In Aix-en-Provence—the city of Paul Cézanne, Victor Vasarely, and Émile Zola—nearly every golden facade or cafe has had a brush with creative genius. In keeping with such a high-art history, Aix continues to boast a flourishing cultural scene with a world-renowned music festival held every July and over 40,000 students who provide the fuel during the year. When it comes to the vieille ville (old city), it may very well feel as if there are more restaurants and shops per capita than anywhere else in France. In the summertime, tourists come in droves to take advantage. There’s always the escape to nearby Mont Ste-Victoire, but no matter the crowds, Aix’s loveliness remains unspoiled.