Place et Fontaine d’Albertas, Aix en Provence

Fountain in Aix en Provence

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Rainbow0413

Hidden within the winding streets of Aix-en-Provence's old town, Place d'Albertas is one of those quietly captivating spaces that seem to transport you back in time. With its harmonious symmetry, wrought-iron balconies, and central fountain gleaming under the Provençal sun, it's easy to see why this small square is considered one of the top sights in Aix-en-Provence.

Despite its compact size, Place d'Albertas exudes grandeur. The square reflects the refined ambitions of Aix's aristocracy in the 18th century, when noble families sought to bring the elegance of Paris to Provence. Today, it remains a peaceful oasis and a highlight of any walking tour of Aix, where locals linger by the fountain and travelers pause to admire its understated sophistication.

History and Significance of Place et Fontaine d’Albertas
Things to See and Do in Place et Fontaine d’Albertas
How to Get There
Practical Tips on Visiting Place et Fontaine d’Albertas
Is Place et Fontaine d’Albertas Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting
Nearby Attractions to Place et Fontaine d’Albertas

History and Significance of Place et Fontaine d’Albertas

The story of Place d'Albertas begins in the 16th century when Jean Agar, an adviser to the Parliament of Aix, owned the property. After passing through the hands of the Paulhes family of Marseille, it was acquired in the 18th century by the d'Albertas family, who traced their lineage to Alba in northern Italy. This family had settled in Provence in the 14th century and rose to prominence as advisors and courtiers.

In 1724, Marquis Henri Reynaud d'Albertas, an adviser to the King, commissioned the city architect Laurent Vallon to remodel his mansion and its surroundings. Seeking to elevate his residence, he purchased and demolished neighboring buildings to create an open, elegant forecourt. After Henri's death in 1746, his son Jean-Baptiste continued the project, entrusting Laurent's son, Georges Vallon-the new city architect-to complete the design. Inspired by the royal squares of Paris, Georges Vallon envisioned a harmonious urban ensemble where symmetry and balance would reign. The result was the graceful Place d'Albertas, completed in the mid-18th century and still admired today as a jewel of Aix's urban planning.

Things to See and Do in Place et Fontaine d’Albertas

The charm of Place d'Albertas lies in its proportion and detail. The square is framed by four townhouses, each with matching façades, iron balconies, and tall windows that catch the southern light. Their weathered stone gives the square a soft patina that deepens its romantic appeal. At its heart, the Fontaine d'Albertas commands attention-a grand cast-iron basin shaped like a chalice, set within a circular pool bordered by delicate wrought-iron railings.

The fountain was crafted by students from the School of Arts and Crafts of Aix-en-Provence, adding a local touch of artistry to the noble setting. The sound of trickling water echoes gently off the walls, making this a favorite spot for quiet reflection or photography. Whether you're strolling from the nearby Place de l'Hôtel de Ville or simply exploring the old town, this square is one of the best places to visit in Aix-en-Provence for an authentic glimpse of its 18th-century elegance.

How to Get There

Place d'Albertas is located in the center of Aix-en-Provence's historic quarter, just a short walk from Cours Mirabeau and Place de l'Hôtel de Ville. The nearest station is Gare SNCF d’Aix-en-Provence. You can use SNCF Connect to check schedules, compare routes, and purchase tickets for National (SNCF ) and regional trains (TER). For a more streamlined experience, we recommend using Omio, which allows you to easily compare prices, schedules, and book tickets for both National and Regional travel across all of Europe, all in one place. Visitors arriving by car can park at the nearby Rotonde or Pasteur Car Park, both within walking distance of the square. If you are looking to rent a car in France I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting Place et Fontaine d’Albertas

Best time to visit Place et Fontaine d’Albertas: Late afternoon or early evening when the light warms the façades and the fountain sparkles.
Entrance fee in Euros: Free public square.
Opening hours: Accessible at all hours.
Official website: www.aixenprovence.fr
How long to spend: Around 20-30 minutes, longer if you linger at a nearby café.
Accessibility: Flat cobbled surface; easily accessible on foot.
Facilities: Shops and cafés nearby; public restrooms available around Place de l'Hôtel de Ville.
Photography tip: Capture the symmetry of the four façades from the fountain’s edge; visit at sunset for golden hues.
Guided tours: The square is often included on guided-tours of Aix's old town.
Nearby food options: Enjoy Provençal dishes or coffee at cafés along Rue Espariat or Rue Aude.

Is Place et Fontaine d’Albertas Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Place d'Albertas is a perfect example of Aix-en-Provence's refined charm-an 18th-century architectural gem tucked into a modern city. Its quiet beauty, historic harmony, and intimate atmosphere make it a must for anyone exploring Aix's old town. It may be small, but it perfectly captures the grace and artistry that define this elegant Provençal city.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.4 (1,975)

Place d'Albertas is a small cobblestone square at 11 Rue Espariat in Aix-en-Provence centered on a pretty fountain and surrounded by charming, characterful buildings; visitors note it as a tranquil spot to hear the fountain, a favored meeting place for students and nighttime crowds, and an appealing, photogenic corner with a mix of rustic, classic and slightly worn charm.

Guimo-D Brando

3 months ago

"Been walking around this place since high-school when so was studying in Aix. More than ten years later it's time to say something about it. Ameeting place at night for the students and partying people. A legend says that long ago this place was a brothel, because of the railing in front of the windows on the walls that can be mistaken with male sex organ. When you take a close look at it, ca ot be wrong. Great place to listen to the fountain water drops too..."

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Mahira Priharta

2 months ago

"Cute little square with pretty fountain in the middle ⛲️♥️"

deniz alaaddinoğlu

7 months ago

"Cool water fountain to see!"

FAQs for Visiting

Yes, it’s a public square open at all hours.

Yes, the fountain operates daily and adds to the square’s tranquil atmosphere.

While seating is limited, visitors often rest along the stone edges or nearby steps.

Definitely, especially in soft light conditions that emphasize the stone tones and ironwork.

Yes, it’s just a few minutes’ walk from several of Aix’s main sights.

Nearby Attractions to Place et Fontaine d’Albertas

Musée Granet - A top museum showcasing works by Cézanne and other masters of European art.
Place de l'Hôtel de Ville - The city's main square, famous for its 18th-century architecture and lively market.
Saint-Sauveur Cathedral - A magnificent blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles with ancient origins.
Cours Mirabeau - A grand avenue lined with cafés, fountains, and elegant townhouses.
Pavillon de Vendôme - A Baroque residence surrounded by peaceful gardens and art displays.

The Place et Fontaine d’Albertas appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Aix en Provence!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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