Fountain with some sun
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Fontaine des Neuf-Canons

4.6
·74 reviews·Aix-en-Provence, France

A moss-covered marvel on Aix-en-Provence's grand promenade, offering a unique blend of botanical beauty and flowing water.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday mornings

Experience vibrant markets

CrowdHigh
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Fountain with some sun

Fontaine des Neuf-Canons

Best Time

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday mornings

Experience vibrant markets

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A moss-covered marvel on Aix-en-Provence's grand promenade, offering a unique blend of botanical beauty and flowing water.

4.6
(74 reviews)

"It's like gazing at a fairyland with its amazing detail and unique flair."

Vertical photo
TIP

💧 Drink the Potable Water

The water in the fountain comes from Mont St. Victoire and is potable! Enjoy a refreshing sip, but avoid touching pool water.

🌿 Admire the Unique Flora

The fountain's vegetation is native to the region and a subject of botanical research. Appreciate its natural beauty!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Fontaine des Neuf-Canons

Fontaine des Neuf-Canons

Cours Mirabeau

A stunning moss-covered fountain with nine water streams, offering a unique and enchanting sight. It's a botanical marvel!

Cours Mirabeau Promenade

Cours Mirabeau Promenade

Aix-en-Provence

The grand central avenue, perfect for a leisurely stroll, people-watching, and soaking in the city's elegant atmosphere.

Aix-en-Provence Markets

Aix-en-Provence Markets

Various squares (e.g., Place Richelme)

Vibrant open-air markets brimming with local produce, crafts, and Provençal specialties. A feast for the senses!

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Fountain Culture

Aix-en-Provence is renowned for its fountains! The Fontaine des Neuf-Canons is a must-see, but don't stop there. Wander the charming streets and discover many others, each with its own unique character. Allow ample time to explore these beautiful water features.

Market Days & Strolls

Experience the vibrant local markets, especially on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. These bustling hubs offer a true taste of Provence. Combine your market visit with a leisurely stroll along the Cours Mirabeau, where the Fontaine des Neuf-Canons is located.

Best Times

When
Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday mornings
Why
Experience vibrant markets
Crowd
High
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Enjoy a peaceful stroll
Crowd
Medium
When
Early mornings
Why
Beat the crowds
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Aix: the city of many, many fountains ⛲️ #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #travel #tiktoktravel #france #southoffrance #lesud #aixenprovence
@niamhparker8
31.7K likes • 119.5K views

💧 Drink the Potable Water

The water in the fountain comes from Mont St. Victoire and is potable! Enjoy a refreshing sip, but avoid touching pool water. Reddit

🌿 Admire the Unique Flora

The fountain's vegetation is native to the region and a subject of botanical research. Appreciate its natural beauty! Reddit

Aix-en-Provence 🧡🇫🇷 Est-ce que tu as déjà visité cette ville ? Je crois qu’on est nombreux à être tombés amoureux d’Aix-en-Provence… 🥰 Voici nos visites incontournable pour un week-end 👇 - la place de l’Hôtel de ville avec la tour de l’Horloge - faire le tour des plus belles fontaines (fontaine Moussue, fontaine de la Rotonde ou encore la fontaine des Augustins) - la cathédrale Saint-Sauveur et so...
@frenchrivieraguide
14.8K likes • 491.9K views
Spend a day with my in Provence 🪻 The towns we visited on our day trip through Provence: - Aix-en-Provence ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (this is where we based ourselves for this trip) - Lourmarin ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Roussillon ⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Fontaine-de-Vaucluse ⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Gordes ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Where we ate dinner in Gordes - La Trinquette #provence #gordes #lourmarin #aixenprovence #southoffrance #provencefrance #provencealpescotedaz...
@nikkionherway
6.7K likes • 80.4K views

🚶‍♀️ Stroll the Cours Mirabeau

This is one of four main fountains on the Cours Mirabeau. Enjoy a walk along this beautiful promenade. Reddit

📸 Capture the Fairytale

The intricate details make this fountain feel like a fairyland. Perfect for photography enthusiasts! TikTok

🇫🇷 Things to do in Aix-en-Provence ⬇️⁣ ⁣ When visiting the south of France, you simply can’t miss this picturesque medieval town in Provence! Here are my recommendations: ⁣ ⁣ 🎨 Visit the former studio of painter Paul Cézanne⁣ 🛍️ Go shopping in the open air local markets - open daily.⁣ 🍷 Drink a French aperitif at Café-Terrasse⁣ 🌳 Take a leisurely stroll through Cours Mirabeau ⁣ 🏛️ Discover the Rom...
@kelseyinlondon
6.6K likes • 183.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

💧 Drink the Potable Water

The water in the fountain comes from Mont St. Victoire and is potable! Enjoy a refreshing sip, but avoid touching pool water. Reddit

🌿 Admire the Unique Flora

The fountain's vegetation is native to the region and a subject of botanical research. Appreciate its natural beauty! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Stroll the Cours Mirabeau

This is one of four main fountains on the Cours Mirabeau. Enjoy a walk along this beautiful promenade. Reddit

📸 Capture the Fairytale

The intricate details make this fountain feel like a fairyland. Perfect for photography enthusiasts! TikTok

🛍️ Explore Local Markets

Don't miss the lively markets, especially on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays for local goods. TikTok+1

What Travellers Say

4.6
(74 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the Fontaine des Neuf-Canons, often describing it as a 'fairyland' due to its unique mossy appearance and intricate water streams. Its location on the elegant Cours Mirabeau adds to its charm, making it a highlight for those exploring Aix-en-Provence. While generally loved, some note the importance of respecting the fountain's environment.

"These fountains are in the middle of the pedestrian promenade and there are several of them, all different. The detail is amazing and it's like gazing at a fairyland. Anyone interested in plants, gardens or water features will enjoy these. They add a unique flair to an already visually beautiful part of the city."

Phillip Johnston

"The nine stream fountain or Fontaine des Neuf-Canons is a special in itself. Two streams of water on two different elevations are coming in four directions and one from top, counts it to nine in total.

The water in this fountain is coming from Mont St Victoire and is potable. However, avoid touching the water from the pool (as some spoiled brats make it dirty).

The vegetation in this fountain is specific from this region and it grows on its own. Botany students from Aix Marseille university do research on them.

It’s one of the four main fountains on Cours Mirabeau in Aix en Provence."

NITENDRA SINGH

"Perfect"

Kouki Eya

What People Like

Unique mossy appearance
Intricate water streams
Fairyland charm

What People Dislike

Occasional litter in pools

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Fontaine des Neuf-Canons is located on the Cours Mirabeau, the main pedestrian promenade in Aix-en-Provence. It's easily accessible on foot from most central locations in the city. If arriving by car, look for parking garages near the city center. TikTok

Yes, Aix-en-Provence is a very walkable city, especially its historic center where the Cours Mirabeau and its fountains are located. Comfortable shoes are recommended for exploring the charming streets. TikTok

Aix-en-Provence is well-connected by bus and train. The main bus station and train station are within walking distance of the city center. From there, you can easily reach the fountain. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Fontaine des Neuf-Canons is a public fountain located on the Cours Mirabeau, a public promenade. There is no admission fee to view or photograph it. Reddit

The Cours Mirabeau and its fountains are accessible at all times, as they are part of the public streetscape. However, shops and cafes along the promenade will have their own operating hours. TikTok

There is no entrance fee for the Cours Mirabeau. It's a public avenue designed for strolling and enjoying the city's ambiance. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and crowds. Golden hour can create a magical atmosphere. TikTok

Experiment with different angles! Getting closer to capture the moss detail or stepping back to include the grand Cours Mirabeau can yield beautiful results. Reddit

While the water is potable, it's best to avoid touching it or disturbing the fountain's environment. Respect the historical and botanical significance. Reddit

🎫 🌿 Nature & Botany

The fountain features vegetation specific to the Provence region, which is a subject of botanical research by Aix Marseille University students. Reddit

Yes, the water in the Fontaine des Neuf-Canons comes directly from Mont St. Victoire and is potable. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Families will find Aix-en-Provence a delightful destination. The Fontaine des Neuf-Canons, with its mossy charm and flowing water, can spark a child's imagination, feeling like a discovery from a storybook. Reddit The Cours Mirabeau is a wide, pedestrian-friendly promenade perfect for little legs to explore without the worry of traffic. TikTok

Visiting during market days is a must for families. The vibrant colors and array of goods at the local markets are captivating for children. Look out for stalls selling local sweets like madeleines, a treat many creators recommend. TikTok+1 Consider a picnic with goodies from the market to enjoy in one of the city's charming squares.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Aix-en-Provence is a photographer's dream, and the Fontaine des Neuf-Canons offers a unique subject. The moss-covered stone and the intricate water flow create a visually rich scene, especially during the soft light of early mornings or late afternoons. TikTokReddit

Beyond this specific fountain, the entire city is a canvas. Capture the grandeur of the Cours Mirabeau, the lively atmosphere of the markets, and the charming architecture of the old town. Many creators highlight the picturesque streets and squares as ideal for street photography. TikTok+1

🚶‍♀️ Leisurely Explorers

For those who enjoy a relaxed pace, Aix-en-Provence is ideal. The Fontaine des Neuf-Canons is best enjoyed with a leisurely stroll along the Cours Mirabeau, perhaps with a stop at a sidewalk café to people-watch. TikTok The city's compact center makes it easy to wander without a strict itinerary. TikTok

Embrace the Provençal lifestyle by taking your time to discover hidden squares, browse the local markets, and simply soak in the ambiance. The beauty of Aix lies in its unhurried charm and the simple pleasures it offers. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Enchanting Fontaine des Neuf-Canons

The Fontaine des Neuf-Canons, or Nine-Canon Fountain, is a truly unique water feature in Aix-en-Provence. Its most striking characteristic is the lush, verdant moss that covers its stone structure, giving it an almost fairytale-like appearance. The fountain is designed with two tiers, from which water flows in nine distinct streams, creating a soothing and picturesque scene. This intricate design makes it a captivating sight for visitors interested in water features and botanical beauty. Reddit

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the fountain holds a special connection to the natural landscape of Provence. The water that feeds it originates from the iconic Mont Sainte-Victoire, a mountain famously painted by Paul Cézanne. Furthermore, the specific regional vegetation that thrives on the fountain's mossy surface is a subject of study for botany students from Aix Marseille University, highlighting its ecological significance. Reddit

Visitors are often struck by the 'fairyland' quality of the fountain, a testament to its detailed craftsmanship and the natural elements that have integrated with it over time. It's a perfect spot for quiet contemplation and appreciating the blend of human artistry and nature's resilience. Reddit

Exploring Aix-en-Provence's Fountain Heritage

Aix-en-Provence is famously known as the 'city of a thousand fountains,' and the Fontaine des Neuf-Canons is just one of its many treasures. These fountains are not merely decorative; they are integral to the city's history and social life, providing water and serving as gathering points for centuries. The Cours Mirabeau, where the Fontaine des Neuf-Canons is situated, is lined with several other notable fountains, each with its own story and architectural style. TikTok

When exploring Aix, make it a point to discover other significant fountains like the Fontaine de la Rotonde, a grand, monumental fountain at the entrance to the Cours Mirabeau, and the Fontaine Moussue (Mossy Fountain), which shares a similar verdant charm with the Fontaine des Neuf-Canons. Each fountain offers a different perspective on the city's artistic and hydraulic heritage. TikTok

Many visitors find joy in simply wandering through the city's squares and streets, stumbling upon these beautiful water features unexpectedly. It's a delightful way to experience the charm of Aix-en-Provence and understand why it's so beloved by locals and tourists alike. TikTok

The Vibrant Markets of Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence truly comes alive on its market days, offering a sensory delight for visitors. The most popular market days are Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, when the city's squares, such as Place Richelme and Place des Prêcheurs, are transformed into bustling hubs of activity. Here, you can find an abundance of fresh produce, local delicacies, artisanal crafts, flowers, and more. TikTok+1

These markets are not just places to shop; they are social events where locals gather, chat, and enjoy the Provençal way of life. The air is filled with the aroma of herbs, cheeses, and freshly baked goods, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. It's an excellent opportunity to sample regional specialties and pick up unique souvenirs. TikTok

Beyond the main market days, smaller markets and specialty vendors can often be found throughout the week. Experiencing these markets is a quintessential part of any visit to Aix-en-Provence, offering a genuine taste of the region's culture and bounty. TikTok