SOUTH OF FRANCE

This trip to the South of France focused on the new art/architecture and sculpture parks which had expanded exponentially in recent years. With breathtaking scenery and world-class collections, this area of France has become alive with dynamic and exciting new arts destinations.
 
We began in Marseilles, visiting the Cité Radieuse, the new MuCEM, and Friche Belle du Mai before moving into the countryside to visit the Provencal capitals of Arles, Aix, and Avignon.  We stayed at Maja Hoffman’s chic new hotel ‘L’Arlatan’ and saw her newly unveiled LUMA Arles Foundation for the Arts. We saw the collection of Yvon Lambert, traced Cezanne’s roots and discovered the recently restored museum devoted to Vasarely.  Amidst it all we visited the iconic Dora Maar House in Ménerbes, and enjoyed many Provencal meals.
 
We stayed at the fabulous Villa La Coste, and enjoyed the opportunity to wake up to and dine among the incredible sculpture park of the Château.  Spa, winery, excursions, and luxurious meals accompanied this glamorous stay.  Finally we headed east to explore art sites like Domaine de Muy, founded by Jean-Gabriel Mitterrand, as well as the Villa Navarra, and the home and studio of artist Bernar Venet.  We took a day trip to the Îles d'Hyères to visit the remote and private Foundation Carmingnac, with its incredible subterranean museum and 15-acre sculpture park.