Sextius Thermal Baths

Aix-en-Provence is all about water! The city’s been famous for its hot springs since way back in Antiquity. You’re standing right in front of the Sextius thermal baths, a modern spa complex offering everything from balneotherapy and massages to full-on wellness treatments. If you’re lucky enough to get in for a little pampering, you’ll notice that the decor is very much inspired by Roman thermal baths, a nod to the city’s long history. Indeed, Aix has been known as a spa town for centuries, thanks to its numerous thermal springs. That’s why there are so many fountains scattered all around the city – there are over a hundred of them! Fun fact: the name Aix comes from the Latin word “Aquae”, meaning water. It all started with a Roman general named Caius Sextius who discovered hot and cold springs here back in 122 BC. He then decided to found a city, which he called “Aquae Sextiae”, that is, “The Waters of Sextius”. The very first baths were built on this very spot as early as the 1st century AD. As the need for water grew, they constructed aqueducts to bring more to the city. These aqueducts kept the water flowing for everyone in town – for people to drink, of course, but also to keep the streets and mansions clean, and fill the many fountains and thermal baths. With the end of the Roman period and the rise of Christianity, however, public bathing was strongly condemned, and thermal baths were destroyed and buried; you see, the authorities wanted to erase any trace of this custom, which they saw as immoral. Throughout its history, Aix saw many invasions, which led to the construction of a huge fortified wall for protection. The aqueducts could thus no longer supply the city with water. That’s why, over the centuries, the locals built more and more wells, both public and private, to survive the many sieges. Water was also used to fight the frequent fires back when most buildings were made of wood. And then later, it became essential for the city’s industries, from wool combing to tanning and dyeing. It wasn’t until the early 18th century that the ancient thermal baths were accidentally rediscovered; they were clearing rubble from a house and stumbled upon a hot spring! It soon became clear that these were public baths, given their size. So, they decided to rebuild them right here! That’s how the building before you came to be. Word of the healing waters of Aix spread quickly, and the city regained its great reputation as a spa town. Today, the Sextius thermal baths are a major fitness and wellness center, perfect for anyone looking to relax and unwind while visiting the City of a Thousand Fountains. Now you know why water is so special here in Aix!