The three female figures atop the fountain were sculpted by three different artists: Ferrat, Chabaud, and Ramus.
The statue facing Cours Mirabeau represents Fine Arts, while the one facing the railway station represents Commerce and Agriculture.
The fountain replaced an older, smaller fountain that existed on the site during the early 19th century.
Water for the fountain is sourced from the Verdon canal system, which supplies the city.
The fountain is illuminated at night, often featuring specialized lighting displays during local festivals.
The Fontaine de la Rotonde is the largest fountain in Aix-en-Provence, situated at the junction of the city's main thoroughfares. Inaugurated in 1860, the monument stands 12 meters high and is topped by three bronze statues representing Justice, Agriculture, and Fine Arts. These figures face the direction of the city's three most prominent historic corridors: Cours Mirabeau, Rue Thiers, and Avenue des Belges. The fountain was designed by architect Théophile de Tournadre to mark the entrance to the city from the railway station. It utilizes a circular basin with a circumference of 32 meters. The surrounding Place du Général de Gaulle functions as the primary transit hub for the city center.
From the sidewalk at the entrance of Cours Mirabeau, looking toward the fountain with the historic buildings in the background.
The area is the best starting point for a walking tour of the Old Town.
Visit during the early morning to photograph the statues without crowds.
Use the surrounding benches to observe the transition between the modern city and the historic quarter.
Do not attempt to climb or wade into the fountain basin, as it is strictly prohibited and monitored.
