In a region where water is precious because rare, Aix has relied on its many sources. It will however not until the second half of the nineteenth century that water flows in abundance in the pools of outdoor fountains, through the work of the Canal du Verdon and the Zola dam.
Utilities initially simple basin, sink or trough, the outdoor fountains have found its most elegant in the seventeenth century as an ornament of the urban landscape. Their implementation was entrusted to experts, water engineers, water engineers and artists. Today around forty public outdoor fountains reflect the styles and needs of a city and integrated into its lifestyle.
The oldest is the fountain Espéluque, (Espeluco, cave in Provence). Long only water the town of St Saviour (fifteenth century), she was repeatedly "moved", before being permanently installed in 1756 by Georges Vallon on the new site of the archdiocese. A medallion in memory of Marcel Provence decorates since 1953.
The Fountain of the Four Dolphins
Located in the heart of Mazarin, the fountain dates from 1667. Sculpted by Jean-Claude Rambot, it flows in a circular stone basin of the Holy Baume.Avec four dolphins and their fins erect on a bed of waves that support the obelisk, it offers a testimony of the Baroque that loved the nobility of Aix.
Fountain City Hall
Chastel who decorated by carved masks including spitting water from the source of Pinchinats, the fountain (1756) supports a Roman column.
Fountain Albertas
Not until the nineteenth century that the place serves as the setting for a fountain. In 1912, cracks in the soft stone of the central part necessitate its replacement. It was rebuilt in the same, but with a cast iron bowl made by students of the School of Arts and
Trades Aix.
Fountains of Cours Mirabeau
Built in 1691 by Laurent Vallon, the Fountain of the Nine Canons replaces a fountain-trough where the flocks came to drink in transhumance before the creation of courses. The vegetation gradually invades the leaves hardly recognize the sculptures. A little further up the fountain of hot water, called Mossy because of the thick foam that covers it, is that from which hot water flows from the source of Bagniers. At the top of the Cours Mirabeau throne of King René fountain, designed in 1819 by Pierre-Henri Revoil. The statue which adorns one is by David d'Angers.
But most impressive is probably that of La Rotonde. Its construction in 1860, marked a turning point: not only its dimensions are exceptional for the city but it is also the first to have a cast iron cauldron. Three statues (Justice, Agriculture and Fine Arts) adorn the fountain and recall the main activities of the city. Indeed, the fountain then symbolically marked the entrance of the modern city, without wall or door, open to the world. Aix has grown. Today the "Great Fountain" is at the heart of the city.
