Every city in France, large or small, has a number: squares! They are the heart of French culture because it is where events such as markets and festivals take place, it is the place where people meet! The beautiful city of Aix-en-Provence is known for its many fountains but also has beautiful squares. Squares that are worth a visit during a city walk! The nice thing about the squares in Aix is that you can easily walk from one square to the other and thus immediately get a good impression of this fantastic city!
1. Place des Martyrs de la Resistance (formerly Place de l'Archevêché)
Although this square is smaller than many other squares in Aix, we call this square first because the world-famous Festival d'Aix is held every year in July.
This festival attracts music and theater enthusiasts from all over the world. The square is also known because in La Archeveche, built between 1650 and 1730 as a palace for the archbishops of Aix, is La Musée des Tapisseries. Here you can see a beautiful collection of tapestries from the 17th and 18th centuries.
2. Place Richelme
Are you looking for a large Provencal market where they sell fresh products? Then you do not have to look any further once you have arrived at Place Richelme!
Vegetable, fruit, honey, olives, name it and you can find it there. The market is there every day and has been around for centuries! The Aixois have been buying their food since 1360 at Place aux Herbes, a small enclave of this square and also the original location of the fish and vegetable market.
3. Place des Trois Ormeaux
If you are looking for a shady place to sit and relax, then look for Place des Trois Ormeaux. Here you can enjoy a cup of coffee or a nice bite to eat. L'Epicerie d'Aix and Provence is a good choice.
The plane trees offer plenty of shade, a pleasant break from the summer sun and the splattering of the fountain in the background gives peace after a long walk in the city.
4. Place des Prêcheurs
Around Place des Prêcheurs you will find more activity than at the other squares of our list. This has to do with the fact that the square is home to the Palais de Justice, the courthouse. The fountain on the square is a beautifully designed copy from 1758.
If you do not have enough of Provençal markets after Place Richelme, go to the market on Place des Precheurs on Tuesdays, Thursdays or Saturdays. There is a huge market with antiques, silverware, herbs, bedding, soap, flowers, etc. There are more than 300 suppliers who sell fresh vegetables, fruit, herbs, cheese, olive oil, honey and meat products throughout the year. It is a great place to get chicken from the spit, couscous, or even paella for lunch.
On this square is also l'Eglise de Madeleine. This church has been rebuilt several times since its construction in the 13th century. The church is classified as a historical monument and is often mentioned as one of the most beautiful churches in Provence.
5. Place d'Albertas
Are you a lover of architecture? Then you will love this square with the photogenic fountain. The square is named after the influential Albertas family. The square was built in 1745 by order of Jean Baptiste d'Albertas.
He wanted a better view from the windows of his house on the other side of the street, so he bought up the buildings around the square and had them demolished. The houses were then rebuilt in a Baroque style and sold to residents of Aix.
The fountain in the square was designed and built by the students of the École des Arts et Métiers in 1912 and replaced an earlier fountain that was in very bad condition.
6. Place des Quatres Dauphins
If you like symmetry and perfection, you will certainly appreciate Place des Quatres Dauphins. In contrast to the irregular patterns of the medieval streets and squares in Aix, this square has the perfect dimensions and there are four chestnut trees around the square. The dolphins clearly show the Italian influence of the fountain. The dolphins symbolize the importance of the thermal origin of the city of Aix-en-Provence.
If you have visited all the squares above, you have a good impression of Aix-en-Provence, one of the most beautiful cities in Provence. Once you've been there you definitely want to go back!
