Welcome to Aix-en-Provence, the historic capital of Provence and the city of a thousand fountains! In this immersive walking tour, we explore the vibrant heart of Southern France during its famous market day. From grand avenues lined with centuries-old plane trees to bustling squares filled with local delicacies, this video captures the true essence of Provençal art de vivre.
We begin at Place de la Rotonde, walk down the iconic Cours Mirabeau to discover thermal springs and historic mossy fountains, and then dive deep into the old town’s pedestrian streets to explore artisanal crafts and a massive food market at Place de Verdun.
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WALKING ROUTE & HISTORIC CONTEXT
1. Place de la Rotonde (Fontaine de la Rotonde) – Built in 1860, this monumental 12-meter-high fountain features three statues representing Justice, Agriculture, and Fine Arts.
2. Cours Mirabeau – Created in 1649, this majestic avenue is famous for its canopy of ancient plane trees, grand 17th-18th century bourgeois mansions, and open-air markets.
3. The Twin Mossy Fountains (Cours Mirabeau)
* Fontaine des Neuf-Canons (1691): A multi-tiered limestone structure covered in natural moss.
* Fontaine Moussue (1697): Fed by warm thermal waters ($18^circtext{C}$). Over centuries, limestone deposits and vibrant moss transformed it into an organic green rock.
4. Fontaine du Roi René – Located at Place Forbin, this fountain features a marble statue of King René d’Anjou, the 15th-century ruler who introduced Muscat grapes to Provence.
5. Historical Center (Rue Espariat & Rue Marius Reynaud) – Narrow medieval lanes lined with warm ochre-stone buildings, wrought-iron balconies, and beautiful blooming facades.
6. Place de l’Hôtel de Ville – A lively square dominated by the 17th-century Baroque Town Hall and the ancient Clock Tower featuring an astronomical clock from 1661.
7. Place de Verdun & Palais de Justice – The epic center of the farmers’ market, dominated by the monumental neoclassical Palace of Justice with its massive columns.
PROVENÇAL TREASURES & MARKET DELICACIES
The markets of Aix-en-Provence are an explosion of colors, scents, and flavors. Here is what we found:
* Artisanal Textiles & Baskets: Hand-woven straw bags (“paniers”) and linen tablecloths decorated with regional motifs (lavender, lemons) and famous impressionist art replicas.
* Lavender Products: Fragrant cloth bags packed with dried local lavender flowers to refresh homes.
* Savon de Marseille (Marseille Soap): Handcrafted blocks of natural soap neatly stacked in wooden crates, available in olive oil, lavender, jasmine, and fruit scents.
* Gourmet Cheese Stall: Local and European cheeses, including Pyrenean sheep cheese (Tomme de Brebis), goat cheese (Tomme de Chèvre), classic Comté AOP, Beaufort, and lavender-infused cheeses.
* Saucissons des Alpes-de-Haute-Provence: Traditional dry-cured Alps sausages with flavors like duck, wild mushrooms, figs, and garlic.
* Local Spreads & Produce: Homemade jams (Confitures), local honey, tapenades, ripe ribbed heirloom tomatoes (Tomate Ancienne Provence), sweet flat peaches, and fresh sourdough bread.
4 Comments
Thank you so much for watching! 🧡 We hope you enjoyed this stroll through the beautiful streets of Aix-en-Provence. If you have any questions about the locations mentioned or the market, feel free to ask below! Don't forget to hit the like button if this video helped you feel the Provençal vibes. 🔔
🥰 Très belle vidéo d'Aix -en -Provence 🥰
Qué mercado tan bonito y qué ambiente tan especial. Francia tiene un encanto único.
De bons souvenirs de jeunesse