Aix-en-Provence is in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. It’s a feast for the senses – a thriving hub of artistic, intellectual and economic activity. When you visit this ancient town, just relax and enjoy all Aix has to offer.
Some history
Aix-en-Provence grew from the establishment of Aquae Sextiae, a Roman settlement, around 123 BC. It prospered for centuries as a flourishing Roman provincial capital, due to the popularity of the thermal hot springs that attracted Rome’s well-to-do citizens.
After the Western Roman Empire fell in the 5th century AD, Aix-en-Provence fell to the Visigoths, a Germanic tribe with a powerful local presence. After the Goths were forced out of Provence and into Spain in the 6th century, the city changed hands several times between periods of independence.
During the medieval period, Aix-en-Provence became a centre of learning and the arts. The Université Aix-Marseille was founded in 1409 and recognized by Papal Bull in 1413.
In 1487, the region was consolidated under the authority of the Count of Provence, settling Aix’s status.
During the 16th century, when the French monarchy took direct control of Provence, Aix became its administrative capital. The city experienced a revival of arts and culture, and further royal French investment poured into Aix during the 17th and 18th centuries.
Notable architecture
The Saint-Sauveur Cathedral has its origins in a 5th-century basilica that was built on the site of a first-century Roman forum. The current Romanesque and Gothic elements have been added over the centuries during rebuilding, expansion and restoration. Its vaulted interiors, organ and archaeological crypt show its evolving styles across a 1500-year history.
The 12th-century Church of Saint Jean de Malte contains one of the finest Baroque pipe organs in Provence. The exquisitely crafted pipe organ is still used for concerts.
Scattered around the old town are many elegant private mansions (hôtels particuliers) dating back to Aix’s Renaissance heyday between the 16th and 18th centuries.
The Hôtel d’Estienne de Saint Jean, with its luxurious interior courtyard and garden, is one fine example. The mansion’s Gothic facade was designed by architect Pierre Puget, who also worked on other local masterpieces, such as the Hôtel de Boyer d’Éguilles and the Hôtel de Grimaldi-Régusse.
Aix-en-Provence marks these spots
Hôtel de Caumont is an 18th-century art centre that holds three quality exhibitions each year, as well as concerts and other events. However, the building itself is the star of the show, with its palatial rooms, filled with antiques and objets d’art from Aix’s opulent past.
Musée Granet has an impressive collection of art and artifacts from the region, including works by artists such as Cézanne, Picasso and Giacometti.
L’Atelier de Cézanne is the former studio of the French painter Paul Cézanne and it has been preserved as a museum. Visitors can see the artist’s original equipment and materials, and even some of his unfinished works.
Musée des Tapisseries contains a fine collection of tapestries from the 17th and 18th centuries, by artists such as Charles Le Brun and Jean-Baptiste Oudry.
Le Tour de l’Horloge is the old city belfry with an astronomical clock dating from 1661. It is located in the Place de l’Hôtel de Ville, which is at the centre of the old town near the Town Hall.
The famous Marché aux Fleurs (flower market) can also be found in the square every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday morning from 8:00am. If you enjoy colour and scent, it’s a feast for the senses.
The Halle aux Grains was built in the 18th century as a grain market. It is now a concert hall that hosts a variety of musical performances throughout the year.
Quartier Mazarin is a 17th-century neighbourhood known for its elegant architecture, including several aristocratic palaces.
Parks and gardens
The Jas de Bouffan, a country house and estate once owned by Cézanne, is surrounded by lush gardens. It is a place of inspiration for artists and is occasionally open to the public.
The Parc Jourdan, with its colourful flowerbeds, walking paths and playgrounds, is an ideal spot in the city for picnics and outdoor activities.
Events in Aix-en-Provence
For those who enjoy festivals and special entertainment, Aix-en-Provence hosts many events and festivals throughout the year. Here are some of the more notable:
The Festival de Pâques (The Easter Festival) is an annual classical music festival that usually takes place in April. The variety of concerts and recitals attracts some of the world’s best classical musicians.
In June, visitors can attend the Fête de la Saint-Jean, where they can enjoy traditional Provençal music, dancing, and food.
The Fête de la Musique takes place on the summer solstice, offering fans of various music genres something to enjoy.
The Festival d’Aix-en-Provence is an annual international festival that takes place in July. It features operas, concerts and recitals that attract visitors from around the world.
The Festival des Nuits du Château is an annual summer music festival, held in the courtyard of Château de la Mignarde. It is popular with fans of various musical genres, including jazz, blues and rock.
In December, the Festival Tous Courts attracts filmmakers, critics and film enthusiasts to a gala of short films from around the world.
The Marché aux Santons is an annual Christmas market that features traditional Provençal nativity scenes, or santons; it attracts visitors of all ages.
Local cuisine – definitely a feast for the senses
Aix-en-Provence is renowned for its Provençal cuisine, featuring dishes such as ratatouille, bouillabaisse, and calissons (traditional almond and fruit candy).
The Cours Mirabeau, a tree-lined avenue in the heart of the city, is a popular spot for enjoying local specialties, including pastries and regional wines. It has market stalls three times a week.
Further afield
- Marseille, located about 30 kilometres away, offers an enjoyable coastal experience with its historic Old Port, bustling markets, and cultural attractions, such as the MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations)
- The Luberon Regional Natural Park, known for its picturesque villages of Lourmarin and Gordes, provides a scenic day trip option. Visitors can explore hilltop towns, vineyards, and lavender fields in this beautiful region
- Cassis is a fishing village known for its stunning calanques (narrow inlets) and beautiful beaches. It’s perfect for hiking and swimming
- Montagne Sainte-Victoire, east of Aix-en-Provence, is a beautiful mountain frequently painted by Cézanne. It offers hiking trails with panoramic views over the region
- Avignon, Arles and Les Baux-de-Provence are between one and two hours away from Aix-en-Provence.
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Information
LOCATION: Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur
DISTANCE FROM PARIS: 760 km (472 miles) to the SSE
POPULATION: 150,000 +
NEAREST AIRPORT: Marseilles, about 14 miles away.
NEAREST TRAIN STATION: Gare d’Aix-en-Provence in the city; Aix-en-Provence TGV, for long-distance journeys (12 km southwest of the city)
TOURIST INFORMATION: 300 Avenue Giuseppe Verdi
MARKETS: Daily food market in Place Richelme; on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, outdoor market stalls, selling almost everything, fill neighbouring streets.
MUST SEE: Museums; architecture; the old sections of the town.
