Rue d'Italie (Italy Street), Aix-en-Provence

Rue d'Italie (Italy Street) is one of the oldest streets in the city and one of the oldest urban streets in France. Named in honor of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte's victorious campaigns in Italy, it was created by an extension of the ancient Roman street, Aurelia. The Aurelia street passed through the colony of the Baths of Sextius on its way between Rome and Spain. The territory was founded by the Roman consul Gaius Sextius Calvinus in the 2nd century BC.

In the Middle Ages, the street was the "Way of Saint Maximinus." As the Church of Saint John of Malta was on the road, it came to be called the "Way of Saint John." In 1540 a manor near the Church of St. John was demolished to erect fortifications. In 1671 a priory was built by Jean-Claude Viany, a chaplain of the order of Saint John of Jerusalem. In 1838 the priory became the Musee Granet.

Italy Street is in the old Mazarin district. The street is lined with simple townhouses, shops, and cafes. Have drinks at A Casa pub and bar or enjoy a meal at La Dolce Italia restaurant. The Musee Granet and its Cezanne collection are nearby. Italy Street is also one of the most commercial and tourist-friendly streets.

The narrow Italy Street houses several restaurants. The pavement is cobbled with colorful Provencal stones. Part of the church of Saint John of Malta faces the street. Need a break? Stop at the lunchtime-only restaurant "Between Noon and Two" (Entre Midi et Deux). Enjoy!