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Fontaine des Prêcheurs: A Baroque Masterpiece

Aix-en-Provence's Fontaine des Prêcheurs: A historic fountain showcasing Baroque artistry and a glimpse into the city's rich past.

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The Fontaine des Prêcheurs, a monumental fountain dating back to 1758, graces the Place des Prêcheurs in Aix-en-Provence. Designed by Jean Pancrace Chastel, its baroque style and historical significance make it a captivating landmark.

A brief summary to Fontaine des Prêcheurs

  • Pl. des Prêcheurs, Aix-en-Provence, 13100, FR

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and capture the best light for photographs.
  • Take a stroll around Place des Prêcheurs to explore the local shops and cafes.
  • Look closely at the four medallions on the fountain's base to see the portraits of important historical figures.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Fontaine des Prêcheurs is located in the heart of Aix-en-Provence on Place des Prêcheurs. From Cours Mirabeau, walk north towards Église de la Madeleine. The fountain will be visible in the center of the square. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    Several bus lines serve Place des Prêcheurs. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date routes and times. A single ticket costs around €1.60.

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Discover more about Fontaine des Prêcheurs

The Fontaine des Prêcheurs stands as one of the most impressive fountains in Aix-en-Provence. Erected in 1758 by Jean Pancrace Chastel, this monument marks the Place des Prêcheurs with its baroque grandeur. Before the construction of Cours Mirabeau, Place des Prêcheurs was the busiest thoroughfare in Aix-en-Provence. Merchants, actors, and chivalrous tournaments filled the square, meriting a majestic monument. The fountain features a square basin with a central pedestal adorned with draperies. Water flows from large, inverted shells, once sourced from the Pinchinats spring. At the heart of the fountain rises an obelisk crafted from Calissanne stone, topped by a sphere and a white eagle with spread wings. The eagle, added during the project, symbolizes reason and casts its gaze upon the former site of the city's scaffold. Criminals met their end here, under the law embodied by the eagle. The pedestal features four lions protecting portraits of significant figures: Sextius Calvinus, founder of Aix; Charles III of Maine; Louis XV; and Louis XVIII.

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