Discover the studio of Cézanne, the famous painter from Provence

Are you soon going to have a stay in Aix-en-Provence and are you interested in the very famous painter Paul Cézanne? In this case, his studio is the best place to learn more about the French artist. Discover without further delay an extraordinary living space where his art was articulated on canvas or on any other medium. 

Who was Paul Cézanne?

Paul Cézanne was a painter born in the heart of Provence in 1839, in Aix-en-Provence. He was well known for his impressionist paintings, although the various artists and specialists do not really agree on this point. His works of art are precursors of the post-impressionist and cubist currents, and he is even nicknamed the “father of Modern Art”.

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Very friendly with Emile Zola who offered him a basket of apples, we will often find apples when the artist painted still lifes. He had studied law in order to please his father, even if his passion still remained art. He nevertheless managed to convince his father to let him go to Paris to embark on his passion. The beginnings were difficult, but thanks to his hard work, the painter was able to stand out from the others.

Born into a poor family, his father nevertheless managed to go from hatter of the Cours Mirabeau to banker. Thus, the Cézanne family was able to become more affluent.

The painter died in 1906 of pneumonia in the city of his birth.

Why visit Cézanne's studio in Aix-en-Provence?

Cézanne's studio has been a museum since 1954 and is located on the Lauves hill. Everyone can go there to soak up the places where the artist spent the majority of his time until his death. Here, you will find the period objects that served as inspiration for various paintings, as well as his tools. You will also find his hat and jacket, as well as sketches and easels left in the large room. It's a bit like entering the painter's privacy, because he didn't let many people into this place. It's a bit like a behind-the-scenes look, which few artists are willing to share during their lifetime.

Paul Cézanne bought this property after receiving the inheritance following the death of his mother. Formerly located in the countryside itself, he transformed this farmhouse into a spacious studio.

The museum offers temporary exhibitions, so do not hesitate to go there often enough, when you come on vacation in Le Tholonet.

Cézanne's studio is visited freely or with a guided tour. However, it is necessary to make a reservation on the Internet before going there or directly from the tourist office. Do not forget to visit the gardens as well to make your adventure even more incredible.

What other places to visit in addition to Cézanne's studio?

To better understand the artist's history, we recommend that you go to these different places during a family stay in Le Tholonet.

The Painters' Terrain, for a sumptuous panorama

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Only 750 meters from the Lauves hill, join the Terrain des Peintres on foot. From this belvedere, you will observe the same point of view that the painter had on the Sainte-Victoire mountain. This place is absolutely iconic because it is an element appearing on more than 40 watercolors and oils! This place strongly inspired the painter who regularly went there to paint his muse. You will also find a reproduction of 9 of these works. For nature lovers, it is a pretty and simple walk to do, in the middle of the typical trees of Provence.

The Bastide du Jas de Bouffan

Formerly Cézanne's residence, it is now a historical monument with its park. It is a place of inspiration during the artist's youth. The park was a land really appreciated by the painter because he could put his easel there and draw or paint. You will learn more about Cézanne's life once the guided tour is over.

The Bibémus quarries

Another place that largely inspired the Aixois painter, it is a place where stone blocks were extracted. This extraction lasted a long time since it existed from Ancient Rome until the 19th century! You will find Cézanne's hut there where he stored his belongings when he was inspired by the Bibémus quarries for his works. By going to the site, you will understand that the shapes and colors of the rocks are the criteria that inspired the artist.

Where to sleep near Cézanne's studio?

Do you want a comfortable room with an advantageous rate? Our B&B HOTEL Aix-en-Provence Le Tholonet is an excellent solution that will allow you to enjoy exceptional bedding in a clean and soundproofed establishment.

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Outside reception opening hours, you can still retrieve the code for your room. Thanks to the outdoor terminal and your reservation code, you can arrive much later. Our animal friends are also accepted inside the building, for a small supplement per night. For access to the floor, we also have an elevator for people with reduced mobility and heavy suitcases. Moreover, depending on availability, you can book rooms specially designed for PRMs.

Our family rooms will accommodate up to 4 people. It's a good plan to avoid renting two rooms: it's often cheaper to have a family room.

In the morning, enjoy your breakfast in the form of an all-you-can-eat buffet. Up to and including 10 years old, children will benefit from a reduction on the price of the meal.

Find also our other hotels in Aix-en-Provence for your next stay!