Situated near the Arc River, 81 km SE of Avignon and 32 km N of Marseille, the culturally rich town of Aix-en-Provence is at the crossroads of the main routes to Italy and the Alps. Aix derives its name from the mineral baths still used today for the treatment of rheumatic and vascular diseases. The central attraction of Aixs Old Town is the tree-lined cours Mirabeau, marked by fountains, elegant 17th- and 18th-cenutry buildings and a number of cafes. Taken over by the weekly Saturday market, the old town center, easily explored on foot, is home to the Gothic Cathedrale de St-Sauveur. Just outside the city center is the Atelier de Cezanne, the former studio of Aixs most famous son, Paul Cezanne. The surrounding countryside is dotted with vineyards, country houses and French-style gardens, with Mount Sainte-Victoire in the background.
Tourist Office2, Place du General de GaulleBP 16013605 Aix en Provence CedexPhone: 33 4 42 16 11 61Fax: 33 4 42 16 11 62