When found in the name of a French town or village, Aix (pronounce eks) always signifies water. The name arises from a contraction of the Latin word for water, aquae.
Aix-en-Provence is indeed blessed with the thermal springs which feed its fountains with health giving waters. The Romans established Aquae Sextiae in the 2nd Century BCE. A spa was built on these springs, and still despite the odd few hundred years of disuse, still operates today.
Today, Aix-en-Provence is a bustling and prosperous small town. Produce of the hinterland is offered for sale at daily markets, which in France still prosper, even with the advent of Hypermarkets. The streets are lined with grand buildings in glowing yellow stone, embellished with shuttered windows and wrought iron balustrades.In keeping with its name, water bubbles from many fountains in the many squares and plazas.
Aix-en-Provence is indeed blessed with the thermal springs which feed its fountains with health giving waters. The Romans established Aquae Sextiae in the 2nd Century BCE. A spa was built on these springs, and still despite the odd few hundred years of disuse, still operates today.
Today, Aix-en-Provence is a bustling and prosperous small town. Produce of the hinterland is offered for sale at daily markets, which in France still prosper, even with the advent of Hypermarkets. The streets are lined with grand buildings in glowing yellow stone, embellished with shuttered windows and wrought iron balustrades.In keeping with its name, water bubbles from many fountains in the many squares and plazas.