Getting around Aix en Provence

Public transport

Aix has a good bus network serving the city centre and suburbs (tel: +33 9 7080 9013; www.aixenbus.com). You can buy single or two-journey tickets on board the bus. Alternatively, you can buy a 10-journey pass or load a pass with anything from five to 99 journeys; these are available from the tourist office or authorised sellers throughout the city.

Taxis

Taxis are plentiful in Aix, with several taxi ranks in the city. Otherwise, Taxi Radio Aixois (tel: +33 4 4227 7111) and Taxi Mirabeau (tel: +33 4 4221 6161) are both reputable companies.

Driving

Parking is always a problem in Aix-en-Provence, as many of the streets are narrow and the traffic is heavy. Kerb-side parking in and around town is regulated by meter, and uniformed contractuels (traffic wardens) dispense PVs (fines) to motorists who overstay their slot. Parking garages (signalled by a large P sign) are usually the best bet, but they can be expensive. An alternative is to leave your car at one of the two 'Parcs Relais' outside the city centre and hop on a bus to Aix from there (journey time - about 10 minutes). Visit www.aixenbus.com for more information and a map.

Car hire

Car hire companies in Aix include Avis (tel: +33 820 611 638; www.avis.fr), Europcar (tel: +33 825 896 976; www.europcar.fr) and Hertz (tel: +33 4 4269 3110; www.hertz.fr).

Bicycle hire

You can hire bikes from several outlets, including Aix'prit Vélo, 8 avenue St Jérôme (tel: +33 4 4221 2405; www.aixpritvelo.com). Cycloplanet, 33 avenue St Victoire (tel: +33 4 4263 2471; www.cycloplanet.com) hires out electric bikes.