Aixperiences: Public restrooms in Aix—free vs paid (and why to carry tissues)

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If you’re new to Aix, two truths: 1) most shops and supermarkets don’t have public loos; 2) cafés and restaurants do—but they’re for customers. Order something small (an espresso counts) and ask nicely. Meanwhile, the city has dozens of sanisettes (those little spaceship pods) plus park and station facilities. The city’s official map shows free in blue, paid in orange. (Mairie d'Aix-en-Provence)

Quick picks (with Google Maps links)

Free = gratuit • Paid = payant. I’ve listed central, easy-to-find spots first.

  • 20 Rue Vendôme — Free. Handy between Cours Mirabeau and the old town.
    https://maps.google.com/?q=20+Rue+Vendome,+13100+Aix-en-Provence. (toilettespubliques.com)

  • Rue Monclar — Free. Near the mairie/market streets.
    https://maps.google.com/?q=Rue+Monclar,+13100+Aix-en-Provence. (toilettespubliques.com)

  • Place Marius-Bastard (1) — Free. South side of centre (uni area).
    https://maps.google.com/?q=Place+Marius+Bastard,+13100+Aix-en-Provence. (toilettespubliques.com)

  • 3 Av. Jean-de-la-Fontaine (2) — Free. Cluster with the two above.
    https://maps.google.com/?q=3+Avenue+Jean+de+la+Fontaine,+13100+Aix-en-Provence. (toilettespubliques.com)

  • 15 Rue Gabriel-Dussurget — Free. Same cluster.
    https://maps.google.com/?q=15+Rue+Gabriel+Dussurget,+13100+Aix-en-Provence. (toilettespubliques.com)

  • Square Colonel-Antoine-Mattei — Paid. Close to Rotonde/Victor-Leydet.
    https://maps.google.com/?q=Square+Colonel+Antoine+Mattei,+13100+Aix-en-Provence. (toilettespubliques.com)

  • Rue Victor-Leydet (1) — Paid. Near the previous one.
    https://maps.google.com/?q=Rue+Victor+Leydet,+13100+Aix-en-Provence. (toilettespubliques.com)

  • Chemin Camin d’Oc — Free (near Parc Jourdan entrances).
    https://maps.google.com/?q=Chemin+Camin+d%27Oc,+Aix-en-Provence. (toilettespubliques.com)

Stations & parks

  • Gare routière (bus station, centre) — Free toilets on site.
    https://maps.google.com/?q=Gare+Routi%C3%A8re+Aix-en-Provence. (Aix en Provence - Office de Tourisme)

  • Gare TGV (outside town) — Paid toilets (reports say ~€1).
    https://maps.google.com/?q=Gare+Aix-en-Provence+TGV. (Tripadvisor)

  • Parc Saint-Mitre — park page lists WC publics (status varies; usually free in parks).
    https://maps.google.com/?q=Parc+Saint-Mitre,+Aix-en-Provence. (Aix en Provence - Office de Tourisme)

Want the full picture? The official city map shows every spot with live legend (blue = free, orange = paid). Bookmark it: “Toilettes publiques – Ville d’Aix”. (Mairie d'Aix-en-Provence)
Note: The Tourist Office does not have public toilets (don’t wait until you’re inside to learn that). (Aix en Provence - Office de Tourisme)

How to use a sanisette (the silver pod)

  1. Wait for the green light/free sign.

  2. Press the button; door opens.

  3. Go in, close/lock.

  4. When you exit, the booth runs a quick self-clean cycle—don’t re-enter until it’s green again.

  5. Some units are coin/card; many are free—check the door. (If you’re at a payant unit near Rotonde, have a coin ready.)

Bring tissues. They usually stock paper, but it does run out—especially on market days and during festivals. (We have all met the Great Aix Paper Plot Twist.)

Café etiquette (and a handy phrase)

  • Buy something small (an espresso is perfect) and ask:
    “Excusez-moi, est-ce que je peux utiliser les toilettes, s’il vous plaît ?”
    Big smile, a “merci beaucoup” on the way out—works wonders.

Tiny language boosts for every level

  • A1: Où sont les toilettes, s’il vous plaît ?

  • A2: Est-ce que c’est gratuit ou payant ?

  • B1: Y a-t-il du papier ? Sinon, ce n’est pas grave.

  • B2: Pourriez-vous m’indiquer les toilettes publiques les plus proches ?

  • Advanced: Je vais consommer, mais puis-je utiliser les sanitaires d’abord ? Merci de votre compréhension.

Useful sources & maps

City map & free/paid legend; Tourist Office note; station details; and individual loo pages used above. (Mairie d'Aix-en-Provence)

Your turn (on papote à Aix 💬)

Locals & alumni: which spots are the most reliable? Any “hidden gem” loos near your favorite café or market stall? A1–B2 learners—post a polite phrase you tried (and how it went). Add a tip, a correction, or a new link below. Bienvenue dans le club des chasseurs de sanisettes !

Location: Aix-en-Provence, France