Mirabeau: Aix-en-Provence

A walk along Cours Mirabeau (laid out in 1651), with its many fountains and abundance of greenery, is an essential part of a visit to Aix. In the depths of winter, hot water flows from the Moussue fountain in the middle of the Cours, enveloping the immediate surroundings in a shroud of mist. At the far end of the Cours, Place de la Rotonde is home to the fountain of the same name, an imposing cast-iron basin topped by cherubs from whose lips water continuously trickles. Both sides of the Cours are lined with luxury boutiques (including' Cartier), as well as smart brasseries modeling themselves on the Deux Garçons café-brasserie and its famous terrace, now listed as a historic building. Art lovers will be pleased with the nearby Galerie d'art du Conseil Général (county council art gallery), which favors works by regional artists. Just a few steps away, Rue Espariat is where one can find the Muséum d'histoire naturelle (natural history museum), situated within the magnificent Hôtel Boyer d'Eguilles. © WCities