In the heart of historic Aix, just a few steps from the St. Sauveur Cathedral, lies the handsome aristocratic residence known as the Hôtel Estienne de Saint-Jean which houses the Museum of Old Aix and the Provence Parliament. This 17th century townhouse's somewhat austere façade contrasts sharply with its interior's extremely well preserved colorful decorations, especially those of the boudoir and its cupola painted with puti and flowers. The beauty of this parliamentarian's home is equaled only by the variety and wealth of the collections it houses. These include rare furniture pieces such as the lacquered Queen Anne cabinet, unique items such as the Fête-dieu windscreen (with paintings of the ceremonies, games and festivities that make up Aix's ancient festival) in addition to Provençal faience pieces, craftsmen's masterworks, santons creche figurines and regional furniture... The admirably crafted ironwork staircase leads to the two rooms on the first level dedicated to temporary exhibits. The adjacent history room is built around a reduced-scale model of the Palais Comtal (demolished in 1786) and three Roman urns taken from it. With the maps, engravings, drawings, paintings and models presented, it is possible to traverse Aix's history through the ages.