About Aix-en-Provence, France:
Aix-en-Provence, often shortened to Aix, and pronounced pronounced “ex-ahn-pro-vohnss” is a charming historic city in southern France, in the Bouches-du-Rhône department of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. The Romans established the city in 123 B.C.after defeating local tribes and named the city Aquae Sextiae (the waters of Sextius) due to its thermal springs. It later became the medieval capital of Provence under the Counts of Provence (and later Anjou), flourishing as a center of learning and arts. The university was founded in 1409. It passed to the French crown in 1486 and developed its signature 17th–18th century mansions and elegant urban layout.
Known for its elegant fountains, tree-lined boulevards, vibrant markets, and connection to artist Paul Cézanne, Aix perfectly embodies Provençal art de vivre (the art of living). With around 150,000 residents (including many students), it feels lively yet refined, with a mix of historic architecture, cultural sites, and outdoor café culture.
Many fountains (earning it the nickname “City of a Thousand Fountains”). this iconic, plane-tree-lined boulevard with cafés, fountains, and historic mansions. It’s the social heart of the city. Wander pedestrian streets, admire fountains, squares, and colorful markets. The Grand Marché (farmers’ market) is especially vibrant. Local specialties include calissons (almond-melon candies), madeleines, lavenders, olive oil, wines, and Provençal cuisine.
Visit the Atelier Cézanne (his studio) and nearby Montagne Sainte-Victoire, which he painted obsessively.
Catholic places of interest in Aix-en-Provence, France:
Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur:
Blue Penitents Chapel:
Jesuits’ Chapel – Sacré Cœur School:. Architect Laurent Vallon built his first church here, followed by those of the Saint-Esprit, Prêcheurs and Saint-Jean-Baptiste-du-Faubourg. He positioned it in the perspective of rue Félicien David. The high façade, intended for Baroque decoration, remains unfinished. The chapel does, however, feature an unexpected decorative element: a mural anamorphosis, the only one preserved in France. It is located above the nave, but is not accessible to the public. Over 8 meters long, it depicts a coastal landscape, a fortified port city. Lisbon is said to have been taken as a model. Through the magic of optical straightening, the viewer can see two different perspectives, including the Temptation of Saint Peter, depending on his or her position. In 1973, the site was listed as a historic monument, and renamed the Jesuit Convent. The chapel is occasionally used for cultural events.
Oblates chapel:The chapel was built on a former convent for the Carmelites, a Roman Catholic order, built in 1625. The new chapel building was designed by Thomas Veyrier (1658-1736) and constructed from 1695 to 1701. The facade was designed by Laurent Vallon (1652-1724) in 1697.
It continued to serve as a convent for the Carmelites until the French Revolution of 1789. Shortly after, Saint Eugène de Mazenod (1782-1861), the founder of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, a Roman Catholic order, purchased it and used it to train young priests and re-evangelize peasants throughout Provence.[2][3] Inside the church, there is a sculpture of Saint Mazenod.
It serves as the international home of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. Mass is said every weekday at 7am, and on Sundays at 9am and 11am.[3]
Traveling to Aix-en-Provence, France:
Aix-en-Provence lies about 19 miles (30 km) north of Marseille.
By air:Most travelers fly into Marseille Provence Airport (MRS)
By train: The Aix-en-Provence TGV station is a major high-speed rail hub located about 10 miles (15 km) south of the Aix city center. It serves almost 50 TGV trains daily, connecting the south of France to Paris, Lyon, Lille, Brussels, and Geneva.