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What is the city of Aix-en-Provence known for?
Aix is well known for its musical heritage – it boasts one of the best conservatoires (music schools) in the country. It also has a thriving music and festival scene, from the eight-day festival of free concerts, Musique dans la Rue, to the annual free opera concert on Cours Mirabeau.
How big is Aix-en-Provence?
71.85 mi²Aix-en-Provence / Area
How many fountains are there in Aix-en-Provence?
1000 fountains
Did you know that Aix-en-Provence has earned the nicknames the city of 1000 fountains and ville d’eau (city of water)? While I’ve never actually counted them all, it does seem that there is one around every corner to pause and admire.
Why does Aix en Provence have so many fountains?
Wherever you look, fountains are all over Aix. And they often provide much-needed water to a city that can be dry and very hot in the summer months. In order to conserve water, many of the fountains are turned off during the night and some are being renovated to include modern water-saving and recycling devices.
Why is Aix en Provence called the city of water?
Aix en Provence is often referred to as the city of water. The Romans settled here in part due to ready access to natural springs. As the town began to take shape during the Middle Ages, there were hundreds of fountains created for domestic use. Today there are only about 30.
Why is Aix en Provence called the city of a thousand fountains?
After the demise of the Roman empire, Aix was known as a city of many fountains (although it’s difficult to imagine there are 1,000 of them). There are all kinds of shapes and sizes and, historically, the locals used them for many different reasons – washing clothes, for instance.
Why does Aix-en-Provence have so many fountains?
Why is it called Aix-en-Provence?
Aix-en-Provence history in the 20th and 21st centuries Just a few interesting dates: The city of Aix, which had borne this name for more than a thousand years, after that of Aquae Sextiae, took the official name of Aix-en-Provence in 1932.
Can you drink tap water in Aix-en-Provence?
The tap water in Aix is 100% safe to drink, but the mineral balances might be different than what you’re used to in the U.S. Bottom line: ease into it.
Can you drink the water in Aix en Provence?
The water is undrinkable in the main fountains but the water fountains found on many street corners can be used to drink from. It’s easy to find a fountain on any street, in any alley or any major square in Aix en Provence.
Where to find a fountain in Aix en Provence?
It’s easy to find a fountain on any street, in any alley or any major square in Aix en Provence. The Place des Quatre Dauphins (Square of the Four Dolphins) is a must-see on any tourist itinerary. It was built by Jean-Claude Rambot in 1667.
Why is it called Aix en Provence?
The Romans called Aix en Provence, Aquae Sextiae (The Waters of Sextius) ever since they discovered the natural thermal water source and installed their Roman baths. One of the main spas in town still uses the same place as the source for their natural thermal baths ( Thermes Sextius ).
What to do in Aix en Provence?
Place des Prêcheurs is one of the main squares in Aix en Provence, where the main law court is situated. It used to be the heart of public life before the Cours Mirabeau was built. Its fountain was initially built by Jean-Pancrace Chastel in 1748, was destroyed in 1793 and then rebuilt in 1833, thanks in part to American sponsorship.