When people think of Aix-en-Provence, they picture the Cours Mirabeau, centuries-old plane trees and the lively terraces of the old town. But just south of that famous boulevard lies a quieter, more elegant neighbourhood steeped in remarkable history: the Mazarin quarter. With its seventeenth-century mansions, silent fountains and streets lined with golden-stone facades, the Mazarin is a world apart within the city. It is also a neighbourhood where you eat well, where terraces invite you to linger and where every stroll reveals a new architectural treasure. If you are looking for where to have lunch in the Mazarin quarter, this guide is for you.
The Mazarin quarter: a jewel of Aix's heritage
The Mazarin quarter occupies a unique place in the urban landscape of Aix-en-Provence. Unlike the old town with its winding medieval alleys and irregular squares, the Mazarin is a planned neighbourhood. Its streets intersect at right angles, its facades align with near-perfect symmetry, and its proportions breathe harmony. Situated between the Cours Mirabeau to the north and the Boulevard du Roi Rene to the south, the quarter covers a relatively modest area but contains an exceptional density of heritage -- some of the finest mansions in Provence, listed fountains, a world-renowned museum and an atmosphere that oscillates between residential calm and cultural vibrancy.
The history of the Mazarin quarter
The history of the Mazarin quarter dates back to the 1640s, when Michel Mazarin, Archbishop of Aix-en-Provence and brother of the famous Cardinal Jules Mazarin, decided to extend the city southward. At the time, Aix was still contained within its medieval ramparts. The land to the south, occupied by gardens and farmland, offered an ideal canvas for a new district.
Michel Mazarin entrusted the project to architects who drew on the modern urban planning principles of the era: a grid layout, wide straight streets, and regular plots intended for the mansions of the parliamentary nobility. The quarter took shape rapidly. The most influential families built grand hotels particuliers with interior courtyards, monumental staircases and sculpted facades. At the centre, the Place des Quatre Dauphins was built around a fountain adorned with four water-spouting dolphins, completed by sculptor Jean-Claude Rambot in 1667. Nearly four centuries later, the quarter has preserved its character intact.
Where to eat in the Mazarin quarter
The Mazarin quarter is not a mass-dining district. There are no chain restaurants or fast-food outlets here. The few addresses that have chosen to set up in this neighbourhood did so for a reason: the exceptional setting and discerning clientele demand a certain standard of quality. You will find independent restaurants, creative tables and addresses where “homemade” is a daily reality rather than a marketing claim. Lunching in the Mazarin means treating yourself to a pause in a preserved environment, far from the noise. Whether you are looking for healthy, balanced cuisine, a quick bite between museum visits, or a terrace meal to savour slowly, the Mazarin has something for you.
Le Petit Palais: poke bowls and coffee in the heart of the Mazarin
At 4 Rue Manuel, steps from the Place des Quatre Dauphins, Le Petit Palais has established itself as the go-to address for a fresh, flavourful lunch in the Mazarin quarter. Our speciality: poke bowls -- Hawaiian-inspired bowls of seasoned rice, marinated raw fish, fresh vegetables and house sauces. Each bowl is prepared to order with ingredients selected every morning. We also offer vegetarian and vegan options, specialty coffees and artisan drinks. Browse all our creations on our menu.
We chose the Mazarin quarter for its calm, its beauty and the quality of life it offers -- a place that matches our vision of dining. To learn more about our approach, visit our about page. And for all poke bowl lovers in Aix-en-Provence, know that you are at home here.
Terrace dining in the Mazarin quarter
If there is one experience not to miss in the Mazarin quarter, it is lunch on a terrace. The layout of the neighbourhood, with streets oriented to catch southern light, makes it a particularly pleasant spot from the first days of spring. The pale stone facades reflect the gentle warmth of the Provencal sun, and the absence of motor traffic on most streets creates a rare silence for a city centre. From March to October, the terraces are a permanent invitation to linger. It is the perfect moment to order a poke bowl and enjoy it in the sunshine.
Local specialities to try
The Mazarin quarter benefits from its proximity to the Cours Mirabeau and the city-centre markets, giving it privileged access to the best regional produce. Provencal vegetables, sun-ripened fruit, olive oil from the Baux valley, goat cheese from the Alpilles -- the ingredients that make up the local cuisine are of exceptional quality. At Le Petit Palais, we draw on this generous terroir, integrating seasonal products from local producers through short supply chains. To discover the nutritional benefits of the poke bowl, our menu is designed to combine pleasure and balance.
Walking the Mazarin quarter: must-see landmarks
The Fountain of the Four Dolphins
The centrepiece of the quarter, the Place des Quatre Dauphins features a fountain sculpted in 1667 by Jean-Claude Rambot -- four dolphins spouting water into a circular basin. Listed as a historic monument, it has become one of the most iconic symbols of Aix-en-Provence. The surrounding square, framed by elegant mansions, offers a remarkable architectural tableau.
The Musee Granet
Housed in the former Palace of Malta at the edge of the Mazarin quarter, the Musee Granet is one of the finest art museums in Provence. Its permanent collections span seven centuries of European painting, including works by Rembrandt, Ingres, Cezanne and Giacometti. After a visit, nothing beats a fresh poke bowl at Le Petit Palais to recharge.
The Cours Mirabeau
While the Cours Mirabeau is not strictly part of the Mazarin quarter, it forms its northern boundary and natural entrance. This tree-lined promenade with its mossy fountains and cafe terraces is one of the most beautiful avenues in France. For visitors, we recommend checking the Aix-en-Provence Tourist Office website to plan your visit.
How to get to the Mazarin quarter
The Mazarin quarter is in the very centre of Aix-en-Provence, easily accessible on foot from most points of interest. From the bus station, it is about a ten-minute walk via Avenue des Belges and the Cours Mirabeau. From the Rotonde, five minutes will bring you to Rue Manuel. By car, several public car parks are nearby: Parking Mignet (five-minute walk), Parking Pasteur and Parking de la Rotonde.
To reach Le Petit Palais, our address is 4 Rue Manuel, 13100 Aix-en-Provence -- two minutes from the Place des Quatre Dauphins and five from the Cours Mirabeau. For opening hours, directions or reservations, visit our contact page. You can also explore our other articles to discover the best healthy restaurants in Aix-en-Provence or learn to make your own salmon avocado poke bowl at home.
A neighbourhood to live, not just visit
The Mazarin quarter is not merely a postcard backdrop. It is a living, inhabited neighbourhood traversed daily by students, families, artisans and restaurateurs preparing fresh ingredients for the lunch service. At Le Petit Palais, we are part of this neighbourhood life. Our regulars come for their lunchtime bowl, neighbours drop by for an afternoon coffee, and visitors discover with delight that a poke bowl restaurant can also be a warm meeting place in the heart of one of the most beautiful quarters in Aix-en-Provence. If you find yourself in the Mazarin quarter, push our door open -- you will be most welcome.
