Aix. The elegance of the word alone conjures the inherent beauty and splendor of the place. From the autobiographical novels of Peter Mayle to wall art in French bistros from Quebec City to Tunis, clearly, there is veritable consensus that Aixois are some of the most fortunate people on Earth. Like Tuscany, people not only want to visit the town of 140,000 a mere 30 km north of frenetic Marseilles, they want to make a home in Aix, no matter the cost or lack of viable real estate.
What is so special about this famous area of France? The word Provence wrests strong emotional bonds and quixotic romance in people from around the world. But why? To help explain the unreal allure of Aix, here are several reasons.
On a plain that overlooks the river Arc, a scant drive from Nice, Monaco and indeed the entire C?te d’Azur, Aix-en-Provence’s chance location provides it with one fundamental advantage over most destinations in France. Climate too, plays a part. While the south of France has weather that draws people en masse every year, Aix-en-Provence has some protection from the worst of the heat. As a result, you can rely on over 300 days of sunshine and the benefits of four distinct seasons.
The central scenic thoroughfare of Aix-en-Provence, at over 40 meters wide and almost half a kilometer long, is the place to be in the city. Ernest Hemingway, Paul C?zanne, Emile Zola and Albert Camus are just a handful of the names who have come here to drink, dine and woo over the years. The history of the street dates back to the mid-17th century.
Just south of the Cours Mirabeau is one of the most famous old quarters in France. The Quartier Mazarin contains many palatial estates of note, home to a gentry class in the late-17th century and 18th century, as well as a church, Saint Jean de Malte, from the 13th century.
Leave it to the ancient Romans to discover and exploit the thermal pleasures of Aix-en-Provence. The Empire gave the name Aquae Sextiae to the town and for a time, had a network of baths near the current and fabulous Place de l’H?tel de Ville. The site is also home to a spa from 1705 and the ornate 18th century Halle de Grains. No wonder then that Bath is a sister city to Aix.
The medieval quarter of Aix has a phenomenal landmark in the Cath?drale Saint Sauveur. Construction over a Roman forum provides the site with a special hook, not to mention a slew of decorative restorations between the 5th and 17th century. From authentic Gothic to Renaissance, a Romanesque cloister and a Merovingian baptistery, there’s a lot of stylistic beauty to behold.
The Festival International d’Art Lyrique is a wonderful reason to visit Aix in June and July, if only for the fantastic trio of locations where the myriad concerts take place. The Th??tre de l’Arch?v?ch?, in the garden of the old archbishop’s palace, 18th century Th??tre du Jeu de Paume and brand new Grand Th??tre de Provence are a terrific triumvirate of halls that serve the populace throughout the year. A slew of free outdoor concerts that feature jazz, classical and pop also take place around Aix in the summer, in harmony with World Music Day in June. The opera and dance scene in Aix and Provence as a whole is also rather notable and quite strong.
For many, Provence symbolizes food and wine. The area in and around Aix has a wonderful heritage in the realm of gastronomy and viticulture that sets it apart. So what to try? Aside from basic staples like olives, olive oil, sardines, octopus, lamb, apricots and grapes, there are some key Proven?al preparations. Bouillabaisse is a seafood soup with many inherent variations. Escabeche is a citrus-heavy sardine or fish dish. Ratatouille, though from Nice and not Aix, is a savory vegetable stew. Other notable and familiar recipes popular around the world include tapenade, rouille, a?oli and the famous bread, fougasse. If you have a sweet tooth, Aix is a traditional hub of confectionery and artisan chocolates. Of course, do not let a meal pass without a glass of red Mourv?dre, the characteristic grape of the region.
If you want to visit memorable Aix-en-Provence, discover the best hotel rates available in the spectacular tourist destination.
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