Cézanne’s studio in Aix-en-Provence: visit, history, and artistic immersion in Provence
- virginieinprovence
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
How it all began
I am a big fan of Paul Cézanne. I’ve visited his studio in Aix-en-Provence about ten times. I deeply love his story and his paintings.
I often include this visit in my French immersion programs in Provence. The visit of Cézanne’s studio lasts about 30 minutes. It can be done with a French-speaking guide, with an audio guide, or simply with me.
I always truly enjoy guiding my students and sharing what I know, even though I am not an expert.
Here is a short introduction to this iconic artist from Aix-en-Provence. Feel free to leave a comment.
Who was Paul Cézanne?
Paul Cézanne was a major 19th-century painter. He was born, lived, and died in Aix-en-Provence. Today, he is considered one of the most iconic figures of the city.
You can also see his statue near the Fontaine de la Rotonde.
Cézanne was part of the Impressionist movement for a time before developing his own unique style. Pablo Picasso once said of him: “He was the father of us all.”
His work deeply influenced artists of his generation and is considered a foundation for Cubism.
Cézanne’s family life
Paul Cézanne came from a wealthy family. His father was a banker and wanted him to take over the family business.
Despite studying law, Cézanne eventually chose to dedicate his life to painting.
In 1869, he met Hortense, who would later become his wife. Their son, Paul, was born in Paris in 1872. His mother knew about the child, but his father only found out later.
Cézanne married Hortense in 1886, the same year his father passed away.
Cézanne and Zola: a meaningful friendship
Cézanne met Émile Zola in school. Zola had just arrived from Paris and was being bullied by other students.
One day, Cézanne stood up for him. To thank him, Zola gave him a basket of apples.
Apples later became a recurring subject in Cézanne’s still life paintings. As a slow and meticulous painter, he preferred stable objects like apples and pears rather than flowers.
The two remained close friends for many years. Their relationship eventually deteriorated after the publication of Zola’s novel The Masterpiece, in which Cézanne believed he was portrayed.
Cézanne’s studio in Aix-en-Provence: a unique place
After his mother’s death in 1897, Cézanne sold the family home (Bastide du Jas de Bouffan) and built his studio in the north of Aix-en-Provence. Today, it is a must-see for art lovers visiting Provence.
A studio designed for light
Cézanne painted the walls grey and installed wooden flooring to achieve the best possible light.
A demanding and perfectionist painter, he took his time choosing colors and composing his work.
A surprising feature in his studio
Cézanne had an opening built next to the entrance door of his studio.
This allowed him to move large canvases directly into the garden. He loved painting outdoors, surrounded by the Provençal landscape. His famous painting The Large Bathers was taken out this way, as it would not fit through the staircase.
Simple objects at the heart of his compositions
There are no original paintings in the studio today. However, you can see many objects that appear in his work: the olive jar, skulls, ginger jar…
These elements help us better understand his artistic world and creative process.
Sainte-Victoire: a major source of inspiration
In the studio, you can also see a torn canvas representing Sainte-Victoire Mountain.
This iconic Provençal mountain was one of Cézanne’s favorite subjects. He painted it more than 80 times throughout his life.
Experience Provence through art and language
If you come and stay with me for a French immersion experience in Provence, I will introduce you to all aspects of the region: landscapes, scents, culture, and gastronomy…
All while helping you improve your French in an authentic and welcoming environment.
See in Provence !
Virginie In Provence
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