One of the most striking experiences that you can make on a day when the Mistral wind blows, is to see the French Riviera in the most beautiful colors. It was thanks to these colors that artists from all over the world came to paint here and some of them decided to stay for the rest of their lives. The French Riviera is proud to offer a variety of extraordinary Museums for a very special cultural experience.
Matisse Museum Nice: Henri Matisse, one of the most famous French artists, lived almost 40 years in Nice. He came to Southern France for health reasons and never left again. On the Cimiez hill of Nice he has left us a wonderful museum with works of all the stages of his career. As an Official Guide, I have the authorization to guide you through this amazing museum.
The Matisse Chapel Vence: 2 years before his death, Henri Matisse was working on what he will consider the masterpiece of his life. He will be in charge of the conception and decoration of this Domenican Chapel on the hill overlooking Vence. It was an act of friendship for his former muse Monique who had become Sister Jacques-Marie. A beautiful story and a beautiful place.
Picasso Museum Antibes: The light of the French Riviera has attracted even the most famous painters of the world. Picasso was one of them. Right after World War II he spent 5 months in Antibes, inspired by Greek mythology, the fishermen and his love Françoise Gillot, he painted numerous paintings which he finally will donate to the newly founded Picasso Museum of Antibes. I am happy to guide you through this gorgeous museum.
Renoir Museum Cagnes-sur-Mer: The famous impressionist painter was sent to the Riviera by his Doctor and fell in love with the area and above all with its vegetation. Badly affected by rhumatory arthritis, painting became his therapy. In Cagnes you can visit his house and plenty of paintings and sculptures that he has left behind. An enchanting and very touching place.
The Maeght Foundation St Paul de Vence: This Temple of Modern Art is like the Guggenheim and Barnes Foundation in the US a very unique place. Plenty of artists, like Miro’ and Giacometti have worked here on the spot and created a magical open-air museum in a stunning setting on a hill above St Paul de Vence. If you love Modern Art, then this is your place.
