Aix-en-Provence is a city in southern France, based in the department of Bouches-du-Rhône in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. Set on a plain overlooking the river Arc, it has a warm climate which adds to its typical countryside feel. Aix was founded in 123 BC and witnessed much turbulence at the hands of the Romans, Visigoths and Franks. Along with the rest of Provence, it became part of France in 1487.
For much time, Aix dwindled as its neighbouring city of Marseille grew. The city started to redevelop in the 1940s with the construction of a new university and a population boom and today it is once again a popular destination in its own right. With vineyards and countryside, a lively economy and good weather, Aix-en-Provence has flourished. Kyriad Aix-en-Provence hotel Mas des Oliviers is located in the heart of this city and acts as the gateway to a host of interesting monuments and sights just waiting to be explored.
A two-day break
Start your break by exploring the remnants of the Bourg Saint Sauveur, built on the site of the former Roman town, before moving on to the Saint Sauveur Cathedral and the Archbishops’ Palace which adjoins the cathedral. Relax in Georges Vilers Park and take in the spectacular sight of the 2,000 sq metre greek-style open-air theatre. Then why not head to the Cité Comtale, a lively pedestrian area, perfect for souvenir shopping.
A week-long stay
If you’re staying for longer, take a look at the magnificent 16th century clock tower and the nearby town hall. Walk down the Rue Gaston de Saporta to see some beautiful 17th and 18th century mansions such as the Hotel Maynier-D’Oppede, today the Institute of French Studies. Take a look around Cezanne's Studio or the Granet Museum which houses collections of Archaeology and Fine Arts. Make sure you catch one of Aix-en-Provence’s many markets in full swing – every day of the week there is something to be bought, be it books, antiques, flowers or vegetables.
A family holiday
There’s plenty to keep children entertained on a family holiday in Aix-en-Provence. The town’s Youth and Culture Centre provides lots of activities and workshops all year round. The Jourdan Park and Rabot Park both have sizeable play areas for children of all ages while the Saint Mitre Park, only a 30-minute-walk from Kyriad Aix-en-Provence Mas des Oliviers, contains a permanent puppet theatre.
Transports
Marseille-Provence Airport is a 25-minute drive from Aix-en-Provence and is served by major airlines. The city also has a TGV connection to Paris and other French cities as well as other European destinations such as Brussels, Cologne and London. Aix-en-Provence also has motorway connections to Paris, Lyon and Nice through the A7, A46 and A8, and to Montpellier and Nîmes through the A54 and A9. The city can be explored by bus, bike or on foot.
Gastronomy
Aix-en-Provence has a rich and varied cuisine, influenced by the Mediterranean as well as the surrounding French countryside. Whatever your taste, you will find a café or bistro to suit. Try to sample the Soupe au Pistou (basil soup), the Daube Provençale (a stew), the Pieds-paquets Marseillais (cooked meat) and Aïoli (a garlic mayonnaise). These dishes, along with hearty wine from the local vineyards, are sure to go down a treat.
Events
Always a lively city, there are plenty of festivals and events that characterise Aix-en-Provence, none more so than the Festival of the Mistral. Dedicated to the artist Frédéric Mistral, the festival takes place in September each year. Musicians and dancers meet at the town hall and head towards Parc Jourdan, gathering at the bust of Mistral to celebrate his work.
Interesting fact
Paul Cezanne, considered to be a pioneering artist of the 19th century, was born in Aix-en-Provence and spent much of his life there, painting the nature that surrounded him. What may be less known is that when he was young he failed the entrance exam to the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris. He worked in a bank with his father in Aix-en-Provence before fully embracing his vocation as a painter.
Useful links
www.sncf.fr
www.tgv.com
http://en.aixenprovencetourism.com
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