Fontaine Moussue – The Mossy Fountain

The Mossy Fountain, in Aix-en-Provence

The Mossy Fountain is one of the most singular of Aix-en-Provence, entirely covered with moss, on the Cours Mirabeau. The Aix-en-Provence audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this hot-water fountain with its unusual charm.

The hot-water fountain covered with moss

Built in 1666, the Mossy Fountain, on the Cours Mirabeau, owes its unusual appearance to the thick layer of vegetal moss that entirely covers it, giving it the look of a green dome. This phenomenon is explained by the nature of its water: it is fed by a natural hot-water spring, a legacy of the thermal past of Aix-en-Provence, a city of waters since Antiquity. Discreet but famous, it is one of the most picturesque and endearing fountains of the city.

What to see

You admire the fountain entirely covered with moss, like a green dome, fed by a natural hot-water spring, on the Cours Mirabeau. The Mossy Fountain is one of the most unusual and picturesque of Aix-en-Provence. It is an original stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Mossy Fountain lies on the Cours Mirabeau, in the heart of Aix-en-Provence, reachable on foot. It is an open-air monument, freely visible at all times from the public space. You discover it during a walk on the Cours.

Why is the Mossy Fountain covered with moss?

Because it is fed by a natural hot-water spring, a legacy of the thermal past of Aix-en-Provence, which favours the thick layer of vegetal moss.

Where is the Mossy Fountain?

On the Cours Mirabeau, in the heart of Aix-en-Provence.