These things are puzzling me – can anyone help?
1. What on earth is wrong with the Fontaine d’Eau Chaude – the Mossue? It’s one of Aix’s favourite tourist sites as people like to dabble their hands in the warm water. Built in 1666, it’s long been covered with vegetation. But now it looks as though it’s all been killed by something. Perhaps we might get to see the sculpture and jets underneath one day at this rate?
2. When will the Apple store be finished? The development around the Rotonde seems to have been going on forever! Today I saw a young woman with a pram trying to cross at the Rotonde – got half way over then, faced with barriers, ended up walking up the bus-lane. It’ll be nice when it’s all done – but when will that be?
3. Have you seen the acrobats at the Rotonde? I’ve seen similar ones in Marseille – it seems to be the new thing to perch, apparently in the air. How do they do that?
4. And finally – where is the Carousel? The area it used to occupy seems to be finished now. It is so very French and such fun for the kids. Let’s have it back and soon!
Can you throw light on any of these things? I’d love to know!
The only thing I can say about the sorry state of the mossy fountain is that in February I stuck my hand in the water to feel the warmth and there was none! I then wondered if they have diverted the warm spring elsewhere? No warm water + winter chilly air = dead moss. Perhaps it will come back??
That may well explain it. I had a good look today and it looks like there is some regrowth. Let’s hope so!
As for the carousel…not sure exactly, but he was in the Parc Jourdan for a while. I spoke with the owner a while back and he said that he was requested by the mairie to move there during the construction on Avenue Victor Hugo. Once he moved, the mairie then put out an RFP for his spot and said that he would have to put in an offer to get it back. Not sure what was decided after that…my kids definitely miss it though!
Mmm, that’s similar to what I read in La Provence; but that was long before Christmas. I feel sorry for the guy as Parc Jourdan is off the beaten track and I think the Smart art festival are now moving in there. Fingers crossed for his return!
Hi Lyn I don’t think the carosel is even in Parc Jordan anymore. They were dismantling it recently. Being an urban designer I think the best place for the carosel is back in Cours Mirabeau again, along with playground activities. I have seen great success for theses type of activities in malls and shopping centres in other parts of the world.
I couldn’t see it there either. I wouldn’t be surprised if the guy has gone elsewhere. What a shame!