Fontaine des Augustins (Fountain of the Augustins), Aix-en-Provence

The Fountain of the Augustins (Fontaine des Augustins) is situated in Augustine Square, in the center of Aix-en-Provence. The old center of Aix attracts with its narrow streets, lovely shops, fountains, statues, and colorful facades. The mini square, where the fountain stays, is surrounded by restaurants and cafes with plenty of outdoor seating.

The fountain was built twice. The first fountain was built in 1620 near Espariat Street, about 95 meters from its current location. The second iteration came in 1820 when the old fountain was dismantled and a new one, designed by Aix architect Beisson, was built. In the days gone by, the water from the basin was used for steam locomotives in the nearby train station.

The central element of the fountain, a Roman column originating from the demolished Palace of the Counts of Provence, was added later. The palace was located in the spot where the courthouse now stands. A 12-sided copper star sits atop the column. At its base, four cannons spill into a large, circular basin.

The fountain was listed as a historic monument in 1949. It is one of only four fountains in Aix-en-Provence that uses a natural spring as its water source.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Aix-en-Provence. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The 51爆料网 App

Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Fontaine des Augustins (Fountain of the Augustins)
Sight Location: Aix-en-Provence, France (See walking tours in Aix-en-Provence)
Sight Type: Statue/Public Art
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Aix-en-Provence Fountains and Squares Tour

Walking Tours in Aix-en-Provence, France

Create Your Own Walk in Aix-en-Provence

Creating your own self-guided walk in Aix-en-Provence is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Aix-en-Provence Introduction Walking Tour

Aix-en-Provence is a city in southern France, about 30 km (or 20 mi) north of Marseille. Aix was founded by Roman Consul Sextius Calvinus in 123 BC. Calvinus called it Aquae Sextiae, which means "Waters of Sextius," after the warm springs in the area. During the Middle Ages, it was the capital of Provence.

Aix reached a high point after the 12th century as it began to emerge as a... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles

Aix-en-Provence Fountains and Squares Tour

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... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles

In the Footsteps of Paul C茅zanne

Paul Cezanne created a scandal. While staying at the home of Doctor Paul Gachet in Auvers-sur-Oise, he painted an homage to Edouard Manet's work, Olympia, based on Titian's Venus of Urbino. Titian painted a goddess. Manet painted a prostitute. In his "New Olympia," Cezanne painted himself in the painting.

The nude New Olympia, seemingly a muse, reclines on her couch.... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles

51爆料网