cafes very expensive, sediment in glass of wine (can't remember name of cafe).Didn't go to Aux deux garcons, but stood outside it and enjoyed thinking of Cezanne and Zola sitting there.
a hodge podge of upscale and tourist shops and restaurants. Busy at all hours with a market in the morning, walkers and tourists in the afternoon and assorted street artists, panhandlers and musicians at night. All the restaurants are marked up because it is perceived the place to see and be seen.
The Cours Mirabeau has the architectural formula of being as wide as the buildings are high which gives it a harmony and elegance rarely found. It is lined with plane trees which provide shade in summer for the cafes on the sunny side; the more serious banks and offices are on the shady side. There is a grand fountain with three muses at the lower end at the Rotonde and several in the middle on the way up towards the statue of Roi Rene at the top end.The cafes are always lively; Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday are the market days so locals with their baskets overflowing with produce are in evidence. The traffic is very limited so a drink in a cafe people-watching is a highly enjoyable way to rest your feet!
Cours Mirabeau is known for its wide boulevard lined with high-end shopping with loads of folks sitting outside the bistros enjoying the Provencal sun. Yes, it is all those things. However, after strolling, be sure to stop in at the Famille Perrin boutique on place Forbin for a tasting of some of their incredible wines. We have been big Beaucastel fans for years and were ecstatic their full range of wines were available during our stay in Aix-en-Provence (especially those we are unable to find in the US). The tasting agent, Richard, speaks beautiful English and is generous with tastings without being pushed to purchase. Don't miss this treat "at the end of the road."
We expected Cours Mirabeau to be a bit special - but it wasn't really. There were lots of sheds selling overpriced Christmas tat on one side of the road and bars and restaurants on the other. The center of the road is paved which confuses many people into thinking it's pedestrianised, but it isn't and can scare the life out of many people when they are almost flattened by walking in front of traffic who appear to be intended on flattening tourists.
When you are in Aix En Provence, a walk along Cours Mirabeau is very pleasant and highly recommended. The main street in Aix with cafes, restaurants and shops lining along it. The fountains along the street is also very beautiful.
It's the main pedestrian avenue in town, broad and lined with trees and full of people and life, and if you're in Aix it's definitely a nice walk. There are many smaller side streets up the hill that are also historic and fun, but Cours Mirabeau is like the main artery. Overall though, the shops and restaurants - like the town - are very expensive. It is beautiful and historic, but this town is a bit on trendy and pricey side for me.
Like most cities, each has its landmark shopping street. In light of all the shops that are located inside the old city, this street offers just a few of the "company type stores". There are several cafes/ bistros, which make for a nice break.
The Cours Mirabeau is a main artery for Aix. The beautiful fountain is a central starting point. From there, the main street sports cafes to sit at or shops to visit. Off of the Cours, are narrow streets with many boutiques, restaurants, and open air markets to discover. The large trees provide cool shade in the summer months. This is a place to see people going places and enjoying their day.
We was in lot of restaurants, coffes and bar. All the streets and the zone around have a strong trade, like parfums, clothes, snow equipments, shoes, and the unbelivable fragrances of Provence. We strongly recommend.