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A Quick Guide to the Aix-en-Provence Essentials

Les Deux Garcons café on the Cours Mirabeau at Aix-en Provence #AixenProvence #PaulShawcross

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

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Tags:Aix en Provence,Cafes,Historical sites

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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

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