Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is a major city located in southern France.

It sits within the Bouches-du-Rhône department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. The city is situated on a plain overlooking the Arc river. To the east, the white limestone Montagne Sainte-Victoire rises above the landscape.

Aix is a significant urban center with a population of approximately 148,000 people. Its inhabitants are known as Aixois or Aquisextains. The city serves as a subprefecture for its local arrondissement.

The climate in Aix is classified as Mediterranean, specifically Köppen Csa.

This means the region experiences warm temperatures and distinct seasons. The city enjoys an average of 300 days of sunshine each year. It receives relatively little rain, averaging only 58 days. Because it is located inland, the weather can be more extreme than in nearby Marseille. While the city is partially protected, it still feels the effects of the Mistral. This wind can bring cooler and gusty conditions to the area.

The history of Aix began in 123 BC with Roman foundations.

The Roman consul Sextius Calvinus founded the settlement. He named the city Aquae Sextiae after its local thermal springs. In 102 BC, the area hosted the Battle of Aquae Sextiae. During this conflict, the Romans under Gaius Marius defeated the Ambrones and Teutones. In the 4th century AD, the city became the metropolis of Narbonensis Secunda. Later, the Visigoths occupied the area in 477 AD.

Throughout the Middle Ages, Aix grew into a major political center. It served as the capital of Provence for a long time. After the 12th century, the city became a seat of learning and art. This growth happened under the houses of Barcelona/Aragon and Anjou. In 1487, Aix passed to the French crown along with Provence. Louis XII established the parliament of Provence there in 1501. This parliamentary body remained active in the city until 1789. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the town was the seat of the Intendance of Provence.

The layout of the modern city reflects its long history. The Cours Mirabeau is a wide and famous thoroughfare.

It is planted with double rows of plane trees and lined with fine houses. This street divides the city into two distinct sections. The old town lies to the north with narrow, irregular streets and historic mansions. The new town extends to the south and west. One notable area is the Quartier Mazarin, built in the late 17th century. This district was designed for the gentry by Archbishop Michele Mazzarino.

Aix is famously known as the city of a thousand fountains.

Many of these fountains are connected to the city's thermal history. One natural hot water fountain is covered in moss and dates to Roman times. It maintains a temperature of 34 °C. The Fontaine des Quatre Dauphins was built in 1667 in the Quartier Mazarin. At La Rotonde, a monumental fountain from 1860 features three large statues. These statues represent the concepts of art, justice, and agriculture.

The city is also a major center for education and culture.

A royal charter for a university was granted in 1409. Today, institutions like Aix-Marseille University and Sciences Po are located here. The city is the birthplace of the Post-Impressionist painter Paul Cézanne.

Visitors can walk a trail to his former studio and childhood home. Culturally, the Festival d'Aix-en-Provence is a world-renowned opera event. It takes place every year during late June and July. The city also hosts the Musique dans la Rue street music festival in June.