Aix-en-Provence, France

Aix-en-Provence is a town in southeastern France, in the Provence region, 30 km from Marseille. Its population is about 145 thousand inhabitants. A characteristic of the weather in Aix-en-Provence is that there are 300 sunny days a year. It was founded by the Roman consul Sectius because of the hot springs that abound here. Aix-en-Provence is a beautiful, elegant and full of historical sights. Emblematic of the city are the hundreds of fountains, inspiring beauty peace and love. Boulevard Mirabeau is the most beautiful boulevard in Aix. There used to be old fortifications here, but the city government decided that a delightful place with lots of greenery and fountains, along with extravagant houses from the 17th and 18th centuries, could take their place. One of the most beautiful fountains in the city, the Rotunda, is at the entrance to Mirabeau Avenue. It is a pleasure to stop for a rest in one of the many interesting cafes here.

To immerse oneself in the history of the city,one should visit the Old Town of Aix. Among the sights is the Old Town Hall from the 17th century. The Bishop's Palace is from the 16th-17th century.It houses the Tapestry Museum. They recreate scenes from the life of Christ and from the everyday life of ordinary people. Their uniqueness lies in the fact that their colours have been preserved, even though they were created in the 17th century. The beautiful fountain "Espeluk" was moved to the square in front of the bishop's palace in the 15th century. Walking around , one cannot help but notice the Clock Tower with the astronomical clock and the four wooden statues. Interesting is the Church of Madeleine, a former 13th-century cathedral, rebuilt in the 18th century and now a museum with works by local artists.

But the most impressive and beautiful building in the old town is the St. The Cathedral of the Saviour, which was begun in the 1st century on Roman foundations and completed in the 18th century, the added buildings and the interior belong to three styles (Romanesque, Gothic and Neo-Gothic). The masterfully carved walnut doors from the 16th century , are the work of the brothers Raymond and Jean. The magnificent columns of the baptistery date from the time of the Merovingians of the 5th century. Among the treasures of the inner part of the church is the 15th century triptych "Burning Bush" by Nicolas Froman. The central panel depicts the Virgin and Child as if perched on a burning bush. In the foreground below is Moses with his flock. On either side of the central panel are King René I on the left and his wife Queen Joan on the right. The stone altar, placed in the cathedral in 1823, is also interesting. It is a stone carving of the Virgin Mary with Christ. The organ in this imposing church, is a work of art. It is worth listening to the wonderful music here during a solemn mass.

The town of Aix-en-Provence is associated with the great artist Paul Cézanne, who lived and worked here from 1897 until his death in 1906. His studio is located in the sophisticated Mazarin district. It has now been restored as it was furnished when Cézanne was alive. Every Thursday in July, an exchange and picnic is organized in the gardens of the artist's studio. Eight works by Cézanne are on display at the Grane Museum. The Vasarely Foundation is housed in Cézanne's family mansion, which was designed by the artist himself.

Outside the town, about 3 km to the north, is the site of the original settlement of Aix, where excavations have uncovered fortifications and residential buildings. And to the west of Aix is the memorial site of the Factory. This is a brick factory used as a concentration camp during World War II, where artists and intellectuals who did not fit the canons of the government were imprisoned. A visit to Aix-en-Provence is an unforgettable experience.