Aix en Provence Landmarks and Monuments

(Aix en Provence, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur, France)

Aix is often referred to as 'the city of a thousand fountains'.

Whilst not quite as many of these interesting old landmarks as this exist today in Aix en Provence, a stroll around the city's streets and avenues will still reveal many interesting examples of these monuments which have managed to survive the centuries.

Aix en Provence is truly a city which has something for everyone. Popular landmarks and monuments include everything from Gallic ruins to the thoroughly modern Cité du Livre.

Place d'Albertas

Address: Rue Espariat, Aix en Provence, France, FR
Linger for a while at this typically 18th-century square and it's easy to feel that you've been transported back through history. Built in the Parisian style of the time, the fountain within the Place d'Albertas is a later addition from 1912.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Palais de Justice

Address: Place de Verdun, Aix en Provence, France, FR
Tel: +33 04 42 33 80 00
Originally the Parliament of Provence and home to the city's law courts, this imposing local landmark was rebuilt in the 18th century. Of particular note at the Palais de Justice are the palace's large staircase and some fine statues. Next door is the modern Court of Appeal, set up in 1998 on the site of the city's prison.
Open hours: 07:30 to 19:30
Admission: free

Cité Universitaire (Université de Provence Aix-Marseille)

Some 30,000 students are enrolled at the Cité Universitaire, Aix en Provence's acclaimed university. Most of the university buildings are modern and located outside of the city centre. However, some university institutions are still to be found in ancient buildings and landmarks within the centre of Aix itself. Located just south of the Boulevard du Roi René, these include the oldest part of the university, originally the faculty of philosophy, which dates from the very start of the 15th century.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Rotunda Fountain (Fontaine de la Rotonde)

Built in 1860, this impressive landmark fountain marks a real turning point in the history of Aix en Provence. Situated in the heart of the city, the Rotunda Fountain represents a move towards modernity for this ancient city. This is just one of 40 fountains in Aix - others include the Espéluqe Fountain, the Fountain of the Four Dolphins in the district of Mazarin, the Town Hall fountain and the various fountains of Cours Mirabeau.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Cité du Livre

Address: 8-10 Rue Allumettes, Aix en Provence, France, FR
Tel: +33 04 42 91 98 88
From the moment you enter this old matchmaking factory through a giant book-shaped doorway, you know that this is going to be a cultural experience with a difference. Inside, Aix en Provence's Cité du Livre houses libraries, a cinema and theatre. There's even a room where you watch screenings of French opera performances. The Cité also hosts many exhibitions and is the headquarters to a modern dance company.
Open hours: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday - 12:00 to 18:00, Wednesday and Saturday - 10:00 to 18:00
Admission: free

Entremont Oppidum

On high ground above the city centre lies the site of a Gallic settlement in Aix en Provence. The excavated ruins of this ancient town include a fortified enclosure. It's also possible to see evidence of buildings within the settlement.
Open hours: Wednesday to Monday - 09:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 18:00
Admission: free