City of Fountains


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Europe » France
July 5th 2011
Published: August 29th 2017
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Fountain in City CentreFountain in City CentreFountain in City Centre

This is the fountain that is located in the middle of the busiest roundabout I have ever driven on. There are no lanes marked, cars entering, exiting and changing lanes, horns beeping (a bit like the Arc de Triumphe in Paris). We survived.
Geo: 43.5249, 5.45414

We had to be up early today to drive to Aix-en-Provence to drop off the "Bus" at the TGV (Very Fast Train) Station. We had hired a Peugeot Megane for the next three weeks, however, when we arrived at Avis we were given a Citroen C5, a luxury vehicle which retails for around $70,000 in Australia, for the same outlay. I I could get used to driving a car like this to work each day.

Aix-en-Provence was originally founded under the Roman Emperor Augustus. Aix came to prominence in the 15th Century under the reign of Good King Rene, and that prosperity continues today. Paul Cezanne, the famous painter grew up in Aix, and his presence is displayed around the city.

After driving into Aix, we found a parking station for the car and proceeded to explore the city . It is a very clean city with few ancient ruins, but lots of good eateries and markets. Aix is known as the city of fountains, with many different types of fountains on display around the city

We bought lunch on the go, as we wanted to drive to another town on the way back to Beaucaire. We decided to visit
Cooler Fountain Cooler Fountain Cooler Fountain

This is how this local bar keeps their wine cool, by placing it under a fountain.
the small hill top town of Lacoste, which has it's own ancient castle. Lacoste Castle is undergoing restoration thanks to the private sponsorship of Pierre Cardin. You get an amazing view of the valley and surrounding hills from Lacoste.

The weather has been great, as you can see from the blue skies in the photos. It was around 34 degrees here today. Sorry about reminding you that we are in summer over here, with the sun setting at around 9.00pm at night.

Tomorrow we are having a stay at home day, with a visit to Beaucaire and Tarasscon Castles planned.

Jim and Kim








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Roundabout Fountain Roundabout Fountain
Roundabout Fountain

This fountain actually forms a roundabout in the middle of the main street (or Rue as they call it in France) in Aix.
Synchronised Fountain Synchronised Fountain
Synchronised Fountain

This jets of water in this fountain vary constantly each minute, as if synchronised.
View from Lacoste Castle View from Lacoste Castle
View from Lacoste Castle

This is the view from Lacoste Castle, looking down the valley. In the distance you can see the mountain top town of Bonnieux.


13th July 2011

We should have more fountains in Australia or maybe I'll get Bill to build one on the deck and I will never have to get up.

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