Protected by the Montagne Ste Victoire which rises to 1,011 m. Aix is surrounded by a countryside full of authentic Provencal houses and traditional French style gardens. The name Aix comes from the source discovered when the city was founded in 123b.c. by the Romans.
Aix was the capitol of Provence in the 15th century, Wealthy merchants and local dignitaries helped turn this city into the Florence of Provence as we know it today. One can find all the beauty of the noble Provence of the 17th and 18th centuries: handsome houses of the upper class, private mansions, city squeres bursting with flowers, ancient fountains and shaded narrow streets.
Aix was the inspiration to many of the greatest writers and painters : Guigou, Stendhal, Mistral, Zola, and Cézanne, There is even a special Cezanne tour which one can follow through the streets of Aix stopping at points marked with a C.
As a city of art and culture Aix possesses a wealth of superbe architecture that has been carefully preserved and restored. Walking through the Cours Mirabeau and the Rue Gaston de Saporta one can admire the private mansions with their sculptured doors and windows and the intricate iron work on the balconies. Discerning shoppers choose the elegant boutiques in the quartier Mazarin.
Each summer the International Festival of Lyric Arts and Music unites acclaimed prima donnas and maestros in a fabulous selection of singing and music. The Dance Festival is also world reputed.
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