Over the course of the twentieth century, the Côte d'Azur became a legendary location for contemporary art. Top artists from across the world were inspired by the light of the Mediterranean and the southern French art de vivre: Renoir, Bonnard, Matisse, Picasso, Chagall, and more.
Several destinations on the Côte d'Azur were particularly important during this period in art history, including Nice, Vence, and Saint-Paul - creating a veritable Golden Triangle.
Panorama of Museums and Galeries
Nice
The Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain
Here, you can find all styles of contemporary art: the New Realists (César, Arman, Martial), Pop Art (Warhol, Indiana, Wesselman), American abstract, Fluxus, and more. An entire room is dedicated to the works of Yves Klein.
La Villa Arson
An important location for artistic research and innovation, the Villa Arson is simultaneously a center for contemporary art, an artist residence, and a national school of art.
Vence and Saint-Paul
The Fondation Maeght
A tour through its permanent collections and temporary exhibits is a must. Painters and sculptors were associated with architecture by creating works intimately linked with the buildings and gardens: Chagall's mosaics, Braque's windows, Giacometti's sculptures, Miró's labyrinths, Calder's mobile, and more. The Fondation Marguerite and Aimé Maeght is a unique example of private art foundations in Europe.
Galerie Beaubourg (Château Notre-Dame-des-Fleurs)
The best and brightest contemporary artists are brought together in this space dedicated to current art forms by Pierre and Marianne Nahon. Works by Arman, Tinguely, César, Niki de Saint Phalle, Warhol, and more take their place in this exceptional gallery.
Surrounding Areas
The Centre International d’Art Contemporain (Château de Carros)
Located in the heart of the city of Carros, the Centre invites amateur art lovers to gather in its out-of-the-ordinary exhibits. Its permanent collection has more than 1,700 pieces representing artistic creation on the Côte d'Azur over the course of the last several decades.
Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
Walking along the Mediterranean and the "Le Corbusier path," the commune of Roquebrune offers luxurious landscapes and panoramic views. Leaving from the tip of the Cape, the path winds along magnificent properties and allows visitors to discover authentic coves and gorgeous perspectives of the Principality of Monaco, just a stone's throw away.