Understand

Aix-en-Provence, also known as Aix, is a charming town in southern France. It is famous for being the hometown of Czanne, the renowned artist. In recent years, Aix has become a popular destination thanks to the introduction of a high-speed train station, attracting vacationers from all over. Despite its small size, Aix offers a wide variety of shopping options, making it a shopper's paradise. The town is also known for its strong student presence, with three universities and numerous French-language schools for international students. Aix has a fascinating contrast with its neighboring city, Marseille. While Marseille is one of the poorest cities in France, Aix stands out as one of the wealthiest. If you are looking for budget or more popular places, Marseille would be a better choice. However, Aix has its own unique charm. It is a tranquil and clean city, where you can enjoy leisurely walks for hours. The pedestrianized city center, with its narrow streets and beautiful 17th-century buildings, creates a picturesque atmosphere. Aix truly captures the essence of Provence.

Popular Foods

The first popular French dish is Ratatouille, a colorful vegetable stew traditionally made with eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and seasoned with herbs such as thyme and basil. This hearty, non-meat dish is typically served alongside grilled meats or fish.

Another famous French dish is Coq au Vin, a braised chicken dish that originated in Burgundy. It involves marinating chicken pieces in red wine with mushrooms, bacon, onions, and garlic before slow-cooking them until tender and flavorful. The final dish is often garnished with parsley and served with potatoes, noodles, or bread.

Lastly, the iconic French dish, Croissants, are flaky, buttery pastries made from layers of laminated dough, which are then curved into a crescent shape and traditionally served for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. Although they are not typically a savory or sweet dish, croissants can be filled with various ingredients like ham and cheese (called a jambon-beurre) or almond paste and sugar (an almond croissant).

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing