Art & deco escape in Côte d'Azur

Our arty tour begins at the Puces de Nice, or Nice flea market, located on the city’s Port Lympia marina. This address, with its lively and authentic atmosphere, is a genuine treasure trove, overflowing with ancient furniture, decorative objects, vintage posters and curiosities hunted down over the years. After (hopefully) picking up some bargains, its time to head to the north of Vieux-Nice, just a few streets away, where you’ll find a host of art galleries showcasing paintings, sculptures, photos and designer items, unveiling the particularly fertile and dynamic local arts scene. The colourful façades of the old town, bathed in Nice’s very special quality of light, accompany your stroll and wind up your first taste of the Côte d’Azur’s buzzing artistic soul.

Nestling inside ramparts, Antibes harbours a diverse palettes of know-how and creative expression. A stroll along Boulevard d’Aiguillon unveils the former military casemates, now converted into studios for artists and artisans, where glassmakers, ceramicists, painters and designers showcase unique, handcrafted pieces inspired by the light, colours and materials of the Mediterranean – a delightful walk promising an authentic immersion in the art and crafts of the Côte d’Azur. A 5-minute walk away lies the Absinthe Bar, an iconic establishment with a gorgeous interior and unique atmosphere, brimming with antiques, posters, old mirrors and vintage furniture. A great place for a night out, it embodies the artistic and bohemian spirit of this town loved for its setting and history alike.

Your third day takes you further inland from the coast to the iconic village of Biot in the hinterland of Nice, where the art of glassmaking is an intrinsic part of local identity. The Verrerie de Biot promises a deep dive into exceptional craftsmanship: their creations, famed for their distinctive bubbles trapped inside the glass, are heralded worldwide. Here in the workshops, artisans continue to fly the flag of time-honoured glassmaking techniques, while embracing resolutely contemporary shapes and colours. The glassblowing demonstrations are captivating and unveil the sheer brio required to form each piece. Prolong the pleasure with a walking tour of the village and its many galleries and boutiques showcasing glassware, ceramics and design.

The last stage of your artistic journey takes you to Saint-Paul-de-Vence, steeped in the creative spirit of the Côte d’Azur. A captivating blend of architecture, nature and modern and contemporary masterpieces, basking in an exceptional setting, the Maeght Foundation is a absolute must. In the village centre, encircled by ramparts, artists’ studios line the streets, harbouring painters, sculptors and creators who have lived in this hub of inspiration and creativity for generations. The cobbled lanes galleries and boutiques, showcasing unique objets d’art, invite leisurely strolls. Head to the north of the village to visit the Parfumerie Fragonard, a historic perfumery famed worldwide for its refined fragrances and creations instilled with the very soul of Provence. Blending heritage, artistic creation and craftsmanship, your last day in Saint-Paul-de-Vence promises a magical immersion in the Côte d’Azur’s inimitable lifestyle.