Located just behind the Town Hall, Place des Cardeurs is one of the most vibrant and welcoming squares in Aix-en-Provence. Lined with cafés, restaurants, and shaded terraces, it attracts both locals and visitors who come to enjoy its relaxed atmosphere and the easygoing rhythm of life typical of the city.

Although the square appears today as an open and lively gathering place, it occupies a site with a long and complex history shaped by centuries of urban transformation.

From medieval quarter to modern square

In the Middle Ages, this area formed part of the city’s Jewish quarter, which developed close to the commercial heart of Aix. Over time, the district became home to numerous craftsmen and small trades. By the early modern period, wool carders—artisans responsible for preparing wool for spinning—were particularly active in the neighborhood, eventually giving the area its name.

For centuries the district consisted of a dense network of narrow streets and small houses. By the 20th century, however, these buildings had become severely deteriorated and were considered unsanitary. The entire block, known as the îlot des Cardeurs, was finally demolished in 1963 as part of a major urban renewal program.

In its place, the city created a large public square officially named the Forum des Cardeurs, opening up a broad and airy space in the historic center that contrasts sharply with the maze of medieval streets that once occupied the site.

The Fountain of the Cardeurs

At the center of the square stands the Fountain of the Cardeurs, also known as the Jean Amado Fountain, created in 1977 by the Aix-based sculptor Jean Amado.

The fountain takes the form of a monumental abstract sculpture made from a mixture of basalt aggregate and cement. Water flows gently across its hollowed and irregular surface, allowing moss and small plants to grow naturally over the stone-like material. This gradual interaction between water, mineral texture, and vegetation softens the structure’s massive appearance and gives it an evolving, organic character.

Beyond its artistic role, the fountain also serves a practical function: it conceals the ventilation system for the underground parking facility located beneath the square. This integration of technical infrastructure into a sculptural work reflects the spirit of urban renewal that shaped Aix-en-Provence during the late 20th century.

A vibrant gathering place

Today, Place des Cardeurs is surrounded by buildings whose façades have been progressively restored, preserving the charm and character of the historic center. As soon as the weather turns warm, the terraces fill with people and the square becomes a lively meeting place where residents and visitors gather to dine, talk, and enjoy the atmosphere.

Its central location—only a short walk from the Cours Mirabeau, the Palais de Justice, and Saint-Sauveur Cathedral—makes the square a natural stop for those exploring Aix-en-Provence. Blending contemporary urban life with layers of history, Place des Cardeurs illustrates how the city continues to evolve while preserving the memory of its past.