From the Louvre to the Palace of Versailles, France is inundated with patrimoine, or cultural heritage. It’s no secret that France is filled with museums featuring its history, art and culture. And the region of Provence is no different. Although it’s often Parisian museums that receive much fanfare, the reality is that southern France is filled with museums worth exploring, too. From the antiquity of the Mediterranean to the grandeur of the former papal residence, the region of Provence is laced with stories of the past. Provence Tour is sharing some of the best museums to explore in Provence.
Mucem in Marseille
In the sunny city of Marseille, you can explore the Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean. Not only does this museum showcase various photos, postcards and works of art, but the buildings themselves are also a testimony to the past. The Mucem is composed of ancient Fort Saint Jean and the modern J4, and the two sections are connected by a suspended bridge over the sea.
Long ago, the area used to serve as a commandery for the Crusaders as they headed toward the Holy Land, according to Marseille Tourisme. In the 1600s, Louis XIV ordered the construction of Fort Saint Jean. And during World War II, the Nazi army took over this fort. All that to say, the museum collections aren’t the only sights to see at the Mucem.
The J4 is a more recent addition that was inaugurated in 2013. You can’t miss the J4’s mosaic-like walls designed by Rudy Ricciotti, which serve as a work of art themselves. Inside these walls, you can explore various collections detailing the culture, history and art of the Mediterranean.
Palais des Papes in Avignon
Today the Pope has made the Vatican his home, but centuries ago, the Pope designated his residence to be in Avignon. The Popes’ Palace in Avignon will enchant you with its grand structures and intricate history that goes back to the 1300s. Admire the frescoes painted by Matteo Giovannetti as you explore this former papal residence. Our guide will take you on a private tour and detail the ecclesiastical history in Avignon through the centuries.
After you’ve wandered through the Palais des Papes, head outside to enjoy the papal gardens under the Provençal sun. These gardens showcase plants native to the region during the medieval times as well as pomegranate trees and artichokes. During the month of August, you can savor Côte du Rhône wine tastings in the palace gardens on Thursdays and Fridays.
Hôtel de Caumont in Aix-en-Provence
In the charming town of Aix-en-Provence lies the idyllic Hôtel de Caumont, a former private mansion of the Marquis of Cabannes’s descendants during the 1700s. But in 1758, François Bruny de la Tour-d’Aigues, a wealthy ship owner and banker, purchased the mansion, according to its website. Following Bruny’s death, his son inherited the mansion, collected various works of art and had lavish parties in the residence.
The mansion changed owners several times. And during World War II, Resistance fighters stayed in the mansion before it was discovered by the authorities. But it was only in 2013 that the mansion started the restoration process. Later in 2015, Hôtel de Caumont opened to the public. Today this postcard-worthy residence serves as an art center. Currently, Hôtel de Caumont is showcasing the works of Max Ernst. Our guide will take you on a private tour and share the best of Aix history and culture secrets. Following your visit, enjoy a fresh salad in the mansion’s gardens and a pastry at the elegant Le Café Caumont.
Cosquer Cave in Marseille
When thinking about the best museums in Provence, they’re often linked to art, aristocracy and the like. However, the Cosquer Cave will bring you back thousands of years to this prehistoric cave. Due to rising sea levels, the actual Cosquer Cave isn’t accessible, but this recently opened museum allows visitors to explore its replica.
Located 37 meters below sea level, the Cosquer Cave is covered with Paleolithic art. It is believed to have been inaccessible by foot for the past 9,000 years, according to its website. It wasn’t until 1985 that diver Henri Cosquer discovered this underwater cave; in 1992, it was recognized as a historical monument. Your visit will include a viewing of the film recounting the cave’s discovery and a tour of the cave’s replica.
Whether you’re interested in world-renowned art or Paleolithic history, the best museums in Provence are waiting to be discovered. Our drivers will be happy to accompany you to these museums as you explore the enchanting history of Provence. Our travel specialists will handle all the logistics so that you can simply step back into Provence’s past.
Provence Tour offers unique and glamorous experiences as we showcase magnificent and rare highlights of the charming region of Provence.
Our private drivers have expert knowledge of the region and will happily guide you and answer any questions you may have about the area. Indulge in an authentic and customized guided day tour with an opportunity to see Provence’s hidden treasures, such as the lavish lavender fields, various picturesque villages, and significant historical sites.
