Top Museums in Aix-en-Provence

Carocim

The legendary Carocim company has been crafting beautiful cement tiles since 1986. Their incredible palate and intricate designs have been refined through the years and take root in techniques perfected by Marseilles craftsmen in 1850. Each tile is vibrantly hued, carefully cut, and built from the finest materials. Stop by and check out their showroom for a glimpse of some of the finest decorative tiles in the world.

Galerie d'Art du Conseil Général

This gallery's mission, which it fulfills through marvelous art, is to expose the artists who lived and worked in the South of France. Exhibitions may concern individual artists, themes, or history. Don't be put off by the rather austere exterior; the exhibitions are free and always include astonishing works. Dedicated to the pleasure of art, the Galerie d'Art du Conseil Général is famed for its innovative approach towards a variety of artistic productions.

Atelier Paul Cézanne

The smallest and most frequently visited museum in Aix is situated on the northern outskirts of the town. You could almost believe that Cézanne himself, bard of Mount Saint-Victoire, has only just left his studio. This house, dating from 1902, is nestled in the depths of the Lauves hillside and was intentionally built away from the town so that Cézanne could paint. The first floor studio contains his palette, still covered with colors and ensconced among the bottles and knick-knacks that formed a part of daily life at that time. Visiting hours vary depending on the time of year. Check website for details. Reservations are recommended.

Musée des Tapisseries

This museum is mainly concerned with tapestries from the royal tapestry makers of Beauvais. Pieces dating from the 17th and 18th Centuries include Don Quichotte, Grotesques, and Jeux Russiens. In 1998 an entire department and its exhibits were devoted to the performing arts. You can also find bel canto, models of sets, working notes and costumes for operas that inspired such prestigious artists as Balthus, Derain and Casandra.

Mémorial des Milles

Situated in a tile factory on the southern ring-road of Aix-en-Provence, this museum is a moving testament to this former WWII transit and deportation camp. The history of the camps is brought to life by instructional posters and the frescoes made by the prisoners showing the daily atrocities of internment. Admission is free.

Musée Paul Arbaud

This historic museum was named after its generous donor, the Aix novelist, Joseph d'Arbaud (1874-1950), who described his native region with great seriousness. The museum brings together a large collection of top-quality pottery and pictures from the area. A library within the walls of the building allows access to rare works and manuscripts.

Musée Granet

The Granet Museum, in the heart of the historic Mazarin quartier of Aix-en-Provence, has an impressive permanent collection which includes Rembrandt, Cézanne, Ingres, Giacometti, Picasso, and Mondrian, along with changing special exhibitions. The museum offers guided tours with special consideration for those with disabilities. Special events include brunch in the garden, drawing sessions, and occasional evenings at the museum. Entrance is free for children under 18.

Cité du Livre

This cultural center is situated around Bibliothèque Méjanes, an institution with which it has been linked since its inception. Cité du Livre is an artistic enclave comprising 10,000 square meters (107,639 square feet) of rooms and offering a variety of museums, galleries, and performance halls dedicated to every aspect of the artistic and cultural world. Literature, cinema, dance, and music are all represented through various institutions, and the center is a treasure trove of cultural enrichment with its various events and learning opportunities.

3 bis F . Lieu d'arts contemporains

3bis f is the best place featuring contemporary French art. Exhibitions are held regularly here, in all kinds of mediums, be it painting, sculpture, photography, video installations and much more. Workshops are also held for those interested in creative writing, dancing, etc. In a few words, 3bis f is a place for all interested in arts of all kinds. It can be booked for exhibitions or visitors can head there to view art works.

Galerie Claude Petitjean

The art gallery located at Laurent Fauchier is run by Claude Petitjean. Besides showcasing different types pf pop and contemporary art , they provide artists spaces for their exhibitions. There is a basement as well where the works of art are kept. The setting is very appealing visually as the light bounces off the wall, giving a new a perspective to the paintings.