OVERVIEW
Located about 20 miles from Marseille, a visit to Aix en Provence is a popular excursion during cruise ship port calls in Marseille. Similarly, it is often featured as an excursion during port calls in Toulon.
Aix is not a city like Rome or London where there are a number of world famous must-see attractions. Nor is it like Pisa or Granada where one major attraction outshines everything else and is the magnet for visitors. While there are many things to see in Aix, the real attraction is the atmosphere. Many things come together to make it a memorable experience but it is all of these things taken together and not any one element that makes Aix attractive. Founded by the Roman general Caius Sextius, the name Aix derives from the Latin word aquae, which means water. And what initially attracted the Romans was the area's thermal springs. Although Aix seems quintessentially French, it only became part of France in 1487. Before that it was the capital of Provence. It is not possible to see everything on a day trip to Aix. Therefore, in this article, we will present a sampling in order to give a feel for Aix. |
Above: Aix's most famous son is the artist Paul Cezanne who was born in Aix in 1839, grew up in Aix and returned often throughout his life. His studio and his father's house on the outskirts of the city are open to visitors. Within the city center there are many places with associations to Cezanne.
Below: Cezzane often used the mountains around Aix as subjects. |
COURS MIRABEAU
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Cruise destination - Aix en Provence - page 1