Not far from the ocean in Southern France, Aix-en-Provence is a small yet stunning city, where broad tree-lined avenues contrast with narrow cobbled streets. Filled with striking historic churches and mansions, Aix-en-Provence is known as “the city of a thousand fountains,” with beautiful water features at every turn. But perhaps the city’s greatest claim to fame is the extraordinary light that illuminates this glorious part of France, a feature that has drawn artists to the region for centuries.
Aix-en-Provence was the birthplace and home of Paul Cézanne, one of the most famous post-Impressionist painters, and the city takes its artistic heritage seriously. So, get inspired and enjoy these art-related activities in the heart of pretty Provence.
Enjoy a view that inspired multiple masterpieces
Known as “Le terrain des peintres,” or “Painters’ Field,” this hillside viewpoint looks through narrow cypress trees and across fields toward a mountain called Sainte-Victoire, which dominates the skyline. This view inspired Cézanne to create multiple paintings, all differing slightly in coloring and style. Take a seat in the field and admire this magnificent vista of Provence before browsing reproductions of nine of Cézanne’s best paintings of this view, which are displayed in a semi-circle around the field.
Admire artworks at the spectacular Musée Granet
One of the most beautiful museums in the region, Musée Granet is named after an Aix-en-Provence-born painter, François-Marius Granet, and is housed in buildings belonging to a former priory. In addition to hosting fascinating temporary exhibitions, it has a huge permanent collection of masterpieces, including works by Rembrandt, Giacometti, and Van Dyck, alongside 10 paintings by Cézanne.
Dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant surrounded by astonishing sculptures
Drive about 20 minutes north of Aix-en-Provence, through fragrant lavender fields and rows of bright sunflowers, until you reach the large biodynamic vineyard of Château La Coste. Surrounded by vines, charming stone cottages, and rustic farm buildings, this estate is also home to some extraordinary artworks, like “Crunching Spider” by Louise Bourgeois and “Wild Time Flowers” by Tatsuo Miyajima.
After admiring the sculptures, try some edible art at Chef Helene Darroze’s Villa La Coste, where Provence’s finest treasures of land and sea are crafted into dishes that delight both the eye and the palate. All served on a sunny terrace overlooking lines of vines.
Be bamboozled by a clever street painting
In the pretty and historic Place Verdun, a pleasant square in the center of Aix-en-Provence, you’ll find a piece of art that often goes unnoticed. A tall house that appears to be an apartment block is in fact the work of mural artist Vincent Ducaroy. Ducaroy created a clever fresco to cover an otherwise plain wall. Remarkably lifelike, this trompe l’oeil of windows and balconies dupes many a passerby into believing they’re walking past real homes. Find this outdoor artwork on the corner of Rue Marius Reynaud.
Walk in the footsteps of Cézanne
Given his status as Aix-en-Provence’s most famous resident, it’s no surprise that the town has a series of landmarks and memorials to Paul Cézanne. Pick up a map from the tourist office and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine as you explore streets once walked by the great painter. This route starts at the “Rotonde,” an impressive carved fountain, and is marked by metal studs in the ground. It takes walkers past Cézanne’s birthplace, the site of his marriage, and his favorite cafe. End the tour a little out of town at Cézanne’s Atelier, a lovely country house where the artist once worked.
