Have you seen the newly-razed ground next to the Rotonde where Cézanne has been left standing looking bemused and besieged by tourists wanting to pose with Aix’s famous son? I read that the town authorities are trying to decide what to do with the area.
Well here’s an Aixcentric suggestion.
Raise the statue right up, in the middle of the park, so it’s a true focal point for the town. It would be great if he had an eye-line to Sainte-Victoire, his beloved mountain.
On a recent visit to Bergen, we admired the statue of Ole Bull, a local violinist, raised on a heap of rocks with water trickling down.
It was a massive hit with visiting children who climbed up and down and splashed in the water.
Then why not add lots of benches for people to meet up….even go mad and have grass that we are allowed to sit on.
At the back, I would add two long lines of loos, facing the tourist office where people keep asking for them – and facing the shops. The blank back walls which would look on to my newly designed park could be like the Fourth Plinth of Trafalgar Square and a perfect place for local artists or schools to exhibit paintings, frescos and mosaics.
Voila! What do you think?
aixcentric 
Completely agree!
I agree! And how about a little shade, for those bench-sitters? A high awning of solar panels?
Oh, how sad it looks around him right now!.
It will be fascinating to see what they come up with!
Great idea! Raising him up with water would look and sound lovely. Shade for benches, loos…..yup, you nailed it. Who do we tell???
I wish I knew. I haven’t had any joy with the local authorities in the past – eg when preparing my book. Not sure who makes these decisions?
Brilliant idea, Lynne ! how could you let the Council know about your loominuous suggestion ??
I would like to but I haven’t had any response from them in the past – for instance when I was writing my book.
I love it, great idea. Aixcentric for Mayor !!
I wish……
Why don’t you suggest your idea to the town council, to Madame le Maire who will give the file to her “adjoint” in charge of parks, etc.
I wonder if its worth a try? I’ve found them very unresponsive in the past.