Place des Trois Ormeaux (Three Elms Square), Aix-en-Provence

The Three Elms Square (Place des Trois Ormeaux) is a small town square near the center of Aix-en-Provence. It was named after its fountain, the Three Elms Fountain, which, in turn, was named for three elms planted in a triangle at each corner of the plaza.

There is a legend that the elms magically grew in an area where local soldiers took up arms against the ruler of Aix. Though the square remains named The Square of the Three Elms, the elm trees were removed and replaced with plane trees. Three Elms Square was previously named for the Consul of Aix-en-Provence, Bertrand Berici, who lived here at the beginning of the 15th century.

The fountain, made from Calissane and Bibemus stone, stands in the center of the square. The 17th-century fountain has a polygonal base with a central pedestal from which the water flows out of six cannons. The pedestal is carved with a floral motif, and vine leaves with a sublime bunch of grapes at the top. The fountain has stood the test of time with modesty and simple beauty.

The Three Elms Square is surrounded by houses, shops, and restaurants. Tourists should pay close attention to the door of the Saphallin Hotel, which dates to 1672.