Cultured broth
A city of character, luminous and singular, Gardanne is distinguished by a history that goes back two millennia.
Known for its emblematic figures such as King René, the Gueydan family and the Forbins, the town also stands out for the richness and diversity of its vernacular and built heritage.
But Gardanne is also known as THE village painted by Paul Cezanne. He lived on the Cours Forbin for a year, developing his creativity and creating some of his finest paintings of Mont Sainte-Victoire.
La Tuilerie Bossy
A former tile factory nestled in a verdant valley near the town center, the Tuilerie Bossy brings together fifteen craft workshops: from ceramics to watchmaking to cabinetmaking. In this unique setting, meet the artisans and discover their techniques and creations, and immerse yourself in their artistic world, as close as possible to their know-how.
Tuilerie Bossy also boasts a training and exhibition room featuring original works by local and world-renowned artists. It also organizes events all year round, each one more delightful than the last.
The old village
Pass through the town’s ancient medieval gates to discover the secrets of the old town’s alleyways.
In the quiet shade of the narrow passages typical of Provencal villages, you’ll discover a different face of the town.
Between chapels, mills, coats of arms, traditional streets, bell towers and historic monuments, the old village of Gardanne will surprise you with the richness of its often overlooked heritage.
Gardanne Autrefois Museum
A museum of local history, the Musée Gardanne Autrefois retraces the life of the Gardanne and Provencal people from the 18th to the mid-20th century. Immerse yourself in the intimate and deeply moving world of a traditional 19th-century Provencal home. Tile floors, steep staircases (…) stroll through this fabulous museum with an eye for detail.
With its farm tools, antique furniture, Provencal costumes and display of old everyday objects, a visit to this museum is sure to give you a taste for authenticity!
Cezanne interpretation trail
Climb the Colline des frères, as Cezanne did, to put yourself in the painter’s shoes and look through his eyes.
An open-air space has been set up on the hillside to allow you to admire the different viewpoints that inspired Cezanne.
Contemplating the landscape before you, and comparing it with the reproductions of the paintings on display, you’ll grasp the artist’s inspirational process.
Our other cultural spaces
Ecomusée de la Forêt Méditerranéenne
With 1,000 m2 of exhibits on 3 levels and a trail through a 13-hectare forest park, the Forest Ecomuseum is a fun, interactive way to discover the secrets of the Mediterranean forest.
Musée de plein air Paul Cézanne
Le "musée de plein air" Paul Cézanne se situe sur la colline des frères face au motif Cézannien qu'est le vieux village de Gardanne.
Musée Gardanne Autrefois
Local history museum: Traces the lives of Gardannais and Provençals from the 18th century to the mid-20th century.
Permanent exhibition area: 135
Salle d'exposition municipale
La salle d'exposition municipale de Gardanne a ouvert ses portes en 2022 au 10, avenue de la Libération.
Tuilerie Bossy
Dans cette ancienne tuilerie, un groupement d'artistes d'art a installé ses ateliers.
Médiathèque
Prêt et consultation de livres, CD, partitions de musique, revues, DVD, ressources numériques. Accès internet.