Stroll Along Cours Mirabeau. The first thing most visitors do in Aix-en-Provence is stroll down the city’s famous Cours Mirabeau, which runs east to west and separates the historic center from the Quartier Mazarin. The street is lined with cafes and shops, its intersections are dotted with fountains, and the city frequently closes the street On a very different note, some Provence travelers choose Nimes as a base. It’s a bigger and more affordable city than both Avignon and Arles, has many accommodation options and many things to see and do in itself. It has easy access from Paris by train (3 hours) and is close to Avignon, Arles, Aix en Provence and Montpellier. If you have a car, I would definitely make Aix your base and venture out for day trip drives through Provence. You can visit Avignon and southern towns like St. Remy, Les Baux and Arles (not all in one day but you can choose). You can also drive a more northern route through the Luberon hill towns of Roussillon, Menerbes (Peter Mayle fame) and RossHelen / Shutterstock. 5. The Markets At Aix-En-Provence. There is a daily market in Aix-en-Provence in Place Richelme that is well worth a stop if you stay at an Airbnb and plan on cooking. Summer is a distant memory with cooling temperatures and changing foliage. The vineyards of Provence transform into a blaze of gold, bronze, and red while towns and villages celebrate the "primeur" tastings of the season’s harvest from months earlier. And with the Toussaint holidays, you can expect reduced hours at major sites and attractions. a full-day trip from Aix-en-Provence; a half-day trip from Aix-en-Provence; a full-day trip from Marseille; a full-day trip from Avignon; 6. Lavender Fields Provence: Travel Tips. Lavender fields in Provence France are working farms and most do not have designated parking. 4 reviews. 5 helpful votes. 3. Re: Car Parking in Aix en Provence. 10 years ago. Save. For others who may be looking to park in Aix en Provence. We were in Aix on Sunday 21 July and the park and ride at Hauts de Brunet was closed. The bus was running but the car park was locked. There is a small flower market on Sunday mornings in Aix and sometimes a craft market too . A few of the larger stores are open. Aix is a lovely town to just chill out in but you could always drive to the coast for the day - say Cassis, or Bandol. Chateau La Coste is just outside Aix and is well worth visiting. 3. FoSa.