Atelier Cézanne: Where a Master Worked
Step into the preserved studio of Paul Cézanne in Aix-en-Provence and experience the creative space of the 'father of modern art'.
Nestled on the Lauves hill in Aix-en-Provence, the Atelier Cézanne, or Cézanne's studio, is a biographical museum offering an intimate look into the workspace of the renowned painter Paul Cézanne. From 1902 until his death in 1906, Cézanne worked daily in this studio, creating many masterpieces. In November 1901, following his mother's death and the sale of family property, Cézanne acquired an old farmhouse and land on the Lauves hill. The studio, completed in September 1902, was designed by Cézanne himself to meet his artistic needs, featuring large windows and a glass roof to maximize natural light. Here, he produced works such as The Bathers. After Cézanne's death, the studio was sold and eventually acquired by the Cézanne Memorial Committee in 1954, who opened it as a museum. Today, owned by the Tourist Office of Aix-en-Provence, the studio displays Cézanne's work equipment, models for still life paintings, and furniture. While the studio doesn't house any of Cézanne's original paintings, it offers a powerful sense of his presence and creative process.
Local tips
- Book your visit in advance through the Aix-en-Provence Tourist Office, especially during peak season.
- The studio is not wheelchair accessible due to stairs and a gravel floor.
- Allow at least 30 minutes to an hour for your visit to fully appreciate the studio and its surroundings.
- Combine your visit with other Cézanne-related sites in Aix-en-Provence, such as the Jas de Bouffan and the Bibémus Quarries.
A brief summary to Cézanne's studio
- 9 Av. Paul Cézanne, Aix-en-Provence, 13100, FR
- +33442210653
Getting There
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Walking
From the city center of Aix-en-Provence (e.g., La Rotonde), the Atelier Cézanne is approximately a 1.5km (1 mile) walk north. Head up Avenue Paul Cézanne, continuing uphill. The studio will be on your left, marked by a red door.
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Public Transport
From the Rotonde Victor Hugo in Aix-en-Provence, take bus line 5 towards Parc Relais Brunet and get off at the Cézanne stop. From there, walk down Avenue Paul Cézanne for approximately 2 minutes; the studio will be on your left. A single bus fare is around €1.10.
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Taxi
A taxi from the city center of Aix-en-Provence to the Atelier Cézanne takes about 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around €5-€7 for the ride. Taxis are readily available throughout the city center.
