Exploring Provence and the Côte d’Azur through art and wine

Basking at the gateway to Calanques National Park, Cassis exudes irresistible charm. From the colourful “pointus” (traditional Provençal fishing boats) lining its little port to its houses festooned with cosy colours and narrow lanes of the old town, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur’s genteel lifestyle reigns supreme here. On the heights, its pocket-size vineyards thrive on little terraces, cradled by the sea breeze and generous sunshine, and sheltered from the gusting Mistral wind by the red rocks of Cape Canaille. Crafted by just 12 passionate winegrowers, Cassis produces a rare wine with small yields: the AOC Cassis. The white remains the most renowned – a dry, mineral and fruity wine embellished with notes of citrus fruit and white flowers.

The cities of Marseille and Arles both date back thousands of years. But that’s not the only thing they have in common: both are home to remarkable constructions, whether ancient remains or contemporary masterpieces signed by the greatest architects of our time, members of the exclusive UNESCO World Heritage club. Le Corbusier’s “Radiant City” stands proudly over Marseille, a Housing Unit (unité d’habitation) in the shape of a vertical town. Inaugurated in 1952, it features apartments, shops and various services. The Amphitheatre, Roman Theatre and Saint-Trophime church and cloister in Arles, standing witness to the Roman and Christian eras, rub shoulders with Franck Gehry’s iconic deconstructed metal tower, home to the Luma Arles Foundation dedicated to contemporary creation. Another must-see: the Van Gogh Foundation explores the Dutch master’s influence on current creative trends. Last but not least, your tour of Camargue’s capital is also a great opportunity to discover the wines of Arles, home to 25 estates producing delicious Vin de Pays wines.

The epitome of refinement and elegance, Aix-en-Provence’s unique architecture features 200 mansions built by 17th-century nobility. Overflowing with museums, art centres and theatres, Provence’s historic capital boasts a buzzing cultural scene. But that’s not all: the white, rosé and full-bodied red wines of the Pays d’Aix (AOP Coteaux d’Aix, Côte-de-Provence and Sainte-Victoire) have propelled the town to its current status as an ambassador of Provence’s envied lifestyle. Located in Puy-Sainte-Réparade, Château La Coste is an exceptional wine estate where aesthetics and pleasures of the vine marry to perfection. A combined contemporary arts centre and open-air museum, its wine walk is dotted with works by today’s top artists, including Andy Goldsworthy and Yoko Ono.

The art and wine journey continues in the beautiful Provence Verte area, in the peaceful village of Rians, basking in the Var countryside. Here, yet another vineyard celebrates the union of Provençal wines and creativity: Château Vignelaure. In 1972, an underground contemporary art gallery was created there by the owner Georges Brunet. A fervent art buff, he invited many great artists to the Chateau, forming an impressive collection featuring works by César, Buffet, Cartier-Bresson and Arman. In the mid 2000s, various monumental works were installed in the grounds and reception area. Just a few kilometres away, in Flassans-sur-Issole, the Commanderie de Peyrassol – another astonishing vineyard – invites art and wine lovers on a stroll through the vines, dotted with sometimes-monumental creations by Daniel Buren, Niki de Saint Phalle and Bernar Venet.

With its untouched natural scenery, golden sandy beaches lapped by turquoise waters and thousands of palm trees, Hyères offers the perfect setting for rest and relaxation. It is an artistic hub too, boasting a buzzing cultural scene. Built in 1924 at the request of patrons of the art Charles and Marie-Laure de Noailles, the Villa Noailles is a modern architectural icon with an Art Deco interior. Now a listed monument, it was a favourite meeting place for the art world’s avant-garde from the 1920s to the 1960s. Today, it is an exhibition and festival hub. From Hyères, hop on the boat to the mythical island of Porquerolles, basking in Port-Cros National Park. Here, swathed in vines and pine woods, lies a venue where contemporary art, architecture and nature blend seamlessly: the Carmignac Foundation. Its verdant sculpture garden is dotted with works inspired by the stunning site and island, created by artists from the world over.

Nestled between the Estérel and Maures hills, the tranquil village of Le Muy lights up every Sunday when one of Provence’s biggest markets sets up its stalls there – an event coveted by locals and visitors alike. Craftwork, fruit, vegetables, local produce and many local wines offer a breathtaking show, laid out under the plane trees. Did you know? The Var area is the world’s leading producer of rosé wines! To the west of Le Muy, in Taradeau, Château Saint-Martin upholds this reputation for excellence with its Cru Classé Côtes de Provence wine. A jewel of the Côte d’Azur, the fortified medieval village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence is home to a vineyard dating back to 6 BC. Chagall, Folon and, of course, patrons of the arts Marguerite and Aimé Maeght, created the Maeght Foundation

The sunny capital of the Côte d’Azur, prized by artists through the ages for its intense sunlight, Nice harbours a world-class terroir that prospers between sea and mountain: Bellet. First planted by Ancient Greeks in 5 BC on the western slopes of the city, the appellation enjoyed a golden age in the 19th century and was awarded the AOC distinction in 1941. A purveyor of the finest wines – mostly reds and rosés, plus some whites -, it benefits from an exceptionally sunny exposure and favourable winds. Yields are small on its steep slopes, and winegrowing methods have remained largely manual. Around ten Nice vineyards continue to uphold the ancient know-how of this extraordinary appellation.