The Elegant Charm of Mazarin District

• HelloBonjour
  [bohn-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh ruh-vwahr]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît
  [seel voo pleh]
• 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 vous?
  [byen. 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 le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwar luh muh-nyoo, 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 se-coor]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay vooz on]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-puh-lay lah po-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-puh-lay uh may-duh-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-gard zhewst]
• 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?
  [kel uhr ay-teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ay tewn uhr]
• Half past (10)Dix et demi
  [dees ay duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tan]
• 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
  [katr]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [set]
• 8Huit
  [weet]
• 9Neuf
  [nurf]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

• Where's a/the...?Où est...?
  [oo ay...]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kel ay la-dress]
• 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-shang (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ...)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor ...)]

The Mazarin District, named after Cardinal Mazarin, was developed in the 17th century as a response to the growing population of Aix-en-Provence. The area was designed as a refined residential quarter, characterized by broad avenues and classical architecture that reflected the grandeur of the time. Its establishment marked a shift in Aix's urban planning, moving towards a more structured and aesthetically pleasing layout.

Cardinal Mazarin, an Italian cardinal and chief minister to Louis XIV, played a crucial role in the district's development. His influence extended beyond politics to cultural and architectural advancements. The district embodies the Baroque style that was prevalent during his time, with elegant facades and luxurious private hotels that became a symbol of prestige in Aix-en-Provence.

In the 18th century, the Mazarin District evolved into a cultural hub, attracting artists, writers, and intellectuals. The presence of salons and literary gatherings fostered a vibrant atmosphere, contributing to the Enlightenment movement in Provence. This cultural flourishing drew many to the district, reinforcing its status as a center of social life in Aix-en-Provence.

The French Revolution in the late 18th century brought significant changes to the Mazarin District. The aristocratic residences were repurposed, and many were transformed into public buildings or sold off. Despite the upheaval, the architectural beauty of the district remained intact, and it continued to be a focal point in Aix's urban landscape.

Today, the Mazarin District is celebrated for its historical charm and cultural significance. It features a blend of boutique shops, cafes, and art galleries, attracting tourists and locals alike. The district's well-preserved architecture and tranquil streets offer a glimpse into the rich heritage of Aix-en-Provence, making it a must-visit area for those exploring the city's past.

The Mazarin District is centrally located in Aix-en-Provence, making it accessible from other neighborhoods by foot, bicycle, or public transport. From the Cours Mirabeau, the district is just a short 10-minute walk. If you are coming from the train station (Gare d'Aix-en-Provence), take bus line 1 or 7, which will take you to the city center. Taxis and rideshare services are also available for more convenience.

The Mazarin District is pedestrian-friendly, and many of its attractions can be easily reached on foot. For longer distances, consider renting a bicycle through the local bike-sharing service, or using the local bus system, which connects to other parts of the city. The area is compact, making it ideal for exploration by foot, allowing you to enjoy the charming streets and architecture.

The Mazarin District is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and keep an eye on personal belongings, especially in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas, it’s advisable to stay cautious in less trafficked streets after dark.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance in France. The local hospital, Hôpital d'Aix-en-Provence, is equipped to handle emergencies. Pharmacies are also readily available for minor health concerns, and many have a 24-hour service.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable shoes for walking, as the streets can be cobbled. Avoid overly casual attire when dining at upscale restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs; when visiting churches, dress modestly and cover your shoulders. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding public transport. Don’t consume food or drink on buses. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Bonjour' and a smile. Avoid being overly familiar unless invited. Eating & Drinking: Do try local wines and delicacies, and don’t rush meals; dining is a leisurely affair here.

To experience the Mazarin District like a local, visit the daily markets, such as the Place des Prêcheurs, for fresh produce and local delicacies. Engage with shopkeepers who are often eager to share their knowledge of the area. Don't miss the chance to explore the small galleries and artisan shops tucked away in the side streets, and for a perfect afternoon, find a café with a terrace and enjoy a café au lait while people-watching.