The Art Trail of the Côte d'Azur

Long celebrated for its light, colour and ease of living, the Côte d’Azur has left a profound mark on the history of modern art. From the late nineteenth century onwards, the Riviera became both refuge and catalyst for artists seeking new forms of expression. This tour explores the region’s enduring artistic legacy through the work of Matisse, Chagall, Picasso, Léger, Renoir and Cocteau, tracing how place, patronage and experiment shaped their art across painting, architecture and decorative design. Through key museums, chapels and historic sites, we follow the evolution of modernism in the landscapes that sustained it.

ITINERARY

Day 1: London to Nice
Depart London Gatwick or Manchester for Nice then transfer by coach to our hotel for a six-night stay. Evening welcome drink, dinner with wine and talk from your tour lecturer Andrew Spira.

Day 2: Nice
We begin the day with an early visit to the Musée Matisse, giving us time with works spanning the artist’s career and a sense of his deep connection to Nice. From here, we continue to the Musée National Marc Chagall, where colour and symbolism bring his distinctive, personal vision of biblical themes to life. After some free time for lunch (own expense), we visit the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of St Nicholas, a striking reminder of Nice’s long-standing international character. Our day concludes at the Musée des Beaux‑Arts, where we explore French painting in the broader Riviera context. Your tour lecturer will be on hand with their expert commentary, giving insight and depth to each visit.

Day 3: Vence and Saint‑Paul‑de‑Vence
This morning we visit the Chapelle du Rosaire at Vence, Henri Matisse’s final masterpiece, where stained glass, ceramics and line come together in a synthesis of art and faith. Continue to Saint‑Paul‑de‑Vence for free time, before an afternoon visit to the Fondation Maeght, one of Europe’s most important collections of modern art. Andrew has permission to speak inside the museum, placing works by Miró, Giacometti and others within their artistic and architectural setting.

Day 4: Modernism and Jean Cocteau
Begin at E‑1027 in Roquebrune‑Cap‑Martin, visiting Eileen Gray’s pioneering modernist house, alongside Le Corbusier’s nearby Cabanon and camping unit — a fascinating exploration of contrasting approaches to modern design. In the afternoon, we travel to Menton for a private guided visit to the Salle des Mariages in the Town Hall, decorated by Jean Cocteau, followed by the Jean Cocteau Museum. We round off the day at the Chapelle Saint‑Pierre des Pêcheurs in Villefranche‑sur‑Mer, where Cocteau’s luminous decoration reflects the light and colour of the Mediterranean.

Day 5: Renoir and Léger
Travel to Biot for a private guided tour of the Musée National Fernand Léger, examining Léger’s bold visual language and response to modern life. After free time for lunch, continue to the Musée Renoir at Cagnes‑sur‑Mer, set within the artist’s former home, where late works reflect a lifelong engagement with colour, form and the human figure.

Day 6: Picasso – Vallauris and Antibes
Begin at the Musée National Picasso in Vallauris, visiting La Guerre et la Paix, Picasso’s monumental chapel‑scale work reflecting post‑war anxieties and hopes. We then continue to Antibes, with time to explore the old town before an afternoon visit to the Musée Picasso, housed in the Château Grimaldi. Works created here reveal Picasso’s ongoing dialogue with the Mediterranean, its history and its light.

Day 7: Departure
Free time today before our transfer to Nice airport for your return flight to London Gatwick or Manchester.

NB: Exact order of excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour manager’s discretion.

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 25 travellers.

Tour Grading: This tour has been graded as moderate due to the amount of time spent walking and standing for viewing at attractions. For further information, please visit the mobility page on our website, or call our team if you have any questions prior to booking. 

INCLUDED

• Return flights from London Gatwick or Manchester to Nice
• Six nights’ accommodation on half board basis at the four-star Hotel Beau Rivage, Nice, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• Welcome drink 
• 2 dinners with wine 
• All tours and entrance fees as detailed
• Airport transfers and full coach touring itinerary
• Accompanied by expert Andrew Spira throughout
• Tour manager throughout

NOT INCLUDED

• Double for sole use supplement - from £690
• Meals other than those stated
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc
• Porterage and gratuities

HOTEL

Hotel Beau Rivage, Nice

This four-star stylish hotel is located in the heart of Nice’s Old Town, just steps from the Promenade des Anglais. Set in a historic 19th‑century building, it combines contemporary design with classic Riviera charm and offers a bar, patio garden, and restaurant. The comfortable, modern bedrooms offer TV, WIFI, safe, hairdryer, toiletries, and minibar.

Hotel Website