Why Aix-en-Provence surprised me

Back in 2006, my University told me I was off to the city of Aix-en-Provence for a year as part of my studies. Luckily, we had Google by then so I could search a bit more about it for example where it was. I must confess my first thought was out of all the exciting places in France how did I end up here? By the end of my year, I had done a 180 degree turn!

La Rotonde fountain decorated for Christmas

Information about Aix

Aix is situated in the South of France, about 45 minutes drive from Marseille. It is a medium sized town full of historic buildings, fashionable shops, pretty monuments  and parks dotted around the city and represents typical French culture. It is a University town and is also popular with tourists especially when the warmer months roll in. This city has a reputation for being posh and expensive, with it's exclusive bistros and boutiques. However, it caters for all with reasonably priced cafés, shops like Monoprix and bars. Shops are open until late in the evening but are completely closed on a Sunday; you will be lucky to even get a loaf of bread!

Fountain of Albertas

Things you can't miss

1. The Cours Mirabeau is a historic and beautiful street located in the centre of the city. With trees scattered all the way down it, it is perfect for strolling around on a warm day, doing some shopping, people watching or sampling some typical food in it's cafés and restaurants. At any time of day or year, it is a flurry of activity you will not want to miss out on! At Christmas, there are markets dotted along the Cours with many wonderful goodies on offer such as Lavender soaps or sugared almonds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. A visit to a French town would be incomplete without the Hôtel de Ville, which is a situated in a pretty little square which is unsurprisingly called Place de l'Hôtel de Ville. This little square also comprises the Clock Tower, the Post Office and has markets on different days.

 

 

 

3. Aix is the city where the famous painter Cezanne was born. You can visit his house and studio, follow his steps around the city using the C shape studs in the streets and visit the cemetery where he is buried. Aix has many possibilities for culture such as the Granet museum or Natural History museum. It has 3 cinemas, one of which shows subtitled French films, and a theatre.

 

 

4. French cuisine is renowned the world over and is best sampled in one of the many restaurants offering delicacies and specialities. It is best to walk down the Cours Mirabeau towards La Rotonde and as you get to Le Bistro Romain, the streets behind are full of restaurants. I also recommend the restaurants at Place des Cardeurs.

 

There are plenty cafés and stalls for sampling salty and sugary crêpes, although the Nutella one is the one I recommend. Another speciality is the "sandwich steak frites" - a baguette with a long burger, thin fries and topped with mayonnaise or ketchup. Who said French cuisine was healthy?

 

5. Aix is called the City of the Thousand Fountains as everywhere you look, another one appears. The Fountain Moussue on the Cours Mirabeau is an unusual warm water fountain that is covered in moss. In the Old Town, the Fountain of Albertas sits in a pretty little square in front of an old mansion. On Rue du 4 Septembre, the Quatre Dauphins sits in the middle of a picturesque street. Each fountain has different stories associated with them and are all still functioning.

 

 

 

6. Parc Jourdan is good for sunbathing or chilling with a book. However, it is often filled with students who can be a little rowdy. Nearby, there is also La Torse which is nicer for a picnic and where you see French families playing at the weekends. It has pretty trees I have only ever seen here and a cute little stream. I love a good park!



 

7. One of my favourite places for relaxing in Aix is the salon de thé Orienthé where you sit on cushions on the floor and sample yummy exotic teas full of flavour. It's like being in Morocco!

 

The one thing lacking is Aix is the nightlife, or at least it was in 2006. There were very few nightclubs or bars with atmosphere and as a student that is what we were looking for! We tended to stick to 3 places: O'Sullivans, O'Neills and IPN. It's suitable however if you are just looking for a quiet drink in a bar.

Why I ended up loving Aix

- Aix has a sense of enchantment, history and magic about it. There is no way you can be unaffected by it's charm.

 

- It's proximity to other cities nearby such as Marseille and Nice. A drive to the beaches around Marseille is definitely worthwhile.

 

- There is always something happening here. It is rare to see the streets of Aix empty.

 

- Everything you need is within walking distance and it is easy to navigate around. It's also a very safe city.

 

- Although it is a popular student city, the residences are a 15 minute walk away so the city centre is not overrun by them.

 

- You won't get away with speaking English here without making some attempt at French!  They don't cater for tourists and expect tourists to join in on their culture.

 

- No matter what time of day, time of year or weather it is a simply stunning city. It's pretty buildings will leave you in awe.

Will I be returning?

 

 

Hopefully within the near future, I'll get to go back and revisit all the good memories.