About Your Local Tour Guide in Aix
Get to know who we are
Founded in 2023
Though my family has been shaping Aix since the 1800s.
3000+ Travellers Guided
From solo wanderers to multi-generational families.
500+ Five-Star Reviews
Across Google, TripAdvisor, GetYourGuide, and other direct feedback.
Zero
Microphones or flags ever flown. We keep things small and personal.
Countless Friends Made
Many guests return year after year (and bring friends)
Benjamin Reilly
Five generations of my family have called this city home. My family were merchants in the streets you walk through in Aix. My great-great-grandfather fought in the resistance in these streets. My grandmother was a messenger for the resistance. My mother taught me which café makes the best Calisson — not the touristy ones on you find in Airports, but the family place tucked behind Place Richelme where locals go – next door to the shop they owned selling medical supplies.
I was schooled in the UK, and left Aix after university to explore the world. I ran a language school in Peru, chased adventure, saw the world. But when everything shut down in 2020, I came home.
Walking these streets again after years away, I saw Aix differently. Tourists were wandering past my great-great-grandfather’s name without knowing his story.
They were photographing buildings without understanding why they mattered. They were missing the best places to eat in the least expected places, instead of the hidden gems my family has known for generations.
That’s when I realized: I don’t just know Aix’s history from textbooks. I know it from childhood memories, family dinners, and stories passed down over generations.
And I could share that. AixTours started in 2023 not as a business, but as an invitation:
Come see my Aix.
The one my family built, lives in, and loves.
— Benjamin Reilly
Fifth-Generation Aixois, Licensed Guide, Occasional Tea Drinker
The Stories Behind the Guide
This isn’t just history to me—it’s family. When I show you Aix, you’re seeing the city that shaped my ancestors and raised me.
Marcel Cremieux
My great great grandfather succumbed to Gestapo operations and was taken to the camps in Nazi Germany. He never returned.
Family Roots
His name sits on the plaque in the plaza of the martyrs of the resistance in Aix. By telling you his story, we make sure we never forget.
Adolphe Cremieux
One of the most prominent 19th Century Lawyers who worked for the Minister of Justice. A distant relative.
San Pareil Café
My great uncle sitting in front of his café on the Cours Mirabeau, a postcard long before colour photography (coloured using AI).
what drives me
Trained Teacher and Storyteller, Not just a guide
Benjamin brings his decade of teaching experience, and a passion for drama, learning and history, to create a tour balanced between entertainment and education.
5+ Generations of Family Stories
My family have wandered these streets for generations. Their stories can't be found in the guide books. Local insights are more valuable than general information.
British Humour, French Soul
I've been told I'm "the most un-French-sounding Frenchman you'll ever meet." Which means: punctual, loves a good cup of tea, appreciates self-deprecating humour, but absolutely French when it comes to wine, food, and arguing about the best boulangerie.
AixTours Started because there was something missing...
Visitors were coming to Aix-en-Provence and leaving with lovely photos—but no real understanding of the place. And surprisingly, there were very few high-quality tours in English, none that combined small, personable groups with depth, humour, and genuinely good storytelling.
That’s where I stepped in.
I’ve always explored Aix the same way—with my family, with friends, and with locals. And as someone who loves to travel, I’ve learned one thing very clearly: the best way to understand a place is through the people who live there. That’s the experience I wanted to offer.
I’m a teacher at heart. I love helping people see differently, think differently, and—most importantly—fall in love with a place they may have never considered deeply before. History matters to me, not as a list of dates, but as something that makes us sharper, more curious, and more connected to the world. We need that now more than ever.
On my tours, I’m not racing through 20 stops or competing with bus tours. I keep groups small. I choose stops that are relevant to you. And while conversation is important, this isn’t just a casual walk—this is storytelling. I perform, I guide, and I entertain, because stories are what stay with us long after the trip ends.
I believe everyone has a message to share. This is mine.
If great composers had never written their music, we’d have nothing to listen to today. This is how I contribute—by sharing Aix in a way that’s thoughtful, human, and memorable.
If you’re looking for a tour that’s personal, intelligent, and genuinely fun, you’re in the right place.
Watch Benjamin in Action
You are in the right place if...
You’re In the Right Place If…
✓ You’re tired of tour guides who recite Wikipedia
✓ You want to understand Aix, not just photograph it
✓ You value small groups over megaphone crowds
✓ You appreciate nerdy historical details delivered with humor
✓ You want to eat where locals eat, not tourist traps
✓ You’re curious about how a city shapes the people who live in it
✓ You believe travel should change you, not just check boxes
This isn't for you if...
✗ You want a quick 90-minute Instagram photo tour
✗ You’re looking for the cheapest option (I charge what I’m worth)
✗ You prefer bus tours with 40+ people
✗ You want a guide who stays “on script” without adapting
✗ You’re uncomfortable with honest opinions about Aix (I’ll tell you which “famous” spots to skip)
What Our Guests Say
Our tour was simply wonderful, exceeding our expectations. Benjamin is a terrific guide; knowledgeable, smart, funny, professional and welcoming. He has a great ability to describe Aix's history and connect it to the present-day city we toured. He combined big picture stuff with "insider" details that only a native of Aix could offer. He made our stay so much richer. He was a pleasure. We are recommending him to others, and already making plans to return.
Olivia Bennett
Instead of just rattling off facts, he told stories that made the history stick, pointed out details I would have walked right past, and gave me a real feel for the rhythm of the city. We ended up wandering through quiet side streets and courtyards, local markets, quiet hidden fountains and Le Cours Mirabeau. And even a few spots we felt like only locals know about.
Chloe Adams
Benjamin was friendly and knowledgeable. He was able to distill a lot of relevant information in a layback and pedagogical manner, which is not the case with all guides. My family and I are big consumers of private guides when we travel, and we travel often. I would say that Benjamin ranks in our top three or top four of all time
James Walker
Benjamin is extremely knowledgeable of the city of Aix-en-Provence. He has a good mix of the history with a little touch of humor that makes it very interesting and fun! The additional touch of his own family history in the city is an added bonus. We thoroughly enjoyed the tour and would highly recommend it to anyone visiting the city.
Daniel Brooks
Ben was an incredibly knowledgeable tour guide and very personable. It was a very fun and interesting morning learning about the history of Aix, its residents and the culture. Great recommendations for shopping and dining and what museums to pursue on our own. We highly recommend this tour for all that you will learn and how entertaining Ben is.
Harper MitchellBen was a fantastic guide. He lives and breathes Aix en Provence and imparts his knowledge along with lovely stories and a passion that clearly stems from his life and family history in Aix. We tried some local delicacies, bought strawberries, drank pastis in a square and really felt immersed in the town. Highly recommended!
Marcus Hayes
Benji has a great of humor, has an incredible amount of local knowledge (and family roots here in Aix) as well as an appreciation for his tour group/tailors to who he is speaking to. He shared information that is not readily available in the tour books - way better! Absolutely recommend him
Sophia CollinsI spent a morning walking around Aix-en-Provence with Benjamin, and it was nothing short of fabulous. He has that perfect mix of local knowledge, easygoing energy, and a real love for Aix.
Tyler GrantNot just a one man band
Alexandra Cruz
Spanish Tour Guide
Hello, my name is Alexandra, I come from Cusco-Peru, I have been living in Aix-en-Provence for 3 years, I am the mother of a 10-year-old girl named Leia who gives me a lot of love, support and motivation. I am lucky to live in a city full of history and many interesting facts and I enjoy the sun, even in winter this city is beautiful and warm. Through this tour I will share with you an enriching experience of stories, places and key personalities who participated in the founding of the city of Aix en Provence. Our unforgettable getaway is not just any visit. We will dive into the heart of the rich history of Aix.
Ready to See Aix Through Our Eyes?
Whether you’re here for two days or two weeks, I’ll show you the Aix most visitors never discover—the courtyards, stories, and people that make this city feel like home.
Our experience with Benjamin and his tour was excellent. We walked the city of Aix and through Benjamins deep knowledge we gleaned much insight into its history. Ben is personable and easy to know. He has a terrific sense of humor. Ben welcomes questions and shares his insight with enthusiasm. Aix-en-Provence is a beautiful historic city and you do not want to miss the opportunity to experience it through the eyes of an expert. Hire this guide, you will not regret it.
Ethan Carter