Aixperiences: Musée Granet — your smart, calm, “wow” plan in Aix (with hours, tickets, and zero line-panic)

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 Who this is for & what you’ll get

If you’re in Aix (first-timer or proud returnee) and want an easy, delightful visit to Musée Granet—including the Granet XXe / Jean Planque chapel—this guide gives today’s hours, tickets, bus stops, accessibility, and what to see in 60–120 minutes, plus insider tips so you don’t accidentally queue at the wrong place (ask me how I know).

What makes Musée Granet special?

  • Two sites, one story: the main museum on Place Saint-Jean-de-Malte and the modern art annex Granet XXe – Jean Planque in the Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs just a few minutes away. The Planque collection features ~300 works (drawings, paintings, sculpture) with names like Renoir, Monet, Van Gogh, Degas, Redon, and friends—plus 20th-century greats. (mice.aixenprovencetourism.com)

  • Cézanne’s house-party year: Summer–early autumn 2025 brings “Cezanne au Jas de Bouffan” centered at the museum with extended hours and special ticketing. (museegranet-aixenprovence.fr)

Where is it & how to get there (walk/bus/parking)

  • Address (main site): Place Saint-Jean de Malte, Aix-en-Provence. PMR/step-free entry: 18 rue Roux-Alphéran (behind the museum).
    Granet XXe (Planque): Place Jean-Boyer (top of rue Maréchal-Joffre). (museegranet-aixenprovence.fr)

  • Buses from La Rotonde: lines M1, 3, 5, 6, 13 → stops Gambetta or Saint-Jean. Parking: Carnot or Mignet. (Yes, Cours Mirabeau is a lovely walk too.) (museegranet-aixenprovence.fr)

Tickets & hours (2025 essentials)

Cezanne 2025 (28 Jun–12 Oct 2025):

  • Main site hours: Mon–Sun 09:00–19:00; Thu 12:00–22:00.

  • Granet XXe: Tue–Sun (summer 09:00–19:00; then 10:00–18:00 from early Aug; closed Mon). (museegranet-aixenprovence.fr)

  • Cezanne exhibition ticket: €18 full / €16 concession. Important: for individuals, book online (cezanne2025.com) or at the Aix Tourist Office ticket desk—no on-site individual sales at the museum. (museegranet-aixenprovence.fr)

  • Granet XXe (Planque) ticket at the chapel: €6 full / €4 reduced; €3 with a paid Cezanne-2025 ticket. Under-18s and several categories are free (see list on the official page). (museegranet-aixenprovence.fr)

Free Sundays?

  • The local tourism pages note free admission on the 1st Sunday of the month (policies can vary by season—double-check dates before you go). (Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Tourisme)

Accessibility & practical stuff (read this before you pack a tote)

  • Step-free access via 18 rue Roux-Alphéran; wheelchair available at reception; folding chairs on request; assistance dogs welcome. (museegranet-aixenprovence.fr)

  • Cloakroom limits & security: France’s Vigipirate is active; large bags, scooters, pushchairs (during peak Cezanne dates) aren’t allowed inside—travel light. (museegranet-aixenprovence.fr)

  • Audio guides: Adults for permanent + Cezanne in FR/EN/DE/IT/ES/JA (€5); kids’ guide (6+) FR/EN (€3). Granet XXe audioguide €3.50. (museegranet-aixenprovence.fr)

  • Photo rules: vary by show—check Visitor Regulations on the official site when you arrive. (museegranet-aixenprovence.fr)

How to visit: 3 smart routes

Have 60 minutes?

  • Main site: Provence & 19th-c rooms, a focused Cézanne stop, then a quick hello to Ingres.
    Have 90 minutes?

  • Add Granet XXe: enjoy the chapel space + a Picasso/Giacometti moment (the setting itself is the star). (mice.aixenprovencetourism.com)
    Have 2 hours?

  • Do both sites unrushed. Save 15–20 min for the bookshop (souvenir postcard therapy, scientifically proven).

Tickets: step-by-step (so you don’t queue twice)

  1. Decide if you want the Cezanne 2025 exhibition. If yes, book online (or at the Tourist Office)—not at the museum. (museegranet-aixenprovence.fr)

  2. Arrive early at the checkpoint at 15 rue Cardinale (near the museum entrance on Place Saint-Jean de Malte) 30 minutes before your slot for security & ticket checks (guided tours use this too). (Aix en Provence - Office de Tourisme)

  3. For Granet XXe, buy on site at the chapel; show your Cezanne-2025 ticket for the €3 rate. (museegranet-aixenprovence.fr)

FAQ (People Also Ask)

Is Granet XXe included in the main ticket?
Not automatically during Cezanne 2025. You buy at the chapel; it’s €3 if you’ve paid for Cezanne at Jas de Bouffan. (museegranet-aixenprovence.fr)

When are the late hours?
Thursdays the main site runs 12:00–22:00. (museegranet-aixenprovence.fr)

Can I just walk from La Rotonde?
Yes—it’s a pleasant stroll through Cours Mirabeau into the Mazarin district; or hop buses M1/3/5/6/13 to Gambetta/Saint-Jean. (museegranet-aixenprovence.fr)

Is the 1st Sunday free?
Often yes (policy noted by local tourism); check current details before you go. (Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Tourisme)

Are there audioguides in English?
Yes—plus FR/DE/IT/ES/JA; kids’ versions too. (museegranet-aixenprovence.fr)

Handy links (official & useful)

Internal reads on Étranger Things

Talk like a local (A1–C1 mini-prompts to use at the museum)

  • A1: Bonjour. Deux billets, s’il vous plaît. / Où est l’entrée PMR ?

  • A2: Est-ce que l’audioguide est disponible en anglais ?

  • B1: J’aime cette toile pour ses couleurs; c’est plus lumineux que…

  • B2: Comment compareriez-vous cette période de Cézanne à ses paysages de la Sainte-Victoire ?

  • C1: La scénographie de la chapelle magnifie-t-elle les œuvres ou les contraint-elle ? Discutons-en.

Your turn 🧡

What did you love most—the hush of the chapel or that one unexpected painting? Drop your tips below: best time of day, secret café nearby, must-see room, ADA/PMR notes we missed. A1–C1 learners: post a 1–3 sentence mini-review in French and we’ll help you polish it. On papote à Aix !

Location: Pl. Saint-Jean de Malte, 13100 Aix-en-Provence, France