Church of the Madeleine

The Madeleine Church stands in front of the Law Court in Place des Prêcheurs, built in the 15th century by René of Anjou, which was the centre of public and society life before Cours Mirabeau was opened. The church was built in 1691-1703 by Laurent Vallon, on the site of the former Dominican convent of Les Prêcheurs, founded in 1274. The façade was not completed but was given a monumental veneer by Revoil in 1855-1860.

On the southern exterior and in the church chevet, medieval elements that were reused in the Vallon project can still be seen: the aisles, buttresses and gable walls. This church-museum contains work by a large number of artists who have lived in Aix, including the exceptional Altarpiece of the Annunciation dating from 1444.

Paul Cézanne was baptised here.

A new altar was built in 2004 using noble materials, including rock crystal. In 1988 the church was officially registered as a protected building and the convent listed. There is a Virgin with Child in Rue Portalis.