Here are some from different periods, in which it is a pleasure to refresh oneself.

The most ancient is the Espéluque fountain, (Espeluco, cave in Provençale). For many years the only source of water for the old market town of St Sauveur, (15th century) it was relocated many times before finally being installed in the new archbishop’s square in 1756 by Georges Vallon. A medallion in the memory of Marcel Provence has embellished it since 1953.

The Fountain of the four dolphins
Situated in the heart of the Mazarin quarter, this fountain dates from 1667. By the sculptor Jean-Claude Rambot, it flows into a circular basin of Sainte Baume stone. With its four dolphins and their raised flippers on a bed of waves which support the obelisk, it is an example of the baroque art so prized by the Aixoise nobility.

The Town Hall fountain
Decorated by Chastel who sculpted the gargoyles which spew forth water from the Pinchinats, the fountain (1756) supports a Roman column.

The Albertas fountain
It was not until the 19th century that the square was used as a setting for a fountain. In 1912, cracks in the stone spreading from the centre made replacement necessary. It was reworked identically, but with a fountain basin made by students of the Aix School of Arts and Crafts.

The fountains of the Cours Mirabeau
Built in 1691 by Laurent Vallon, the Fountain of the Nine Cannons replaces a watering fountain, a place where herds would be brought to drink as they migrated, before the Cours was constructed. The vegetation, invading little by little, makes it difficult to recognise the sculptures. A little further on, the Fountain of Hot Water so called "Moussue" because of the moss that covers it, is the very fountain from which the hot waters of the Bagniers spring flow. At the top of the Cours Mirabeau is the Fountain of King Rene, designed in 1819 by Pierre-Henri Revoil. The statue which adorns it is a work by David D'Angers.

But the most imposing is without doubt the Rotunda fountain. Its construction in 1860 marks a turning point; not only are its dimensions exceptional for this city but it is also the first to have a fonted basin. Three statues: Justice, Agriculture and Fine Arts adorn the fountain and recall the main activities of this town. In effect the fountain was a symbolic mark of the entry to the modern town, without rampart nor gate, open to the world. Aix has grown now and today the "great Fountain" is at the centre of the town.