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Life.Style Journal

Art on the French Riviera – it will light up your world!

17 Dec 2019


There is no denying that the Côte d’Azur is a captivating place. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, people have flocked from around the world…

There is no denying that the Côte d’Azur is a captivating place. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, people have flocked from around the world to bask in its mild climate and coastal wellbeing. However, before becoming the popular holiday destination it is today, the French Riviera was once home to quaint fishing villages which were untouched by outside influence. It’s little wonder that the greats of modern art fell in love with the South of France, choosing it as their inspired creative home. 

Named La Côte d’Azur in 1887 by French writer Stéphen Liégeard, some of the most iconic art masterpieces have been created here. Painters such as Matisse, Renoir and Picasso have settled in towns along the French coastline, attracted by the exquisite light and colourful landscapes. In this blog we explore some of the artistic giants who lived and worked in the region, and how their genius is celebrated today.

Matisse’s Nice

For nearly 40 years, Henri Matisse (1869-1954) lived in and around Nice and Saint-Paul-de-Vence. He spent a large amount of time rowing around the port’s Club Nautique, contemplating life from his canoe. He kept this pastime up well into his later years. Along with the colours of the French Riviera, Matisse was mesmerised by the light, once exclaiming: “When I realised that every morning I would see this light again, I couldn’t believe how lucky I was.” This light inspired a new relaxed style which gained Matisse critical acclaim as a modernist master.

Today the city remembers this legendary French artist with a museum dedicated to his life and work. The Matisse Museum consists primarily of the works created during Matisse’s stay in Nice, including paintings, gouache découpés (cut paper collages), sketches, engravings and sculptures. The museum also displays some of the designs by Matisse for the stained-glass windows and other decorations for the Rosary Chapel in Vence. He considered these to have been his masterpiece.

Picasso’s Mougins

One of the most renowned painters connected to the art scene on the French Riviera is Pablo Picasso (1881-1973). Residing in various locations around the Côte d’Azur, Picasso eventually settled in Mougins where he lived for 12 years until his death. This time coincided with the height of his fame and wealth, and he lived in a beautiful 35 room property located on a hillside above Mougins.

Whilst Picasso moved to the South of France towards the latter part of his life, these were also some of the most productive years of his career. Famous pieces produced during his life here include The Dance of Youth, Nude Seated in Armchair, The Chicago Picasso and Nude Woman with Necklace – the famous painting of his second wife, Jacqueline Roque. To enjoy his work, art lovers can take their pick of museums in Antibes, Vallauris and Vauvenargues.

Chagall’s Vence

After fleeing to the USA during WWII, Marc Chagall moved to the French Riviera, attracted by the region’s flourishing art community. He and his wife Vava bought a house in Vence, close to the Matisse chapel. During his time in the area Chagall decorated one of the chapels of the Notre Dame de la Nativité cathedral, creating a colourful mosaic of Moses being saved from the waters. Today you can still tread in Chagall’s footsteps by visiting La Colombe d’Or, a hotel he regularly frequented with fellow geniuses Picasso, Matisse and Calder. There is also a museum in Nice dedicated to the work Chagall produced during this period: the Marc Chagall Mational Museum.

Cezanne’s Aix

Aix-en-Provence, the ancient capital of Provence, was once home to impressionist Paul Cezanne (1839-1906). It was here that he painted the magnificent peaks of the Mont Sainte-Victoire in a series of oil paintings. He also captured other local landmarks such as the Black Castle and Saint-Sauveur Cathedral. His artwork is known for giving post-impressionism its defining look. Celebrate Cezanne’s creativity by taking a private tour or by discovering the landmarks of his early years for yourself. This Aix-en-Provence tourist board guide will take you through the beautiful old town to experience the houses where Cezanne lived as a child, the places that influenced him and the cafés where he met his friends and other artists. There is also a small studio which still contains his furniture, still life models and work tools.

Renoir’s Cagnes

Auguste Renoir (1841-1919) was one of the leading painters of the Impressionist movement. He pioneered unique brushstroke techniques and used bold colour combinations to capture the light and movement of his landscapes and figure subjects. Upon moving to Cagnes-sur-Mer in 1907 with his wife and three children, Renoir was captivated by the landscapes and vast stretches of beaches. Visit the artist’s final home which has been converted into the Renoir Museum. Here you’ll find his workshop, his gardens and olive groves and his private rooms, filled with personal memorabilia.

Capturing that light at home All of these museums are within a two-hour’s drive of Cap d’Antibes. Speak to the concierge to help you arrange a day trip to enjoy the life and works of some of the Riviera’s finest artists. After a busy day exploring all the region has to offer artistically, there is no better way to relish the magical light of the Côte d’Azur than on the balcony of your home at Parc du Cap. Liaise with the friendly Caudwell sales team today to find out more.

For more outings within easy reach of Parc du Cap where you can learn more about art on the French Riviera, click here.



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