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Housesit in Aix en Provence 5 Top Tips
Housesitters frequently ask us at HouseSit Match to find them assignments in the centre of a beautiful town with lots to do and see. A housesit in Aix in Provence is one such dream housesit and our regular sitter and blogger Tiera St Claire offers her top tips of what to do from her own recent experience of a visit to this charming city and former capital of the South of France.
Photo credit – Tiera St Claire
Housesit in Aix en Provence: A Francophile Housesitter’s Dream in the Heart of Provence 🏡
Aix en Provence is absolutely charming. From its large open boulevards to its narrow cobbled stone streets, this elegant French town overflows with beauty, art, and history. As a housesitter, I found myself enchanted from the moment I arrived. ☀️
Photo credit – Tiera St Claire
Cafés spill out onto sun-dappled squares, fountains trickle at every corner, and open-air markets fill the streets with colour and fragrance. 🌸
During my housesit in Aix en Provence, I had the time to live like a local — exploring at a relaxed pace, enjoying morning coffees in bustling cafés, and discovering hidden gems down the quiet backstreets. ☕ I even stumbled upon a wonderful second-hand clothing shop and a string of darling boutiques perfect for browsing. 🛍️
Photo credit – Tiera St Claire
1. Art & Culture: The Soul of Aix 🎨
Art lovers will be in heaven here. I caught a fabulous Pierre Bonnard exhibition at the Musée Granet, one of Aix’s most celebrated museums. The ticket includes access to both parts of the museum, which are only a few blocks apart — and both are worth the visit, not only for their art but for the beautiful historic buildings they’re housed in. 🖼️
Aix was also home to the great Paul Cézanne, whose work was inspired by the landscapes of Provence. You can visit Cézanne’s studio, preserved exactly as he left it, and even hike up to Montagne Sainte-Victoire, the mountain that appears in so many of his paintings. 🏔️
Architecture enthusiasts will also love wandering through Aix’s Old Town, where Baroque mansions line the Cours Mirabeau, and elegant fountains mark every intersection. The Cathedral of Saint-Sauveur, with its mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Neo-Gothic styles, is another must-see. ⛪
Photo credit – Tiera St Claire
2. Living Like a Local – The Housesitting Experience 🐾
One of the best things about housesitting in Aix en Provence is that you get to experience the city in a much more personal way than a tourist ever could. Staying in a home right in the centre of town gives you time to enjoy daily life — shopping for fresh produce at the Place Richelme market, chatting with local shopkeepers, and strolling through the leafy parks in the evenings. 🌿
Photo credit – Tiera St Claire
For anyone considering a housesit in Aix en Provence, this is an ideal opportunity to explore southern France affordably while taking care of a beautiful home (and possibly some lovely pets). 🐶🐱 Housesitting allows you to enjoy a longer stay without the high cost of hotels, while also providing peace of mind to homeowners. 🏠
Interested in living like a local in France?
Join Housesitmatch.com today and start browsing international housesitting opportunities — including our gorgeous housesit in Aix en Provence available now! 🇫🇷
Photo credit – Tiera St Claire
3. Getting There 🚄
From London, you can book all the way to Aix en Provence on the Eurostar website, with a change of trains either in Paris or Lille. When looking at the train options, click on “1 Change” to see where the transfer happens. 💺
It’s usually easier to change in Lille since the stations are close together — just a short walk apart. Paris is also straightforward, though you’ll need to switch from Gare du Nord to Gare de Lyon on the Metro. Pro tip: you can buy a Metro card on the Eurostar café car for £7, preloaded with two rides — and it’s refillable once you arrive. 💳
Aix has two train stations: Aix-en-Provence Ville (in the centre) and Aix-en-Provence TGV (for high-speed trains). If you arrive at the TGV station, take the local bus into the city — a return ticket from the driver will make your departure smooth. 🚌
Photo credit – Tiera St Claire
4. Day Trips from Aix en Provence 🌻
While Aix itself has plenty to offer, it’s also the perfect base for exploring Provence. If you have access to a car during your housesit, the countryside is full of breath-taking villages. Everyone raves about Gordes, a hilltop gem that looks like it was made for postcards. 🏰
By train, you can easily visit:
- Marseille – A vibrant port city just 40 minutes away, with its lively Old Town (Le Panier) and the stunning Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde offering panoramic views. 🚢
- Avignon – A charming city famous for the Papal Palace and the Pont d’Avignon, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. 🕍
- Arles – Once home to Vincent van Gogh, Arles still carries his spirit in its sunlit streets and Roman amphitheatre. The Van Gogh Foundation is worth a visit for art lovers. 🌞
Photo credit – Tiera St Claire
5. Why Housesit in Aix en Provence 💛
If you’ve ever dreamed of living in the South of France — wandering through lavender-scented markets, tasting local wines, and exploring centuries-old streets — then a housesit in Aix en Provence is your chance. 🍷 It’s a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the Provencal lifestyle, surrounded by art, architecture, and sunshine. 🌞
Through Housesitmatch.com, you can find trusted homeowners in Aix looking for responsible housesitters to care for their homes and pets. Whether you’re an experienced housesitter or new to the community, Aix offers the perfect balance of culture, comfort, and charm. 🗝️
Ready to start your housesitting adventure?
Sign up as a housesitter on Housesitmatch.com today and apply for the housesit in Aix en Provence — the perfect blend of art, history, and authentic French living. 🇫🇷
Frequently Asked Questions – Housesit in Aix en Provence
What is it like to housesit in Aix en Provence? 🏡
Aix en Provence is a charming town full of art, history, and French culture. As a housesitter, you’ll get to live like a local, shop at open-air markets, stroll cobbled streets, and even enjoy pets in a home right in the city centre. It’s a great way to experience Provence authentically while enjoying a longer, more affordable stay.
Do I need to speak French to housesit in Aix? 🇫🇷
While speaking French can enhance your experience, it’s not strictly necessary. Many locals speak English in shops and cafés. Basic French phrases will be useful for grocery shopping, directions, and polite interactions. Learning a few words can make your stay much smoother and more enjoyable.
What kind of housesitting opportunities are available in Aix? 🐶🐱
Opportunities vary from caring for small apartments in the heart of the city to larger homes with gardens or pets. Some homes may include dogs or cats, so experience with pets is often a plus. Housesitmatch.com lists all verified homes needing trusted housesitters in Aix and across Provence.
How do I get to Aix en Provence from the UK? 🚄
You can travel via Eurostar with a change in Paris or Lille, then connect with the TGV high-speed train to Aix. Aix also has a central station and a TGV station. Local buses connect the TGV station to the town centre, making arrivals straightforward.
What are the must-see attractions in Aix en Provence? 🎨
Highlights include the Cours Mirabeau, Cathedral of Saint-Sauveur, Musée Granet, and Cézanne’s studio. Don’t miss wandering the cobbled streets, the Place Richelme market, and exploring charming boutiques. It’s also a great base for day trips to Marseille, Avignon, Arles, and villages like Gordes.
Can I travel around Provence while housesitting? 🌻
Yes! Aix is ideally located for day trips. You can take local trains or drive to visit nearby villages and cities. Housesitting allows you to enjoy a flexible schedule, giving you plenty of opportunities to explore Provence’s landscapes, historical sites, and culinary delights.
Is housesitting in Aix suitable for first-time housesitters? 🗝️
Absolutely. Many homeowners welcome new housesitters, especially through trusted platforms like Housesitmatch.com. Ensure you read the listing carefully, understand the responsibilities (pets, plants, home care), and communicate clearly with the homeowner.
How long can I housesit in Aix en Provence? ⏳
Housesits can range from a few days to several months, depending on the homeowner’s needs. Longer sits are ideal if you want to truly immerse yourself in the Provencal lifestyle, enjoy local culture, and explore the surrounding region.
Ready to Housesit with HouseSit Match? 🏡
Experience the charm of southern France, explore Provence like a local, and take care of a lovely home (and maybe a few pets!) while living in the heart of Aix.
Sign Up & Apply Now 🇫🇷BIO – Tiera St Claire
Further reading on housesitting, housesit travel and housesitters
At HouseSit Match we like to share useful blogs and practical advice about housesitters, housesitting and pet sitting. We hope you find this small selection of our blogs on house sitters and house sitting in Europe useful.
