In 2025, Provence is preparing to celebrate one of its greatest artistic heroes: Paul Cézanne. The ‘Cézanne 2025’ event invites visitors to discover Aix-en-Provence and the surrounding area through a journey into the world of the post-impressionist master and precursor of modern art. A unique experience combining exhibitions, art trails in the heart of nature and the Provence vineyards.
Aix-en-Provence, at the heart of the celebrations « Cézanne 2025 »
Aix-en-Provence, the painter's birthplace, will be the epicentre of the ‘Cézanne 2025’ celebrations. The Musée Granet will be staging an international exhibition from 28 June to 12 October, featuring around one hundred masterpieces, including some 90 paintings by Paul Cézanne and several loans from major French and international museums such as the Musée d'Orsay. The exhibition, entitled ‘Cézanne au Jas de Bouffan*’, will highlight the 40 years the artist spent in the family bastide, a crucial period in his artistic career. The Atelier des Lauves, located to the north of Aix-en-Provence and entirely renovated for the occasion, will reopen its doors, offering visitors a glimpse into the artist's private life. To the west of the city, La Bastide du Jas de Bouffan, where Cézanne lived and painted, will also be accessible, with new facilities and a redesigned park.
Additional exhibitions throughout the city
In addition to the event exhibition at the Musée Granet, other cultural venues in Aix-en-Provence will be offering themed exhibitions as part of the ‘Cézanne 2025’ artistic programme. The Musée du Vieil Aix will host the exhibition ‘Aix et Cézanne’ from 6 June 2025 to 5 January 2026, offering a glimpse into the city the painter knew. The Musée du Pavillon de Vendôme will be hosting the exhibition ‘L'expo des expos - Cézanne au Pavillon Vendôme en 1956 et 1961’ from 19 June to 2 November 2025. This retrospective will enable visitors to relive the historic exhibitions devoted to Cézanne at this iconic venue. Children will also be able to discover the work of Paul Cézanne through the exhibition ‘la petite galerie Cézanne’ in the Galerie de la Manufacture from 4 February to 12 October 2024, thanks to a range of hands-on activities and interactive workshops.
Inspired by the light and colours of the Midi, and captivated by the Massif de Sainte-Victoire, Paul Cézanne committed his native Provence to canvas. Here’s how to wander the town of Aix-en-Provence and its surrounding countryside in the footsteps of its most famous ambassador…
An artistic journey through the landscapes of Provence
As part of the ‘Cézanne 2025’ event, the landscapes that fed the painter's imagination are themselves becoming a work of art to be discovered. The Route Cézanne, a listed Historic Monument linking Aix-en-Provence to Le Tholonet, will enable visitors to contemplate the same perspectives as those observed by the painter. At the heart of the Grand Site Concors Sainte-Victoire, Les Carrières de Bibémus, a major source of inspiration for Cézanne, will be restored for the occasion, with new hiking trails and explanatory panels.
Innovative artistic experiences
The ‘Cézanne 2025’ year will feature a variety of cultural events. The Festival d'Aix, the Ballet Preljocaj and the Grand Théâtre de Provence will be taking part in the celebrations with creations inspired by the work of the painter Paul Cézanne. Monumental projections, live shows and artistic performances will enliven the city of Aix-en-Provence and the surrounding area.
Celebrating the art of Provençal living
As well as art, the ‘Cézanne 2025’ event is also a way of celebrating Provençal cuisine. Visitors will be able to discover local gastronomy at Provencal markets, notably the famous Aix-en-Provence market, as well as discovering the wine estates around the city that inspired Cézanne.
Find out more :
All about the ‘Cézanne 2025’ event
Visit Provence
Visit Aix-en-Provence
Getting there:
Aix-en-Provence can be reached by train from Marseille (10 minutes), Lyon (1h25) or Paris (3h) stations.
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The editorial staff of France.fr follows the trends and news of destinations to bring you stories from France that reveal its innovations and traditions that make you long to (re) discover its territories.
