The Fontaine de la Rotonde (Rotonde Fountain) is one of the most featured and recognizable landmarks in Aix-en-Provence. Constructed on a grand scale in 1860 by architect Henri Antoine Charvet, it measures twelve meters (39 feet) high and thirty-two meters (105 feet) wide.
Where is the Fontaine de la Rotonde?
Set in the center of the Place du Général de Gaulle at the west end of the popular Cours Mirabeau, the Fontaine de la Rotonde is emblematic of the elegance of Aix and the dominant role that water has had here over the centuries. So much so, the city is nicknamed ville d’eau (city of water) and the city of a 1000 fountains.
Surrounding the Fontaine de la Rotonde you can select from one of several restaurants to share a meal or drinks on their outside terraces, perhaps do some shopping in the modern Allées Provençales, or simply find the perfect spot to sit, relax and soak in the scenery. The Aix tourist office is adjacent, there’s a large post office, and it’s the central taxi congregation area. The local bus and train stations are not far from here as well. The TGV station is located outside of Aix, the one in town is for local service including Marseille.
The fountain is illuminated at night, transforming its already impressive appearance into an even more dramatic backdrop for the tourists and locals mingling nearby. And if you’re lucky enough to be in Aix for Bastille Day, it’s an ideal setting to watch the firework display overhead. No matter the season of year or time of day, you‘ll feel inspired by the spectacular beauty of the Fontaine de la Rotonde, and the city it represents.