The Historic Heart of Aix-en-Provence: Centre Ville

• HelloBonjour
  [bohn-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh-rev-wahr]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien
  [seel voo pleh/duh ryehn]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
  [ehk-skew-zay mwa/day-zoh-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byehn. ay voo]
• 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 vyand]
• 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 suh-koor]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay voo zahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-puh-lay lah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-puh-lay uhn 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 zhuhst]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-vay voo bay-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kehl ur ay teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ay oon ur]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [dees ur ay duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tan]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [yehr]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor dewee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twa]
• 4Quatre
  [kah-truh]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [sept]
• 8Huit
  [weet]
• 9Neuf
  [nuhf]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

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

Aix-en-Provence, originally known as Aquae Sextiae, was founded by the Romans in 123 BC. The city was strategically located near natural hot springs, which attracted settlers. The Roman influence is still evident in Centre Ville, with remnants of the ancient aqueducts and the impressive Roman ruins that lay scattered throughout the area, showcasing the city’s historical significance as a hub of commerce and culture in the Roman Empire.

During the Middle Ages, Aix-en-Provence became the capital of the County of Provence. The 15th century saw the construction of the prominent Hôtel de Ville (City Hall) in Centre Ville, symbolizing the political power of the region. The architecture reflects the Renaissance style, and the building has served as the center of local government and civic life, emphasizing the city's importance during this period.

In the 17th century, Centre Ville became a cultural epicenter, hosting artists, writers, and philosophers. The establishment of institutions such as the Académie de peinture et de sculpture in 1665 helped cultivate a vibrant artistic community. This period also saw the construction of beautiful Baroque churches, including the Saint-Jean-de-Malte, which showcases the artistic endeavors of the time.

The 18th century marked a significant intellectual movement within Aix-en-Provence, with figures like Émile Zola and Paul Cézanne emerging from the region. The salons of Centre Ville became venues for Enlightenment thinkers, fostering discussions on art, philosophy, and politics. The influence of these discussions can be seen in the rich cultural legacy that continues to define the city.

The French Revolution in the late 18th century brought significant changes to Aix-en-Provence. The city experienced political upheaval, and many of its noble families were displaced. However, the Revolution also allowed for increased public participation in civic matters. The Place de la Rotonde, a key location in Centre Ville, became a focal point for gatherings and celebrations, embodying the revolutionary spirit of the time.

The 19th century saw significant urban development in Aix-en-Provence, driven by industrial growth and the arrival of the railway. Centre Ville expanded with new boulevards and public squares, transforming the urban landscape. The establishment of the Palais des Congrès and other cultural venues helped solidify Aix as a center for tourism and culture, attracting visitors to its historic charm.

Centre Ville is easily accessible from other neighborhoods in Aix-en-Provence. If you're coming from the train station, you can reach Centre Ville by walking; it is approximately a 15-minute stroll. Alternatively, local buses run frequently, connecting the station to the city center. For those driving, the main roads lead directly to Centre Ville, but be mindful of parking regulations and availability.

Centre Ville is best explored on foot due to its narrow streets and pedestrian-friendly layout. Public transport options include buses that connect to nearby neighborhoods and attractions. Bicycles can be rented from various local shops, and Aix-en-Provence offers bike lanes for safe cycling. Taxis are also available for convenience, but walking will allow you to soak in the charming atmosphere of the area.

Centre Ville is generally safe for tourists; however, as in any city, it is advisable to stay alert. Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, can occur in crowded areas like the markets and popular squares. While there are no specific high-crime areas, it’s best to avoid poorly lit streets at night and to keep your belongings secure.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The local police station is located in the city center, and there are several hospitals and clinics available for medical emergencies. It’s recommended to have travel insurance that covers health-related incidents. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health concerns and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably, but consider modesty when visiting religious sites. Don't wear overly casual clothing in upscale restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs; when entering churches, cover your shoulders and knees. Public Transport: Do give up your seat for the elderly and pregnant women. Don't engage in loud conversations. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'bonjour' and a smile. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisine and enjoy meals at outdoor cafés. Don't rush your meals; dining is a leisurely affair.

To experience Centre Ville like a local, visit the daily markets for fresh produce and local delicacies. Engage with vendors, as they often share recipes or cooking tips. Explore lesser-known cafes and bistros away from tourist hotspots to enjoy authentic Aix-en-Provence cuisine. Don’t miss the chance to join local events or festivals, which can provide a deeper understanding of the region’s culture.