Aix en Provence: Gourmet Food Tour & Market Tasting Walk

Markets, fountains, calisson tastings and the colors of Aix with a local

You’ll taste tapenade at Le Grand Marché, sample calisson candies, sip rosé wine with local cheese and bread (or enjoy crêpes if you go in the afternoon), and wander Aix en Provence’s historic heart with a guide who knows every story behind its fountains. Expect laughter, small surprises—and maybe a new favorite treat.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation if needed within Aix en Provence (and everything is easy walking distance), entrance to Caumont garden if open that day, generous tastings at the market or cafés—including cheese and charcuterie with fresh bread in the morning or crêpes/waffles in the afternoon—plus local rosé wine poured right at your table. All led by a friendly local guide who knows every shortcut through town.

Traveler reviews

4.97★★★★★★★★★★

91 verified traveler reviews

Ratings come from travelers who booked this exact experience. We never edit or filter them.

Read all the reviews ›

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Aix-en-Provence highlights and tasting

• Discover Mazarin district and Place des 4 Dauphins
• Visit beautiful mansion and French garden
• Walk along famous Cours Mirabeau avenue
• Take pictures at mythical fountain
• See town hall and Provencal square
• Explore Aix Cathedral and baptistery
• Taste calisson and learn its history
• Enjoy typical Provencal market with rosé and cheese
• Discover funny mossy fountain history
• Learn about Cezanne’s connection to Aix
• Visit the most imposing city fountain

The Experience

The first thing I noticed in Aix en Provence wasn’t the light or even the old stone buildings—it was the smell. Somewhere between bread baking and peaches. Our guide, Camille, waved us over by a stall at Le Grand Marché and handed me a sliver of something greenish-black—tapenade, she said. I tried it on a bit of bread (salty, sharp), while an old man nearby argued about cheese prices in rapid French. It felt like everyone knew each other except us, but Camille just grinned and kept translating little jokes as we walked. The market’s noise sort of faded behind us as we ducked into quieter streets.

I’d never heard of calisson before this day trip to Aix en Provence from Marseille (it’s only about 30 minutes by car). Turns out it’s this almondy candy that looks like a tiny boat—sweet but not too much. Camille told us how Cézanne used to walk these same streets; she pointed out his favorite fountain (the mossy one—yes, it’s really covered in moss) and told us how Zola grew up here too. There was something comforting about how she’d pause to let us take photos or just lean against a wall for a minute. At one point she tried to teach us “anchoïade”—I definitely butchered it; she laughed and said my accent was “charmant.”

Lunch was simple: slices of cheese and charcuterie with fresh bread, plus a glass of pale rosé that tasted like summer in a bottle. If you do the afternoon tour instead, there are crêpes or waffles instead—Camille said both are good but her favorite is crêpes with apricot jam from her cousin’s orchard (she swears by it). We wandered through the Mazarin district past fountains that looked straight out of an old painting. The cathedral felt cool inside after all that sun outside; someone was humming softly in one corner—maybe practicing for mass? I still think about that quiet moment.

Top questions

Is this Aix en Provence food tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

What foods are included on the tour?

You’ll try tapenade, olive oil, anchoïade, lavender treats, calisson candy, cheese, charcuterie, bread (morning), or crêpes/waffles (afternoon).

Does the tour include wine tasting?

Yes, you’ll enjoy local rosé wine during your tasting stop.

How long does it take to get from Marseille to Aix en Provence?

It takes about 30 minutes by car from Marseille to Aix en Provence.

Are children allowed on this gourmet & cultural tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; strollers are welcome.

Can I bring my service animal?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

Is there time for taking photos during the walk?

Yes, there are plenty of stops for photos at fountains and historic spots.

Which attractions will we see on this day trip in Aix en Provence?

You’ll visit Le Grand Marché market, Cours Mirabeau avenue, Place des 4 Dauphins, Mazarin district mansions and gardens, Aix Cathedral and several famous fountains.