The Mazarin District in Aix-en-Provence

The Origins of the Mazarin District in Aix-en-Provence

The Mazarin district takes its name from its founder, Archbishop Mazarin, brother of the famous cardinal. In the 17th century, it formed a luxurious development intended for the bourgeoisie and members of parliament of the city of Aix-en-Provence.

Crossed by Rue d'Italie, the oldest thoroughfare in Aix-en-Provence, the Mazarin district is arranged around Rue Cardinale and Rue du 4-Septembre, which meet at Place des Quatre-Dauphins.

Renowned for its romantic atmosphere, this square has inspired the world of cinema and appears in a different light in several famous films: a highly intimate Place des Quatre-Dauphins can be seen in Beyond the Clouds, directed by Michelangelo Antonioni and Wim Wenders, while it was also transformed for the needs of the film Un Balcon sur la Mer by Nicole Garcia and Jacques Fieschi, starring Jean Dujardin and Sandrine Kiberlain.

The Highlights of the Mazarin District in Aix-en-Provence

The Mazarin district is remarkable for its 17th- and 18th-century architecture, and in particular its beautiful buildings inspired by the Italian Renaissance. The area includes several grand townhouses listed or classified as Historic Monuments, such as the Hôtel de Réauville and the Hôtel de Suffren.

At the heart of the district, Place des Quatre-Dauphins draws its romantic charm from its baroque fountain, the beautiful façades of its townhouses and the horse chestnut trees that provide pleasant shade. Strolling through the Mazarin district, you can also admire the Église Saint-Jean de Malte, the first Gothic church in Provence, the Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs des Carmes, and the Collège Mignet, where Émile Zola and Paul Cézanne once studied.

This prestigious district is also home to several renowned museums, including the Hôtel de Galliffet, dedicated to contemporary art, the Musée Granet (Aix-en-Provence's fine arts museum), the Musée Arbaud with its collection of Provençal earthenware, and the Hôtel de Caumont, now an art centre. It also ranks among the Top 5 best districts of Aix-en-Provence.

Living in the Mazarin District in Aix-en-Provence

A safe choice for living or investing in Aix-en-Provence, the Mazarin district never goes out of style thanks to its elegance, central location and the charm of its preserved architecture.

Living in the Mazarin district means enjoying, day to day, a picturesque setting ideally located within Aix: south of the medieval old town, just a few steps from the green spaces of Parc Jourdan, the Saint-Pierre cemetery, the SNCF railway station and the Allées Provençales. Parking is made easy by the Mignet car park at the heart of the district, as well as the Carnot and Rotonde car parks to the east and west respectively.

The Mazarin district is both a luxurious residential area and a village within the city, home to a concentration of cultural venues: art museums, but also the Le Cézanne and Le Mazarin cinemas. The shops are varied and bring life and character to the district: a bookshop-café, a vintage boutique, an art supplies shop, a tea shop, a cheesemonger's, convenience stores and renowned restaurants.

Property Prices in the Mazarin District, Aix-en-Provence

The Mazarin district is home to prestigious apartments within townhouses of remarkable architecture. Highly sought-after, properties in this prestigious area rank among the most highly valued in the city. Real estate in the Mazarin district shows an average price of over €5,500/m², with a range between €4,000 and €10,000/m² depending on the specifications.

The most sought-after properties are found in renovated bourgeois buildings that combine the charm of period features, exceptional volumes, unique natural light and the comfort of the most modern, secure residences. Around €1 million buys 120 sqm, 4- or 5-room apartments, in duplex or single-level layouts, with exceptional features such as a large terrace or a glass roof with patio. For around €600,000, you can find a 70 sqm apartment in the Mazarin district, in a renovated building with a lift.

Looking to buy real estate in Aix-en-Provence in the Mazarin district? The advisors at our BARNES Aix-en-Provence luxury real estate agency will support you throughout your project!