Cite du Livre (City of Books), Aix-en-Provence

The former match factory was renovated in 1989, keeping its large halls, high ceilings, and metal columns across about 9,000 square meters. The full cultural complex, known as Cité du Livre, opened in 1993. Its entrance is designed as three oversized books, Le Petit Prince, L’Étranger, and Le Malade Imaginaire by Molière.

At the center is the Méjanes Library, created in 1810 from the collection of the Marquis de Méjanes, who left around 80,000 books in 1786. He required the library to be open to the public but not to lend books. The collection grew during the French Revolution with works from religious and noble sources. Before moving here in 1989, the library was housed in the city hall, where Adolphe Thiers was one of its regular readers.

Today, the site combines books with other cultural uses. It includes reading spaces, an arthouse cinema, exhibition rooms, and a 300-seat amphitheater. It hosts events such as the Biennale des Imaginaires Numériques, focused on digital art and technology, and includes the Saint-John Perse Foundation. Open courtyards connect the buildings and offer places to walk, sit, or read.