A Quick Guide to the Aix-en-Provence Essentials
Explore · Locals Travel Tips · Paul Shawcross
Founded in AD 122 by the Romans and known as Aquas Sextias, Aix-en-Provence, the old capital of Provence and seat of the Aix Parliament , is a charming and graceful city with 17 and 18C buildings, squares and magnificent avenues.
The most well-known of these avenues is the Cours Mirabeau , named after the revolutionary politician, right in the centre of town and lined with magnificent plane trees. Constructed on the old ramparts, the Cours Mirabeau is really the hub of Aix with many cafés including the famous Café des Deux Garçons which were frequented by the likes of the writer Emile Zola and the artist Paul Cézanne.
Aix is also famous for its fountains and three of these can be found along the length of the Cours Mirabeau – the Fontaine des Neuf Canons; the Fontaine d’Eau Thermale and the Fontaine du Roi René.
Before you leave Aix you have to sample the famous Calissons – these confections made from candied fruit, ground almonds and royal icing are absolutely delicious and must not be missed!
Words and images ©Paul Shawcross
Photo 1: The 9 canons fountain on the Cours Mirabeau
Photo 2: Fountain in the place des Trois Ormeaux
Please share this with friends and family.
Legal
All rights reserved. Perfectly Provence articles and other content may not be published, broadcast, rewritten (including translations into other languages) or redistributed without written permission. For usage information, please contact us.
Syndication Information
Affiliate Information
As an Amazon Associate, this website earns from qualifying purchases. Some recipes, posts and pages may have affiliate links. If you purchase via these links, we receive a small commission that does not impact your price. Thank you in advance for supporting our work to maintain Perfectly Provence.
Related Provence Articles
Carolyne Kauser-Abbott ·
Explore ·
Villages Towns and Cities
June 13, 2025
Céreste is an authentic, unspoilt, and charming Provençal village. It is immersed in lavender country, steeped in history, and sits on the foothills of the Grand Luberon. While the region has many fascinating villages, we asked the owner of Mas de Grivet, a beautiful holiday rental home, what makes Céreste ...
Continue Reading
Christine van der Linden ·
Explore ·
Hans Zeegers ·
Provencal Recipes ·
Villages Towns and Cities
June 5, 2025
Nestled between the Mediterranean Sea’s azure waters and Provence’s rolling hills lies Antibes, a gem of the French Riviera that enchants visitors with its irresistible blend of history, art, and culinary traditions. A Journey Through the Centuries As you wander through the narrow, cobblestone streets of the old town, you ...
Continue Reading
Explore ·
Renata Haidle ·
Road Trips South of France
May 9, 2025
Provence has been called many things: a painter’s paradise, perfume capital, land of lavender and light. But what if it were also your open-air racetrack? Ultimate Road Trip in Provence Le Grand Tour Provence, a new luxury road trip by Ultimate Driving Tours, invites you to see this beloved region ...
Continue Reading
Carolyne Kauser-Abbott ·
Explore ·
Guided Holiday Tours
April 30, 2025
The South of France is blessed with sun-drenched landscapes and a rich history. TripUSAFrance invites a small group of travellers to explore this enchanting region on its signature tour in Provence and Occitanie. Embark on a journey through southern France with TripUSAFrance, to a place where the scenery has inspired ...
Continue Reading
Paul Shawcross
Paul Shawcross is a Francophile, a travel writer and a Photographer who first fell in love with France when passing through on the way to Spain way back in 1979.
Paul has revised and written new text for several Michelin Green Guides to the French Regions as well as penning several Thomas Cook Pocket Guides and contributing articles to leading periodicals including Living France and France Magazine. He has authored several apps for smart devices and has a new one for the Dordogne in preparation. Paul is also the European Acquisitions Editor for Bindu Trips , a recently launched travel planning website which features Provence along with many other European destinations
Paul also has a large photo library much of which is hosted by Alamy Images
Further details of Paul’s work can be found here
Visiting Nice? Checkout his Nice's Best Travel App
Discover his PROVENCE'S BEST App with essential trip-planning information and an overview of key destinations so you can decide where to stay.
Follow Paul on Twitter @PaulShawcrossUK (below)
No Comment