Aix-en-Provence is everything you imagine southern France to be: elegant, sun-soaked, and full of lavender-scented breezes. With its winding cobblestone streets, fountains at every turn, and bustling markets, it’s a city where beauty lives in the details — and so do the souvenirs.

Whether you’re sipping a rosé on the Cours Mirabeau or picking up olive oil at a local marché, there’s no shortage of ways to bring a little Provençal charm home with you. Here’s your guide to the top souvenirs to buy in Aix-en-Provence — plus helpful tips on where and how to shop like a local.

1. Calissons d’Aix

Aix’s most iconic treat, calissons, are diamond-shaped candies made from ground almonds, candied melon, and orange peel, topped with a smooth layer of royal icing. Soft, fragrant, and lightly sweet, they’ve been made in the city since the 15th century. You’ll find them in beautiful gift boxes at dedicated shops like Léonard Parli or in the markets.

2. Lavender Products

Aix is in the heart of lavender country, and its markets are full of lavender sachets, essential oils, soaps, and sprays. These products are not only beautifully packaged but also naturally calming. A bundle of dried lavender or a set of handmade soaps makes a fragrant and easy-to-pack souvenir.

3. Provençal Textiles

Colorful tablecloths, napkins, and tea towels made from traditional indiennes fabrics are a staple in Aix’s markets and boutiques. Look for bright patterns with sunflowers, olives, or cicadas (the symbol of Provence). These are practical souvenirs that bring southern France to your dining room.

4. Olive Oil and Tapenade

Provence is known for its sun-ripened olives, and Aix is a great place to shop for artisanal olive oils, tapenades, and infused vinegars. Many producers sell beautifully labeled bottles perfect for gifting — or dressing your own salads with a Provençal twist.

5. Local Wines

From nearby appellations like Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence and Palette, you’ll find crisp rosés, elegant whites, and bold reds. Most wine shops in Aix carry a strong selection of regional labels, and some offer tastings. For wine lovers, this is one of the best souvenirs to savor slowly back home.

6. Fragrance and Skincare

Inspired by the surrounding lavender fields, citrus orchards, and herbs, Aix is full of perfumeries and apothecaries offering natural fragrances and skincare products. Artisan brands often use local ingredients like rosemary, fig, and orange blossom to create luxurious, small-batch creams and perfumes.

7. Pottery and Ceramics

Hand-painted ceramics from Provence are bright, cheerful, and made to be used. Look for olive bowls, pitchers, and serving platters with colorful Provençal motifs. Shops and weekend markets offer both decorative and functional pieces that are unique and full of character.

8. Santons (Provençal Figurines)

Santons are small hand-painted terracotta figurines traditionally used in nativity scenes, but they also depict everyday characters from Provençal life — bakers, farmers, shepherds, and more. They’re a beloved regional craft and make for meaningful, collectible souvenirs.

9. Honey and Herbs

Local honey infused with lavender, thyme, or rosemary is a sweet gift that captures the flavors of Provence. Dried herb bundles and spice mixes like herbes de Provence are another delicious way to bring the taste of the region into your kitchen.

10. Art Prints and Local Illustration

Aix has inspired artists for centuries, from Cézanne to modern illustrators. You’ll find prints, watercolors, and posters featuring Aix’s landmarks, landscapes, and fountains. These artworks are lightweight, personal, and a lovely way to bring Provence to your walls.

Shopping Tips for Aix-en-Provence

Visit the markets early

Aix has open-air markets nearly every day — food, flowers, antiques, and crafts — and they’re best visited in the morning. You’ll find the freshest produce, the friendliest vendors, and the fullest stalls before noon.

Don’t miss the food markets at Place Richelme

This charming square hosts one of the most atmospheric food markets in town. It’s where locals go for their olives, cheese, and seasonal fruits — and where visitors can sample Provençal flavors to take home.

Ask about origin

If you’re buying olive oil, textiles, or ceramics, ask if they’re made locally. Many products are marked “Fabrication Artisanale” or “Made in Provence” — a good sign of authenticity and quality.

Bring a shopping tote

Aix is very walkable, and it’s common to visit multiple shops or markets in one go. A lightweight canvas bag or basket will come in handy — and reduce your need for plastic.

Consider shipping fragile items

Pottery and wine can be fragile or heavy to transport. Ask vendors if they offer shipping, or pack carefully in your checked luggage with plenty of padding.

Support local makers

Look for boutiques and stalls run by small producers — especially on Saturdays, when many artisans come into town to sell their goods. You’ll find better craftsmanship and a more personal experience.

Final Thoughts

Aix-en-Provence is a place that engages all the senses — from the scent of lavender in the air to the taste of a sun-warmed tomato at the market. Its souvenirs reflect that richness. Whether it’s a box of calissons, a linen tablecloth, or a tiny terracotta santon, what you take home from Aix isn’t just an object — it’s a story, a flavor, a little piece of Provençal sunshine.