Many visitors to France including French studens consider Aix en Provence to be "The most beautiful town in France after Paris" An 18th century guest of Aix noted that the city is chic and elegant, with graceful boulevards, shady squares, and hundreds of beautifully carved stone fountains. Water is the raison d'être of the city, founded by the Roman consul Sextius in 103 BC, who was attracted by the hot springs that are still in use today. These springs are a very popular attractions studying at the French language school.

Aix is lovingly referred to by many as the "city of a thousand fountains". Today the city is one of the more popular places to visit and learn French in France. The city is also home to close to 30,000 students who attend study at the Universities of Aix-Marseille, whose forerunner was established in 1409. The combination of a mild climate, a beautiful city, and an active population makes Aix-en-Provence a wonderful city live in and practice your French language skills.

At the heart of Aix lies the majestic Cours Mirabeau, the famous tree-shaded boulevard laid out on the site of the old ramparts, flanked by elegant 17th and 18th century houses and punctuated by beautiful fountains. Take time to watch the world go by from the terrace of one of the cafés here, such as Les Deux Garç, a favorite haunt of artists and intellectuals since 1792. This is a great location to meet speakers of the native language and have a practical French conversation.

To the north, the old town extends through a maze of squares. On Saturdays, when it is taken over by a market, this area is even more irresistible. Distinguished buildings include the 17th century Hôtel de Villek and the old bishops' palace or Ancien Achevêché, which now houses the Musée des Tapisseries, with fine tapestries. Next door is the lovely Gothic Cathédrale St. Sauveur, unmistakable for its 16th century carved doors, the cool columns of its 5th century Merovingian baptistry, and its Romanesque cloisters. Among its treasures is Nocolas Froment's 15th century triptych, the "Burning Bush".

South of the Cours Mirabeau is the elegant Quartier Marzarin. Here the Musée Granet has several works by Paul Cézanne, Aix's most famous son. A Cézanne circuit leads you around the town, and you can visit the Atelier Paul Cézanne where the artist worked from 1897 until he died in 1906. It has been re-created just as he might have left it. Here he painted "Les Grandes Baigneuses", and the window offers views of his beloved Mont St. Victoire, inspiration for more than 50 of his paintings.

The weather in this part of France is mild and comfortable and both the beaches of the Mediterranean and the mountains are within a short 30 minute drive. If you are looking for a great place that will allow you access to the beautiful sites of Southern France, Aix-en-Provence is the perfect site for a French school and will be a perfect chocie for for your French immersion program in France.

We are confident that you will find Aix-en-Provence to be a great place to explore France and begin or continue learning the French language.

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