Global Search

Set Current Location

Select a Category

All

Accomodations

Restaurants & Cafes

Attractions

Nightlife

Shopping

Tours

Join
Sign Out
user image
My Profile
Sign Out

Best Historic Locations in Aix-en-Provence

, 8 Options Found

From 1655 to 1670 the Association of Pierre Pavillon and Jean-Claude Rambot, sculptors and architects, established this building and its Italian-style decorations. Go through the original and beautiful wrought-iron entrance to find a harmonious courtyard and the staircase of honor that leads to the upper stories housing the council room and its rich décor. The clock tower, the former town belfry, adjoins the City Hall and houses an astronomical clock dating from 1661.

The military order of the Hospitaliers de St-Jean-de-Jérusalem (later of Malta), founded this command center in 1180. In 1272 and 1646 it underwent renovations and became a church. The stark façade's only openings are two rose windows. The arrow-shape of the bell-tower is in keeping with the architectural style of the Popes of Avignon. Inside, the central Gothic nave houses the tomb of the Counts of Provence. This splendid monument is to be found on the northern edge of the town between the Mazarin district and the Cours Mirabeau.

Former Provence parliament and Counts' court, this palace was rebuilt by architect Ledoux at the end of the 18th century. A large staircase, flanked by statues of Portalis and Siméon, leads up to the salle des pas-perdus, whose name (room of the lost steps) refers to the lawyers and their clients pacing as they waited between hearings. The transformation of the adjacent prison into the new court of Appeal in 1998 marked Aix's promotion to leading judicial center. In the middle of this space, the place des Prêcheurs (Preachers' square), plays a part in the town's economy by hosting a flea market. The Admission is free.

Built in 1745, this square is identical to the Parisian squares of that era. There has been a fountain here since 1912, which gives it an air of Commedia Dell Arte. The atmosphere is unbelievable; it is easy to imagine a carriage emerging from the Rue Espariat or a lady of the Court appearing on the balcony of one of these splendid palaces. Each summer during the Festival of Lyric Arts, the brightness of the moon floods this crowded square filled with party-goers costumed in 17th-century attire.

Situated in the Southern precinct of Aix-en-Provence, Quartier Mazarin was created by the brother of Cardinal Mazarin in the last half of the 17th Century. It features an impressive assortment of carefully planned private hotels built by members of parliament and other prominent pillars of bourgeois society. In addition to these epic estates, one can find numerous gardens through the quarter as well as the famous Fontaine des Quatre-Dauphins.

Towards Puyricard, 3 kilometers (2 miles) north of Aix, lies the Oppidum of Entremont, a Celto-Ligurian civilization. In a strategic position at the beginning of the 1st century, only traces are left of its organization on the plateau. This is the point that protected the main commercial and military roads from Provence to Spain and Italy. Excavations undertaken from 1946 have unearthed a protected habitat that was destroyed by the Romans in the year 122. The Romans went on to found the current Aix-en-Provence at this location. See the website for more information.

Vieil Aix can be rightly termed as the heart of the city. The centre of the Aix-en-Provence's historic precinct features a bustling square, dotted with cozy cafes, shopping boutiques and arresting fountains on its northern end. On its southern periphery, one can spot several majestic palaces and ritzy hotels. The square is also home to parc Jourdan, famous as one of the biggest fountains of the city.

The former Archbishops' Palace on what is now the Place des Martyrs-de-la-Résistance, adjoins St. Sauveur Cathedral. The building was built between 1650 and 1730 and has a beautiful Regency-style door attributed to the sculptor Toro. On the first floor is the Museum of Tapestry. The archbishopric involved both ecclesiastical and political honor for the archbishops and this splendid residence is suitably palatial. Every summer since 1948 the interior courtyard has been used as the main theater for performances during the Festival of Lyric Art. There is free access to the inner courtyard but only by appointment through the Tourist Information Office.

8 0 5 best-historic-locations_TA5 1
best