Spend a day in Aix en Provence

Another of our favourite cities in Aix-en-Provence is about an hour’s drive from Saint-Saturnin-les-Apt. It is a busy university town, like Marseille, with a certain chic feel. It has stunning buildings, much history, and plenty of fine shopping and eating. Continue reading here for the original article.

Ideas for a Day in Aix-en-Provence

Situated in the Bouches du Rhône, Aix-en-Provence may lack Marseille’s waterfront and beaches, but the beauty of Aix more than makes up for it. A day is hardly long enough to appreciate a city that began as a Roman settlement over 2,000 years ago. But it is possible with our tips on how to spend a day in Aix-en-Provence.

In approximately 122 BC, the Romans discovered natural springs in the area and built a settlement. They called it “Aquae Sextiae” (The Waters of Sextiae) after one of their influential elected officials, Sextius Calvinus. Hot and cold natural springs provided water for the settlement’s residents and livestock.

It wasn’t until 1481 that Aix-en-Provence officially became part of France. However, by 1555, it was a vital administrative city in the French Kingdom. Many fountains and statues were adorned with sculptural details during the Renaissance and remain beautiful.

Aix: Top 10 Ideas for a Day in the City

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