Aix-en-Provence is a city in the south of France, located in the Provence region. It is the capital of the Bouches-du-Rhône department and the historical capital of Provence. The city has a long and rich history, dating back to the Roman era. It was founded in 123 BC by the Roman consul Sextius Calvinus, who named it Aquae Sextiae. During the Middle Ages, Aix-en-Provence was an important trading center and a major center of learning. It was also the home of the University of Aix-en-Provence, founded in 1409. In the 16th century, the city was a major center of the Protestant Reformation and was the site of the first Protestant church in France. In the 18th century, Aix-en-Provence became a popular destination for the wealthy and aristocratic classes, and the city was home to many famous artists, writers, and philosophers. Today, Aix-en-Provence is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage, and it is a popular tourist destination.