The town rejected the industrial revolution and chose to live "out of time" for a century. Since the mid-20th century,however, Aix has experienced an unprecedented demographic and economic boost.

The town continues to develop its university and culture with enthusiasm. The renovation of the historic centre, the rebirth of its Lyric Arts Festival, Cité du Livre (the city of the book) and the future National Choreographic Centre testify to its cultural vocation open to the world. The economic expansion of Aix is also focused around tertiary activities and high-technology companies which place the town firmly in the third millennium.

This is the face of Aix at the dawn of the 21st Century.

It is a city of human dimension where the preserved heritage and the town of the future coexist in perfect harmony.The Sextius-Mirabeau quarter, the "last link" concatenating the town to its new era, is the best example of this new enthusiasm.