Aix-en-Provence – In the Footsteps of Cézanne

Aix-en-Provence and Paul Cézanne share a bond that goes far beyond biographical facts. The artist was born here in 1839, created the majority of his work here, and found his final resting place in the city. Aix is dedicating an entire year to his legacy with “Cézanne 2025” – a grand cultural tribute featuring exhibitions, themed city tours, concerts and workshops. The Musée Granet will present a special exhibition of major works from international collections, while the Atelier de Cézanne, perched on the Les Lauves hill, offers an especially authentic glimpse into the artist’s life – complete with easels, painting tools and the iconic view of Montagne Sainte-Victoire, which Cézanne captured on canvas time and again.

The historic center of Aix-en-Provence is like an elegant open-air museum: stately townhouses from the 17th and 18th centuries, baroque churches and shaded courtyards shape its distinctive character. A stroll through the winding lanes reveals ornate door knockers, centuries-old fountains and ochre-colored façades. A highlight is the Saint-Sauveur Cathedral, a fascinating blend of Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance styles. The Cours Mirabeau, lined with boutiques and refined cafés, forms the city’s stylish heart. At the iconic Café Les Deux Garçons, once frequented by Cézanne and Zola, the spirit of Aix can still be savored in style. Just around the corner, the Place d’Albertas invites passersby to linger by its graceful fountain. For art lovers, a visit to the Musée Granet, showcasing works by Cézanne and other masters, is the perfect way to round off a walk through the historic town.

No visit to Aix would be complete without experiencing its markets, where the soul of Provence truly comes to life. Three times a week, Place Richelme transforms into a sensory celebration of color, fragrance and flavor: ripe figs, sun-yellow lemons, tangy goat cheese, lavender honey and golden-green olive oil – all fresh and full of character. The Cuisine Provençale is best enjoyed on plates and terraces along the Cours Mirabeau: bouillabaisse, tapenade, ratatouille, accompanied by a well-chilled glass of rosé. Particularly enchanting is a stroll through the Marché aux Fleurs, which bathes the cityscape in a sea of blossoms and brings a poetic touch to everyday life in Provence.

Just a few kilometers outside Aix, Provence reveals itself in its purest form: gently rolling hills, deep violet lavender fields, and vineyards where fine wines can be sampled right at the source. A worthwhile destination is the Belvédère Cézanne, offering a striking view of the Montagne Sainte-Victoire – the iconic silhouette Cézanne painted again and again. For connoisseurs, a visit to Château Gassier in Puyloubier is highly recommended, with garden tastings and art in the wine cellar. Complete relaxation awaits at the elegant Thermes Sextius, fed by natural springs with Roman origins. And for those seeking an authentic Provençal atmosphere, the charming artist village of Le Tholonet offers a retreat where time and landscape blend in quiet harmony.