Aix-en-Provence, France - Travel Photos by Galen R Frysinger, Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence Hotel de Ville (city hall)

astronomical clock
with a figure representing the Fall season

Aix-en-Provence or Aix, city in southeastern France, in Bouches-du-Rhône Department, near Marseille. The city is a trade center for olives, almonds, and wine; industries produce textiles, leather, and processed food. The city's pleasant setting and warm climate attract many tourists. A summer music festival is held annually in the city. The University of Aix (1409, reorganized 1970) is here.

Pl. de l'Hotel de Ville

the pediment of the Corn Exchange represents farming prosperity in Provence
provided by the Rhone and Durance rivers

a modern sun dial

cathedral of Saint-Sauveur

the cathedral bell tower was built between 1323 and 1425

the facade

The cathedral of Saint-Sauveur contains Roman, early Christian, Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance styles of architecture.

Saint Michael

dome of Romanesque nave of the church

carved wooden dooror

The leaves of the gate were carved in walnut tree heartwood
by Jean Guiramand at the beginning of the 16th century

modern altar in the gothic nave

good King Rene 1409 - 1480

Aix-en-Provence was founded about 123 BC by the Romans, who named its thermal springs Aquae Sextiae. In the 11th century it became a famous center of music and literature; later, many painters worked in the picturesque city. The painter Paul Cezanne was born and died here. Aix-en-Provence passed to the French crown in the 1480s. The French then converted the court palace of Provence, which was located here, into the parliament building for the Provence region. The palace was demolished in the 18th century. Population 134,222 (1999).

Text from Microsoft Encarta

Rotunda Fountain 1860