The city of
Aix-en-Provence is located in the Bouches-du-Rhône department near
Marseille in the southeastern region of France. The city is the home of several universities and known as a trade centre for producing grapes, olives, and almonds and is also known for manufacturing food products and wine making equipment.
Aix-en-Provence was founded in 102 BC by the Romans and is a favorite location for painters and musicians. The city is the seat of the provincial parliament and has a population of more than 130,000 inhabitants.
Aix-en-Provence is the birthplace of Cézanne and is known as the town of water and art which has a unique blend of eras and cultures and is a primary tourist attraction for this reason. When tourists explore the region of
Aix-en-Provence the experience is comparable to a travel through time. A few of the primary attractions include the old town section which is the oldest part of the
Aix-en-Provence, the Villeneuve which once served as the King’s gardens, the Mazarin Quarter which was created during the XVII century by archbishop Mazarin, the Town Centre, and Cézanne’s Studio.
Aix-en-Provence is also known for its exquisite fountains, markets by the Palais de Justice, flower and food markets, and a wide array of restaurants with every kind of cuisine imaginable.
The economy of
Aix-en-Provence consists primarily of manufacturing, education and research, tourism, and entertainment. The city is a primary location for the manufacturing of olive oil, chocolates, matches, and iron-ware. Also part of the manufacturing industry is the making of hand-crafted figurines and wine.
Education plays an important role in the economy with the University of Aix-Marseille being one of the several universities focusing on education and research.
Tourism is also a also major contributor to the economy due to the rich cultural offerings which include the Festival d'
Aix-en-Provence which is a major opera festival and the many museums and libraries that offer a plethora of literature, history, sculpture, and pottery.
