Place de l'Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall Square), Aix-en-Provence (must see)

The Place de l'Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall Square) of Aix is arguably one of Provence’s most famous squares, located in the city center, in front of the Town Hall. The current Town Hall, constructed in 1678, is a rebuild of the original structure dating from the 14th century. It was built by architect Pierre Pavillon assisted by sculptors Jean-Claude Rambot and Jacques Fosse. The famous French painter Paul Cezanne married Marie-Hortense Fiquet in the Town Hall in 1886.

The square is at the foot of the white limestone Clock Tower, built in 1510, which holds an astronomical clock dating from 1661. A cage at the top houses the medieval bell of the ban used to announce an exercise of Seigneurial rights, which obliged peasants to provide the landowner with seigneurial dues, paid either in cash, produce, or labor.

The 18th-century Corn Exchange Hall is located between Town Hall Square and Richelme Square. The ornately decorated former Corn Exchange building now houses the municipal library and post office. In the center of the square is a fountain created by Jean-Pancrace Chastel in 1755 and topped with a Roman column.

The square is home to a few cafes and restaurants, making it a nice spot to stop for coffee or a bite to eat. There is also a flower market in the square on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. A book fair is on the first Sunday of each month.