An Art, Architecture & Wine Lover’s Tour of the French Riviera: Part 1

On arrival to Nice, check in to the calming neutral tones and earthy atmosphere of the Hotel du Couvent, transformed from a former monastery. Grab lunch on the strip of the Marche des Fleurs (flower market, now flea market) at Cafe des Amis, which has an interesting selection of natural wines and the perfect small plates to try all the French and Italian dishes your heart desires. If you fancy seafood, perch up at Le Safari, a long-standing establishment, known for its oysters, grilled fish, pizza, and pasta. Don’t miss gelato at Fenocchio.

The must-see in Nice for off-the-beaten-track art and architecture is Villa Arson, which houses an art center, school, library, garden, and prestigious residency program. The estate is a striking contrast of an old villa and 1960s building, featured on France’s Ministry of Culture "Remarkable Contemporary Architecture" (Architecture contemporaine remarquable) list. For 20th-century art, you can also visit the Brutalist building of the Marc Chagall National Museum, or the Matisse Museum in the north of the city.

For other essential food and wine in Nice and surrounds, queue up for socca (chickpea pancake) at Lou Pilha Leva, and visit the nearby winery of Chateau de Bellet. On Fridays, they offer Apero from 6-8 pm during the warmer months. Make sure to book a tour of the vineyards as well.

Just farther afield from Nice, choose to stay between the mountain-top views in St. Paul de Vence at Les Toiles Blances, or Chateau le Cagnard in Cagnes-sur-Mer. Les Toiles Blanches provides a spacious and open-space feel (with excellent poolside views), whilst Chateau le Cagnard gives an intimate feeling within the cobblestone streets of a small French village.

Fondation Maeght is a must. If you are driving yourself, get there early for a parking spot. The architecture is a major highlight, amongst the art collection—you’ll enjoy wandering the stepped terraces, water features, and galleries. The collection of 20th-century art and artists' books in particular is quite unique. They have a fantastic program of well-curated guest exhibitions in the newly renovated exhibition space. Just down the road is Fondation CAB, which again has a stunning 1950s building to enjoy, both inside and out.

Take your lunch at Colombe D’Or, famed for artists exchanging artworks for meals back in the day. If you can’t get a table there, try the nearby Fleur de Sel or La Gaudriole. If you have time or the will, a nearby vineyard is Cremat Castle.

As you make your way to a stopover in Theoule sur Mer, make sure to visit the Fernand Leger National Museum and Musee national Pablo Picasso. If you want to take some more time, stop through the artisan towns of Biot (glass), Grasse (perfume), and Vallauris (ceramics). Check in to the Chateau de Theoule.