Thinking about the subject of water in Aix-en-Provence is especially pertinent to the city’s history and the general history of modern civilization. In the first century BCE, modern-day Aix was under the control of the Roman Empire. They founded a city here named Aquae Sextiae, which is where the word “Aix” comes from in the first place. In Latin, “aquae” means water, which is precisely the reason that the Romans founded Aix. The area is rich with natural springs and wells, a sought-out trait in Roman settlements due to the complex system of aqueducts constructed to bring water all around the Empire.

The vestiges of the original Roman aqueduct are still visible in Aix, right in the middle of the centre-ville. The practice of using the area’s naturally occurring water persists as well. Much of the tap water in Aixoise households still comes from local springs. I find it so cool that an ancient Roman practice and discovery still plays an essential role in my day-to-day life in Aix. Though, I’m grateful that now they treat the water first!