Fontaine Du Roi René, Aix en Provence

Fountain, Monument and Square in Aix en Provence

Fontaine du Roi Rene
Fontaine du Roi Rene
CC BY-SA 2.0 / mwanasimba

Fontaine Du Roi René is one of Aix-en-Provence's best-known city-center landmarks, set at the top end of the Cours Mirabeau where the grand boulevard meets a lively square. The fountain's statue of King René (René of Anjou) makes it an easy photo stop and a natural rendezvous point as you explore the historic core.

It's ideal to visit as part of a self-guided stroll or a guided walking tour that links Cours Mirabeau with the Old Town lanes, markets, and café terraces. For the best views, stand back toward the Cours Mirabeau to frame the monument with the avenue's plane trees, then circle the basin to catch different angles of the statue.

History and Significance of the Fontaine Du Roi René

Fontaine Du Roi René is closely tied to Aix's civic identity: it anchors a major gateway point in the city center and commemorates King René of Anjou, a beloved historical figure in Provence. The statue's grape motif nods to the region's long wine-growing traditions and the broader Provençal art of living.

The fountain has been part of the cityscape for generations, and it continues to function as a symbolic “front door” to Aix-en-Provence-where locals meet before heading down Cours Mirabeau or into the smaller streets behind it. Even when you're not seeking out history, it's a useful landmark for orientation.

Because the square around it hosts public gatherings and events, the fountain’s significance isn’t only historical; it’s also social. Visiting helps you understand how Aix’s public spaces work as everyday living rooms-places for markets, ceremonies, and people-watching.

Things to See and Do in the Fontaine Du Roi René

Start by taking in the monument itself: the statue of King René above the fountain is the focal point, and the surrounding square gives you room to step back for photos. If the water is running, it adds atmosphere; if it isn’t, the sculpture and setting still make it worthwhile as a quick stop.

Use the fountain as a launch point for a classic Aix walk: head down the Cours Mirabeau for elegant façades and café life, then detour into the Old Town for tighter streets, small boutiques, and shaded squares. On market days, the nearby area can feel especially lively, with stalls and local shopping energy.

If you enjoy city rhythms, linger for a few minutes and watch how the square functions as a meeting place for both residents and visitors. It’s also a good spot to notice how Aix blends monumental heritage with everyday public life.

How to Get to the Fontaine Du Roi René

The nearest major airports are Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) and Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE), with Marseille typically the most convenient for Aix-en-Provence. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Aix en Provence on Booking.com.

From elsewhere in France, you can reach Aix via rail connections through Aix-en-Provence TGV station, then continue into the city center by shuttle bus, taxi, or local transit. 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 central parking garage on the edge of the historic core and continue on foot, as the center has limited access and narrow streets. 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 Du Roi René

  • Entrance fee: Free
  • Opening hours: 24 hours
  • Official website: https://www.aixenprovence.fr/Fontaine-du-roi-Rene
  • Best time to visit: Early morning for quieter photos, or late afternoon into evening when the Cours Mirabeau feels most atmospheric.
  • How long to spend: 10-20 minutes for photos and a short pause; longer if you’re using it as a meeting point before a walking loop.
  • Accessibility: The area is generally flat and walkable, but surfaces can be uneven around the historic center; expect occasional curb changes.
  • Facilities: No dedicated facilities at the monument itself; cafés, restrooms, and services are easiest to find along Cours Mirabeau nearby.

Where to Stay Close to the Fontaine Du Roi René

Base yourself in central Aix-en-Provence (around Cours Mirabeau and the Old Town) for the easiest walking access to the fountain, restaurants, and evening strolls.

Hôtel Cézanne Boutique-Hôtel A polished boutique option that’s convenient for walking into the center while still being practical for arrivals and departures.

Aquabella Hôtel & Spa Chosen for its on-site spa and pool feel-great if you want a restorative break after sightseeing in the Old Town.

Hôtel Cardinal A characterful, central stay that puts you close to historic streets and makes early-morning wandering easy.

Hôtel Le Pigonnet Included for a more tranquil, garden-like atmosphere while remaining close enough to reach the fountain on foot.

Renaissance Aix-en-Provence Hotel A modern, full-service choice with a contemporary feel, useful if you prefer larger-hotel amenities near the center.

Is the Fontaine Du Roi René Worth Visiting?

Yes-especially because it's right on a natural sightseeing route and adds a clear “you're in Aix” moment at the top of Cours Mirabeau. It's quick, photogenic, and doubles as a practical navigation point for exploring the Old Town.

Honest Pivot: if you’re short on time and only want ticketed, content-heavy attractions (museums, interiors, guided sites), this may feel like a brief stop rather than a destination. In that case, treat it as a pass-by landmark on your way to markets, museums, or a longer walking itinerary.

For Different Travelers

Fontaine Du Roi René works best as a flexible stop you can tailor to your pace-anything from a two-minute photo to a longer pause that anchors a broader walk through central Aix.

Families with Kids

Kids often enjoy the “find the statue” element and the open space around the square, which can feel easier than tight Old Town lanes. It's also a simple place to reset before continuing down Cours Mirabeau.

Keep expectations light: it’s a quick landmark rather than an interactive attraction. Pair it with a market stroll or a treat stop at a nearby café to make it feel like part of a mini-adventure.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

This is a classic Aix backdrop: elegant boulevard, historic stone, and a natural spot for a couple photo before a leisurely promenade. Visiting around golden hour can make the square feel especially cinematic.

Use it as the start or end point for a romantic loop-down Cours Mirabeau, into the Old Town for quieter streets, then back for an apéritif nearby.

Budget Travelers

It’s completely compatible with a low-cost itinerary: you can enjoy the landmark, people-watch, and soak up the atmosphere without spending anything. It also helps you orient yourself so you can plan efficient walking routes.

Combine it with free wandering through the historic center and market browsing. If you do spend, make it a single café stop rather than multiple sit-down breaks.

History Buffs

The statue of King René offers a tangible link to Provençal identity and the way Aix commemorates its past in public space. It’s a small stop, but it connects well to broader themes of regional history.

To deepen the visit, treat it as a waypoint in a themed walk: monuments and squares first, then museums or churches for more detailed context.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.5 (755)

Google reviewers rate Fontaine Du Roi René very highly overall, highlighting it as a beautiful landmark in the heart of Aix-en-Provence and an easy meeting point at the top of Cours Mirabeau. Visitors frequently mention the lively square atmosphere, especially on market days, and appreciate the monument's statue and historical character. A recurring downside is that the fountain isn't always running, which can make the stop feel more like a quick photo opportunity than a full activity.

Peter E
2 months ago
"Lovely fountain in a beautiful old town. Unfortunately not ru ing the day we were tgere. A bit of a meeting place for locals & tourists."
Oghenemarho Orukele
3 years ago
"The fountain is an amazing monument on its own but the square where the fountain is located serves as a venue for hosting multiple events in the cityof Aix. It is the place for hosting the the a ual remembrance of the liberation of Aix during WW2. The photos attached is that of the 78th a iversary where they display vehicles and tanks that were used during the libration. There are also people who dress in the exact army uniform and it’s very cool. Events like music festivals and others are still hosted at the square...."
Pavan Bommana
11 months ago
"Lively square area. Saturday you can find various shops as part of local market."

FAQs for Visiting Fontaine Du Roi René

Getting There

  • Is the fountain easy to reach on foot from central Aix-en-Provence?
    Yes, it's in the city center and naturally falls on most walking routes through Cours Mirabeau. If you're staying centrally, you'll likely reach it without needing transport.
  • What’s the simplest way to arrive from Aix-en-Provence TGV station?
    Take the shuttle/bus or a taxi into the city center, then walk the final stretch. The fountain is a well-known landmark, so it’s easy to reference for directions.
  • Can I reach it by car without driving into the Old Town?
    Yes, use a parking garage near the center and walk from there. This avoids restricted streets and the tightest lanes.

Tickets & Entry

  • Do I need a ticket to visit Fontaine Du Roi René?
    No, it’s an outdoor public monument and can be visited freely. You can stop as briefly or as long as you like.
  • Are there any paid areas or gates around the fountain?
    No, the monument sits in an open square. Any costs you encounter nearby would be for cafés, tours, or transport.
  • Is there a guided-visit option specifically for the fountain?
    It's more commonly included as a stop on city walking-tours rather than a standalone ticketed visit. If you want context, choose a historic-center walking tour that covers Cours Mirabeau.

Visiting Experience

  • What if the fountain isn’t running when I visit?
    It can still be worth stopping for the statue, the square's atmosphere, and photos. Consider pairing it with a stroll down Cours Mirabeau so the stop still feels complete.
  • Is it usually crowded?
    It can be busy because it’s a meeting point and a central landmark. Visiting early in the day generally feels calmer.
  • How do I make the stop more interesting than just a photo?
    Use it as a starting marker for a themed walk: boulevard architecture, markets, and Old Town squares. A short pause for people-watching can also reveal the local rhythm.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

  • Does it fit well into a one-day Aix itinerary?
    Yes, it's a natural waypoint between the Old Town and Cours Mirabeau. You can include it without adding extra travel time.
  • What’s a good short walking loop starting here?
    Walk down Cours Mirabeau, detour into Old Town lanes for a square or market area, then return via a different street. This gives variety without needing a map-heavy plan.
  • Should I visit before or after the market?
    Before can be calmer for photos, while after can feel livelier as the area fills up. Choose based on whether you prefer quiet or atmosphere.

Photography

  • Where’s the best angle for photos?
    Step back toward the Cours Mirabeau side to frame the fountain with the boulevard behind it. Then circle the basin for a closer statue shot.
  • Is it good for night photos?
    It can be, especially if the surrounding streets are softly lit and the square is active. Keep an eye on your surroundings as you would in any city center.
  • Can I take photos during events in the square?
    Usually yes, but be respectful of ceremonies and follow any on-site instructions. If it’s a formal commemoration, keep a low profile and avoid obstructing views.

Accessibility & Facilities

  • Is the area wheelchair-friendly?
    Access is generally possible because it’s an open square, but expect uneven paving typical of historic centers. Routes may be smoother along main streets than smaller lanes.
  • Are there public toilets right at the fountain?
    Not typically at the monument itself. Plan to use facilities in nearby cafés or public amenities in the central area.
  • Is there shade or seating nearby?
    You'll find shade and seating more reliably along Cours Mirabeau and at café terraces. The square itself is best for a short stop rather than a long rest.

Food & Breaks Nearby

  • Are there places to eat close by?
    Yes, Cours Mirabeau is lined with cafés and restaurants within a couple of minutes' walk. It's easy to turn the visit into a coffee or apéritif break.
  • Is it a good place to picnic?
    It’s more of a pass-through square than a picnic spot. If you want a relaxed sit-down, choose a nearby park or a quieter square.
  • Can I find quick snacks on market days?
    Often yes, as the surrounding area can host stalls and shops. It’s a good time to browse for simple takeaway bites.

Safety & Timing

  • Is it safe to visit in the evening?
    It’s a central area with regular foot traffic, which generally helps. Still, keep normal city precautions, especially with valuables.
  • When is it least busy?
    Early morning is typically the quietest for photos and a calm look at the monument. Midday and weekends can be more animated.
  • What should I watch for during events?
    Expect temporary crowding and occasional restricted movement through the square. Arrive a bit earlier if you want a clear view or easy photos.

Nearby Attractions to the Fontaine Du Roi René

  • Cours Mirabeau: Aix's signature boulevard for strolling, café terraces, and people-watching.
  • Place de la Rotonde: A major roundabout and fountain that marks the western end of Cours Mirabeau.
  • Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur: A layered cathedral complex showcasing different architectural periods in one site.
  • Musée Granet: A leading art museum in Aix with strong collections and frequent exhibitions.
  • Atelier Cézanne: A meaningful stop for art lovers to connect with Paul Cézanne's working world in Aix.

The Fontaine Du Roi René appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Aix en Provence!

Moira & Andy
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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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

24 hours

Price:

Free

Address: Cr Mirabeau, 13100 Aix-en-Provence, France
Aix en Provence: 0 km
Official Website

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