Places comtales

It all began in the 15th century, when the architect Jean de Paris, controller of royal buildings, designed the Villeneuve district to the east of the city, with an eye for perspective and regularity. Around 1640, the architect Jean Lombard continued the work begun by Jean Paris.
This area became the center of social life at the time.

A number of buildings testify to the importance of these squares over the years.
The Fontaine des Prêcheurs, built in 1758 by Jean Pancrace Chastel and listed in 1905, faces the Madeleine church.
This holy site, which dates back to the Middle Ages but was rebuilt between 1691 and 1703, contains numerous works by artists who lived in Aix. Paul Cézanne was baptized here in 1839, his parents married here in 1844 and his sister Rose married the lawyer Maxime Conil here in 1881. The church was listed in 1988.
Nearby, on the Place Verdun, stands the Palais de Justice, built on the remains of the Palais Comtale. The archeological remains of the Palais Comtale are visible through glass slabs in the floor.
Construction of the Palais de Justice was initiated by Claude-Nicolas Ledoux in 1787, but not completed until 1831. Two statues by Ramus stand at the bottom of the steps, representing Simeon and Portalis.
More recently, a trompe l'oeil fresco was created by artist Vincent Ducaroy just above the Jousé d'Arbaud fountain.

Today, the Place Comtale is the largest square in Aix-en-Provence, and hosts numerous events, including the market several times a week.