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Find the perfect holiday home in Aix-en-Provence: See our selection of villas, holiday homes and holiday apartments
Aix-en-Provence: The City of a Thousand Fountains
Aix-en-Provence (just "Aix" to locals) is often called the "City of a Thousand Fountains." It's the refined, sun-drenched heart of Provence, where Roman history meets elegant Parisian style under a row of plane trees.
A Glimpse of History
Founded in 122 BC by the Roman consul Sextius Calvinus, Aix began as a thermal springs settlement called Aquae Sextiae. In the 15th century, it became the "City of Counts" and developed into an important center of art and learning under King René. Its history is etched into the stone of the Old Town (Vieille Ville), where medieval streets open up to grand 17th-century Baroque squares.
Description: The ultimate Provençal getaway
Aix-en-Provence is the epitome of a dream vacation. The city feels like an open-air museum, characterized by honey-colored limestone facades and the constant, soothing flow of water from its many fountains.
For those seeking the perfect getaway, the surrounding countryside is dotted with magnificent villas and bastides (traditional country houses). Often boasting sprawling lavender gardens, private pools and shaded terraces, these vacation rentals offer a tranquil retreat just minutes from the bustling Cours Mirabeau, the city’s iconic main boulevard. Whether you’re staying in a luxury villa nestled in the vineyards or a boutique hotel in the city center, the lifestyle here is defined by the art de vivre (the art of living).
Typical Foods: A Taste of the South
Provençal cuisine is a celebration of olive oil, garlic and fresh herbs.
Calissons d’Aix: The city’s signature sweet – a petal-shaped confection made from ground almonds and candied melon topped with royal icing.
Tapenade: A savory blend of crushed olives, capers and anchovies.
Ratatouille: The classic stewed vegetable dish, perfected here with sun-ripened ingredients.
Rosé wine: Aix is ??located in the heart of the Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence wine region; a chilled glass of local rosé is an indispensable summer favorite.
Things to do
Walk in Cézanne’s footsteps: Visit the Atelier de Cézanne, the studio where the father of modern art painted his masterpieces.
Market shopping: The daily markets at Place des Prêcheurs and Place de l’Hôtel de Ville are a sensory explosion of textiles, flowers and local cheeses.
Thermal baths: Reconnect with the city’s Roman roots with a dip in the Thermes Sextius.
Festivals and Culture
Festival d'Aix-en-Provence: One of the world's most prestigious opera and classical music festivals, held every July.
Fête de la Musique: On June 21st, the streets are transformed into a massive concert for the entire city.
Musique dans la Rue: A week-long festival in June, where musicians perform in the hidden courtyards of private mansions.
Nature and Landscapes
The undisputed king of the local landscape is Montagne Sainte-Victoire. This white limestone ridge was the primary muse of Paul Cézanne, who painted it over 80 times.
Hiking: Trails range from easy hikes through pine forests to the challenging climb to the Croix de Provence.
Lavender Fields: Just a short drive north towards the Plateau de Valensole, you'll find the iconic purple vistas that define the region.
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