Aix-en-Provence
Provence, land of Van Gogh, fertile vineyards and sleepy villages where time-honoured trades such as pottery, soap making and traditional woodwork are still celebrated.
Aix-en-Provence
The living history book that is Aix-en-Provence has been a university town forever. With its plane tree shaded boulevards, public squares, 17th century mansions and secret gardens glimpsed through elaborate iron railings, the town has as its main thoroughfare elegant Cours Mirabeau, studded with trickling fountains and guarded by haughty stone lions. In its midst, is the Café des Deux Garçons, once favoured by local boy, artist Cezanne.
The Romans called the town ‘Aquae Sextius’, which evolved into ‘Aix’, after the thermal springs which continue to flow here. Even now, through the windows of the Sextius Thermal Baths, where a wide range of hydrotherapy treatments are on offer to today’s health-conscious individuals, the excavated ruins of the Roman baths are clearly visible.
Things To Do in Aix
Find the Tapestry Museum on the first floor of the Archbishop’s Palace in Place de l’Ancien Archeveche. The apartments are choc-a-bloc with a superb collection of tapestries and 17th century furniture.
See Cezanne’s easel, palette, bowler hat, smock and some original drawings in the cottage where he completed his last works. Cezanne’s Studio is at 9 Avenue Paul Cezanne.
Aix market sets up in the town’s old square on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Visit the Food Markets in the Place des Precheurs and Place de la Madeleine where stalls are piled high with shiny peppers, ruby jewelled tomatoes, fat strawberries, bowls of olives and dips, rich-textured local wines and stacks of cheeses. Flea Markets are the source of some great bargains. If it’s bric-a-brac or second hand books you’re after, visit the Place de Verdun while for clothes, it’s best to try the market behind the Law Courts.
The focal point of the town is the Cathédrale St-Sauveur, with its octagonal, 5th-century baptistry, cloisters and a Buisson Ardent triptych painted in 1476. Return to features index
Photos (c) Gilly Pickup
Aix-en-Provence
The living history book that is Aix-en-Provence has been a university town forever. With its plane tree shaded boulevards, public squares, 17th century mansions and secret gardens glimpsed through elaborate iron railings, the town has as its main thoroughfare elegant Cours Mirabeau, studded with trickling fountains and guarded by haughty stone lions. In its midst, is the Café des Deux Garçons, once favoured by local boy, artist Cezanne.
The Romans called the town ‘Aquae Sextius’, which evolved into ‘Aix’, after the thermal springs which continue to flow here. Even now, through the windows of the Sextius Thermal Baths, where a wide range of hydrotherapy treatments are on offer to today’s health-conscious individuals, the excavated ruins of the Roman baths are clearly visible.
Things To Do in Aix
Find the Tapestry Museum on the first floor of the Archbishop’s Palace in Place de l’Ancien Archeveche. The apartments are choc-a-bloc with a superb collection of tapestries and 17th century furniture.
See Cezanne’s easel, palette, bowler hat, smock and some original drawings in the cottage where he completed his last works. Cezanne’s Studio is at 9 Avenue Paul Cezanne.
Aix market sets up in the town’s old square on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Visit the Food Markets in the Place des Precheurs and Place de la Madeleine where stalls are piled high with shiny peppers, ruby jewelled tomatoes, fat strawberries, bowls of olives and dips, rich-textured local wines and stacks of cheeses. Flea Markets are the source of some great bargains. If it’s bric-a-brac or second hand books you’re after, visit the Place de Verdun while for clothes, it’s best to try the market behind the Law Courts.
The focal point of the town is the Cathédrale St-Sauveur, with its octagonal, 5th-century baptistry, cloisters and a Buisson Ardent triptych painted in 1476. Return to features index
Photos (c) Gilly Pickup