Cours Mirabeau

The Origins of Cours Mirabeau in Aix-en-Provence

Located in the heart of the town centre, Cours Mirabeau is one of the main thoroughfares of the charming city of Aix-en-Provence. Measuring 440 metres long and 42 metres wide, it forms the link between the Mazarin quarter to the south and the old shopping district to the north.

In the 17th century, Archbishop Mazarin ordered the town's expansion, and the wealthy bourgeois residents in turn called for a promenade for carriages and pedestrians, giving rise to Cours Mirabeau. It is the most famous street in Aix-en-Provence, and also the most picturesque, lined with plane trees and prestigious mansions. Cours Mirabeau is also home to numerous iconic fountains, such as the Fontaine de la Rotonde. Built in 1860, this fountain marked an important turning point for the city. Its dimensions were exceptional for the time, and it was also the first to feature a cast-iron basin. The three statues adorning the fountain represent the city's main activities: Justice (facing Cours Mirabeau), Agriculture (facing Marseille) and Fine Arts (facing Avignon).

Another distinctive feature of Cours Mirabeau is that each end leads to a square, with Place Forbin to the east and Place de la Rotonde to the west.

Must-See Highlights of Cours Mirabeau

Cours Mirabeau is one of the most renowned spots in the city, home to numerous iconic cafés and restaurants such as the famous brasserie "Les Deux Garçons", located on the ground floor of the Hôtel de Gantès, built in 1660 and ravaged by fire in 2019. The brasserie once brought together artists such as Picasso, Jean Cocteau, Delon, Paul Cézanne and many others, cementing its reputation to this day.

What's more, the market on Cours Mirabeau is also well known for its bargains and local Provençal produce. Lively and bustling, the avenue is a favourite with tourists and locals alike. Indeed, the cobbled lanes, shaded squares and numerous fountains found in this district give it a great deal of charm.

Living in the Cours Mirabeau District

Who wouldn't dream of living right in the historic heart of Aix-en-Provence, one of the city's best districts? Beyond the prestige of its built heritage, Cours Mirabeau also offers many everyday advantages. It is home to renowned schools for children, various sports clubs and numerous shops and restaurants, and it is, of course, very well served by public transport. Notably, the district's average age is relatively young (35), and it is largely made up of dynamic professionals. Cours Mirabeau is also characterised by exceptional properties full of undeniable charm and character, making it the ideal district for affluent buyers wishing to live in the city centre and enjoy every amenity within walking distance.

Property Prices on Cours Mirabeau

Thanks to its location right in the centre of Aix-en-Provence, Cours Mirabeau is naturally one of the most sought-after districts, particularly among dynamic young couples wanting to live close to everything. The local property stock is mostly made up of apartments full of character.

Here you will find beautiful apartments in buildings of timeless charm, spacious bourgeois apartments with high ceilings and terraces offering unobstructed views over the city's rooftops, as well as sumptuous 18th-century mansions.

To purchase a property on Cours Mirabeau, the average market price is around €5,766 per m², but can exceed €9,500/m² for the most luxurious properties.

A New BARNES Agency Opens on Cours Mirabeau in Aix-en-Provence

Are you considering buying property in Aix-en-Provence and would like to benefit from our expertise? Visit your new BARNES Aix-en-Provence agency, at the top of Cours Mirabeau, on the ground floor of the renowned Hôtel du Poët. This magnificent 1730 mansion was built for Henri Gautier, a commoner and astute notary's clerk who grew wealthy through his role as Treasurer of the Estates of Provence, and has been listed as a historic monument since 1987.