Music in Aix-en-Provence: A New Photo Exhibition

A new photo exhibition in Aix-en-Provence showcases the city’s music over the past century. Music in Aix will take place in the Hôtel Boadès, an historic building in the center of town, steps from the tourist office.

Tina Turner Photo credit ©CEPPIA Foundation

The show is organized by the CEPPIA Foundation, which manages the photographic treasures of the Ely family, four generations of professional photographers in Aix. The family’s collection includes over a million images and formed the basis of last year’s popular photo exhibition Cezanne’s Aix.

Photo credit ©CEPPIA Foundation

A Beauty Awakens

Aix was once known as a “sleeping beauty,” but things began to perk up in the Roaring Twenties. Classical music gave way to jazz, then swing, then rock. From Mozart to the legendary “Woodstock Provençal,” Music in Aix’s 300 images shows these dramatic changes. Each photo is like a musical note suspended in time.

Photo credit ©CEPPIA Foundation

To underline this magic, the exhibition also celebrates the 200th anniversary of history’s first photograph, taken by Frenchman Nicéphore Niépse. Viewers will see the evolution of photographic equipment, from heavy wooden chambers to today’s digital sensors.

Photo credit ©CEPPIA Foundation

One highlight is the “reanimation” of Henry Ely (1861-1921), the first in the line of Ely photographers. Using artificial intelligence and the voice of his great-grandson Jean-Éric, Henry will speak to us for the first time in over a century!

Photo credit ©CEPPIA Foundation

Practical Information

Musique en Aix
Hôtel Boadès
8 Place Jeanne d’Arc

Photo credit ©CEPPIA Foundation

The exhibition runs until November 1, 2026

Open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am – 12 pm and 1 pm – 6 pm
Tickets are 10 euros

Image Credits: Photos are courtesy of the CEPPIA Foundation

City Guide: Aix-en-Provence

Full day Wine Tasting Tour from Marseille: Châteauneuf du Pape, Gigondas & Séguret

Experience a full day of wine tasting and cultural exploration on this enchanting wine tour. Discover the rich history, stunning landscapes, and world-class wines of the Southern Rhone Valley as you visit the picturesque towns of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, and Séguret.

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Keith Van Sickle

Keith and Val Van Sickle made their first trip to Provence decades ago, and it was love at first sight. After that, they came back every year until 2008, when they began a part-time life there, splitting their time between Provence and California.

Over the years, they’ve travelled all over Provence, seeing sights both well-known and obscure. Their French friends have introduced them to favourite restaurants and wineries and picnic spots and taught them funny local expressions (not all for polite company).

Keith now shares this local knowledge in his new book, An Insider’s Guide to Provence. Packed with the Van Sickles’ favourite things to see and do, it’s a must-have for anyone travelling to this glorious corner of France.

Keith previously published two books about the couple's experiences in Provence. One Sip at a Time: Learning to Live in Provence, and Are We French Yet?, both are available from Amazon.

You can see all of Keith’s blog posts at Life in Provence.