aixcentric

Before the A8 autoroute came along with its thundering heavy traffic, it was easy for Paul Cezanne to wander across to the plateau at La Constance from the family bastide at Jas de Buffan, to paint the Sainte-Victoire, the Pilon du Roi and the new viaduct taking the railway line into Aix.  Even more reason to visit was when, in 1886, his young sister Rose and family moved to the 18th century Bastide Bellevue, perched on the slope.  He enjoyed the views from her property so much that he produced 8 paintings here, and brought his friend Renoir, too, to paint alongside him.

The property over the years became dilapidated and was indeed squatted at one point, but has been restored (see photo) and will be a highlight of the new development.

A second 18th century home, the Bastide Vieille, was another favourite viewing point for Cézanne.  It was from here that he produced ‘Montagne Sainte-Victoire and the Viaduct of the Arc River Valley’ which today hangs in the Metropolitan Museum in New York.  This house has been in the care of the same family since 1857 and also forms part of the patrimoine of the area.

The painting view-points will be preserved, unspoiled by the development that is taking place; and I suspect there will be boards and a trail to engage visitors. An unexpected bonus of the new quartier! 

More details and maps here: http://www.laconstance-aix.fr/?cat=15

And below, much less familiar, ‘La Montagne Sainte-Victoire’ by Renoir which is in the Yale University Art Gallery.