Aix-en-Provence

Often referred to as the Paris of the South, Aix is a vibrant city of art and activity. As a university town, its ancient elegance is overlaid with a youthful atmosphere. At is center is the old town ringed by boulevards and squares – the medieval Aix was ringed by a wall with 39 towers. Today, only the 14th Century “Tourreluquo” tower at the north east corner of the town remains.

The beautiful, tree lined Cours Mirabeau is the main boulevard at the center of the city. Large Plane trees overhang the length of the boulevard, where terrace cafes and bookshops provide a Parisian experience in the warm sun of the south. At the entry to town along the Cours Mirabeau, in the Place General de Gaulle is a spectacular and grand fountain which literally says, “Welcome to Aix”.

Aix is a great town for a walking tour rich with historic places, buildings and beautiful fountains, punctuated by an occasional stop at one of the man cafes for a well earned refreshment

Paul Cezanne was born in Aix in 1838, and one of his favorite subjects to paint was the nearby Mont Saint Victoire.