All tours in Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence

The Whispering Waters of Aix

1.2 km71 min6 stops

What awaits you on this Red Thread tour

Discover the hidden currents of Aix-en-Provence on this immersive sensory journey. We won't just look at fountains; we will listen to their acoustics, feel their thermal warmth, and uncover the dark, gritty, and glamorous secrets they hold. From ancient Roman springs and medieval sheep troughs to the theatrical water displays of the 17th-century aristocracy, you'll learn how water shaped the social hierarchy, the urban layout, and the daily gossip of this beautiful city.

Itinerary

1

TOUR START

Fontaine des Neuf-Canons

A low, practical fountain built in 1691, originally designed as a watering hole for massive flocks of migrating sheep.

Fontaine des Neuf-Canons

Pic by Malost on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

0.11 km • 2 min
2

STOP 2

Fontaine Moussue (Fontaine d'Eau Chaude)

A thermal fountain covered in thick, living moss, delivering water at a constant 18°C, connecting to the city's Roman origins.

Fontaine Moussue (Fontaine d'Eau Chaude)

Pic by lienyuan lee on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

0.17 km • 3 min
3

STOP 3

Fontaine des Quatre-Dauphins

Built in 1667, this is the first purely decorative fountain in Aix, featuring four elegant dolphins and marking the birth of aristocratic water theater.

Fontaine des Quatre-Dauphins

Pic by Jackogamer on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

0.57 km • 9 min
4

STOP 4

Fontaine d'Albertas

Located in a stunning, theatrical cobblestone square, this fountain highlights incredible acoustics and the ruthless aesthetic ambition of the wealthy Albertas family.

Fontaine d'Albertas

Pic by Kiechkechai on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

0.11 km • 2 min
5

STOP 5

Fontaine des Bagniers

Tucked in the narrow streets, this humble fountain was a vital neighborhood gathering spot for gossip, featuring a bronze medallion of Paul Cézanne.

Fontaine des Bagniers

Pic by François de Dijon on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

0.24 km • 4 min
6

END

Fontaine de l'Hôtel de Ville

The civic heart of the city, featuring a Roman column and a palimpsest of political inscriptions, symbolizing the intersection of water and power.

Fontaine de l'Hôtel de Ville

Pic by Marianne Casamance on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Where the tour takes place

Starting point and rough tour area – the exact route unfolds in the app.

Good to know

  • Ideal for History buffs, architecture enthusiasts, sensory explorers, and anyone fascinated by the intersection of urban design and social power.
  • Best time Late afternoon, when the golden hour light hits the Baroque facades and the city's acoustic landscape comes alive.
  • What to bring Comfortable walking shoes are essential for the cobblestone streets.
  • Sensory readiness Be prepared to touch the water and moss; bring a small towel if you like.
  • Pacing Take your time in the squares to truly listen to the acoustic differences.
  • Photography The golden hour provides the best lighting for the mossy and baroque fountains.
  • Hydration Ironically, don't drink from these historical fountains! Bring your own water bottle.
  • Your voucher You can redeem your voucher for two years from purchase. Once redeemed, you have 14 days of access and can enjoy the tour as often as you like during that time.

Your guide

Marie Dupont
Audio sample
0:000:00

Marie Dupont

  • Sensory & Emotional Cities
  • Southern France

Sensory and urban poet. Lets places speak through scents, sounds, and moods, making emotions in urban spaces tangible.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to the tour after buying?

You see your voucher code right after payment – and you also receive it at the email address you entered at checkout. Redeem that code in the Red Thread app; that's where the tour starts.

When does my access start?

Only when you redeem the code in the app, not at purchase. From redemption you have 14 days of access to the tour.

Do I need the Red Thread app?

Yes. The free Red Thread app turns your tour into a vivid experience: with audio, a map, and thoughtful prompts, it guides you from place to place in an engaging and entertaining way. It's available free for iOS and Android.

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