Aix established one of France’s first public museums here, on the site of a former Hospitallers’ priory, in 1838. Nearly 200 years of acquisitions (including bequests by the eponymous François Marius Granet, himself a painter of note) have resulted in a collection of more than 12,000 works, including pieces by Picasso, Léger, Matisse, Monet, Klee, Van Gogh and, crucially, nine pieces by local boy Cézanne. This fabulous art museum sits right near the top of France’s artistic must-sees.
It also hosts some outstanding temporary exhibitions.
