Marseille (100% free today)
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All City Museums — free entry (permanent + temporary shows)
Think Musée d’Histoire, Beaux-Arts (Palais Longchamp), Cantini, and friends. Yes, free-free. Show up and wander. (Ville de Marseille) -
Mucem — exhibitions & special access
Free all day at J4 & Fort Saint-Jean; doors from 10:00. Bonus: rare behind-the-scenes visits at the collections center.
Go: From Aix, Le Car L50 → Marseille St-Charles, then Métro M1 (Vieux-Port) or M2 (Joliette), 10-min walk to J4/Fort Saint-Jean. (Mucem) -
Palais du Pharo — exceptional opening, guided visits
Free guided access today 09:00–12:00 & 13:30–16:30 (last entry 15:30). Postcard view over the Vieux-Port.
Go: From St-Charles, Métro M1 → Vieux-Port, then a pleasant 15–20 min walk or bus 83. (Ville de Marseille)
Aix-en-Provence (free & close)
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Camp des Milles Memorial — free entry 10:00–19:00 (last in 17:30)
One of Provence’s most important memory sites, free today. Powerful, thoughtful exhibits.
Go: From La Rotonde, take Aix-en-Bus line 4 → stop Gare des Milles (short walk). (Mairie d'Aix-en-Provence) -
Pavillon de Vendôme gardens — “Patrimoine [en mouvement]”
Contemporary circus mini-shows free (reservation advised) in the baroque gardens.
Go: 7 min walk north of Mairie; check slots & book if possible. (Jours et nuits de cirques) -
Cézanne game-trails & walking guides (DIY & free)
Download the Sur les pas de Cézanne trail and the family jeu de piste—perfect self-guided culture breaks.
Go: Start anywhere in centre-ville; pick up routes online. (Aix en Provence - Office de Tourisme)
⚠️ Musée Granet has special activities, but several note “animation gratuite après droit d’entrée.” If you’re keeping it strictly free, aim for the items above. (Aix en Provence - Office de Tourisme)
“Surrounds” bonus (still free)
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Arles — Museon Arlaten family workshop
Hands-on “grand paysage” art activity, free today. Make a day of it if you’ve got wheels or the TER. (Département des Bouches-du-Rhône)
Quick routes from Aix (cheat-sheet)
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Aix ⇄ Marseille (Vieux-Port/Joliette/Mucem): Le Car L50 (every 5–15 min most of the day) → St-Charles → Métro M1 (Vieux-Port) or M2 (Joliette). (Moovit)
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Within Marseille: RTM M1/M2 metro + short walks to museums & J4. (RTM)
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Aix → Camp des Milles: Aix-en-Bus 4 → Gare des Milles stop. (Camp des Milles)
Why go (beyond “it’s free”)?
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You’ll access places usually closed (collections, palaces, reserves).
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Today’s theme spotlights architectural heritage—bring your inner nerd with a camera. (Ministry of Culture)
Mini French practice while you queue (by level)
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A1: “C’est gratuit aujourd’hui ? Où est l’entrée, s’il vous plaît ?”
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A2: “Y a-t-il une visite guidée cet après-midi ? Combien de temps dure-t-elle ?”
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B1: “Est-ce qu’on peut voir des espaces normalement fermés au public pendant ces journées ?”
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B2: “J’aimerais comprendre les choix de restauration ici—y a-t-il des panneaux ou une médiation dédiés ?”
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Avancé: “Comment l’architecture du lieu dialogue-t-elle avec les usages contemporains et la médiation patrimoniale ?”
Your turn (on papote à Aix !) 👇
Where did you go? What surprised you? Drop a tip—best entrance lines, hidden gems, kid-friendly stops, smoothest L50/metro combo. Aidez la prochaine personne !
Sources & details: Official JEP dates/theme; Marseille free-entry museums & Pharo opening; Mucem free access and how to reach; Aix program, Cézanne trails; Camp des Milles free entry & access; Arles workshop. (Journées du Patrimoine)