Aix-en-Provence railway station is one of two serving the city of Aix-en-Provence in the Bouches-du-Rhône department of southeastern France. The other station, served by long-distance high-speed TGV trains on the LGV Méditerranée line, is Aix-en-Provence TGV, and lies about 12 km southwest of the city centre.
Amodest yet charming stop on the TGV line, sits just outside the picturesque Provençal town it’s named after. Unlike the grand hubs of Paris or Marseille, this station feels quieter, more intimate, with its sleek modern design and a backdrop of rolling hills. It’s a junction for travelers heading across southern France, offering a brief pause amid the region’s sunlit beauty. For me, though, it became the scene of an unexpected detour.
During my latest trip from Paris to Marseille in 2023, I accidentally stepped off the train here, mistakenly thinking I’d arrived at Marseille already.
The station’s unassuming platform caught me off guard—no bustling crowds or coastal vibes to signal my true destination. Realizing my error, I had to scramble for a solution, eventually ordering a Bolt taxi for around €50 to cover the final stretch to Marseille. It wasn’t the welcome to Provence I’d planned, but it gave me a moment to take in Aix-en-Provence station. As I waited, I noticed the familiar comforts of a Paul cafeteria and a Starbucks tucked inside—small anchors of normalcy amid my mix-up.
Looking back, that unplanned stop added a quirky twist to my journey. Aix-en-Provence station may not have been my goal, but it left its mark: a reminder to double-check the signs and a story to laugh about over coffee—whether from Paul or Starbucks.