The City of a Thousand Fountains

Though not nearly that many are still in existence today, one of my favorite things about Aix-en-Provence is its many fountains. Water has always been a scarce and precious commodity in the area of Provence, and it holds an important place in both the heart and history of Aix.



 




As you wander the windy streets of Aix, it's downright impossible not to make note of them as they dominate most every square, street corner, and intersection. They greatly contribute to the town's vibrance, and its lure. They are all different and each is more enchanting than the last.

 This source of life has flowed throughout the town since ancient times, and before the fountains were put in, the town boasted having it's very own spring- a valuable feature. It wasn't until the 17th century, however, that the fountains began being constructed throughout the city, and water ran freely in their basins. Though they were primarily built for utilitarian purposes, they quickly became elegant, artistic ornaments scattered throughout the urban landscape.

My personal favorites, both because they are the only ones like them I have ever encountered, and because they have beautiful green moss and ferns growing on every inch of them (which, of course, reminds me of a place I love, and already miss dearly) are "les fontaines d'eau chaude", or "the fountains of hot water". There are two of these in Aix, and they are 'neighbors' on the Cours Mirabeau. On a cold winter day, you can see the steam rising off of them as the hot water, which bubbles up from a natural spring underneath, comes in contact with the cool air. They both look as though they've been plucked straight out of a fairytale.