Little Gem France No. 021 | A night at the museum

In the heart of Aix-en-Provence’s Mazarin district, Hôtel de Gallifet is an eighteenth-century mansion that has become a home for contemporary art. In 2010, Nicolas Mazet opened the doors of his family home to the public, with the idea that artists can help us see the world we live in from a different perspective. Today, the art centre hosts three exhibitions a year across six galleries, with a 500-square-metre garden shaded by mature trees.

On the second floor, above the exhibitions and the garden restaurant, is a 75-square-metre apartment filled with natural light. The walls are hung with works by artists who have exhibited at Gallifet, including François Arnal, Jean-Pierre Formica and Morgane Baroghel-Crucq. From the windows, the garden's chestnut and linden trees fill the view.

The Cours Mirabeau is just around the corner, yet the apartment feels removed from the bustle of the city. Staying here also means having an art centre, a shop and a summer restaurant just downstairs.

The Space

The 75-square-metre apartment has a living room, a kitchen, one bedroom and a bathroom. The interiors are decorated in soft shades, with art from past exhibitions forming part of the setting. Large windows bring in plenty of light and look out over the garden canopy.

The apartment has air conditioning, making it a comfortable base for exploring Aix during the warmer months.

The Bedrooms

There is one bedroom with a large bed. In the living room, a Conran daybed converts into either two single beds or a double bed, allowing the apartment to accommodate up to four guests.

Outdoor Area

The apartment overlooks Gallifet's 500-square-metre garden, with its mature chestnut and linden trees. During the opening hours of the art centre and restaurant, guests can visit the garden and enjoy the exhibitions, shop and restaurant below.

Location

Gallifet is in the Mazarin district, one of Aix-en-Provence's historic neighbourhoods, just 100 metres from the Cours Mirabeau. The city's cafés, restaurants, shops and architectural landmarks are all close by, making it easy to explore on foot.

The location also offers a different way to experience Aix: not just as a visitor staying in the city, but as someone living for a few days within an eighteenth-century mansion that continues to be used for art and cultural events.

What Makes It So Special

It is the combination of the apartment and the art centre that makes Gallifet distinctive. The artworks on the walls are not simply decoration; they come from exhibitions held in the building itself. Downstairs, the galleries change throughout the year, and the garden restaurant brings another dimension to the house.

The summer kitchen focuses on seasonal, local produce sourced from farmers, fishermen and artisans in the region. At lunchtime, the menu changes with the harvest and the chefs' inspiration. From 3 p.m., smaller savoury and sweet plates are served, while dinner features a five-course set menu.

The restaurant is open in summer from Tuesday to Sunday, from noon to 6 p.m., with evening service on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Opening times and restaurant availability should be confirmed before visiting.

Shop

La Petite Maison de Gallifet is the perfect place to take a little piece of Provence home with you. Open all year round, the shop brings together artworks, handcrafted objects, textiles, jewellery and limited-edition ceramics by artists and makers based in the south of France. You'll also find locally made jams and olive oil, alongside Provençal drinks, including Camargue pastis and gin.

A Little Gem for

Art lovers, couples and anyone who enjoys staying somewhere with a strong cultural identity. The apartment also works for a small family or two couples travelling together, with sleeping arrangements for up to four guests. Its central location makes it particularly suited to exploring Aix on foot.

Price Indication

Price start from € 200 euros per night - up to € 280 per night, depending on the season and the number of people.

Bookings

For availability, more information or to book directly, click the Availability button above. It will take you straight to the owners.

Nearest Airport

Marseille Provence Airport is approximately 25 minutes by car from Aix-en-Provence.

Nearest Train Station

Aix-en-Provence Centre station serves regional trains. Aix-en-Provence TGV station, with high-speed connections to Paris and other major cities, is approximately 15 minutes away by car

Access and parking: The apartment is on the second floor of the mansion, which has no lift. The Mignet car park is approximately 50 metres away.