The daily stage for Aix’s art of living

Nestled a few steps from the Town Hall, within the maze of pedestrian streets of the old town, Place Richelme stands on the site of the former “Place aux Herbes.” Surrounded by classical façades and cafés sheltered by arcades, it forms a living stage for the daily art of Aixois life.

Six centuries of tradition

The story of this square dates back to the 14th century, when Queen Jeanne authorized the creation of a market. In the 15th century, King René built a chapel here, later replaced by a fish market bordered by shops. The trading spirit of Place Richelme has never waned — for over six hundred years, the people of Aix have gathered here to buy the finest produce of Provence.

Even today, it remains a place of habits and encounters. The song of the market mingles voices, colors, and simple gestures. Light slides along the shutters, the little Fountain of the Boar keeps watch beneath the plane trees, and conversations stretch lazily over a morning coffee.

In the old town, two faces of Aix

The winding lanes of old Aix embrace Place Richelme in a graceful tangle of quiet courtyards and noble façades. Just next to it, Place de l’Hôtel de Ville reveals its stately charm — a clock tower standing tall beside a solemn 17th-century façade, a pale-stone fountain, and café terraces shaded by elm trees. Here one can still feel the prestige of an ancient capital of Provence.

A little further on, Place d’Albertas offers a gentler counterpoint — an intimate square enclosed by old buildings with wrought-iron balconies. At its center, a graceful stone fountain brings freshness to this refined, mineral setting. Together, these two squares reveal two facets of Aix: classical grandeur and discreet elegance.

Morning at the market

The market takes place every day, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, it extends into the surrounding streets. To truly experience it, come early — breathe it in, taste it, take your time.

Find a guesthouse near Aix-en-Provence

For here, as so often in Provence, everything begins with a square.