Aix-en-Provence City Guide for Visitors, Aix-en-Provence, France

Magnetic Aix-en-Provence is one of France's wealthier cities, with a long history of civilization and a roster of distinguished inhabitants. However, when visiting the "City of Art and Water" for the first time, it's hard to know where to start. To help you during your visit, we've created a city guide.

Aix-en-Provence is a vibrant city rich in heritage, originating as a Roman settlement and flourishing during the Middle Ages as the royal residence for the Counts of Provence. Since 1409, it has been a center of learning with a campus of L’Université d’Aix-Marseille, attracting students worldwide.

A notable figure in its history is King René (René 1er d’Anjou), who reigned from 1472 to 1480 and was known for his patronage of the arts. Despite challenges from the French Revolution and both World Wars, Aix-en-Provence has emerged vibrant and dynamic.

Today, the city features bustling markets, historic Roman ruins, medieval streets, inspiring museums, and the artistic legacy of Paul Cezanne. Explore the Aix-en-Provence City Guide for a wealth of information to enhance your visit! Enjoy your journey through history and culture!

Today’s Aix-en-Provence was founded in 122 BC when the Romans moved from Entremont, an oppidum established by the Salyens, a Celtic-Ligurian tribe in 180-170 BC. Recognizing the importance of freshwater for a settlement to thrive and survive, the Romans abandoned the hilltop oppidum of Entremont. They named the new community Aquae Sextiae, the waters of Sextius, a tribute to the highly respected Roman consul Caius Sextius Calvinus. Strategically located, this new city had access to natural water sources, including Les Étuves and Les Bagniers, which supplied warm water for the Roman thermal baths. The remains of these ancient pools are at the site of a modern, luxurious spa, the Thermes Sextius. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).