Aerial View of Aix. Photo © Jean-Claude CARBONNE. Provided by Office de Tourisme Aix en Provence
Aix-en-Provence, a lovely, graceful and active city, is the perfect spot to enjoy summer, or any season in Provence. This ancient Celtic-Ligurian town was built by the Romans "Aquae Sextiae"--the waters of (Roman consul) Sextiu--around 123 B.C. Aix, pronounced "ex,""was a highly cultured Provencal capital from the 12th to the 15th centuries, at least at the court of the Counts of Provence. Art, music, poetry, and the "Romances"--grandiose tales of chivalrous knights and their ladie--flourished at the court. King Rene was a true Renaissance man. Aix received a royal charter in 1409 for a university which became a noted center of learning, and today, Aix has many French universities, foreign programs, institutes of art and languages; a large student population adds to the lively, sophisticated atmosphere. Aix retains much of its 17th and 18th century style; during this period fashionable homes were built (of the golden Bibemus quarry stone) lining the wide, new boulevards, avenues and squares. Today, Aix's main economy focuses on tourism, almonds, electronics and software, and wine. Aix is internationally known for its Summer Music Festival. The TGV high speed train connects Aix to Paris, Marseille, and Nice.
