Palais de Justice: Aix-en-Provence

The Palais de Justice area on the right side of the Cours Mirabeau took shape in 1590 and began to resemble its present state around 1790. Previously the site of the royal gardens, these were transformed during a series of renovations orchestrated by rich statesmen and merchants. After renovation, the former prison next to the current Palais de Justice, became Aix-en-Provence's Cour d'appel (Court of Appeal), second only to Paris' Court of Appeal in terms of importance. However what's really worth seeing here happens every Saturday morning! This is when the square is transformed into a huge open-air antiques market: a big favorite with the locals and an integral part of Aix life. The north side of the square features a grand flight of steps leading up to the Palais de Justice, and the southern side is where the église de la Madeleine (Madeleine church) is located. The Verdun's terrace is the ideal vantage point from which to watch passersby, and in the same square, the Makaire bookshop — an Aix institution — is close by for you to pop into. © WCities