sights
Aix-en-Provence is called "the city of a thousand fountains". Especially interesting Big fountain on the Rotunda (1860) in the city center, a fountain connected to a hot spring (1734), the Fountain of the Four Dauphins (1667) and the Fountain of the Good King René, built in the 19th century. Even deciding to see all the sights, you will miss many of them during a tour of the ancient center of this entertaining city.
Cours Mirabeau is a wide avenue dividing the city into old and new; to the north of it there is a labyrinth of old streets and ancient buildings. It is in this direction that one should go. On the site of a Roman settlement, there is Boer Saint Sauveur, which stretches from the Cathedral of the Savior to the Italian-style town hall in the picturesque city hall square. The cathedral "summarizes" the history of Aix in one single building. Built in the 5th century. on Roman foundations, this magnificent building was completed over the centuries in three different styles - Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque, and only in the 18th century the work was stopped. The archbishop's palace dates back to the 6th-17th centuries, and now houses the Tapestry Museum and a cultural center.
Other attractions include the Clock Tower, a former 16th-century bell tower built on Roman foundations: high above the street, an astronomical clock with four wooden statues is visible, as well as the Four Seasons Fountain with a Roman column. The Plaza and Hotel d'Albert was built by a distinguished family from Aix in the 18th century and is truly enchanting (the fountain was built later).
Best time to visit
In June, for the free street music festival, or in July for the city's lyric arts festival, the weather is dry and hot, but the breeze brings coolness.
What to see
- In the cathedral there is a magnificent triptych "Burning Bush", written around 1476 for King Rene. Admire the wood carvings. Church of St. Mary Magdalene - the former building of the 13th century monastery, rebuilt around 1700. Now it is a museum, which houses the works of local artists.
- Simple yet very beautiful fountain XV century. Espeluk, transferred to the square near the Archbishop's Palace in 1756.
- The famous Aix de Garson was built in 1792 - ask Ernest Hemingway or Paul Cézanne to show you the table.
The Aixa hot spring baths were built in 1705, but here you can also see the ruins of authentic Roman baths.
Old stone-paved streets, palaces of the Provencal nobility of the 17th-18th centuries in the Italian Baroque style, elegant facades of old mansions with openwork wrought-iron balconies, city hall with a Gothic clock tower and, of course, many fountains that once saved the city from the plague - all this creates the unique charm of the city, through which the wind - the eternal Provencal mistral-minstrel - carries dry sycamore leaves.
Despite its luxurious historical and cultural heritage, the city is full of life and young creative energy - thanks mainly to the local university, the famous European Academy of Music and the many art festivals that fill the historic capital of Provence with the atmosphere of a living creative laboratory.
Aix-en-Provence is also considered the Provencal center of antiques: collectors and amateurs from all over the world are "digging" in the local flea markets and antique shops in search of rarities.
How to get there
The nearest international airport is located in Marseille. From there and from the railway station to the city there are auto-express trains. It can also be reached from the airports of Toulon, Nimes and Nice. Paris - Aix-en-Provence connection: 2 hours 50 minutes by high speed train TGV.
Search for flights to Marseille (nearest airport to Aix-en-Provence)
City `s history
In the 4th century BC. NS. Lower Provence was occupied by the Celtic-Ligurian tribes. Their capital, Antremont, was located just north of the location of modern Aix-en-Provence. In 123 BC. NS. Roman consul Sextius defeated the Ligurians and built a colony for veteran legionnaires Aqua Sextiae (Latin Aqua Sextiae) on the site of their settlement. In the 4th century, the city received the status of the capital of the Roman province of Narbonne, and for the next eight centuries it turned into a tasty morsel for the Visigoths, Franks, pawnshops and Saracens.
The city reaches its heyday only in the 12th century - under the rule of the Counts of Provence (houses of Anjou and Barcelona), who made Aix their residence and brought into fashion a magnificent court culture with concerts, carnivals, festivals and sumptuous meals. In the 15th century, the Duke of Anjou, the nominal king of Sicily, King Rene turned Aix into an important cultural, commercial (import of nutmeg and almonds) and university center. He organized folk festivals and processions that lasted for several days and attracted hundreds of troubadours from all around.
In Aix-en-Provence, the outstanding painter Paul Cezanne was born and lived most of his life. His student years at Bourbon College brought him together with Emile Zola.
In 1486, after the annexation of Provence to France, Aix-en-Provence becomes the capital of the region and the seat of the royal viceroy. In 1501, Louis XII transferred the institutions of the Supreme Court here and established a regional parliament in the city, which was so unpopular that it gave rise to the saying: "Parliament, mistral and Durance (river) are the three main troubles of Provence." But it was in this era that residences and mansions in the Italian Baroque style with an abundance of sculptural elements and compositions were being rebuilt in Aix. Stayed in Aix several times Louis XIV... It was here that peace was signed with the Prince of Condé. From here comes the famous deputy from the third estate Honore de Mirabeau.
In Aix-en-Provence, the outstanding painter Paul Cezanne (1839-1906) was born and lived most of his life. His student years at Bourbon College brought him together with Emile Zola. At the University of Aix, the young Cézanne studied law, but without completing the course, he began to study at the School of Fine Arts of Aix-en-Provence. The father did not approve of his son's choice, but supported him by allocating a significant annual annuity. After the "Parisian" wanderings and creative searches of the 1870s-1880s, the artist will finally return to Aix-en-Provence, where he will find his best "model" - Mount Saint-Victoire.
Aix-en-Provence is also famous for its balneological resort, located at an altitude of 175 m above sea level in the valley of the Arc River. Healing warm springs were discovered here by the Romans, and today bicarbonate calcium waters (with temperatures up to 36 ° C) are used for baths and drinking cures for diseases of the cardiovascular system, organs of movement and support, and kidneys.
Aix-en-Provence
Aix-en-Provence weather essentials
How to navigate
The majestic boulevard Mirabeau divides the city into two, so different from each other. On the one hand, these are the streets of the Old Town, overgrown with fashionable and designer boutiques, respectable restaurants, cozy coffee shops, artistic ateliers and gathering people to the colorful local markets with lavender oil, pastis, Marseille soap and Provencal sweets. The legendary place of this quarter is the cafe des Deux Garcons, whose visitors in different time there were Zola, Girardot and Cocteau. On the other hand, the pompous Mazaran quarter is pacified with wide uncrowded streets, classicist and baroque facades and high wrought-iron fences hiding magnificent mansions of the local aristocracy and numerous state institutions of the 17-18 centuries behind lush garden vegetation.
Popular hotels in Aix-en-Provence
Cuisine and restaurants
In the restaurants and cafes of Aix-en-Provence, try the freshly cooked fish, the famous basil soup, the Provencal herb stew and the aioli garlic sauce, served with seafood, fish soup and croutons. Local almond biscuits with candied fruits and icing - callissons and anise liqueur pastis, which contains more than 50 plant and spice extracts, are suitable as gastronomic souvenirs. It is used as an aperitif and is traditionally diluted with water in a ratio of 1/5.
With its appearance, this most popular among local residents the drink is obliged to ban the production and sale of absinthe. At the beginning of the 20th century, when the majority European countries came into force a ban on the "green witch", one of the main producers of absinthe - the company Pernod - changed the recipe of the drink, replacing wormwood with anise and significantly lowering the degree from 70% to 30%. So in 1915 the pastis was born. In 1922, the degree of liquor rose to 40%, and in 1938 - to 45%.
Guides in Aix-en-Provence
Aix-en-Provence attractions and attractions
Start your walk in the Old Town quarters, turning north from the picturesque square and the plane-tree boulevard Mirabeau, built in the 18th century on the site of the fortress wall. Here, among the small squares and narrow streets, you can find, decorated with paintings by Rubens and Van Lo, the Church of St. Madeleine, the medieval massive facade of the city hall, the old grain exchange (where the post office is now located), the Gothic cathedral of the Archdiocese of Aix-en-Provence Saint- Sauveur (or Cathedral of the Holy Savior, 15-16 centuries) with a cozy inner cloister and the triptych "Burning Bush" by Nicolas Frohman (15th century) in the interior.
The Archbishop's Palace of Anciers-Arsheves houses the Musée des Tapisseries, exhibiting tapestries created in Beauvais in the 17th and 18th centuries (open daily, except Tuesday, from 10:00 to 12:30 and from 13:30 to 18:00 ( from October to April - until 17:00); entrance - 3.50 EUR), and the Museum of the Old City (Musee du Vieil Aix, open daily, except Tuesday, from 10:00 to 12:30 and from 13:30 to 17 : 00; admission is free). Be sure to find here the first Gothic church of Provence - the Church of Saint-Jean-de-Malte, belonging to the Order of the Hospitallers. It is interesting for its restrained style, a special shade of stone, an abundance of light in the interior, unique stained-glass windows of the mid-19th century and numerous paintings, including the "Crucifixion" by Delacroix. The bell tower of the church, 67 meters high, is the most high point cities.
After eating a glass of aniseed pastis with local calissons (macaroons with candied fruits and icing), why not admire the paintings of Rubens and Van Lo in the Church of St. Madeleine.
Returning to Boulevard Mirabeau, pay attention to the creation of the French sculptor David d'Angers (Pierre-Jean David D'Angers, XIX century) - the statue of King René the Good with a bunch of grapes in his hand. At the other end of the boulevard, this sculptural dominant is balanced by the Rotunda fountain by the architect Théophile de Tournadre.
On the south side of the central boulevard lies the Mazarin quarter, formed in the middle of the 17th century as a fashionable area of aristocratic residences. In the Place Saint-Jean-de-Malte, in the abbot's house dating from 1671, you will find the Granet Museum (Musée Granet, open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 19:00; entrance - 8 EUR), the collection of which includes exhibits visual arts and archeology, in particular items from excavations ancient capital Ligurs - Antremont. The museum bears the name of the French painter of the classicism era and a native of Aix-en-Provence, François Marius Granet, who donated a large collection of paintings to the museum.
Lavender oil and Marseilles soap are leaders in the charts of Provencal souvenirs.
No less famous is Atelier Cézanne (9, Avenue Paul Cézanne) - the artist's former workshop, which stores creative tools, objects used for numerous still lifes, several completed canvases, and most importantly, the atmosphere that reigns within these walls during the life of the landscape painter. Place d'Albertas is notable for its architectural ensemble, created in 1735-1741 by order of the chairman of the Chamber of Accounts Jean-Baptiste d'Albert. A miniature square with a fountain is formed by the facades of three mansions, which partially adopted the regularity of division and decor of the Italian palazzo.
Fondation Vasarely (1 avenue Marcel Pagnol) is a unique architectural complex-museum, designed in the late 1960s by the French architect, graphic artist and sculptor of Hungarian origin Victor Vasarely. The exposition includes his numerous abstract geometric experimental works - the results of the search for modern architectural and graphic languages. (Open daily, from 10:00 to 18:00, full rate - 9 EUR, reduced rate - 6 EUR (for young people from 16 to 26 years old and students) and 4 EUR (for children from 5 to 15 years old).
Another popular cultural center Aix-en-Provence is an impressive media library complex, La Cité du livre. Lovers of modern literature and cinema will be interested in the reconstructed space of the old match factory here. It hosts film screenings, lectures, performances, temporary exhibitions, and in October - the traditional "Book Festival" (la Fête du livre), dedicated to the literature of a particular country or a famous contemporary author. The famous troupe Ballet Preljocaj has found its refuge in the center.
Prices on the page are for November 2019.
Aix-en-Provence festivals
The historic capital of Provence welcomes June with the Music in the Streets (Musique dans la rue) festival, at which time its streets and squares turn into open concert venues, where jazz, street opera, electronic music, folklore, rock and many other musical and vocal genres. In total, more than 40 concerts are open to everyone.
The loudest festival in the city is Le Festival d'Aix-en-Provence, a celebration of opera and performing arts and classical music... The festival has been held annually (since 1948) in June-July and is always full of outstanding names and performances. The halls and stages of Aix, and the large Greco-Roman amphitheater, among other things, host guest performers from all over the world: operas and musical theater plays are performed here, concerts, solo programs, conferences and master classes for young vocalists and musicians are held.
The beginning of July is the time of the “Aix en Baroque”, chamber concerts of baroque music, and the November Aix hosts the European Short Film Festival. From October to December, Les Nuits Pianistiques (Pianist Nights) are held throughout Provence.
Around the city
In the vicinity of the city, you can climb the picturesque Saint-Victoire mountain (1010 m) - the favorite "muse" of Paul Cézanne, see the 14th century castle in Vauvenargues, which belonged to the counts of Provence, the archbishop, and in 1958-1973 - Picasso (here is located and his grave). Between Cabasse and Carces is located one of the largest Cistercian abbeys in Provence - the 12th century Romanesque monastery of Thoronet.
Entrecasteaux, a medieval Provencal village of the 11th century, is notable for its perfectly preserved architectural and historical landscape, a fortified castle complex from the 16th-18th centuries and a regular park laid out by the famous French gardener André le Nôtre (1613-1700). Picturesque small city Op (Aups), which has preserved traces of fortifications, fountains and ancient dials of sundials on the facades of buildings, is revered as the capital of the black truffle. It houses the Simon Segal Museum (1898-1969).
The picturesque little town of Op is revered as the capital of the black truffle.
The nearby Var department will delight eco-tourism enthusiasts and active rest: here is located the impressive size and beauty of the canyon Les Gorges du Verdon (Les Gorges du Verdon). The natural regional park, stretching over 178,000 hectares, is especially picturesque in October. You can drive along the grandiose gorges and rapids, or rent a catamaran or kayak on the Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon lake to walk along the "bottom" of the gorge. Here you can also go rafting, canoeing, paragliding, cycling and hiking. The best place to stop is in the tiny village next door, famous for its earthenware, raw smoked sausages and braised rabbit - Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
It is best to visit the village of Ferrassières in early July - during the local Lavender Festival, then you will be lucky enough not only to watch how lavender is harvested and processed, but also to master the wisdom of obtaining lavender essence yourself. Here you can also look into the perfumery museum, purchase various cosmetical tools based on lavender oil and take a bike or walk through the fragrant and picturesque lavender fields.
The Théâtre du Jeux-de-Pom is a small old building from the mid-18th century. The Théâtre du Jeux-de-Pom is a cozy Italian theater with 493 seats.
The theater was built in an abandoned building of the former royal tennis court, where, according to legend, the King himself, the Sun, Louis XIV, loved to play. And although the building dates back to the 18th century, its facade and interior are simple and laconic, devoid of lush decoration and pompous decor.
In 1998 the building was closed for renovation. In May 2000, the renovated theater opened its doors to visitors again.
Coordinates: 43.52721400,5.45357500
Cathedral in Aix-en-Provence
The cathedral was erected in the 12th century, but since then has undergone a number of restoration works and reconstructions, and therefore only part of the baptistery has survived to this day. The construction of the facade lasted for many years, and was completely finished only at the beginning of the 16th century. Striking the imagination not only for its dimensions, but also for the beauty of its architectural solutions, this cathedral has long been popular among tourists. Inside you can see the famous triptych "Burning Bush", created by Nicolas Froman in the 15th century. The cloister of the cathedral, built in the 12th century for the residence of the canons, is decorated with four columns located at the corners, which depict the four religious symbols of the evangelists: an angel, a lion, a calf and an eagle.
Coordinates: 43.53194400,5.44722200
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City Hall in Aix-en-Provence
Built in the sixteenth century, the town hall with a 16th century Gothic clock tower is one of the most interesting sights in Aix-en-Provence.
The base of the town hall has been preserved from Roman times. The tower is decorated with a bust of Louis XIII, erected in honor of the visit of the monarch to Aix. The architecture of the town hall is inspired by Italian buildings, the sculptural decoration belongs to the masters Rambeau and Fosse. The facade was richly decorated, however most of decor was destroyed during the Revolution. The doors of carved wood and the inner courtyard have been preserved.
On the first floor of the town hall, in the main hall, canvases on historical subjects, portraits of counts of Provence and French kings are exhibited.
Coordinates: 43.51666700,5.44911600
In Aix-en-Provence, markets happen three times a week - on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, but the largest market is, of course, on weekends.
In the markets you can always find lavender oil, various varieties of olives, tapenades (pasta made from olives, anchovies and capers), pastis, Marseille soaps, Provencal sweets and other products and things that are made in this city. At the market you can buy local cheeses, mainly goat's, the most famous of which is the Banon cheese wrapped in chestnut leaves.
The Provence market is not only a place to buy food, goods and household items, but also a place for communication, discussion of news and gossip. It is always crowded, fun, noisy and fragrant here.
The city is also a Provencal center of antiques: rare antiques are sold here, which are "chased" by connoisseurs of rarities and collectors from all over the world.
Coordinates: 43.52900300,5.44786700
Fountains of Aix-en-Provence
Aix-en-Provence is known as the “city of water” or “the city of a thousand fountains”, and this is not surprising - after all, you can find water in almost every square of the city, and sometimes even unusual fountains are made in the back streets and on the walls. All fountains are made in completely different styles and were built in different eras.
The Romans who founded the city discovered hot and cold springs here, which made it possible to supply the city with water and to open Roman baths here. Today in Aix-en-Provence there are several hundred fountains - ancient and modern.
The fountain in Piazza d'Albert is one of the most attractive places for tourists in the city. His metal jewelry was cast by the students of the School of Crafts in 1912. The value of the fountain is given by an attractive architectural ensemble the square itself, built in six years at the direction of Jean-Baptiste d'Albert.
Coordinates: 43.52780200,5.44875200
Monument to Paul Cezanne
The monument is a full-length figure of the artist, standing with arms crossed on a cane and a hat pulled down over his eyes - this is how Paul Cezanne preferred to wear his headdress. This monument was erected against the background of evergreen plantations in the park where the painter loved to walk. For a long time, Paul Cezanne lived away from home, but after returning to his native Aix-en-Provence in 1886, he spent the last 20 years of his life here, enjoying the beauty of his native city.
One of the most prominent representatives of Post-Impressionism of his period, Paul Cézanne immortalized his name with such works as The Girl at the Piano, In the Rooms and Overture to Tannhäuser. different countries visit this monument, paying tribute to the talent of the painter.
Coordinates: 43.54058500,5.44704400
Spartacus Club
Spartacus Club is a famous French electronic music club located between Aix-en-Provence and Marseille.
The interior of the club is made in the Roman style, which corresponds to its name.
The club is famous among the French and international visitors. It is famous for its amazing parties that will be remembered for a long time.
The club is open on Fridays and Saturdays, as well as on some public holidays.
Coordinates: 43.44126600,5.37999300
Paul Cézanne's workshop
Fans of Paul Cézanne's work strive for a place where one can feel the presence of the artist himself. In a small town in Aix-en-Provence, Cézanne set up his workshop, which served him as a refuge, and inspiration, and a place of work. Dozens of works written here, in a quiet, sun-drenched corner of France, are now kept in the largest museums in the world.
Entering the studio, the first thing we see is a shelf along the entire western wall, a table, a drawer, low stairs, a high easel, a sofa, several chairs - objects that became the heroes of his still lifes. All of them immerse visitors in the closed world of the artist's soul. Each of the items complements each other. They continue to live, keeping the memory of the Master.
Thanks to Marcel Provence, the owner of the workshop after the death of Cézanne, which he bought from the artist's son Paul, the workshop remained in the same form as during the life of the great master.
Coordinates: 43.53842700,5.44627800
Grand Theater of Provence
The Grand Théâtre de Provence is a young, but already very popular musical theater in the region.
The Grand Théâtre de Provence was inaugurated on June 29, 2007, and the famous opera "The Valkyrie" by Richard Wagner was first performed on the stage of the newly made theater.
Special attention should be paid to the amazing building of the young theater, which does not look like a theater building in the traditional sense. Take, for example, its shape, which resembles either a funnel, or a flask, or a key - everyone is free to interpret in their own way.
It is also noteworthy that the theater is located below the level of the street on which it is located.
The theater has been the heart of the French Youth Orchestra since its inception.
Coordinates: 43.52608800,5.44069300
The most popular attractions in Aix-en-Provence with descriptions and photos for every taste. Choose best places to visit the famous sites of Aix-en-Provence on our website.
North of Marseille.
Aix-en-Provence was founded in 123 BC. by the Roman consul Guy Sextus Calvinus.
In the V century. Aix-en-Provence was conquered by the Visigoths, then the city passed to the Franks and Lombards, until it was captured by the Saracens in 731, and in 737 was liberated by Karl Martell, who went down in history as the liberator of Europe from Arab invaders.
In the Middle Ages, Aix-en-Provence was the capital of Provence.
And, starting from the XII century, it became a city of art and education.
In the XV century. Aix-en-Provence passed to the French kingdom.
Now Aix-en-Provence is one of the most beautiful and elegant cities in Provence, a rich, bourgeois city with beautiful architecture, numerous cafes and restaurants, attracting crowds of tourists and vacationers, in which a cheerful student life and various cultural events take place.
Wide boulevard Mirabeau was founded in 1650, it is surrounded by old houses (XVI-XVIII centuries) and decorated with fountains, lush trees create a green tunnel and form a shady coolness.
Fountain on Boulevard Mirabeau. Aix-en-Provence. France.
Boulevard Mirabeau. Aix-en-Provence. France.
Among the numerous cafes and restaurants, Deux Garcons (house 53), built in 1792, stands out. Paul Cezanne, Emile Zola and Ernes Hemingway loved to visit it. And the childhood years of the famous artist Paul Cézanne passed in the house number 55.
Passage Agar.
On the other side of Boulevard Mirabeau is the Mazarin quarter. Here in the second half of the 17th century. was the residence of the brother of Cardinal Mazarin and the nobles of Aix built their magnificent mansions. There are chic shops here now, art galleries, antique shops.
On the other side of the boulevard, a bright, noisy and colorful market unfolds, the epicenter of which is Place de Verdun.
Aix-en-Provence. France.
Aix-en-Provence. France.
Narrow streets lead to a cozy square with a clock tower, erected in 1661. The small square is filled with tables, located here cafes. There is a fountain in the center (1756)
Aix-en-Provence. France.
Aix-en-Provence. France.
Nearby is another charming square - lace des Cardeurs, decorated with an Italian-style esplanade and an original fountain, erected in 1977 by Jean Amado.
Aix-en-Provence. France.
Aix-en-Provence. France.
Up the busy rue Gaston de Saporta you can go to Cathedral, which is located in the former Roman forum. The first cathedral on this site was built in the 5th century. Since then, the cathedral was rebuilt several times, until the 17th century, when it received a Gothic portal. Inside the cathedral are works of art from the 15th-17th centuries, among them a triptych (15th century) depicting King René the Good and his wife (René the Good became Duke of Provence in 1434); you should also pay attention to the font of the 5th century.
There are many universities, this tradition originates from Louis II of Anjou, who in 1409 gave the universities a privilege.
Traditional tortillas from Provence - fougasse- baked from wheat flour with cheese.
Fougasse. Aix-en-Provence. France.
Local sweets are interesting - calisson made from candied almonds and fruits.
Cours mirabeau - Boulevard Mirabeau
Mausoleum of Jean Seca - mausolee Joseph seс (1792)
Pavilion Vendôme - Pavillon de Vendôme
Rotunda fountain
fontaine d'eau Chaude - Fountain of Warm Water
Grand théâtre de Provenсe - "Grand Theater of Provence"
Pavillon noir - "Black Pavilion"
Around the Old Town
Atelier de Cézanne - Studio Paul Cézanne
Cézanne's studio, which has now been turned into, where everyone can get to know more about the creative atmosphere of the great artist.
If you are interested in the life and work of the great impressionist, you can walk along, which will take you past buildings and places associated with the life of Paul Cézanne. Key points are three locations outside the center of Aix: the Jas de Bouffan family mansion and the Biebemus quarries.
The building is already a work of art. It was created in 1976 and consists of 16 impressive hexagonal sections. Inside this unique building are 42 monumental works by Vasarely, known as the father of "Sinetism", as well as a room dedicated to optical art. Victor Vasarely's project pursued both an architectural and a social goal: to show that art can be incorporated into architecture to improve the quality of everyday life.
Fondation Vasarely, Aix-en-Provence
Cité du livre - Cultural Center
Mazarin quarter - Mazarin quarter
Attractions of the Mazarin quarter in Aix-en-Provence:
Hôtel de Caumont (1715-1742)
Place des 4 dauphins - Square of the 4 dolphins
The square is named after a fountain decorated with figures of four dolphins. The fountain was built in 1667. Many beautiful mansions open onto the square, including Boisgelin, which boasts a beautiful courtyard and a façade with a monumental frieze.
Eglise st-Jean de malte - St. Jean Maltese
Church of St. Jean of Maltese located on the corner rue d'Italie and rue Cardinale... This ancient Gothic church, built in the 13th century, was the first gothic church v . In the 12th century, this site was home to a hospice and chapel of the Hospitaller Brotherhood (also known as the Johannites - members of the Order of St. John or Knights of Malta). This church entered the monastery of the same order, located in an olive grove outside the city walls. Since the 13th century, the church has served as the burial vault of the Counts of Provence. In the 17th century, with the expansion of the fortress walls to the south, the church entered the territory of the city of Aix. Then the monastery sold these lands, which created the Mazarin quarter. In the aftermath of the French Revolution, most of the interior decoration, treasures and statues of the church were removed or plundered, and the church itself was converted into a military warehouse. In the 19th century, it was eventually restored to become a parish church. It currently belongs to the Ministry of the Brotherhood of Apostolic Monks.
Granet Museum - le Musée Granet
It is located in the building of the Order of the Knights of Malta, and the museum got its name from the local artist François Marius Granet, whose works are also presented here.
The permanent exhibition contains one of the richest collections in Provence, mainly paintings by French artists from the 16th to the 20th centuries, as well as various art schools: Dutch, Flemish and Italian. Since 1984, the collection of the museum contains 8 works by the famous impressionist Cezanne.
The archaeological hall contains a collection of finds in the Aix area and is dedicated to the Celtic-Ligurian civilization.
Eglise de la madeleine
The church is located in the square des Prêcheurs, which got its name from the Dominican monastery, destroyed by fire in 1363, on the territory of which the church of Saint-Madeleine was built. Construction was carried out under the supervision of architect Laurent Vallon from 1691 to 1703. Aachen-based architect Henri Revoil remodeled the façade of the church between 1855 and 1860. The building has long been considered the most beautiful temple in the Bouches-du-Rhône region. The church was ranked historical monuments in 1988.
Tapestry Museum- Musee des Tapisseries
Exhibited are 19 tapestries made at the Beauvais between the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as 9 panels from the life of Don Quixote.
The Tapestry Museum is a huge building, a former archbishop's palace, converted into a museum in 1909. Thanks to the archbishop, the palace has preserved a rich collection of antique tapestries.
