While museums have a strict ‘no touch’ policy, galleries are cool places that allow you to not only see and discover art, but even take it home to do with it as you please. Read our list to discover the coolest local galleries in Aix en Provence, France.
Le Pavillon Vendome
This exquisite estate was once the love nest of a French duke. As the centuries went on, the city opened his home and its garden to the public, so that locals may appreciate all of its beauty and splendor. While Le Pavillon Vendome may not have pieces available for purchase, the regal manor is filled with extraordinary paintings, sculptures, and more. Take a guided tour to learn everything about the home and its history, as well as about each beautiful piece of artwork that it contains. Once you’re done inside, step out and enjoy the fresh air in the lovely garden. There are benches, fountains, and even a rose garden.
Le Pavillon Vendome, 13 Rue de la Molle Aix en Provence, FR, +33 4 42 91 88 75
- Person Enjoying Works at Caumont Center d’Art | ©Renaud Camus/Flickr
Caumont Center d’Art
Art Gallery
Caumont Center d’Art
Adjacent to the famous Cours Mirabeau is the 18th-century Hôtel de Caumont. The aristocratic residence has since been restored and transformed into the Caumont Center d’Art, and this cultural center houses many historic pieces of art, including paintings, drawings, sculptures, and more. The house itself is quite the sight to see, as it maintains much of its beautiful architectural design. The Caumont Center d’Art may be a popular spot for tourists to visit once during their trip to Aix, however locals are there all during the week. The front of the gallery opens into a large city square, while the back houses a quaint garden complete with tables and chairs. You’ll find that many residents of the city stop there to enjoy their coffee, a good book, or a pleasant conversation with a friend.
Caumont Center d’Art, 3 Rue Joseph Cabassol Aix en Provence, FR, +33 4 42 20 70 01
Carré d’Artistes | ©Iwan Gabovitch/Flickr
Services & Activities:
Guided ToursAtmosphere:
Touristy, PeacefulCarré d’Artistes
Most everyday folk want an opportunity to become more cultured and engage with art in a sophisticated manner. However, many galleries can be exclusive, elite, and unaffordable for novice collectors. Carré d’Artistes, however, makes contemporary art more accessible for people. Step into the Aix gallery and be welcomed with warmth by people who are genuinely passionate about art, and want to help you become part of the art community. Be on the lookout for multiple locations, as well as an online gallery that makes it convenient to search for exactly what you want. Peruse by artist, price, or look for a particular style, including abstract, pop art, street art, and more.
Carré d’Artistes, 20 Rue de la Glaciére Aix en Provence, FR, +33 4 42 27 60 64
Contemporary Art Piece | ©Pedro Ribeiro Simões/Flickr
Espace 361
Located in the heart of Aix, Espace 361 is a contemporary gallery and workshop space for the artist community. The space hosts rotating exhibitions each month, displaying varying mediums of modern art, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, jewelry, furniture, and more. Guests of the gallery are open to shop about for an eye-catching piece, and to learn about the artists and their work. However, Espace 361 strives to bring the community together and hosts numerous workshops throughout the year, for novices and advanced artists, as well as children. In addition to the many workshops, Espace 361 hosts events such as concerts, lectures, theatre shows, live performances, and more. This all-encompassing gallery is well worth a visit.
Espace 361, 2 Rue de l’Annonciade Aix en Provence, FR, +33 6 10 18 69 70
Papa New Guinea Mask| ©some guy called Darren/Flickr
Franck Marcelin
Take a trip away from Europe and explore ancient tribes and civilizations when you visit Franck Marcelin. The gallery celebrates Oceanic art, featuring works from Melanesia and Polynesia. The pieces range in style and medium, but include tapestries, sculptures, paintings, figurines, jewelry, pottery, and more. From looking at the works, people are given the opportunity to learn more about the ancient and modern histories, as well as culture, of such interesting far away societies. Stand out amongst the crowd by buying one of these incredible works of art for your home.
Franck Marcelin, 9 Rue Jaubert Aix en Provence, FR, +33 4 42 23 17 38
