The story
Welcome to the beating heart of Aix-en-Provence. As you stand here at the western edge of the legendary Cours Mirabeau, you are looking at one of the most photographed and beloved landmarks in all of France: the Fontaine de la Rotonde. Built in 1860, this monumental fountain was designed to be much more than a decorative water feature; it was intended to be a grand gateway, a formal entrance for travelers arriving from Marseille and Paris.
At thirty-two meters wide and twelve meters high, its sheer scale tells you everything you need to know about the confidence of 19th-century Aix. Take a moment to look up at the very top of the fountain. You will see three distinct marble statues, each sculpted by a different artist, and each facing a different direction to represent the pillars of the city’s identity.
The statue facing the Cours Mirabeau, looking directly into the heart of the old town, represents Justice. This is a nod to Aix’s historical role as the judicial capital of Provence. To the right, looking toward the road to Marseille, is the statue representing Agriculture, a tribute to the fertile lands and the trade that fueled the region's wealth.
Finally, facing north toward the road to Avignon, stands the statue of the Fine Arts, symbolizing the city’s eternal connection to painting, music, and literature. As you circle the basin, notice the bronze lions, the dolphins, and the swans that seem to guard the cascading water. The sound you hear—that constant, rhythmic splash—is the soundtrack of Aix-en-Provence.
This is, after all, the City of a Thousand Fountains. In the 1800s, this water wasn’t just for show; it was a vital resource, though the Rotonde was the first fountain in the city to use a modern hydraulic system to propel its jets so high into the air. Just behind you, the grand hotels and the famous Apple Store, housed in a beautifully restored historic building, look onto this masterpiece daily.
This square, the Place de la Libération, acts as a bridge between the medieval history of the old town and the Haussmann-style elegance of the 19th-century expansion. From here, the shaded canopy of the Cours Mirabeau beckons. As you prepare to walk beneath the towering plane trees, take one last look at those three figures atop the Rotonde.
They have watched over millions of visitors, marking the spot where the dusty roads of Provence transform into the refined elegance of the city. When you are ready, let the spirit of the Arts, Justice, and Agriculture guide you forward into the golden-hued streets ahead.