Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is the administrative capital of Provence with wide avenues, stone facades, and numerous water features between medieval lanes and newer districts. The town spreads along a plain near the Arc River and connects older quarters with more modern areas through shady boulevards.

Sextius Calvinus founded the Roman settlement Aquae Sextiae here in 123 BCE around warm springs that fed public baths. Later the town became the capital of Provence and remained so until the French Revolution.

Market days fill the squares with regional produce such as lavender honey, olive oil, and fresh vegetables from nearby villages. Residents meet on small squares under shady trees where cafés remain open throughout the day.

The medieval quarter lies north of the main avenue and is easy to reach on foot, while newer districts extend toward the south. Summer temperatures can be very high, so early mornings or late afternoons are more comfortable for walking tours.

Paul Cézanne lived and painted the surrounding landscape here, especially Mont Sainte-Victoire, which he captured in more than 60 paintings. His studio outside the town center remains arranged as he left it.

Location: canton of Aix-en-Provence-Nord-Est

Location: canton of Aix-en-Provence-Centre

Location: canton of Aix-en-Provence-Sud-Ouest

Location: arrondissement of Aix-en-Provence

Location: Bouches-du-Rhône

Location: Métropole Aix-Marseille-Provence

Elevation above the sea: 246 m

Shares border with: Bouc-Bel-Air, Cabriès, Éguilles, Gardanne, Meyreuil, Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade, Rognac, Rognes, Saint-Cannat, Saint-Marc-Jaumegarde, Le Tholonet, Velaux, Venelles, Ventabren, Vitrolles

Address: Aix-en-Provence, France

Phone: +33442919000

Email: astreinte_rs@mairie-aixenprovence.fr

Website: https://aixenprovence.fr

GPS coordinates: 43.52778,5.44556

Latest update: December 15, 2025 13:20