Aix-en-Provence history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Aix-en-Provence dates back to 122 BC. The city was founded by the Roman consul Gaius Sextius Calvinus following a victory over the local Salii tribes and the destruction of their capital, the Oppidum of Entremont. The new settlement was named Aquae Sextiae ("Waters of Sextius"), immortalising the commander's name and highlighting the area's main natural wealth — its abundant thermal springs.

Key Development Factors

The transformation of a military outpost into a flourishing city was driven by several important factors:

• Geography and Natural Resources: The presence of hot and cold mineral springs made the city a popular balneological resort as early as antiquity.
• Strategic Location: The city was situated on the route connecting Italy with Spain, serving as a vital point for protecting trade routes and supporting the allied city of Massilia (modern-day Marseille).
• Political Status: Aix-en-Provence became the first Roman colony in Transalpine Gaul, ensuring a privileged position and an influx of Roman citizens.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

From the very beginning of its existence, Aix-en-Provence developed as a centre of high culture and comfort. The city's economy relied not only on trade but also on the region's rich agriculture — the cultivation of olives and grapes.

Roman influence shaped the unique appearance of the city: baths, temples, and theatres were built here. By the 3rd century AD, the city had become the administrative capital of the province of Gallia Narbonensis, securing its status as a centre of power, art, and the aristocratic lifestyle that can still be felt in its atmosphere today.

Major Historical Milestones

The history of Aix-en-Provence is a journey from a Roman military camp to the cultural capital of Provence. Below are the key events that shaped the city's unique character.

• 122 BC — Roman proconsul Gaius Sextius Calvinus founds the settlement "Waters of Sextius" (Aquae Sextiae) around the thermal springs.
• 102 BC — Commander Gaius Marius achieves a historic victory over the Teutonic tribes at the Battle of Aquae Sextiae, defending Rome from invasion.
• End of 3rd Century — The city becomes the administrative capital of the Roman province of Gallia Narbonensis Secunda.
• 1189 — The Counts of Provence move their residence to Aix, officially establishing its status as the region's political centre.
• 1409 — Louis II of Anjou founds the University of Aix-en-Provence, turning the city into one of Europe's major educational hubs.
• 1487 — Following the death of the last Count, Provence, along with Aix, is definitively annexed to the Kingdom of France.
• 1501 — King Louis XII establishes the Parliament of Provence, cementing the city's role as a judicial capital, a title it retained until 1789.
• 1646 — Archbishop Michel Mazarin initiates the construction of the prestigious Mazarin Quarter, becoming a model of 17th-century architecture.
• 1800 — The administrative centre of the department is moved to Marseille, allowing Aix to preserve its historical appearance and atmosphere without rapid industrialisation.
• 1839 — Paul Cézanne is born in the city; the future great artist's name is inextricably linked with the surrounding landscapes.
• 1948 — The first International Festival of Lyric Art (Opera Festival) is held in Aix-en-Provence, reviving the city's cultural life after the war.
• 2001 — The opening of the TGV station integrates the city into the European high-speed train network, making it easily accessible for tourists.

Stages of Development and Transformation

The development of Aix-en-Provence is the story of an antique resort transforming into an aristocratic capital, and subsequently into a modern centre of art and technology. Key stages that defined the city's current appearance and status include:

• The Era of "Good King René" (15th Century). During this period, Aix-en-Provence firmly established itself as a cultural hub. René, Duke of Anjou and Count of Provence, turned his court into a magnet for artists and poets, laying the foundations for the city's reputation as a "City of Arts," which endures to this day.
• Establishment of the Parliament of Provence (1501). This event radically changed the city's social structure. The emergence of a powerful judicial-administrative apparatus led to the formation of a wealthy aristocratic class ("Nobility of the Robe"). It was for them that hundreds of luxurious mansions (hôtels particuliers) were built in the following centuries, forming the historic centre.
• Urban Reform of the 17th Century (Mazarin Quarter). Archbishop Michel Mazarin initiated the first major expansion of the city beyond its medieval walls. The creation of the Mazarin Quarter with its strict geometric street grid became a model of classical urban planning and provided housing for the growing elite.
• "Conservation" in the 19th Century. During the Industrial Revolution, Aix-en-Provence, unlike neighbouring Marseille, rejected large-scale industrialisation. Economically, this led to temporary stagnation, but strategically, it saved the city from redevelopment and factory chimneys, preserving its unique Baroque ensemble intact for future generations.
• Water Modernisation (19th Century). The construction of the Verdon Canal and the Zola Dam (designed by the father of writer Émile Zola) solved the centuries-old water supply problem. This allowed the city to be adorned with numerous fountains, which became its main tourist symbol.
• Cultural Renaissance (Post-1948). The establishment of the International Opera Festival was a turning point for the city's post-war economy. Aix reoriented itself towards elite cultural tourism, becoming one of Europe's summer musical capitals.
• Integration into the Modern Economy (21st Century). The launch of the TGV (high-speed train) line and the creation of technopoles (such as l'Arbois) transformed the city into an attractive location for IT companies and startups, harmoniously combining historical heritage with high technology.

The Middle Ages: Romanesque and Gothic Styles

Medieval Aix-en-Provence developed chaotically, forming a labyrinth of narrow and winding streets characteristic of the old centre (Vieil Aix). The architecture of this period bears the imprint of the city's religious significance.

• Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur: A unique architectural conglomerate combining elements from the Roman forum to a 12th-century Romanesque nave and Gothic portals from the 15th–16th centuries.
• Church of Saint-Jean-de-Malte: Built in the 13th century, it is considered the first example of Gothic architecture in Provence. It is distinguished by the severity of its forms and its fortified character, typical of the Order of Hospitallers.

17th–18th Centuries: Baroque and Classicism

This was the "Golden Age" of Aix's architecture, turning it into a "Little Versailles". The expansion of the city and the demolition of old fortress walls allowed for the implementation of large-scale urban planning projects that defined its modern aristocratic appearance.

• Mazarin Quarter (Quartier Mazarin): Created in 1646 on the initiative of Archbishop Michel Mazarin. This is the first example of regular urban planning in Aix with a checkerboard street grid, designed for the wealthy bourgeoisie and parliamentarians.
• Mansions (Hôtels Particuliers): The city boasts over 150 private mansions from this period. Facades are crafted from golden limestone (pierre de Rognes) in styles of French Classicism and Italian Baroque. A striking example is the Hôtel de Caumont.
• Town Hall (Hôtel de Ville): Built in the mid-17th century, the building's facade is inspired by Italian Baroque, while the clock tower next to it has been preserved since the early 16th century.
• Cours Mirabeau: Laid out in 1650 on the site of the demolished fortress walls. This wide boulevard with plane trees and fountains became the boundary between the old town and the new Mazarin Quarter.

19th Century: Eclecticism and Engineering

During this period, the city modernised, with a shift in focus towards public spaces and hydraulic engineering structures.

• Fontaine de la Rotonde: Erected in 1860. This monumental fountain with three statues symbolising Justice, Agriculture, and Fine Arts became the new dominant feature at the entrance to the city.
• Passage Agard: An example of a 19th-century shopping arcade connecting Cours Mirabeau with the Palace of Justice.

20th–21st Centuries: Modernism and Contemporary Architecture

Modern Aix-en-Provence integrates bold architectural solutions, creating new cultural clusters outside the historical core.

• Vasarely Foundation (Fondation Vasarely): Built in 1976. The building is a structure of 16 hexagons with black-and-white geometric facades, reflecting the Op Art style.
• Pavillon Noir: The building of the National Choreographic Centre (2006), designed by architect Rudy Ricciotti. The facade is made of black concrete in the form of a rigid grid, contrasting with the classical surroundings.
• Grand Théâtre de Provence: A modern building opened in 2007, the architecture of which resembles the cliffs of Mont Sainte-Victoire, paying tribute to Cézanne's landscapes.

Distinguished Figures of Aix-en-Provence

The atmosphere of the city has inspired rulers, artists, and thinkers for centuries. Here is a list of key figures whose names are inextricably linked with the history and culture of Aix.

• René of Anjou (1409–1480) — Duke of Anjou, Count of Provence, King of Naples.
  Known popularly as "Good King René". He made Aix-en-Provence his main residence, transforming it into a flourishing centre of arts and sciences. Legend has it that he promoted the spread of Muscat grapes and almond trees in the region, which are essential for the production of the famous local sweets — calissons.
• Honoré Gabriel Riqueti, Comte de Mirabeau (1749–1791) — Politician, orator, figure of the French Revolution.
  Although Mirabeau was an aristocrat, he became famous as a defender of the common people's interests and was elected as a deputy for the Third Estate of Aix to the Estates General. The city's main artery — Cours Mirabeau — bears his name.
• François Marius Granet (1775–1849) — Painter and collector.
  A native of Aix who achieved success in Paris and Rome. At the end of his life, he bequeathed his entire fortune and a rich collection of paintings to his hometown. Thanks to this gift, the Musée Granet was founded, which is today considered one of the best art museums in France outside of Paris.
• Paul Cézanne (1839–1906) — Post-Impressionist painter.
  The city's most famous son, the "father of modern art". His entire creative life was a search for the ideal form in the landscapes of Provence. He immortalised the city's surroundings, especially Mont Sainte-Victoire, which he painted more than 80 times. His studio in Aix has been preserved almost intact.
• Émile Zola (1840–1902) — Writer, journalist.
  Spent his childhood and youth in Aix-en-Provence. It was here, at the Collège Bourbon, that his strong friendship with Paul Cézanne began. The city often appears in his novels (particularly in the "Rougon-Macquart" cycle) under the fictional name of Plassans.
• Darius Milhaud (1892–1974) — Composer, conductor, and teacher.
  One of the leaders of the French group of composers known as "Les Six". He was born in Aix and often drew inspiration from Provençal folklore. The local conservatory bears his name, and the city's music festival often includes his works in the programme.
• Victor Vasarely (1906–1997) — Graphic artist, sculptor, founder of Op Art.
  Although Vasarely was not born here, he chose Aix-en-Provence to create his main legacy — the Architectural Centre (Vasarely Foundation). The museum building, designed by the artist himself, is a unique synthesis of architecture and optical art.