Fontaine Des Augustins, Aix en Provence

Attraction, Fountain and Historic Site in Aix en Provence

Aix en Provence Fontaine des Augustins
Aix en Provence Fontaine des Augustins
CC BY-SA 2.0 / François de Dijon

Fontaine Des Augustins is a small but characterful city fountain in the historic center of Aix-en-Provence, best experienced as part of the city's everyday rhythm: locals passing through, terrace tables nearby, and the soft soundtrack of water in a stone-lined street.

It's an easy add-on to a self-guided stroll or a guided walking tour of Aix, especially if you're linking together the old town's lanes, squares, and fountains. For the best experience, approach it slowly, look around at the surrounding façades, then continue on to nearby shopping streets and café terraces.

History and Significance of the Fontaine Des Augustins

Aix-en-Provence is famously a “city of fountains,” and Fontaine Des Augustins fits neatly into that identity: a modest landmark that helps define the texture of the old town. Rather than being a destination you plan a whole day around, it's the kind of place that makes a walking route feel distinctly Provençal.

The fountain’s significance is as much social as it is architectural. In historic European towns, fountains were practical infrastructure as well as neighborhood markers, and today they still function as natural meeting points and orientation cues when you’re navigating narrow streets.

Because it sits amid restaurants and shops, it also represents the living side of Aix: not a museum piece, but a small urban detail that ties together history, daily life, and the city’s strolling culture.

Things to See and Do in the Fontaine Des Augustins

Start by taking in the setting: the fountain itself, the surrounding stonework, and the way the street scene frames it. It’s a good spot for a quick photo, especially when the light is softer in the morning or toward evening.

Use it as a pause point on a longer wander through central Aix. Grab a gelato or a drink nearby, do a little people-watching, and enjoy the contrast between the calm of the water and the bustle of the surrounding terraces.

If you like slow travel, this is also a great “micro-sight” to pair with other fountains and small squares in the old town. The fun is in connecting the dots: fountain to fountain, lane to lane, stopping whenever something catches your eye.

How to Get to the Fontaine Des Augustins

The nearest major airports are Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) and, for more international options, Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE). From either, continue onward to Aix-en-Provence by shuttle, bus, or train connections depending on your arrival time. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Aix en Provence on Booking.com.

Aix-en-Provence is well connected by rail via Aix-en-Provence TGV (with onward local transport into the center) and regional trains that serve the area; once in town, the old center is best explored on foot. 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.

If you’re driving, aim for a public parking garage on the edge of the historic center and walk in, since central streets can be narrow and restricted. 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 the Fontaine Des Augustins

  • Entrance fee: Free
  • Opening hours: 24 hours
  • Best time to visit: Go in the morning for a calmer feel and easier photos, or early evening when the surrounding streets come alive with dinner crowds.
  • How long to spend: Plan 5-15 minutes as a standalone stop, or longer if you’re pairing it with a café break and nearby browsing.
  • Accessibility: The area is generally walkable, but old-town paving can be uneven; step-free routes may require small detours depending on your approach streets.
  • Facilities: No dedicated visitor facilities at the fountain itself, but you’ll find plenty of cafés, restrooms (in venues), and shops close by.

Where to Stay Close to the Fontaine Des Augustins

Base yourself in central Aix-en-Provence (the old town) for the easiest walking access to fountains, restaurants, and evening atmosphere.

Hôtel Cézanne A polished, central option that’s convenient for walking everywhere while still feeling calm and comfortable after a busy day.

Aquabella Hôtel & Spa Chosen for travelers who want a spa and pool on-site, making it a strong pick if you plan to balance sightseeing with downtime.

Renaissance Aix-en-Provence Hotel A modern full-service stay with amenities that suit longer trips, plus an easy walk or quick ride into the historic center.

Hôtel Cardinal A charming, old-town base that puts you close to the city’s classic streets and makes early-morning wandering especially easy.

Hôtel Le Mozart A practical, good-value choice near the center, ideal if you want a straightforward stay and plan to spend most of your time out exploring.

Is the Fontaine Des Augustins Worth Visiting?

Yes, if you're already exploring central Aix-en-Provence: it's a quick, atmospheric stop that adds texture to a walking tour and captures the city's fountain culture without requiring extra planning. It's especially worthwhile if you enjoy small urban details, street photography, and the café-and-stroll rhythm that Aix does so well.

Honest Pivot: if you’re short on time and only want “big-ticket” sights, you can skip it and focus on major museums, viewpoints, or a day trip into the countryside. The fountain is best as a supporting highlight, not a primary destination.

For Different Travelers

Fontaine Des Augustins works best when you treat it as part of a wider old-town wander. Your enjoyment will depend on whether you like small landmarks and street atmosphere, or prefer structured attractions with exhibits and set routes.

Families with Kids

Kids may enjoy the simple novelty of a fountain stop, especially if it’s paired with a snack break nearby. It’s also a low-effort pause between bigger activities.

Because it’s in a lively area, keep an eye on little ones around crowds and café seating. Turn it into a mini “fountain hunt” by spotting other fountains as you walk through Aix.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, it’s a pleasant, unhurried moment: a quick photo, a slow stroll, then a drink or dessert nearby. The surrounding streets can feel especially charming in the early evening.

Pair it with a relaxed itinerary through the old town, focusing on markets, small boutiques, and terrace dining. It’s less about the monumentality and more about the mood.

Budget Travelers

This is an easy win for budget travelers because it’s free and fits naturally into a self-guided walking route. You can enjoy the atmosphere without paying for tickets or transport.

Use it as a waypoint while exploring on foot, then choose one affordable splurge nearby (coffee, pastry, or gelato) rather than a full sit-down meal.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.4 (43)

Reviews are largely positive, describing Fontaine Des Augustins as an emblematic, authentic-feeling stop in Aix-en-Provence with a lively atmosphere. Visitors frequently mention how well it fits into a walk through the center and appreciate the surrounding restaurants, cafés, and shops that make it easy to linger. A minor downside is that it can feel busy and more like a quick pass-by sight than a dedicated attraction; one off-topic negative review appears unrelated to the location.

Sasha
10 months ago
"Emblematic for the city of Aix en Provence, a place full of life and authenticity"
Rafael “Pretty Honest Reviews” Restrepo
3 years ago
"Surrounded by nice restaurants and shops, a must visit"
Lee Hyeri
a year ago
"Hot place😎🍦🍺🍺"

FAQs for Visiting Fontaine Des Augustins

Getting There

  • Is Fontaine Des Augustins easy to reach on foot from central Aix?
    Yes, it’s in the historic center and fits naturally into an old-town walking loop. Expect narrow streets and occasional uneven paving as you approach.
  • Can I park near Fontaine Des Augustins?
    Parking is easiest in public garages around the edge of the old town, then walking in. Street parking close by can be limited and subject to restrictions.
  • What’s the simplest way to include it in a day itinerary?
    Use it as a short stop between nearby squares, shopping streets, and café areas. It works best as a waypoint rather than a standalone trip.

Tickets & Entry

  • Do I need a ticket to see Fontaine Des Augustins?
    No, it’s a public outdoor sight and can be viewed freely. There’s no formal entry process.
  • Are there guided tours that pass by the fountain?
    Many old-town walking-tours cover central streets and fountain culture, so it often appears as part of broader routes. Check the tour's stop list if you want to be sure.
  • Is there any paid experience on-site?
    Not at the fountain itself. Any costs are typically for nearby cafés, restaurants, or shopping.

Visiting Experience

  • Is it a quick stop or something to linger at?
    Most people spend a few minutes, then continue walking. It becomes a longer stop if you combine it with a nearby terrace break.
  • When is it least crowded?
    Mornings are usually calmer and better for photos with fewer people passing through. Evenings can be busier due to dining and strolling.
  • What should I look for besides the fountain?
    Pay attention to the surrounding street scene, architecture, and how the fountain sits within the neighborhood. The charm is in the setting as much as the object.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

  • How can I build a fountain-themed walk in Aix?
    Pick a few fountains and squares in the old town and connect them via the most scenic lanes. Add one museum or market stop to balance the day.
  • Is it worth visiting if I’m only in Aix for a few hours?
    Yes, if you’re already walking through the center, because it costs nothing and takes little time. Prioritize it only after your must-see highlights.
  • Can I combine it with shopping and food stops?
    Absolutely, the area is well suited to browsing and casual breaks. Plan flexible time so you can stop when something looks good.

Photography

  • What’s the best time of day for photos?
    Morning light is often softer and the street is less busy, making composition easier. Late afternoon can also be attractive depending on shadows from surrounding buildings.
  • Are tripods or big cameras practical here?
    Space can be tight in busy moments, so keep gear compact and be considerate of foot traffic. A phone or small camera is usually the easiest.
  • Any tips for better shots?
    Step back to include the surrounding façades and street life for context. Try a few angles that capture both the fountain and the flow of the lane.

Accessibility & Facilities

  • Is the area wheelchair friendly?
    Some routes may be challenging due to uneven paving and narrow passages. It’s often possible with careful route choice, but conditions vary by approach.
  • Are there public restrooms right at the fountain?
    Not typically at the fountain itself. The most reliable option is to use facilities in cafés or public restrooms elsewhere in the center.
  • Is there seating nearby?
    There may be nearby café seating depending on the exact spot and time of day. If you need guaranteed seating, plan a café stop.

Food & Breaks Nearby

  • Are there places to eat close by?
    Yes, the area is surrounded by restaurants and cafés, making it easy to turn the stop into a break. You’ll find options ranging from quick snacks to sit-down meals.
  • Is it a good place for a coffee stop?
    Yes, it’s well placed for a mid-walk pause. Aim for off-peak times if you want faster service and a quieter table.
  • Can I find something kid-friendly nearby?
    Yes, casual cafés and dessert spots are common in central Aix. Gelato and simple pastries are easy wins.

Safety & Timing

  • Is it safe to visit in the evening?
    Central Aix is generally lively in the evening, especially around dining areas. As in any tourist city, keep an eye on your belongings in crowds.
  • How much time should I buffer if I’m on a tight schedule?
    Give yourself extra time for slow walking, photos, and the temptation to stop at shops. The stop itself is quick, but the surroundings can easily extend your visit.
  • Is midday a bad time to go?
    Midday can feel hotter and busier, especially in warmer months. If you go then, plan a shaded route and a nearby indoor break.

Nearby Attractions to the Fontaine Des Augustins

The Fontaine Des Augustins appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Aix en Provence!

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Moira & Andy

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

24 hours

Price:

Free

Address: Pl. des Augustins, 13100 Aix-en-Provence, France
Aix en Provence: 0 km

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