Place des Quatre-Dauphins, Aix-en-Provence Travel Guide

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Discover the charm of Aix-en-Provence at Place des Quatre-Dauphins, a historic square with a stunning baroque fountain and elegant architecture.

Place des Quatre-Dauphins is a charming square in Aix-en-Provence's Mazarin district, known for its 17th-century fountain adorned with four dolphins. A peaceful oasis, it's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to relax and soak up the Provençal atmosphere.

A brief summary to Place des Quatre-Dauphins

Pl. des 4 Dauphins, Aix-en-Provence, 13100, FR

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Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Place des Quatre-Dauphins.

Take a leisurely stroll around the square to admire the architecture and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.
Visit during the day to see the fountain in action and capture beautiful photos.
Explore the surrounding Mazarin district, known for its elegant mansions and art museums.

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Getting There

Walking

Place des Quatre-Dauphins is located in the Mazarin district and is easily accessible on foot from most central Aix-en-Provence locations. From the Cours Mirabeau, walk south along Rue du Quatre-Septembre. The square will be at the intersection of Rue du Quatre-Septembre and Rue Cardinale. No costs are associated with walking.
Public Transport

The nearest bus stops are a short walk from the Place des Quatre-Dauphins. From the Gare Routière (bus station), take any bus that stops near the Cours Mirabeau. From there, walk south on Rue du Quatre-Septembre. A single ticket costs approximately €1.10 - €1.70. Consider a 10-journey ticket for €7.00 - €9.10 if you plan to use public transport frequently.
Taxi/Ride-share

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available in Aix-en-Provence. A short taxi ride from the train station or bus station to Place des Quatre-Dauphins will cost approximately €7-€9. Note that prices may vary depending on traffic and time of day.

Discover more about Place des Quatre-Dauphins

Located in the heart of the Mazarin district, Place des Quatre-Dauphins is a picturesque square that embodies the elegance of Aix-en-Provence. The square's centerpiece is the baroque Fountain of the Four Dolphins, sculpted in 1667 by Jean-Claude Rambot. The fountain features four lifelike dolphins surrounding a column, initially intended to support a statue of St. Michael. Over time, the statue was replaced with a fleur-de-lis, a Maltese cross, and finally a pine cone.Originally named Place Saint-Michel, the square was part of Archbishop Michel Mazarin's 17th-century urban expansion project, designed with a checkerboard layout inspired by the Italian Renaissance. Mazarin initially planned to erect a statue of his brother, Cardinal Jules Mazarin, in the square, but the idea was abandoned after his death. Instead, the Fountain of the Four Dolphins was commissioned, becoming a beloved symbol of the city.Surrounded by private mansions dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, Place des Quatre-Dauphins offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city streets. The square's pedestrian-friendly design and lush greenery create a relaxing environment for visitors. The square has also served as a backdrop for filmmakers like Antonioni and Wenders. Today, Place des Quatre-Dauphins remains a vibrant cultural hub, hosting various events and attracting visitors who come to admire its beauty and historical significance.