Aix-en-Provence, France

Capital City

Living in this Mediterranean university town will set you back considerably more than nearby Marseille - but 149,695 residents can't be wrong about the appeal of year-round sunshine and centuries of academic prestige. Founded by the Romans for its thermal springs in 123 BC, Aix-en-Provence rocketed to prominence as Provence's medieval capital and now serves as a bourgeois enclave attracting both scholars and deep-pocketed retirees.

The city's architectural legacy reflects its wealthy past, with grand 17th and 18th-century mansions lining the plane tree-shaded Cours Mirabeau. While the historic center remains charmingly pedestrianized, modern Aix sprawls southward with new developments. The Mediterranean climate brings hot summers reaching 24°C (75°F) in July and mild winters around 6°C (43°F), with a remarkable 300 sunny days annually - though the infamous Mistral wind can still blast through despite partial protection from surrounding hills.

Today's economy centers on tourism, education (including multiple universities), tech, and traditional Provençal products like calissons candies and olive oil. But living costs reflect the city's upscale character - housing especially comes at a premium. The excellent transport links (3 hours to Paris by TGV) and cultural offerings like the renowned summer opera festival help explain why this scholarly city maintains its allure for Francophiles with means.