible to reach Manosque by regional train from Aix-en-Provence and Marseilles (arrive at Manosque Greoux Les Bains station).
Manosque is a year-round destination and gets upwards of 300 days of sunlight a year. That said, if you’re sensitive to heat then it’s best to avoid the months of July and August (many local businesses also close here in August, and elsewhere in France, for summer vacations).
If you're in Manosque, it's worth paying a visit to L'Occitane Factory. Here you can learn about perfumery and cosmetics-making through interactive exhibits. You can also go on a tour of the factory that includes visits to the production line rooms and the chance to buy products at a hefty discount.