Place aux aires - Grasse

Originally in the 14th century, this was an agricultural square just outside the medieval city walls, where farmers threshed their grain and tanners soaked their hides in an open water channel.

In the 15th–16th centuries, the surrounding arcades and storerooms were built, transforming the square into an urban marketplace.

In 1821, the iconic fountain à quatre vatres by Sébbastien Pesetti , in Louis XVI style, was added.

The square is surrounded by houses with arcades from the 16th century, originally for dyers. You can still see underground cavities and storage areas. At no. 33 is the Hôtel Isnard , built in 1781 for the businessman Maximilien Isnard, with an elegant balcony and wrought iron balustrade.

Traditionally it is the place for food and flower markets , especially on Saturdays.

Today, the Place aux Aires is the iconic image of Grasse — beloved by photographers, postcards, tourism campaigns and artists.

Willem Vandenameele