Aix-en-Provence
[key], city (2020 metropolitan area pop. 1,608,000), Bouches-du-Rhône dept., in
Provence, SE France. It is a commercial center in an area producing olives, grapes, and
almonds. Its manufactures include food products, wine-making equipment, and electronics and
software. Founded (123 b.c.) by the Romans near the site of mineral springs, it has
long been a popular spa. There, in 102 b.c., Marius defeated the Teutons. It became an archiepiscopal see in the 5th cent. It
has been the capital of Provence since the 12th cent. (except
when replaced by Arles), and passed with Provence to the crown in 1487, becoming
the seat of a provincial parlement. A music center since the
11th cent. and a focus of Provençal literature, Aix has a
university (founded 1409; now combined with one at Marseilles). A notable structure is the
Cathedral of Saint-Sauveur (13th–14th cent.). A picturesque town, Aix has become a
favorite sojourn for painters. An opera festival is held each summer. Cézanne was born
in Aix and lived and painted there.
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