Musée du Vieil-Aix, History museum in Aix-en-Provence, France
The Musée du Vieil-Aix occupies a 17th-century mansion with traditional Provençal architecture and decorative details throughout its rooms. The building retains its original character, displaying furniture, craft tools, and art objects that represent different periods of local history.
The collection was established in 1932 when Marie d'Estienne de Saint-Jean converted her aristocratic residence into a cultural institution. This transformation emerged from a desire to preserve local traditions and memories of Provence's past.
The rooms display regional furniture, ceramics, and colorful puppet figures that reflect how people lived in Provence. These collections from the 1800s show traditional crafts and domestic traditions that shaped the area's identity.
The museum sits in the old town and is accessible most days of the week except Mondays. It is easy to reach on foot and takes about one to two hours to explore.
The museum houses an Italian artwork by G.B. Gaulli originally designed for the baptistery of Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome. This piece is a rare example of artistic connection between Rome and Provence during the 1600s.
Location: Aix-en-Provence
Inception: 1932
Official opening: 1932
Address: 17, rue Gaston de Saporta, 13100 Aix-en-Provence
Phone: +33488717431
Website: https://aixenprovence.fr/Presentation-du-Musee-du-Vieil-Aix
GPS coordinates: 43.53089,5.44744
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:46
Aix-en-Provence is a city where history lives in every corner. The Cours Mirabeau, lined with trees and fountains, forms the heart of the town. The old quarter reveals itself through narrow streets, elegant mansions, and bustling markets. The Saint-Sauveur Cathedral and Hôtel de Caumont show architecture from different periods. The city offers many places worth photographing. The Place d'Albertas feels like a hidden gem in the center. The Granet Museum holds works by Cézanne and other artists. Historic fountains like La Rotonde and the Mossy Fountain shape the cityscape. The garden at Pavillon de Vendôme provides a moment of quiet in the middle of it all. Walking through passages like Passage Agard reveals the layers of the city. Beyond the town, more treasures await. Montagne Sainte-Victoire rises over the landscape and inspired many painters. The Plateau de Valensole charms visitors with lavender fields, especially when in bloom. Villages like Saignon and places like Château La Coste show the rich landscape around the city.
Cathedral of the Holy Saviour
119 m
Hôtel Boyer de Fonscolombe
63 m
Aix-en-Provence town hall
121 m
Cloître de Saint-Sauveur d'Aix-en-Provence
79 m
Palais de l'archevêché d'Aix-en-Provence
77 m
Halle aux grains d'Aix-en-Provence
151 m
Hôtel d'Estienne-de-Saint-Jean
1 m
Théâtre de l'Archevêché
103 m
Hôtel de Châteaurenard
13 m
Hôtel Maynier d'Oppède
60 m
Fontaine de l'Hotel de Ville
119 m
Faculté de droit d'Aix-en-Provence
97 m
Hôtel d'Oraison
115 m
Hôtel de Venel
96 m
Maison, 6 rue Littera
57 m
Hôtel de Littera
55 m
Hôtel de Thoron
193 m
Chapelle des pénitents bleus
91 m
Hôtel Adanson
96 m
Immeuble, 2 rue des Brémondis
35 m
Hôtel de Pontevès
138 m
Mur romain
84 m
Maison, 15 rue du Puits-Neuf
154 m
Immeuble, 8, place des Cardeurs
78 m
Maison, 2 rue Littera (Aix-en-Provence)
31 m
Aix-en-Provence clock tower
90 m
Rue Gaston-de-Saporta
9 m
Maison, 1 rue Adanson
55 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
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