Avignon

The city of Popes revealed itself to Picasso in 1914. Its history, culture, and numerous museums provided an artistic cradle for the artist. A tender relationship with Provence began in 1912, under the spell of the summer charms of Sorgues, with his friend Braque. This European capital of culture in 2000 is bursting with riches and shouldn’t be missed.

The Baux de Provence

Perched at the heart of the Alpilles, Les Baux-de-Provence gushes with unique beauty: A huge quarry of chalk-colored rocks fringed with medieval remnants. Picasso spent time in this busy village on the Provence tourist trail. The village also had its first experience in cinema with Cocteau, who illustrated the painter’s life in Testament of Orpheus.

Arles

A gem of Provençal history! Ancient Arles, with its seven UNESCO World Heritage monuments and sites, roused the passion of Picasso. Reminding him of his Spanish roots, Arles inspired him with its arenas and corridas. His works, including his famous Arlésienne, focused on the town starting in 1960. A series of portraits followed. Before he died, he bequeathed 57 drawings to the museum, all of which illustrate his attachment to Arles. When he died in 1973, two further paintings were added to the collection.

Aix en Pce

Aix-en-Provence, the town of Cézanne! Baroque architecture, which is highly characteristic of Provence, sparkling fountains and lively terraces outdo each other in beauty. Just a stone’s throw away, Mount Saint-Victoire stretches out over Vauvenargues, providing the backdrop of Cézanne’s works through the castle windows. This was an essential acquisition for Picasso, who bought the site in 1958. Pablo and his wife, Jacqueline, rest here today.