Giacometti & Maeght

September 2, 2010

Art Walk on the Côte d’Azur

For decades, artists have been attracted to the light, natural beauty and relaxed lifestyle of the French Riviera. Long before it became known for the glitzy-glam associated with the region today, the attraction was more for the light and the natural settings. Thankfully, there is still plenty of natural beauty, art and authentic culture to be experienced.

Don’t get me wrong! I adore a chance to soak up all of the sun and swanky-spice of the Côte d’Azur beach clubs, and of course the shopping.

But I like to have options!

After lunch at La Columbe d’or, we took a stroll up the hill, to visit the Giacometti & Maeght, a treasure chest of contemporary art, located in the foothills of the Alps, overlooking the Côte d’Azur.

It was a sultry day and the cicadas were screeching, and it was a lovely walk up through this wooded neighborhood, just above St. Paul de Vence.

Even before entering the modern white building we were greeted with art, displayed with the cooling trees and lush green lawns.

These bold Chagall-style murals flanked the entrance.

Here’s a closer look, it is actually a mosaic made with irregular, colorful glass squares.

The building is modern, angular and white, with windows and water, that make it a pleasure to wander. It is filled with stunning pieces. Here are a couple of my favorites.

You can’t help but be entranced by this 10’x13′ painting by Marc Chagall which dominates the entrance of the museum. This painting is his life tale. This piece epitomizes the light, color and passions of the region.