Aix-en-Provence Fountains and Squares Tour (Self Guided), Aix-en-Provence

Aix-end-Provence is known for its fountains. With more than 1,000 fountains, a tourist could spend weeks walking around the city without glimpsing them all. The fountains began appearing under the Roman empire when the Romans discovered Aix's natural thermal water source. They referred to the area as Aquae Sextiae or the Waters of Sextius.

The fountains appear throughout the city and are prominent features in many of the squares. There are unique fountains like the Boar Fountain found at Richelme Square and more traditional fountains, like the one seen at Place des Trois Ormeaux. The larger-than-life obelisk at Place des Precheurs has fountains at its base, while Place et Fontaine d'Albertas is as known for the large, central fountain as it is for the square itself.

Other fountains popular among visitors are the Fontaine des Augustins (Fountain of the Augustins), Fontaine de la Rotonde (Fountain of the Rotunda), Fontaine des Neuf-Canons (Fountain of the Nine Cannons), Fontaine du Roi Rene (King Rene Fountain) and Fontaine Moussue (Mossy Fountain).

Arguably one of the most famous fountains in the city is Fontaine des Quatre Dauphins. This fountain was the first free-standing fountain in Aix-en-Provence. It was built by Jean-Claude Rambot in 1667.

Take this self-guided walking tour to see the beautiful fountains and squares of Aix-en-Provence.