Aix-en-Provence is one of the most famous cities of Provence. Picturesque buildings, lavender fields that bloom in summer and a characteristic climate of the French south make it crowded by tourists. They are also brought here by the fame of the most famous inhabitant of Aix, Paul Cezanne.
Aix already existed in Roman times. A stronghold was built on the ruins of an ancient settlement in the 5th century. The oldest fragments of the local cathedral, including the baptistery, are also dated from this period. The building itself was erected in stages until the 18th century. The Old Town of Aix is divided into two parts by the representative boulevard Le Cours Mirabeau. It is considered one of the most beautiful in Europe. The street planted with plane trees is decorated with baroque and classical fountains. There are many more of these in Aix and the city is often called the City of Fountains.
The most famous resident of Aix was Paul Cezanne, who spent most of his life here. To this day you can see his studio with complete equipment. The small Art Museum houses the works of Cezanne, Picasso, Matisse and Klee. A trail is laid out in the city in the footsteps of the famous painter. Many restaurants, brasseries and cafes also boast of stays of the French Bohemians from the early 20th century, including Albert Camus, Ernest Hemingway, Edith Piaf, Pablo Picasso, Josephine Baker and Emil Zola.
