Sights in Aix En Provence
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Cézanne Sights
His star may have reached its greatest heights after his death, but the life of local lad Paul Cézanne (1839–1906) is treasured in Aix. To see where he ate, drank, studied and painted, follow the Circuit de Cézanne (Cézanne Trail), marked by footpath-embedded bronze plaques inscribed with the letter C. An informative English-language guide to the plaques, Cézanne’s Footsteps, is available free from the tourist office.
Though none of his works hang here, Cézanne’s last studio, Atelier Paul Cézanne, 1.5km north of the tourist office on a hilltop, is a must for any Cézanne fan. It’s painstakingly preserved as it was at the time of his death, strewn with his tools a…
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Centre Chorégraphique National
Long at the forefront of contemporary dance, Aix is home to France's first purpose-built choreography centre, the Centre Chorégraphique National (CNN, National Choreographic Centre; rue des Allummettes). This glass, steel and black-concrete box, Pavillon Noir, houses a 378-seat auditorium, roof deck and glass-walled rehearsal studios.
The skeletal building, masterminded by French architect Rudi Ricciotti, allows passers-by to peer into the illuminated studios to watch the agile artistry of dancers.
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Fondation Victor Vasarely
This thrilling centre, 4km west of the city, was designed by the optical art innovator himself, in a series of repeating triangles and hexagons, right down to the honeycomb ceiling glass. Though in need of repairs, the building is a masterpiece: 16 interconnecting six-walled galleries, purpose-built to display and reflect the patterning of the artist’s acid-trip-ready, floor-to-ceiling geometric artworks. Take bus 4 or 6 to the Vasarely stop.
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Atelier Paul Cézanne
Cézanne’s last studio, Atelier Paul Cézanne, 1.5km north of the tourist office on a hilltop, is a must for any Cézanne fan. It’s painstakingly preserved as it was at the time of his death, strewn with his tools and still-life models; his admirers claim this is where Cézanne is most present. Take bus 1 or 20 to the Atelier Cézanne stop, or walk (20 minutes) from the centre.
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Cathédrale St-Sauveur
Built between 1285 and 1350 in a potpourri of styles, this cathedral includes a Romanesque 12th-century nave in its southern aisle; chapels from the 14th and 15th centuries; and a 5th-century sarcophagus in the apse. More recent additions include the 18th-century gilt baroque organ. The acoustics make Gregorian chants (4.30pm Sunday) unforgettable.
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Musée Granet
Housed in a 17th-century Knights of Malta priory, the museum’s pride and joy are its nine Cézanne paintings. The unique De Cézanne à Giacometti collection features works by Picasso, Léger, Matisse, Tal Coat and Giacometti, among others. There are also extensive 16th- to 20th-century Italian, Flemish and French collections and rotating exhibitions.
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Fondation Vasarely
The bold Bauhaus-style edifice, Fondation Vasarely is 4km west of town. Built in 1976, its 16 hexagonal spaces house vast architecture-meets-art works by Hungarian-born Victor Vasarely, the 'father of Optical Art'. Take bus 4 from La Rotonde to the Vasarely stop.
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Musée Paul Arbaud
Musée Paul Arbaud connects you to Aix's literary heritage with displays of books and manuscripts. It also exhibits Provençal faïence (tin-glazed earthenware).
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Galérie d'Art du Conseil Général des Bouches du Rhône
Galérie d'Art du Conseil Général des Bouches du Rhône showcases photography and contemporary art.
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