Musée-atelier de Paul Cézanne

About the museum

The Atelier des Lauves was Paul Cézanne's last workplace. In 1901 the painter bought a plot of about 0.7 hectares on the Lauves hill, north of Aix-en-Provence, and had a house built there with a large studio on the upper floor, lit by a wide glass roof. He worked there almost every day until his death in 1906.

After his death, the studio remained closed until 1921; it was then sold to a writer who lived there and kept it until 1951. Threatened with demolition, it was saved in 1952 by an American committee, which bought it through donations and entrusted it to the University of Aix-Marseille. The City of Aix-en-Provence became its owner in 1969.

The site opened to the public in 1954; it was listed as a historic monument in 1974 and has held the Maisons des Illustres label since 2012. Visitors discover the painter's equipment, the objects he used for his still lifes and other familiar things. After a major restoration campaign, the site reopens in 2026, the year marking 120 years since Cézanne's death.

Highlights

• Cézanne's working studio, preserved with his equipment, models and familiar objects
• Large glass roof on the upper floor, desired by the painter
• Reopened in 2026 after restoration, ground floor open for the first time
• Garden of the site, with free access on the first and third Sundays of the month
• Self-guided visit with an audioguide app, a route for children and one for adults

Permanent exhibition

• L'Atelier des Lauves – Visit to Cézanne's last studio, with his working equipment, the models for his still lifes and the familiar objects that accompanied him.

Founded

1954

Operated by

Ville d'Aix-en-Provence

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Gardens free on the first and third Sundays of each month (collect your ticket at reception)

Self-guided audioguide visit prices: €9.50 (full) and €7.50 (reduced). Proof for reductions or free admission is checked at the entrance. Tickets are non-exchangeable and non-refundable and valid for a specific time slot.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The historic building is not accessible to people with reduced mobility. The reception building houses an interpretation room with mediation materials, including tactile and visual elements. A reserved parking space is located in front of reception. Guide and assistance dogs are admitted in the buildings.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

The audioguide offers a route for children and a route for adults. Minors under 16 must be accompanied.

Getting there & parking

A reserved space for people with reduced mobility is located in front of the reception building.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

A food truck is available during the site's opening hours. Souvenir shop run by the tourist office. Large backpacks, bottles and food are prohibited in the buildings; picnicking is not allowed.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit