Aix-en-Provence Our Top 10 Things to See in the City, Aix-en-Provence, France

Steeped in history, Aix-en-Provence is a captivating city in Provence with a rich past and a roster of illustrious residents. Often known simply as Aix, the city is an ideal urban base for a holiday in the region. While the city has many captivating aspects, this article covers the top 10 things to see during your visit. Aix-en-Provence boasts historical sites, elegant boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and bustling daily markets. We encourage you to meander through the streets, relax on a terrace, and admire the numerous squares and fountains. While this article only scratches the surface of over two millennia of history, we have provided links to further articles for a deeper dive.

After conquering the hilltop oppidum of Entremont, the Romans, understanding the need for access to fresh water, abandoned the settlement established by the Salyens, a Celtic-Ligurian tribe in 180-170 BC. In roughly 122 BC, the Romans formed a new community named Aquae Sextiae (the Waters of Sextius), a tribute to the highly respected consul Caius Sextius Calvinus.

It wasn’t until 1481 that Aix-en-Provence officially became part of France. However, by 1555, it was a vital administrative city in the French Kingdom. Adorned with sculptured details and statues during the Renaissance, the fountains remain beautiful today. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).