- The city was originally founded by the Roman consul Sextius Calvinus in 122 BC, who named it Aquae Sextiae after the thermal springs he discovered there.
- During the 15th century, the city served as the capital of the County of Provence under the reign of 'Good King René', who fostered a local renaissance of arts and culture.
- Aix-en-Provence maintains a unique distinction as a 'Ville d'Art et d'Histoire' (City of Art and History) due to its exceptionally preserved historical urban landscape.
- The city is home to one of the oldest universities in the world, the University of Aix-Marseille, which traces its institutional roots back to 1409.
About Aix-en-Provence
Aix-en-Provence is a historic university city in southern France renowned for its abundance of thermal springs and elegant 17th and 18th-century architecture. Visitors arrive to experience the Provencal lifestyle, anchored by the grand Fontaine de la Rotonde at the city's gateway. The city offers deep artistic insights through the preserved Cézanne's studio and the extensive fine arts collection at the Musée Granet. Its cultural identity is further defined by historic religious sites like the Paroisse Cathédrale Saint Sauveur Aix-en-Provence and the serene grounds of the Pavillon Vendôme.
Highlights of Aix-en-Provence
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Places of interest
This massive 1860 fountain serves as the central landmark and primary meeting point for those entering the city.
Temples
The cathedral features a complex architectural blend, including a baptistery dating back to the 6th century.
Museums
This museum houses a significant collection of European paintings, ranging from the medieval period to the works of local icon Paul Cézanne.
Museums
Visitors can tour the preserved workspace where Paul Cézanne painted his final still-life masterpieces.
Natural attractions
This viewpoint offers the exact perspective of the Montagne Sainte-Victoire that inspired many of Cézanne's landscape paintings.
Places of interest
The square is widely considered one of the finest examples of French Baroque urban design in the city.
Museums
Built in 1665, this former private mansion now serves as a museum featuring an extensive collection of period fine arts and gardens.
Historical places
This site provides a sobering look at regional history as a former internment and deportation camp during the mid-20th century.
Top things to do in Aix-en-Provence
The 238 highest-rated places in Aix-en-Provence, ranked by travellers.
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Places of interest
The Fontaine de la Rotonde is the largest fountain in Aix-en-Provence, situated at the junction of the city's main thoro...
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Temples
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Museums
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Beaches and ponds
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Temples
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Historical places
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Parks
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Museums
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Historical places
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Venues
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Museums
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Beaches and ponds
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Amusement parks
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Parks
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Natural attractions
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Zoos
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Natural attractions
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Amusement parks
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Parks
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Aix-en-Provence on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Aix-en-Provence
May to June or September to October, when the Mediterranean climate is mild and the intense summer heat has not yet peaked or has already receded.
2-3 days to explore the historic center, museums, and nearby natural sites like the Barrage de Bimont.
The city center is highly walkable, though local buses serve the outskirts and regional rail connections link to nearby Marseille and the airport.
Staying in the historic Mazarin quarter or near the Cours Mirabeau places you within walking distance of the city's primary historical landmarks and commercial districts.
Mid-to-high range; as a popular regional hub, accommodation and dining prices reflect its status as a premium Provencal destination.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 238 curated attractions in and around Aix-en-Provence, ranked by traveller ratings.
Fontaine de la Rotonde is the highest-rated place to visit in Aix-en-Provence right now.
The largest category is temples, with 67 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Paris, Lyon, Lormont.
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Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
