The square was created on the site of a former convent that the d'Albertas family acquired and demolished.
The central fountain is a replica of a 17th-century Florentine fountain originally located in the center of the Place des Prêcheurs.
The uniform facades were designed by the architect Georges Vallon to emphasize neoclassical harmony.
The square remains privately owned by the descendants of the d'Albertas family, though it is accessible to the public.
Its design was heavily influenced by the 'place royale' style popularized in Paris during the 18th century.
Place d'Albertas is a Baroque-style square in the center of Aix-en-Provence, commissioned by the d'Albertas family in 1745. The square features a central fountain installed in 1912, which replaced an earlier statue. It is framed by a series of private townhouses (hôtels particuliers) designed with uniform limestone facades to create a sense of symmetry. The site is a registered Monument Historique of France. The cobblestone ground and architectural proportions reflect mid-18th-century urban planning typical of the Provencal aristocracy. It serves primarily as a visual landmark rather than a commercial plaza, remaining relatively quiet compared to neighboring thoroughfares.
Stand at the entrance from Rue Espariat to capture the entire square and fountain in one symmetrical frame.
Visit during the early morning hours to capture the facade symmetry without crowd interference.
The square is quite small; combine this visit with a walk through the adjacent pedestrian shopping streets of the historic center.
Look up at the wrought-iron balconies; they are considered some of the finest examples of 18th-century ironwork in the region.
Do not expect cafe seating or shops within the square itself; it is a residential courtyard space that should be treated with quiet respect.
