Its ancient ramparts were brimming with new convents, the most famous being that of the Knights of Saint-Jean de Malte, which became the burial place of the Counts. From this period, the town has preserved its outer wall, which begins at the old Bourg Saint Sauveur (the market town).

In 1409, Louis II of Anjou founded the University. Under the reign of his son René (1409-1480), Aix acquired an efficient administration and became a place of artistic creation. This Golden Age no doubt contributed to the legend of Queen Jeanne and "Good King René", whose statue still stands at the far end of the Cours Mirabeau.

A year after his death, Provence was annexed by the Kingdom of France, though for two centuries the town refused to accept the centralist policies of the monarchy.