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HISTORIC SPA TOWN
This southern city boasts an average of 300 days of sunshine a year, a fact which makes it a very popular city among visitors, since Roman times, in fact.
Aix-en-Provence was founded by the Romans as a spa town in 123 BC. During the Middle Ages, as the capital of Provence, the town was to become a centre of art and learning. In the 15th century, Aix, together with the rest of Provence, became part of France, and remained an artistic focal point within the South of France.
Water and art are the two cornerstones of life in Aix-en-Provence. You’ll find evidence of both elements throughout the city, especially in the beautiful carved stone fountains which ensured fresh water for the inhabitants in medieval times.
ARTS AND LITERATURE
Over the centuries this artistic centre in the sunny South of France attracted many artists, writers and poets. It was here that French novelist Emile Zola grew up. But the city is best known for one artist in particular, the “father of modern painting”: Paul Cézanne. It was here that Cézanne lived and worked: in Cézanne’s studio which is open to the public, you can see the familiar objects which appear in so many of his stiff life paintings: apples, bottles and pieces of Provencal pottery.
These days Aix-en-Provence is still a cultural hub, with cultural festivals and many performing arts events, such as opera and modern dance taking place throughout the year.
SPECIALITIES OF AIX
A very specialised local trade is the manufacturing of figurines for the Christmas nativity scene, known as santons. Craftsmen in Aix produce extremely fine quality figures made from red clay, fired and painted with bright colours.
Edible specialities of the region include the excellent olive oil which comes from the olive groves in the hills of Provence. Great quantities of lavender grow locally, perfuming the air, and the honey made from lavender is especially sought after for its delicate taste.
The best-known speciality which comes from Aix and which is highly prized all over the world, is the calisson. This is a lozenge-shaped sweet, made from candied melon, sugar and almonds, with a layer of icing on top. These traditional sweets can be flavoured with other fruits too, and making them is a veritable art form. You can watch this age-old process at the Confiserie du Roy René, and even pick up some calissons to take some home with you.
PAUL CEZANNE'S STUDIO, AIX-EN-PROVENCE
The painter's place of quiet contemplation..
All fans of Paul Cézanne will find that it is here that one feels the presence of the painter with most intensity. In this space he both worked and meditated, and in fine weather he would set off from here to paint scenes from life, out of doors. In the colder seasons, or when the weather was not ideal, Cézanne would stay in his studio among the familiar objects which became the models for his still life paintings: clay jugs and bowls, bottles, vases, paper or cloth flowers, fruit (apples, above all), and also skulls and the little plaster "cupid" which appears in many of his paintings.
Dozens of works by the great painter, works now treasured by great museums around the world, were painted in this quiet and bright studio, including his famous Bathers.
Opening hours :
From Saturday 1 January 2011 : every day from 10:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 17:00
From Friday 1 April 2011 : every day from 10:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 18:00
From Friday 1 July 2011 : every day, from 10:00 to 18:00
From Thursday 1 September 2011 : every day, from 10:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 18:00
From Saturday 1 October 2011 : every day, from 10:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 17:00
From Thursday 1 December 2011 : from Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 17:00
Closed on 1 January, 1 May and 25 December
Admission prices :
- Full price : 5.5 €
- From 13 to 25 years : 2 €
Place :
Paul Cézanne atelier
9 avenue Paul-Cézanne
13100 Aix-En-Provence
+33 442 21 06 53
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For more information :
Tourist Office
place du Général de Gaulle
13100 AIX-EN-PROVENCE
+33 442 16 11 61
http://www.atelier-cezanne.com/
Getting There :
Aix en Provence station (TGV, TER)
Bus n° 1, from la Rotonde in front of Saint-Christophe every 20 mins, Stop: Cézanne
ESTIENNE DE ST JEAN MUSEUM
The soul of Provence.
Located within a magnificent 17th century mansion in Aix-en-Provence, the collection at the Estienne de Jean Museum comprises many objects which evoke the traditions of Aix-en-Provence and the surrounding area.
Furniture, traditional dress, and santons or figurines for the nativity scene which are traditionally made here, screens and pottery: these are the elements of traditional Provençal life. Two very original sets will catch your eye: the wooden puppets of the talking nativity scene and the figurines of the Fête-Dieu, a popular traditional ceremony in Aix-en-Provence up until the early 20th century.
No disabled access
Opening hours :
From Sunday 16 October to Monday 28 February 2011 : from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 12:30 and 13:30 to 18:00
From Sunday 16 October 2011 to Tuesday 28 February 2012 : from Tuesday to Sunday from 13:30 to 17:00
Place :
Musée Estienne de St Jean
17 rue Gaston de Saporta
13100 Aix-En-Provence
For more information :
Tourist Office
place du Général de Gaulle
13100 AIX-EN-PROVENCE
+33 442 16 11 61
Getting There :
Aix-en-Provence station (TGV, TER)
THE FOUNTAINS OF AIX-EN-PROVENCE
The water that flows through the heart of Aix.
In this region where water is precious owing to its scarcity, Aix-en-Provence has its own natural springs. Nevertheless it was not until the late 19th century that water ran freely in the basins of the fountains in the city, thanks to the canal du Verdon and to the Zola dam.
Primarily utilitarian when they were first built, the fountains later became elegant, stylistic, urban ornaments in the 17th century. Today around forty of these public fountains bear witness to the styles and the needs of a town which made them an integral part of urban life.
The most imposing of the fountains of Aix-en-Provence has to be the fontaine de la Rotonde, located in the extension on the cours Mirabeau, one of the most popular and lively spots in the city.
Place :
Cours Mirabeau
13100 Aix-En-Provence
For more information :
Tourist Office
place du Général de Gaulle
13100 AIX-EN-PROVENCE
+33 442 16 11 61
Getting There :
Aix en Provence station (TGV, TER)
LA MAISON FOUQUE, GUIDED TOUR
A Provencal tradition.
At the bottom of a garden planted with olive trees, lavender and oleanders, the air at the Maison Fouque is perfumed with the essence of Provence. It is here that for four generations, the traditional Provencal art of making santons, or Christmas nativity scene figurines has continued.
After marvelling at the processes involved in the marking of these figurines by hand (modeling, smoothing, kiln firing, and painting), you can stroll around and visit the shop where you can pick up some santons to take home as a souvenir. The Fouque santons are collected and treasured all around the world.
All year round, themed temporary exhibitions are held at the Maison Fouque.
Guided tour free of charge
Exhibition-sale takes place all year round
Opening hours : All year long
- From Monday to Saturday from 09:00 to 12:00
- From Monday to Saturday from 14:00 to 18:00
Open on Sundays in December
Place :
Maison Fouque
65 cour Gambetta
13100 Aix-En-Provence
+33 442 26 33 38
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For more information :
Tourist Office
place du Général de Gaulle
13100 AIX-EN-PROVENCE
+33 442 16 11 61
www.santons-fouque.com
Getting There :
Aix en Provence station (TGV, TER)
SAINT-SAUVEUR CATHEDRAL IN AIX-EN-PROVENCE
Holy stones in Aix.
A real architectural mishmash, the "Holy Savour" or Saint-Sauveur Cathedral bears the traces of every era that it has known. Legend has it that the cathedral was built on the site of a pagan temple. What is known for sure is that it has been constantly altered ever since with three naves in different styles surrounded by a baptistery inherited from antiquity and a twelfth-century cloister.
The facade has also seen many changes: the Romanesque portal in the south adjoins another carved in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, which is topped by a fourteenth-century bell tower.
A listed historical monument, Saint-Sauveur houses the Burning Bush Triptych, a fifteenth-century masterpiece by Nicolas Froment.
Opening hours : All year long
- Every day, from 10:00 to 12:00
- Every day, from 16:00 to 17:00
Place :
Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur
34 place des Martyrs-de-la-Résistance
13100 Aix-En-Provence
+33 442 96 12 25
For more information :
Tourist Office
place du Général de Gaulle
13100 AIX-EN-PROVENCE
+33 442 16 11 61
In french :www.cathedrale-aix.net
Getting There :
Aix en Provence station (TGV, TER)
ROY RENÉ CONFECTIONER, WORKSHOP
The famous almond-shaped sweets from Aix.
In 1920, Ernest Guillet bought the "Nougaterie du Roy René" in the heart of Aix-en-Provence. Little did he know that this passion for honey made from lavender, sugar and almonds would lead this brand along a brilliant pathway. The company was to become "Calisson du Roy René" in 1950, confirming its presence as the leading specialist producer of calissons, the local speciality: sweets made from candied melon and orange, topped with icing. These can come in a huge range of delicate fruit flavours. Today, the Confiserie de Roy René or Roy René Confectionery is the undisputed leader of high quality confectionary of Provence, on a national and international level.
Come and pay the workshop a visit, learn all about the calisson, its history, recipe and all the little secrets involved in making this little losenge shaped sweet which melts in the mouth. In the boutique, you'll find an array of beautiful sweets perfect to take home in your suitcase. Varieties include: calisson d'Aix, choco d'aix, calinou, califruits and califleurs…
Also possible to visit the factory in the commercial zone of the Pioline (near the village Les Milles) on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10am, 1€. By appointment only, on +33 04 42 39 29 89
Opening hours : all year long from Monday to Saturday, 09:30 to 18:30
Place :
Roy René's confectionery
13 rue Gaston de Saporta
13100 Aix-En-Provence
+33 442 26 67 86
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For more information :
Tourist Office
place du Général de Gaulle
13100 AIX-EN-PROVENCE
+33 442 16 11 61
In French :www.calisson.com
Getting There :
Aix-en-Provence Station (TGV, TER)
LE QUATUOR - NEW SHOW
From Tuesday, March 22 2011 to Saturday, April 2 2011
A winning Quartet.
For more than twenty years now, Le Quatuor ("The Quartet") have been delighting an ever larger and more diverse audience with their talent and humour. Crowned with many awards, this ensemble plays multiple instruments (violin, viola, cello, double bass, tuba and electric guitar); while dancing and juggling have become indispensable ingredients in their musical humour.
Le Quatuor present their latest show, once again produced by Alain Sachs.
Produced by: Alain Sachs
Opening hours :
From Tuesday 22 March to Saturday 2 April 2011:
- Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 20:30 to 22:30
- Wednesday from 19:00 to 21:00
Admission prices :
- Full price : 34 €
- Reduced price : 13 €
Place :
Théâtre du Jeu de Paume
21 rue de l'Opéra
13100 Aix-En-Provence
+33 442 99 12 00
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For more information :
Tourist Office
place du Général de Gaulle
13100 AIX-EN-PROVENCE
+33 442 16 11 61
Getting There :
Aix-en-Provence Station (TGV, TER)
OLIVE TREE ESPALIER, DEMONSTRATION AND TASTING SESSION
From Tuesday, March 1 2011 to Thursday, March 31 2011
All about the olive tree.
At the heart of the Aix-en-Provence countryside, on a ricky outcropt, the Château Virant grows vines and olive trees. You are invited to spend a morning here observing a very traditional Provençal craft: the taille or "cutting" of the oliviers, or olive trees: this is a very specific kind of pruning which is done in order to make the olive tree grow into a specific shape. After learning how olive trees are cultivated and pruned, you will be taken into the olive groves, where you will watch the theory being put into practise by professionals who will be able to answer all your questions.
At the end of this session, the varieties of olive oils from the harvest will be available to taste, and you will learn a bit about their different flavours. A typically Provençal aperitif will round off the morning, with aïoli, aillet with almonds, banon with garlic, and roustide for you to taste, accompanied by wines produced at the Château Virant.
Opening hours : one Saturday morning in March, from 9am to 12pm
Call Château Virant in late February for information about the exact date of the demonstration
Place :
Château Virant
CD 10
13680 Lancon Provence
+33 490 42 44 47
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For more information :
Mairie
place du Champ de Mars
13680 LANCON PROVENCE
+33 490 42 98 10
In french : www.chateauvirant.com
Getting There :
Salon de Provence 6km away, shuttle buses every hour to Salon-de-Provence (shuttle information on: +33 490 56 50 98)
RESONANCE: CLAUDE GARANJOUD/ CURT ASKER, EXHIBITION
From Friday, November 19 2010 to Monday, February 28 2011
Curt Asker resonates with the work of Claude Garanjoud.
This travelling exhibition stops off at three different venues highlighting the work of the painter Claude Garanjoud in Aix-en-Provence. The Swedish artist Curt Asker, in resonance, has added his own artistic touch, paying homage to Claude Garanjoud.
Follow the exhibition trail in three legendary venues in Aix-en-Provence , at the musée des Tapisseries or Tapestry Museum (Palais de l'ancien archevêché), at the fondation Saint John Perse (Cité du Livre) and at the Arteum, Contemporary Art Museum, at Châteauneuf-le-Rouge.
Opening hours : listed here refer to the Tapestry Museum.
From Friday 19 November 2010 to Monday 28 February 2011 :from Wednesday to Monday, 13:30 to 17:00
Saint John Perse Foundation - Cité du Livre: Tuesday to Saturday 2pm to 6pm
Arteum, Museum of Contemporary Art: Wednesday to Saturday 2pm to 6pm
Guided tours on Fridays and Saturdays at 3pm (except in January).
Admission prices : 3.1 €
Place :
Tapestry Museum
28 place des Martyrs-de-la-Résistance
Ancien Palais de l'Archevêché
13100 Aix-En-Provence
+33 442 91 88 75
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For more information :
Tourist Office
place du Général de Gaulle
13100 AIX-EN-PROVENCE
+33 442 16 11 61
In french :www.garanjoud.com
Getting There :
Aix-en-Provence Station (TGV, TER)
To get to Châteauneuf-le-Rouge, take the bus from Aix-en-Provence station (TGV, TER)
THE FOREST OF MY DREAM - EXHIBITION
From Friday, October 29 2010 to Sunday, February 27 2011
Enchanted forests.
Disturbing characters, enchanted forests, imaginary animals... the protagonists of many of these sometimes cruel stories are united by a single thread that could be summarized as follows: Once upon a time there was a child who set off to explore an unknown and wonderful world. Emblematic although more recent than most of these traditional tales, Alice in Wonderland takes on this idea of a fantasy world from a new angle: the dream. And as if in one such enchanting and curious dream the visitor can lose himself in this exhibition.
A range of illustrations, drawings, films, sounds and objects, old and new... various representations of imaginary encounters with all things weird and wonderful will make up this exhibition.
Opening hours :
From Friday 29 October 2010 to Monday 28 February 2011 : tuesday to Sunday, 09:30 to 13:00 and 14:30 to 18:00
From Friday 29 October 2010 to Monday 28 February 2011 : tuesday to Sunday, 09:30 to 13:00 and 14:30 to 18:00
Closed on 1 January, 1 November, 11 November and 25 December
Admission prices : free
Place :
Galerie d'art du Conseil général des Bouches-du-Rhône
21 Bis cours Mirabeau
Hôtel de Castillon
13100 Aix-En-Provence
+33 442 93 03 67
For more information :
Tourist Office
place du Général de Gaulle
13100 AIX-EN-PROVENCE
+33 442 16 11 61
Getting There :
Aix-en-Provence Station (TGV, TER)
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