10 Sights & Landmarks in Aix-en-Provence That You Shouldn't Miss

This is where Cubism was born on this 7 hectares rocky plateau: an operative quarry for Aix monuments until the eighteenth century. Cezanne discovers the place in a state of neglect: the vegetation has reclaimed, but the ocher rock has kept the shape of men’s work. In the striking architecture of this exceptional nature, the artist gives birth between 1895 and 1904 of world-renowned works, such as “The Red Rock”. Today at the heart of the Grand Site Sainte-Victoire, Bibemus quarries reveal all their pictorial majesty through a built path around the shed where the artist stored his works and sometimes slept. This site is only open during guided tours, no self-guided tours.

Just a few steps from the Cours Mirabeau, a new Arts Centre is opening its doors in the Hotel de Caumont, a fully restored private mansion from the 18th century. Two major temporary exhibitions per year dedicated to great names in the history of art, as well as a diverse programme of events, makeCaumont a major cultural institution in Aix-en-Provence. The film > shown continuously every day in the auditorium presents the artist's journey and his passion for Aix-en-Provence and its region. The visit of the private mansion immerses you in the refined atmosphere of this exceptional venue, from the cour d'honneur to the gardens, passing through the historic rooms. The carefully furnished and decorated rooms reveal daily life at the time of Pauline, marquise de Caumont, one of the most famous owners of the mansion in the 18th century. The private gardens of the mansion, fully refurbished in the spirit of the site, offer over 1000 m² of peaceful space decorated with fountains,flowerbeds bordered by boxwood, and large vases of flowers.