I have been on holiday in Aix en Provence a few times to visit an old friend that have known for many years. Aix en Provence is a university town and has a large number of very lively bars and cafes. One of the areas in Aix en Provence to go to is Richelme which is in the old town, there you will find many busy cafés, all with outdoor terraces, including the Bar de l'Horloge, L'Unic Bar and Happy Days.
Richelme
Another place to try is Forum des Cardeurs which is a large open square absolutely covered everywhere with bars and restaurants, like many other parts of the Old Town, you will find alot of activity in the evenings, and especially at weekends.
Les Deux Garçons on the Cours Mirabeau is a classic place for tourists to hang around, though you'll pay a fair bit more here for your wine or coffee. Many Aixois prefer Le Grillon just a few doors away - and, like a number of other bars in Aix, it offers free tapas with its drinks in the early evening, which is great..
Cours Mirabeau
Last year in the summers of 2016 there was bad news for the nightlife in Aix en Provence. Upto then bars were able to stay open till 2am in the early hours of the morning, which created the perfect night life for Aix en Provence. But now after the local residents complaining, then now the closing times for bars is 12.30 am.
The great news now that in March 2017 the original 2am was put back in place after the bar owners, officials and residents signed a night life agreement. But unfortunately the earlier deadline may be reinstated if the tensions start again.