Musée du Vieil-Aix, Aix En Provence Travel Guide

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Discover Aix-en-Provence's captivating past through art, furniture, and historical artifacts at the Musée du Vieil-Aix.

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Musée du Vieil-Aix

Housed in a 17th-century mansion, the Musée du Vieil-Aix (Museum of Old Aix) offers a glimpse into the city's rich history and Provençal traditions. Explore collections of furniture, art, and historical artifacts that showcase Aix-en-Provence's unique cultural heritage.

A brief summary to Musée du Vieil-Aix

17 Rue Gaston de Saporta, Aix-en-Provence, 13100, FR
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Monday 10 am-12:30 pm
Wednesday 10 am-12:30 pm
Thursday 10 am-12:30 pm
Friday 10 am-12:30 pm
Saturday 10 am-12:30 pm
Sunday 10 am-12:30 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Musée du Vieil-Aix.

Visit on the first Sunday of the month for free admission to the museum.
Allow at least 1.5-2 hours to fully explore the museum's collections.
Note that exhibit descriptions are primarily in French, so consider bringing a translation guide or app.

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Explore Musée du Vieil-Aix on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Musée du Vieil-Aix, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

The Musée du Vieil-Aix is located in the heart of Aix-en-Provence's old town, making it easily accessible on foot. From the Cours Mirabeau, walk north along the Rue Clemenceau, then turn left onto Rue Gaston de Saporta. The museum will be on your right. Walking within the city center is generally free.
Public Transport

Aix-en-Provence has a good public transportation network. Several bus lines stop near the Musée du Vieil-Aix. Check the AIXenBUS website for the most up-to-date schedules and routes. A single ticket costs around €1.20. From the bus station, walk north along Avenue des Belges, turn left onto Cours Mirabeau, then follow the walking directions above.
Taxi/Ride-share

Taxis and ride-sharing services are available in Aix-en-Provence. A short taxi ride from the train station or another location in the city center to the Musée du Vieil-Aix will likely cost between €10 and €15, depending on traffic and the time of day.
Parking

If driving, parking is available in several paid parking lots near the Musée du Vieil-Aix. The closest options include Parking Pasteur (15 Rue Du Chapitre) and Parking Bellegarde (51 Boulevard Aristide Briand). Expect to pay around €0.80 to €1.10 per 1/4 hour during the day. Consider that parking Pasteur is 100m away from the museum.

Discover more about Musée du Vieil-Aix

The Musée du Vieil-Aix, or Museum of Old Aix, is located in the Hôtel Estienne de Saint-Jean, a beautiful 17th-century private mansion at 17 rue Gaston de Saporta. Since 1932, it has served as Aix's museum of city history. The collections, primarily from founder Marie d'Estienne de Saint-Jean's donations, highlight facets of Aix's history within a beautiful aristocratic setting.The museum showcases decorative arts such as furniture, gilded leather hangings, and decor elements from Aix's private mansions. Historical objects linked to Aix's traditions, like puppets from the Fête-Dieu (Corpus Christi) procession, are also on display. You can also find paintings depicting Aix landscapes. A highlight is the paravent (screen) from the Fête-Dieu, which evokes the religious and secular parades that have taken place since the 13th century.One of the museum's unusual exhibits is a model of a dome designed for the baptistery of St. Peter's Cathedral in Rome by Giovanni Battista Gaulli. The project was abandoned after Gaulli's death, and the model was later acquired by an Aix resident before finding its home in the museum. The museum also features Provençal santons, small painted terracotta figurines used in nativity scenes, a tradition that began during the French Revolution. Labels and explanations are in French.