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About Aix-en-Provence
Aix or Aix-en-Provence, to distinguish it from other cities built over hot springs, is a city in southern France, some 30 km north of Marseille. It is located in the Provence region, in the Bouches-du-Rhône département, of which it is a sous-préfecture. Its inhabitants – of which there are approximately 140,200 – are called Aixois.
City areas
Aix-en-Provence is divided into 3 cantons, further subdivided into 19 small administrative quarters. Cours Mirabeau splits the city in Quartier Mazarin, the new town, and Ville comtale, the old town.
Attractions
Aix has several museums and galleries, many beautiful fountains and eye-catching surroundings like Mont Sainte-Victoire.
Transportation
Aix is a fairly small city and can be easily navigated by foot. The bus system is also very efficient and has numerous stops within the city as well as connecting Aix with nearby villages, towns, and Marseille.
Events
There are several markets held in Aix-en-Provence, either weekly, monthly or once a year, but entertainment may be found in all forms, be it music festivals, film screenings or the national celebrations like Bastille Day.
Restaurants and nightlife
Aix has an incredible number of restaurants compared to its small size. Most of them are gathered in a small area in the old city, between Place des Cardeurs and the Rotonde (Cours Mirabeau). Restaurants and bars on the Cours Mirabeau tend to be more expensive though.
History and civilization
Aix (Aquae Sextiae) was founded in 123 BC by the Roman consul Sextius Calvinus, who gave his name to its springs.
The best time for Aix-en-Provence
Aix-en-Provence is a fascinating city year-round, with lots of things to do in both summer and winter. However, most visitors arrive between April and early November when the weather is the most reliable.