Overview: What’s on 15–21 Sept 2025 in Aix
- Journées Européennes du Patrimoine (Heritage Days) — free/open-door visits and special tours all over Aix, Fri–Sun, Sept 19–21. Program & brochure.
- “Cezanne au Jas de Bouffan” — Musée Granet (Cézanne 2025) — blockbuster exhibition; advance booking required. Exhibition page · Book tickets.
- Atelier des Lauves (Cézanne’s Studio) — open daily in September; book ahead. Hours & info.
- Carrières de Bibémus (guided) — Cézanne’s quarry landscapes; guided visits only, booking required. Book · Practical info.
- Hôtel de Caumont — “Niki de Saint Phalle” (to Oct 5). Exhibition · Tickets.
- 21, bis Mirabeau — “Extérieurs: Annie Ernaux & la photographie” (free; Wed–Sun). Details.
- Fondation Vasarely — “Désastre des astres” (Lucien Bitaux) (to Oct 12). Exhibition.
- Institut de l’Image — Otto Preminger cycle (Sept 4–28). Schedule.
- Petit Train (Little Electric Train) — 45-min city loop; daily xx:15 departures in Sept from La Rotonde. Times & tickets.
- Markets — textile/antique market Tue/Thu/Sat mornings; daily food market at Place Richelme; flower markets. Tourist Office guide.
Day-by-day: a simple, culture-first game plan
Mon 15 Sept
- Morning — Petit Train orientation (departures 10:15/11:15/12:15 from La Rotonde). Info · Map.
- Afternoon — Hôtel de Caumont (“Niki de Saint Phalle”).
Exhibition ·
Map.
Bus: nearest stop “4 Dauphins” (buses A/04/07/08/11 etc.). - Evening — Cours Mirabeau stroll (terrace homework: order in French, mispronounce gracefully). About the Cours.
Tue 16 Sept
- Morning — Musée Granet: “Cezanne au Jas de Bouffan” (booked slot). Exhibition · Tickets · Map.
- Afternoon — 21, bis Mirabeau: “Extérieurs — Annie Ernaux & la photographie” (free; 11:30–18:30).
Info ·
Map.
Nearest bus stop also “4 Dauphins”.
Wed 17 Sept
- Morning — Atelier des Lauves (Cézanne’s Studio) — book a timed entry.
Hours ·
Map.
Bus: line 5 from center → stop Cézanne (short walk). - Afternoon — Fondation Vasarely (“Désastre des astres”).
Exhibition ·
Map.
Bus: from Gare Routière → stop Vasarely (Aix-en-Bus).
Thu 18 Sept
- Morning — Market crawl (textiles/antiques on the Cours; food at Place Richelme). Market guide · Map (Richelme).
- Evening — Institut de l’Image (Preminger): multiple screenings today (check exact film & time). Today’s times · Map.
Fri 19 Sept
- Kick-off of Heritage Days — preview openings & late tours begin. Program.
- Institut de l’Image (Preminger) — selections include River of No Return 14:00, The Human Factor 16:00, The Man with the Golden Arm 18:20, Where the Sidewalk Ends 20:45. Schedule.
Sat 20 Sept
- Heritage Days — main day: free/open-door visits across museums & monuments (lines form; go early!). Program.
- Optional evening cinema — Preminger: Saint Joan 18:30, Bonjour Tristesse 20:45. Schedule.
Sun 21 Sept
- Heritage Days — final day. Program.
- Institut de l’Image — The Cardinal 14:30; Where the Sidewalk Ends 18:00. Schedule.
Getting around (quick cheat sheet)
- Aix-en-Bus network: line maps · plans & timetables.
- Atelier des Lauves: Bus 5 → stop Cézanne. map.
- Fondation Vasarely: Gare Routière → stop Vasarely (direct buses). map.
- Bibémus: Bus 6 to Parking des 3 Bons Dieux, then short walk to meeting point (guided visits only). info.
- From TGV to center: LeCar shuttle to Gare Routière (every ~20 min). check times.
Maps: each venue name above links to Google Maps. Tip: book Cézanne sites first; week of 9/15 is busy.
Bonus: quick links
- Cézanne 2025 (official)
- Aix Tourist Office — Events
- Institut de l’Image — Preminger
- Hôtel de Caumont — Niki
- Fondation Vasarely — Bitaux
- 21, bis Mirabeau — Extérieurs
Be curious, be kind — and if you accidentally “tu” the bus driver, just smile and say you’re studying French. Works 60% of the time, every time.