Aix-en-Provence

About Aix-en-Provence

Known to locals as the town of water and art, Aix en Provence is picturesque and cultural. Water in Provence is scarce and treasured but Aix en Provence has water supplied to it by its springs which are plentiful.

Fountains in Aix en Provence

During the second part of the 19^th century water was brought to the town in Provence through the basins of its ornate fountains following work on the Zola dam and the Verdana canal.

Fountains are a large part of this town's history. Dating back to the 17^th century when they were built as ornaments by artists, fountain architects and hydraulics engineers. There are still around 40 public fountains in the town many of which are hundreds of years old.

The people here have a special relationship with water and the fountains are a beautiful expression of it. The fountains are as artistic as they are practical.

Aix en Provence a historical and elegant town

With its sweeping mansions, elegant cafés, tree lined boulevards and a rich cultural history it's easy to see why people are drawn to this town in Provence.

Provence was made a cultural centre under King René who was an arts patron. Aix en Provence was home to novelist Émile Zola and painter Paul Cézanne.

Once under Roman rule this place in the Provence region still retains much of its Roman history. The Sexitus Roman Baths in the heart of old Aix are built on the ancient Roman thermae site. The baths are renowned for having healing qualities and have been visited by many famous people including Pablo Picasso and Winston Churchill.