virginiafish

We have the opportunity to be here the last 2 weeks in July and the first in August. Any thoughts about the heat at that time and businesses being closed? Any other impressions?

nytraveler

Well - is summer in the south of France so you can expect it to be hot - and don;t expect many places to have AC. (Be sure your hotel does.)

Most tourist places will be open - but some family, local-oriented places may be closed for the August part.

Don;t worry - there are still plenty of places to eat.

danon

Aix is not a big place. We did not have much to do after a day there Make sure to have a car and move around (drive to the coast).
Very hot.

marseillegirl

Great town! Will be vibrant at any time of the year. Very pretty, sophisticated, great shopping, good restaurants, lots of fountains, even a carousel if you have kids. It's easy to get to other towns from there by car, bus or train. I stayed at the Hotel Cezanne 3 years ago with my 2 year old son, the service was excellent and very comfortable rooms. Breakfast buffet was varied and delicious.

jnjfraz

We've only been there once for a day BUT we both loved Aix. I would really like to spend more time there.

kevin_widrow

Hi Virginia,

You can definately expect hot weather mid-summer in Aix. As for things being closed, you will find just the opposite - July is festival month in Aix so everything is booming. In fact, hotels and such book up very early, so you should look into that sooner rather than later.

Things calm downa little bit in August, but still you'll find everything open that a visitor could possibly want - and more.

We lived there for two years and never tired of it. It's a great town. Though as a visitor, I'm sure you'll be wanting to do some day trips and exploration of the countryside - so access to a car would be good.

-Kevin

Ackislander

Depending on your exact dates, you may run into the music festival, but your post implies that you may not need lodging, which will be in short supply for those dates.

It will be hot, but this is prime season, so I would expect things to be open.

Jeff801

Temperatures of 40 degrees c were common last year (104f). We had a convertible and found ourselves with the top up and the A/C on much of the time. (Quel Damage!) Be prepared for the heat with hats, sunscreen and water bottles and you should be OK.

Even though Aix is among my favorite cities, I would not choose to spend more than a few days in the city. (Of course, if, as implied by your post, you have chance to stay at low cost, by all means take it.)

In any event, there are many threads in this forum which could be helpful to you. Be sure to find information from Stu Dudley, who is, IMHO, unfailingly accurate and helpful regarding this part of France.

virginiafish

thanks fellow Fodorites! all useful thoughts and please, keep them coming. we are digesting and deciding.

robertino

Hi virginia -

Aix is among my favorite cities too. Very vibrant and beautiful.

Yes, it will be hot.

Three weeks will give you plenty of time for side trips. Cassis is a very easy trip. St. Maximin is also. I'd also suggest a trip up through the Gorge de Verdon. Start at the western end, take the southern route, and stay overnight at the Chateau de Trigance at the western end. Next day, take the northern route back along the Gorge, and then back to Aix.

Most of the Luberon towns are close too.

Have a great time!