Aix en Provence things to do

The main thoroughfare of Aix is an elegant tree lined boulevard of beautiful mansion houses, fountains and fashionable cafes. It is the beating heart of city life and the ideal place to soak up its intoxicating atmosphere of history and culture. Relax with a cafe crème in one of its charming pavement cafes and witness busking troubadours, street artists at work and courting couples strolling hand in hand.

 

From early Spring onwards Aix-en-Provence comes to life with the sights and sounds of carnival with numerous arts festivals taking place in its parks, palaces and city squares. There is an internationally acclaimed opera festival, literary events, a major free popular music festival and even a month long celebration of comic book art. It offers something for all ages with plenty of mainstream events and children's activities alongside memorable evenings of high brow culture.

 

Natural spring water is the source of life for Aix-en-Provence and ever since the Middle Ages it has constructed beautifully artistic fountains in celebration. There are still 23 fully functioning fountains littered around the city with the most historic being the imposing Espeluque Fountain. Styles range from the Romanesque La Rotunda to the baroque 17th century Fountain of the Four Dolphins and give the city a unique elegant appeal.

 

Art and history has played an important role in bringing the city to prominence and history lovers will find dozens of compelling museums that highlight its illustrious history and artistic heritage. The home of Cezanne, the city's most famous resident is the most popular attraction and a must for all lovers of classic French art. Musee Granet and the Pavilion Vendome offer impressive collections of impressionist art, Flemish masters and aristocratic furnishings from the 17th century. There is also an intriguing Natural History Museum that is definitely worth visiting.

 

Aix-en-Provence has so much more to offer than just culture and history and it is a city that certainly knows how to have some fun. There is a wealth of rewarding distractions for children including a high tech planetarium for star gazers and a charming nature theme park called the Indian Forest. Smaller children will love Discovery farm with its petting zoo, horse riding, biking and swimming pools.

 

A city break in Aix-en-Provence offers a feast of sophisticated entertainment in the evenings that best highlights its mix of modern exuberance and respect for age old traditions. High brow nights of opera and avant garde ballet will bring audiences to their feet at the historic Grand Theatre and La Fonderie dance academy. Dozens of small theatres bring to life classic and modern drama, comedy shows and cabaret which something to suit all tastes.