Aix-en-Provence: The Place to See French Culture and Young Vibrancy

It's hard to explain whats so captivating about Aix-en-Provence (known to locals only as “Aix”), a medium small town in the center of Southern France's famous Provence region. Paris has its amazing architecture, Cannes the exquisite hotels, St. Tropez's famous beaches. But Aix? To the naked eye it looks like a typical sun drenched southern French town. But in reality, it is anything but.





A sophisticated, ultra cool with French chic, Aix does not fit the general stereotype of a College town. In fact, if no one told you about the famous French universities that provide the town with its youthful exuberance, you might just think Aix has a strange preponderance of young people. The main universities here are the Université Aix Marseille I-III, Université de Provence, the Université de la Méditerranée, and the Université de Droit, d'Economie et des Sciences.




The centerpoint of any visit to Aix should be the world famous open air markets, the largest of which is at the Place de Verdun, opposite the town hall . This market, open tuesdays, thursdays, and saturdays has been running continuously for over 40 years, and is no ordinary open air market, even by French standards. Show me another open air market where you can get fresh Provencal style Paella, fresh from the ocean seafood, and an amazing array of local delicacies prepared by friendly people. You can also purchase the most wholesome baked goods, hearty sausages, and organically (biologique) fruits and vegetables. The best time to go is early in the morning, when the crowds are thinner and the food is fresher. If food isn't your thing, there is also the antique and second-hand book markets, held on the first Sunday of each month, also at the Place de Verdun.