Fun things to do in Aix-en-Provence

Aix en Provences's favourite son is of course the Post Impressionist painter Paul Cezanne. He was born in Aix and died in Aix at the age of 67. He had a very colourful artistic career with his style of painting going through various changes throughout. Cezanne went through a particularly dark few years mid-career which is attributed to bouts of severe depression. At this time his paintings were often referred to as macabre as he painted the most dark and depressing subjects set in amongst other places, the morgue. One of his significant paintings during this time was titled "House of the Hanged Man". He was born in 1839 and died in 1906.

The house inwhich he lived is now open to the public and whilst there is a small charge to enter the house, the gardens can be visited free of charge. This wonderful statue can be found in the inner city not far from the Rotunda Fountain.

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Just like so many European towns and cities, the main central area of Aix en Provence is a maze of quirky and very interesting little streeets. It is so easy to while away time without even noticing how long you have been strolling around.

There are many lovely little shops and cafes and of course the obligatory patisseries and ice creameries, many of which stand shaded by leafy green trees in the most wonderfully picturesque little squares. Is it any wonder that I didn't bother taking notes when to do so, would have really intruded on this refreshing and relaxing day.

When you get off the bus in Aix, you then head off to the old town area along the Cours Mirabeau. Just before you get to the main city area, you will come across this wonderful sprawling fountain.

It was built in or around 1860 and has three figures on top which depict Art, Agriculture and Justice.

There are literally hundreds of fountains in Aix, but this one is arguably among the most popular.

In the picturesque square of Place de Hotel de Ville is a boar fountain in the same design as that in one of the squares in Florence, Italy. There are several cafes and specialty stores as well as a farmers market in the morning.

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From Place Rotunda to the Fountain of King Rene there are a number of fountains along the Cours Mirabeau, including the Fountain of Nine Cannons and one of the most interesting being the Fountain of Hot Water where it is fed by a hot water spring.

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In every part of Aix one will encounter fine mansions (Hotels) covered with fine decorations of stone. One of these is the Hotel d'Alberas which extends along three sides and has a fountain in its front open area. Further east is the Palais de Justice in the Pl. de Verdun. next to the Church of Sainte Madelaine in the Pl. des Precheurs, initiallly finished in 1274.

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This is the oldest church in Aix, only slightly older than the cathedral. They came here to protect the road to Santiago in 1180 and built their church in the next century. It has a prominent belfry and some interesting paintings and a large east wall window with 19C panes

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Off the southern segment of the nave of the church is the 5C Baptistry with an octagonal shape. It is created with six tall marble columns and two granite ones. It is topped with a fine dome above its octagon. Do not miss this!