Fountain of the Four Dolphins

Welcome to the Square of the Four Dolphins, home to the fountain of the same name, designed by Jean-Claude Rambot and Pierre Pavillon in the 17th century. It was built around the same time as this new part of town. As its name suggests, the fountain features four dolphins supporting a column made of stone from the Sainte-Baume mountain range. This Baroque beauty is a real centerpiece at the very heart of the Mazarin district! If you look up, you’ll notice there’s a pinecone at the top of the obelisk. Originally, there was a fleur-de-lys up there, but it was removed during the French Revolution and replaced by a Maltese cross. The pine cone was only added after World War II. The square itself is pretty elegant too, isn’t it? Take a look at the buildings around it; those are all former private mansions. The one opposite you, on the left, is known as the Hôtel Boisgelin. It was built in 1655 by Pierre Pavillon, a great local architect and sculptor, to whom we owe many private mansions in the city, including the Vendôme Pavilion, which we’ll be seeing later in our tour.