Aix-en-Provence Book The Inside Story in Colour

Delighted to say that my book Aix-en-Provence The Inside Story is being re-issued, brought up to date and now in colour throughout.  It‘s eight (8) years since it was first published, and I believe I am right in saying that it’s still the only book to cover the story of this fascinating town in English. Contributor blog post by: Aixcentric

Where to buy the book?

Online from LuLu Press under the title here.

In Aix-en-Provence at:

Book in Bar (an international book store and café)
4 rue Joseph Cabassol
13100, Aix-en-Provence
Closed on Sundays.

What is the book about?

After living in Aix-en-Provence for some time, Lynne was frustrated because there was so little information available for English speakers interested in the city’s history. So she endeavoured to collect the information chronologically, starting with the Romans who founded Aquae Sextiae (Waters of Sextius). Next, the book, Aix-en-Provence The Inside Story, covers the Middle Ages in the town ill-prepared for famine and plague. Finally, a section on the “Golden Age”, a period that remains the most evident even today in the embellished fountains, famous Cours Mirabeau and the entire Quartier Mazarin.

The book looks, where possible, behind the doors at the families and some of the town’s artists. Where visitor’s guide books focus on building facades and columns, Lynne’s book talks about the people who lived in the buildings. Her research brought up many questions about the lives of women and the working classes.

Aix More Fascinating History

Visit the Musée Granet and discover the museum’s Roman-era collection. Aix must be a paradise for archaeologists: building work in town often yields ancient foundations and sewers, but sometimes sumptuous Roman mosaic dining room floors, everyday pottery and glass from the table, and even jewellery, oil lamps and statues. They dated from around 2000 years ago when Aix was the first Roman town in the first Roman province, hence Provence’s name.

Jas de Bouffan Paul Cezanne’s Family Home in Aix. Home to the Cezanne family for 40 years was closed over a year ago for renovation. I went in for a visit on its last day of opening, and my goodness, it needed renovation: think cold, damp, pieces of plaster hanging off the walls and ceilings. It’s a sizable property, 450m2, with a farm, outbuildings, caretaker’s house, a large pond, an orangerie…all in 6 hectares of land, all inside the Aix city boundaries.

Cézanne’s Studio. Visiting his private studio was an inspiring experience. The atelier is located up above the city on Lauves Hill. I walked in the woods behind his studio, understanding his need for quiet solitude completely. This place allowed him to paint in the style he became known for but not highly respected for during his lifetime.

Visiting Fondation Vasarely in Aix-en-Provence. Victor Vasarely (1906 -1997), considered the “Father of Optical Art”, was a Hungarian-born artist and designer who spent much time working in Provence. His work encompassed architecture, publicity posters, fashion and even car design, as well as his signature op-art.