Aix-en-Provence: The Gem of Southern France

• HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh ruh-vwahr]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien
  [seel voo pleh/duh ryen]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
  [ehk-skew-zay mwah/deh-zoh-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et toi?
  [byen. ay twah]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahnd pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir la carte, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwahr lah kart, seel voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vee-ahnd]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-ay, seel voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours!
  [oh seh-koor]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay vooz ahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-pay-lay lah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-pay-lay uh may-day-sahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray zah-shtay]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gahrd zhust]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohn-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-vez voo bay-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kel uhruh eh-teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ehz oon uhruh]
• Half past (10)Dix et demi
  [dees ay duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tahn]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [yehr]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [kat]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [set]
• 8Huit
  [weet]
• 9Neuf
  [nuf]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

• Where's a/the...?Où est...?
  [oo eh...]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kel eh lah-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-vez voo muh mohn-tray (soor lah kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahn eh luh proh-shahn (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ...)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

Aix-en-Provence, originally known as Aquae Sextiae, was founded in 123 BC by the Roman consul Sextius Calvinus. The city was established as a thermal spa town, taking advantage of the natural hot springs in the area. These springs were believed to have healing properties, attracting Roman settlers and establishing Aix as a key location in the Roman province of Gallia Narbonensis.

During the 5th century, Aix-en-Provence faced numerous invasions by barbarian tribes, including the Visigoths and the Ostrogoths. The city was sacked several times, leading to a period of decline. Despite the turmoil, Aix managed to preserve its Roman heritage and infrastructure, which would later contribute to its revival in the Middle Ages.

In the 12th century, Aix-en-Provence became the capital of the County of Provence. This period marked a time of prosperity and growth for the city. The Counts of Provence established their court in Aix, turning it into a cultural and political hub. The construction of the Saint-Sauveur Cathedral and other significant buildings began during this era, laying the foundations for the city's rich architectural heritage.

Founded in 1409 by Louis II of Anjou, the University of Aix-Marseille became one of the oldest universities in France. It played a crucial role in the intellectual and cultural development of Aix-en-Provence. The university attracted scholars and students from across Europe, contributing to the city's reputation as a center of learning and culture.

The French Revolution brought significant changes to Aix-en-Provence. The city's aristocracy faced persecution, and many historic buildings were repurposed or destroyed. Despite the upheaval, Aix managed to retain its cultural identity. The period also saw the rise of notable figures, such as the revolutionary leader Mirabeau, who hailed from Aix-en-Provence.

Aix-en-Provence is famously known as the birthplace of the renowned post-impressionist painter Paul Cézanne. Born in 1839, Cézanne's works were deeply inspired by the landscapes of Aix and its surroundings. Sites such as Mont Sainte-Victoire frequently appeared in his paintings. Today, Cézanne's legacy is celebrated throughout the city, with numerous landmarks and museums dedicated to his life and work.

In the 20th and 21st centuries, Aix-en-Provence has continued to thrive as a vibrant cultural and academic center. The city has successfully preserved its historical charm while embracing modernity. Festivals, such as the Festival d'Aix-en-Provence, attract visitors from around the world, solidifying Aix's status as a key destination for arts and culture. The city's blend of historical significance and contemporary vitality makes it a unique and captivating place to explore.

Aix-en-Provence is located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southern France. The nearest international airport is Marseille Provence Airport (MRS), approximately 30 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a shuttle bus to Aix-en-Provence, which takes around 30 minutes. Alternatively, the city is well-connected by train, and you can take a TGV (high-speed train) from Paris, which takes about 3 hours. Buses and rental cars are also available for those who prefer a road trip.

Aix-en-Provence is a compact city, and many attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, the local bus system, Aix en Bus, is efficient and covers the city and its suburbs. Taxis are available but can be expensive. Renting a bike is a popular option for exploring the city. If you want to venture outside Aix, renting a car is the best option as it offers the freedom to explore the scenic Provence countryside at your own pace.

The official currency in France is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in restaurants, shops, and hotels. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments, markets, and rural areas. ATMs are readily available throughout the city. Contactless payments and mobile wallets are also becoming more common.

Aix-en-Provence is generally a safe city for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and be mindful of your belongings in crowded places. The areas around the train station and certain parts of the city center can experience pickpocketing, so stay vigilant. Always keep your important documents and valuables secure.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number works for police, fire, and medical emergencies. The main hospital, Centre Hospitalier du Pays d'Aix, is well-equipped to handle medical emergencies. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications. Ensure you have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress stylishly but comfortably. Aix-en-Provence is known for its chic fashion sense. Avoid overly casual attire like flip-flops and beachwear in the city center. Religion: Do respect religious sites by dressing modestly. Avoid loud behavior in churches and always ask for permission before taking photographs. Public Transport: Do be respectful and quiet on public transport. Avoid eating and drinking while on buses and trains. Greetings: Do greet people with a 'Bonjour' (Good morning) or 'Bonsoir' (Good evening) and a handshake. Avoid overly familiar greetings with strangers. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and wines. Avoid asking for ketchup or other condiments in finer dining establishments as it may be considered rude.

To experience Aix-en-Provence like a local, visit the bustling markets such as the Marché d'Aix on Place Richelme, where you can buy fresh produce, cheeses, and local specialties. Take a leisurely stroll along Cours Mirabeau, the city's main thoroughfare, and enjoy a coffee at one of the many cafés. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and eager to share stories about their city. Don't miss the chance to explore the Atelier Cézanne, the studio of the famous painter Paul Cézanne, and the Sainte-Victoire Mountain, which inspired many of his works.