King René, depicted here, is historically celebrated in Provence as 'Le Bon Roi René' (The Good King René) for his patronage of the arts and agriculture.
The statue was installed on the site where a former fountain dedicated to King René, dating to 1754, previously stood.
The monument was commissioned by the city to replace an older, dilapidated structure and to solidify the connection between the city and its historical sovereign.
During the winter, the fountain is occasionally decorated or lit during local holiday celebrations held on the Cours Mirabeau.
The Fontaine du Roi René, located at the western end of the Cours Mirabeau in Aix-en-Provence, was designed by architect Pierre-Henri Revoil and sculptor David d'Angers. Unveiled in 1823, the fountain honors René of Anjou, the Count of Provence who introduced the Muscat grape variety to the region. The central marble statue depicts the monarch holding a bunch of grapes in one hand and a scepter in the other. It serves as a historical anchor for the city's main thoroughfare, marking the transition between the historic Old Town and the newer Mazarin district. The fountain is constructed from local stone and features water flowing from lion-headed spouts into a tiered basin.
From the sidewalk across the street facing the Cours Mirabeau, allowing the fountain to be framed with the historic architecture of the street in the background.
Visit during the morning to capture the statue in direct sunlight before the area becomes shaded by the surrounding plane trees.
Combine your visit with a walk down the Cours Mirabeau to see the other three historic fountains located along the same street.
Look for the nearby terraced cafes to observe the fountain while resting.
Do not attempt to climb the fountain basin or the pedestal, as it is a protected historical monument.
