aix en provence | benvengudo hotel & restaurant

Aix en Provence ... History began 2000 years ago... Information provided by your Provence hotel and restaurant, Benvengudo...

Located 45 minutes from Benvengudo lies Aix en Provence, a city rich in heritage and an historical town of art, culture and education.

The central Provence location of Benvengudo makes it your ideal Aix an Provence hotel & restaurant, allowing you to appreciate the history and culture of the city, and then return to the peace and tranquility of your hotel in Les Baux.

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Aix en Provence features

Established around 122 BC by the Greeks, Aix en Provence is one of the earliest Roman colonies of ancient Gaul. The region is located between the Durance in the north, the Etoile range and the Olympe and Aurélien mountains in the south and spans over 18,600 hectares with approximately 140,000 residents.

Aix en Provence has long been a centre of art and culture. In the 15th century, King René chose the city to establish his court, renowned for its patronage of arts, science and literature. The King himself was a poet, philanthropist and artist and he turned Provence into a rich and elegant kingdom, celebrating a refined way of life. Under King René’s rule, Aix en Provence entered a period of commercial prosperity and cultural vitality.

“Modern” Aix dates from the post 1939-1945 era. Expansion came with the construction of a new university to the south of town, the International Music Festival (1948), the Institute for Foreign Students, and the Institute for American Universities, all contributing to its international renown. Today Aix remains an important educational centre, with many universities, training colleges, lycées, and a college of art and design.

Aix en Provence is the birthplace of many famous philosophers, artists and composers, the most famous being the French painter Paul Cezanne, born in Aix in 1839. He spent most of his time between Paris and Aix, staying also at L'Estaque and Les Lauves in Aix where he had a studio.

Cezanne’s influence is heavily felt in Aix en Provence and the Tourist Office offers guided tours of the popular Cézanne sites where you can walk in the steps of the renowned artist. He is buried in the Saint Pierre cemetery, near his favourite route du Tholonet.

Opposite the Sainte-Victoire mountain lays the Vasarely Foundation, a building which is a work of art in itself, hosting 42 life-size works by the internationally acclaimed artist Vasarely, recognised as the father of "cinetism" and leader of the Op-art movement. Vasarely's project was both architectural and social, wishing to demonstrate that contemporary art can be incorporated in architecture to enhance everyday life. His innovations in colour, shape and optical illusion have had a strong influence on many modern artists.

What to do in Aix en Provence

Aix en Provence is a city rich in heritage and culture with historical attractions easily discovered walking around the main town. Visitors will find many museums, foundations, cultural attractions and archaeological sites that pay homage to its history.

One of the most famous museums is the Musée Granet which has an interesting collection of European paintings, including a very good collection of works by local artist, Paul Cézanne. Le Musée des Tapisseries, located in the Archbishop’s Palace, houses a superb display of tapestries and the Musée Arbaud and Musée du Vieil Aix are some of the important and famous museums in the city.

As you explore Aix through the labyrinth of narrow streets, you will understand why the city is sometimes referred to as the city of a thousand fountains. Amongst the many fountains is the ancient Espéluque fountain, Le bon Roi René fountain which was built in the 15th century and named after Roi René who introduced Muscat grapes to Provence, and the most elaborate fountain, La Rotonde, built in 1860, which serves as a roundabout in the centre of the city.

Two major festivals are held in Aix every year. The Festival d’Aix en Provence is held in late June and July and 'Musique dans la Rue' takes place in June to coincide with the national 'Fête de la Musique'. Other main attractions include the Cathédrale Saint Sauveur which is situated to the north in the medieval part of Aix, the Archbishop’s Palace, the former palace of the archbishops of Aix-en-Provence and the Clock Tower erected in 1510.

These historical wonders and cultural delights are not to be missed on your next visit to Aix en Provence and the friendly staff at your hotel will be able to assist you during your next stay.

Benvengudo is your ideal choice amongst all the Provence hotels. Located in the heart of Provence, our boutique hotel offers easy access to the delightful village of Les Baux de Provence. Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Arles, Avignon are nearby and Marseille International Airport is just over an hour away... See all the Provence attractions, events and historical locations that surround us. Make your online Provence hotel reservation, enquire online or call our friendly Reservations Team on ++33 (0)4 90 54 32 54 to book. Browse our classic Provence hotel accommodation rooms or explore our Provence hotel specials, packages and deals for your next Provence holidays, romantic getaways or weekend and mid-week escapes.