Founded in 123 BC by the Romans, Aix-en-Provence draws its origin, its name and, to an extent, its reputation, from its
thermal springs. (Even to this day, the city boasts no fewer than 23
fountains.)
Aix began as the capital of Provence under the successive rule of the
Celts, the
Romans, the counts and the monarchs, until 1790, when it became merely the chief town of the area.
Today one can spend days walking the twisted
cobblestone side streets or exploring the numerous
mansion-lined squares, and admiring the
superb architecture, the legacy of
the wealthy merchants and local dignitaries who helped turn this city into the ’Florence of Provence’ in the 17th and 18th centuries.
This big
student town is still home to many universities and is a center for the
arts, with numerous
festivals taking place in Aix-en-Provence all year long, the most famous of which is undoubtedly the International Festival of Lyrical Art and Music.
With the now famous
Montagne Ste Victoire as a backdrop, Aix is surrounded by
beautiful scenery, which has inspired many artists and intellectuals, among them Paul
Cézanne. In 2006, the city is marking the death of its most famous son, Paul Cézanne (1839-1906), with many special events, so there is no better time to visit.
The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Related France Content
The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
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