This list is a work in progress. I decided to share it even though it's not complete because I love all these places and I cant wait. Living in the South of France, between italy and Spain, has profoundly changed my taste in art. This is a list of magnificent places, and I highly recommend all of them. Let yourself be mesmerized as scenes you know from art books come to life before your eyes.
Menton
Menton features three key sites dedicated to the work of Jean Cocteau:
Jean Cocteau Museum – Bastion: A 17th-century fort that Cocteau transformed into a museum. Opened in 1966, it showcases his mosaics, drawings, and other works, and hosts temporary exhibitions.
Séverin Wunderman Collection: Once housing an extensive collection of Cocteau's art, this venue has been closed since 2018 due to earthquake damage.
Salle des Mariages: A ceremonial room in Menton’s Town Hall, entirely decorated by Cocteau in 1957 with murals and unique designs.
These locations emphasize Menton’s strong connection to Cocteau's legacy. Let me know if you'd like more details about any of these venues.
Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
4. Cabanon de Le Corbusier
A modernist architectural masterpiece designed by Le Corbusier.
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
5. Le Jardin de la Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild – Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
A stunning garden that has been the subject of many artistic depictions.
Nice
Musée Matisse
A museum dedicated to the works of Henri Matisse, located in the artist's home city.Musée du Vieux Nice
Depicts the region’s art, culture, and history
Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain
A museum housing works from the 20th century onward, including pieces by Yves Klein and Niki de Saint Phalle.Musée Marc Chagall
Dedicated to the works of Marc Chagall, featuring paintings, stained glass, and tapestries.Musée Matisse
This museum displays a significant collection of Matisse’s works, including paintings, drawings, and sculptures.The Promenade des Anglais
A famous promenade that has inspired many artists over the years, especially during the 19th and 20th centuries.Vence
Matisse’s Private Chapel –
A chapel designed by Matisse, showcasing his work in stained glass and interior design.Saint-Paul de Vence
Fondation Maeght
A major collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by Miró, Chagall, and Giacometti.Cagnes-sur-Mer
The House of Matisse
The house where Matisse lived and worked, showcasing some of his most personal works.Antibes
Fondation Hartung-Bergman
Dedicated to the works of Hans Hartung and Anna-Eva Bergman, this museum is set in the couple’s former residence.Musée Picasso
A museum in Picasso's former studio, showcasing his works from various periods.Antibes Old Town
A beautiful location with deep artistic ties, including Picasso’s work.
Vallauris
Picasso’s Former Studio
The studio where Picasso worked and created his famous ceramic pieces.Cannes
Le Suquet
The historic district that has been a subject of inspiration for many artists.Mougins
Musée de la Photographie
A museum dedicated to photography, located in the charming village of Mougins.Grasse
Grasse Perfume Museum
A museum celebrating the art of perfume, showcasing its link with art and craftsmanship.Musée Jean-Honoré Fragonard
Celebrates the work of the Rococo painter Fragonard.
Saint-Tropez
Musée de l'Annonciade
A museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art, especially fauvism.Musée de l'Annonciade
A museum showcasing 20th-century art, especially fauvism.
Place des Lices
A lively square surrounded by art galleries.
Hyères
Villa Noailles
A modernist villa hosting contemporary art exhibitions and architecture.Toulon
Musée des Beaux-Arts
An excellent collection of Provençal art.
Six four les plages
Cassis
Château de Cassis
A site often depicted by artists, with breathtaking views and historical importance.Marseille
Musée des Civilisations de l’Europe et de la Méditerranée (MuCEM)
A museum that brings together contemporary art and Mediterranean cultures.Musée des Beaux-Arts
A museum showcasing a rich collection of classical and modern art.Musée d'Art Contemporain
A museum featuring contemporary artworks, with a focus on local and international artists.Musée d'Histoire Naturelle
A museum dedicated to natural history, often featuring artistic representations of nature.Musée de la Vieille Charité
A former almshouse now housing a collection of art and archeologyAix-en-Provence
Musée Granet
Features a vast collection of paintings, including works by Cézanne, who was from Aix.The Cézanne Trail
A self-guided tour of sites important in Cézanne’s life and work.The Cézanne Studio
The artist's former studio, where he created some of his most famous works.The Victor Vasarely Foundation
A museum dedicated to the works of the Op Art pioneer, Victor Vasarely.Le Jardin de la Fondation Vasarely
Dedicated to Op Art, it is home to vibrant geometric art.
Roussillon
The Red Rocks of Roussillon
Vibrant red cliffs that have inspired countless artists, particularly for their bold colors.L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
The Sorgue River and its Art Galleries
Known as the Venice of Provence, this village is filled with antique and art galleries.Avignon
Musée Calvet
An art museum with a mix of classical and contemporary works, housed in a historic mansion.Palais des Papes
A massive Gothic palace that houses historical art collections and exhibitions.Pont Saint-Bénézet
The historic bridge made famous by the song "Sur le Pont d’Avignon."Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
Van Gogh’s Olive Trees
The landscape that inspired Van Gogh's famous series of olive tree paintings.Les Baux-de-Provence
Carrières de Lumières
An immersive art experience projecting famous artworks onto the walls of a former quarry.The Baux-de-Provence
Known for its stunning medieval architecture, inspiring countless artists.Arles
LUMA Foundation
A contemporary art space housed in an iconic building designed by Frank Gehry.Musée Arlaten
An ethnographic museum focused on the traditions and culture of Provence.Espace Van Gogh
A historic site where Van Gogh was treated and created many of his famous works.Place du Forum
A lively square famous for being featured in Van Gogh’s paintings.Espace Van Gogh
Van Gogh’s former residence and mental hospital, where many of his iconic works were created.Nîmes
Musée des Beaux-Arts
A museum housing classic works and regional art.Les Arènes de Nîmes
A well-preserved Roman amphitheater often featured in art depicting ancient history.Musée des Beaux-Arts
A museum housing classical art.
montpellier
Muse Fabre
Sete