Fontaine des Quatre Dauphins - Image 1
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Fontaine des Quatre Dauphins

4.3
·728 reviews·Aix-en-Provence, France

A charming fountain in Aix-en-Provence featuring four playful dolphin sculptures, a delightful stop on your city exploration.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Serene atmosphere, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Fontaine des Quatre Dauphins - Image 1

Fontaine des Quatre Dauphins

Best Time

Early mornings

Serene atmosphere, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming fountain in Aix-en-Provence featuring four playful dolphin sculptures, a delightful stop on your city exploration.

4.3
(728 reviews)

"Nice little square with an attractive fountain in it, just down the road from the Hotel de Caumont."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Capture the Details

Focus on the dolphin carvings and the obelisk for unique shots. Early morning light is best!

🚶‍♀️ Part of a Walking Tour

This fountain is best enjoyed as part of a stroll through Aix's beautiful streets.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Dolphin Sculptures

The Dolphin Sculptures

Center of the square

Four intricately carved dolphin heads spout water, creating a lively and artistic centerpiece. A true gem of Aix-en-Provence.

Charming Square Ambiance

Charming Square Ambiance

Around the fountain

A picturesque spot perfect for a brief pause during your exploration of Aix's historic streets. Soak in the Provençal atmosphere.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Fountain Culture

Aix-en-Provence is renowned for its fountains, and the Fontaine des Quatre Dauphins is a charming example. While not as grand as some others, its intricate dolphin sculptures offer a delightful photo opportunity. Plan to see it as part of a broader exploration of the city's many water features.

Best Time for a Peaceful Visit

To truly appreciate the Fontaine des Quatre Dauphins and its surroundings without the hustle and bustle, aim for early mornings or late afternoons. This allows for better photos and a more relaxed experience, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Serene atmosphere, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light, relaxed vibe
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

4 days trips from beautiful Aix 🐝 #traveltiktok #provence #frenchsummer #eurosummer #provencealpescotedazur #travelguide #travelfrance #aixenprovence #luberon #lavenderfield #valensole
@sonia.c.mota
38K likes • 697.2K views

📸 Capture the Details

Focus on the dolphin carvings and the obelisk for unique shots. Early morning light is best! TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Part of a Walking Tour

This fountain is best enjoyed as part of a stroll through Aix's beautiful streets. TikTok

5€? Meilleur plan etudiant de la ville 🇱🇧👌🏼#bonplanaixenprovence #etudiantsaixenprovence
@liane.comme.tarzan
15.5K likes • 325K views
Rendez-vous demain 18h, Place de la Rotonde, ça va être la FO-LIE #aixenprovence #fetedelamusique #house
@minuit.cigale
14.9K likes • 277.2K views

💧 Check Water Flow

Sometimes only some dolphins spout water. It's still charming, but good to know! Reddit

📍 Near Hotel de Caumont

Conveniently located near other attractions, making it easy to combine visits. 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

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Capture the Details

Focus on the dolphin carvings and the obelisk for unique shots. Early morning light is best! TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Part of a Walking Tour

This fountain is best enjoyed as part of a stroll through Aix's beautiful streets. TikTok

💧 Check Water Flow

Sometimes only some dolphins spout water. It's still charming, but good to know! Reddit

📍 Near Hotel de Caumont

Conveniently located near other attractions, making it easy to combine visits. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(728 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Fontaine des Quatre Dauphins to be a pretty and charming fountain, a delightful stop during their exploration of Aix-en-Provence. Its intricate dolphin sculptures are a highlight, though some note that not all spouts may be active. It's appreciated as a lovely part of the city's many beautiful water features.

"One of several beautiful fountains in Aix-en-Provence"

Gerasimos Kouvaras

"This is a small square containing a small obelisk on-top of a small fountain. The fountain's discharge points are sculptured dolphin heads, one on each side of the rectangular base. Unfortunately, vandals have broken one of the heads, which is currently held in place with some web-fabric tie-downs."

Arnold Taube

"Its dry up, so only teo dolphins has water 🤣"

Tin Nguyen

What People Like

Charming dolphin sculptures
Pretty square ambiance
Part of Aix's fountains

What People Dislike

Occasional non-working spouts

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Fontaine des Quatre Dauphins is located in the heart of Aix-en-Provence, easily accessible on foot. It's a pleasant walk from most central locations in the city. Many visitors discover it while exploring the charming streets and other fountains like the Fontaine de la Rotonde. TikTok

Parking in Aix-en-Provence can be challenging. The closest parking options are underground garages like 'Parking Rotonde' or 'Parking Mazarin'. From there, it's a short walk to the fountain. TikTok

While there isn't a direct bus stop right at the fountain, Aix-en-Provence has a good bus network. The main bus station is near Place de la Rotonde, from where you can easily walk to the fountain. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Fontaine des Quatre Dauphins is a public landmark in a square, so there is no entrance fee. You can visit and admire it freely at any time. TikTok

As it's an outdoor public space, the fountain and its square are accessible 24/7. However, for the best experience and photos, visiting during daylight hours is recommended. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Early mornings offer softer light and fewer people, making it ideal for capturing the fountain's details. Late afternoons can also provide beautiful golden hour lighting. TikTok

Try capturing the fountain from different perspectives, focusing on the four dolphin heads and the central obelisk. Including the surrounding architecture can add context to your shots. TikTok

🎫 📍 Onsite Experience

The fountain is a lovely spot to pause and admire. It's situated in a charming square, perfect for a brief rest. You can also explore the nearby streets, discover other beautiful fountains, and visit the Hotel de Caumont. TikTokReddit

Occasionally, some of the dolphin spouts may not be functioning due to maintenance or wear. This doesn't detract significantly from its charm, but it's something to be aware of. Reddit

The square is generally flat and accessible. However, the surrounding streets of Aix-en-Provence can be cobblestoned, so navigating with strollers or wheelchairs might require some care. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Fontaine des Quatre Dauphins is a charming, easily accessible spot for families. While it's not an attraction with dedicated activities for children, its playful dolphin sculptures can capture a child's imagination. It's a great place to take a short break during a family walk through Aix-en-Provence. The surrounding square offers a bit of open space for kids to move around briefly. TikTok

When exploring Aix with children, consider incorporating visits to other fountains, as they are a recurring theme in the city. The markets are also a hit with kids, offering colorful sights and tasty treats like madeleines. TikTok+1 Remember to keep an eye on little ones, especially near any active water features, and enjoy the relaxed pace of discovering the city's beauty together.

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples

For solo travelers and couples, the Fontaine des Quatre Dauphins offers a perfect opportunity for a moment of quiet appreciation. It's an ideal spot to pause during a leisurely stroll, perhaps with a coffee or a pastry from a nearby boulangerie. The intimate scale of the fountain and its square makes it feel personal and less overwhelming than larger tourist sites. TikTok

This fountain is best enjoyed as part of a broader exploration of Aix-en-Provence's historic center. Consider visiting in the early morning or late afternoon to experience its charm with fewer crowds, allowing for more intimate photos and a more relaxed atmosphere. TikTok It's a lovely addition to a romantic walk or a reflective solo journey through the picturesque streets of Provence. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Charm of Aix-en-Provence's Fountains

Aix-en-Provence is famously known as the 'City of a Thousand Fountains,' and the Fontaine des Quatre Dauphins is a delightful, albeit smaller, addition to this watery heritage. While not as monumental as the Fontaine de la Rotonde or the Fontaine Moussue, its charm lies in its intricate dolphin sculptures and its placement within a picturesque square. These fountains are not just decorative; historically, they were vital for the city's water supply and social life, serving as meeting points and public washbasins. TikTok

Many visitors, like those sharing on TikTok, highlight the joy of discovering these fountains as they wander through the city's historic center. The Fontaine des Quatre Dauphins, with its four spouting dolphin heads, offers a moment of artistic appreciation amidst the bustling streets. It's a testament to the city's commitment to beautifying its public spaces and preserving its historical character. TikTokReddit

While some reviews mention that not all dolphin heads may be actively spouting water at all times, this minor detail doesn't diminish the overall appeal. The fountain remains a lovely spot to pause, take a breath, and capture a quintessential Provençal scene. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most memorable sights are the smaller, more intimate ones that add to the fabric of a city's identity. Reddit

Exploring Aix-en-Provence: Beyond the Fountain

The Fontaine des Quatre Dauphins is a wonderful discovery while exploring the vibrant city of Aix-en-Provence. This city, often featured in travel vlogs, is a treasure trove of history, art, and culinary delights. Visitors frequently recommend starting their exploration in the city center, perhaps near the Place de la Rotonde, and then venturing out to discover its many attractions. TikTok+1

Beyond its fountains, Aix-en-Provence boasts significant cultural landmarks. The Atelier Cézanne offers a glimpse into the life of the famous painter, while the Musée Granet houses an impressive art collection. For a taste of local life, don't miss the lively outdoor markets, held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, where you can find fresh produce, local crafts, and regional specialties like calissons. TikTok+1

Food lovers will find plenty to savor, from traditional Provençal cuisine to more contemporary offerings. TikTok creators often highlight spots for delicious shawarma, falafels, and sweet treats like madeleines from Christophe Madeleines. TikTok+1 Whether you're interested in art, history, food, or simply soaking in the charming atmosphere, Aix-en-Provence offers a rich and rewarding travel experience, with the Fontaine des Quatre Dauphins serving as a lovely waypoint on your journey. TikTok+1

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