Background

Musée du Vieil-Aix: A Journey Through Aix's History

4 (175)

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

  • 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
Eve
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.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Tour de l'Horloge

The Majestic Tour de l'Horloge: A Historical Gem in Aix-en-Provence

Musée des Tapisseries

Musée des Tapisseries: A Woven History of Art and Spectacle

Théâtre de l'Archevêché

Théâtre de l'Archevêché: An Open-Air Opera House

Unlock the Best of Musée du Vieil-Aix

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

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.

Explore the best of what Musée du Vieil-Aix has to offer

Mobile App

Your all‑in‑one travel companion app

Explore expert travel guides, compare and book tours, experiences, hotels, and more—all from the palm of your hand. Download now for seamless trip planning wherever your wanderlust takes you.



More about Aix En Provence

File:Cours Mirabeau, Aix-en-Provence.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

Discover Aix-en-Provence: A picturesque city in southern France known for its vibrant markets, rich cultural history, and stunning architecture, perfect for an authentic French experience.

Tell me more about Aix En Provence

Discover a literary treasure in Aix-en-Provence's historic heart, where knowledge and history converge at the unique Library Halle aux Grains.

Library Halle aux Grains

Discover the historical beauty of Tour de l'Horloge, a stunning clock tower in Aix-en-Provence that embodies the city's rich architectural heritage.

Tour de l'Horloge

Select Currency