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Art and inspiration

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Land of inspiration

A land of art, a land of creation… the Menton, Riviera & Merveilles destination is an inspiration. A warm climate, beautiful valleys, incredible light and the blue sea, everywhere. A land that artists have flocked to and drawn inspiration from to write, paint, film or build. Their emotions have conjured up artworks that have formed a legacy… Uncover this unrivalled artistic heritage for yourself!

The Cocteau effect,

in the footsteps of a poet with a love for Menton

Couples get married in Menton’s one-of-a-kind wedding venue designed by Cocteau: leopard print, Greek-style murals, Menton lovers. Welcome to the realm of the Prince of Poets! Follow in the poet’s footsteps to the Bastion, home to his his Mediterranean artworks. Want to end on a high? The Jean Cocteau Museum/Séverin Wunderman Collection (currently closed) is a modern take on the artist’s world looking out onto the Mediterranean. Dip your toe into Cocteau!

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©Patrick Varotto

    Art in chapels and churches,

    unlock the secret to religious art

    Have you heard that the Alpes-Maritimes has its own Sistine Chapel? How about Roya Valley’s International Organ Festival? Or the altarpieces at Saint Martin Collegiate Church in La Brigue?

    Religious art is a unique treasure in our area. Our beautifully decorated little chapels and churches will send you to seventh heaven. Step inside and see for yourself!

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    ©Drone De Regard
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    cathedrale-saint-michel-sospel-drone-de-regard.jpg
    ©Drone de Regard
    tende-collegiale-drone-de-regard.jpg
    ©Drone De Regard
    beausoleil-sanctuaire-saint-joseph-vitreaux-drone-de-regard.jpg
    ©Drone De Regard
    breil-sur-chapelle-sainte-catherine-drone-de-regard.jpg
    tende-collegiale-notre-dame-de-l-assomption-vincent-jacques.jpg
    ©Drone de Regard
    chapelle-sixtine-alpes-maritimes-la-brigue-drone-de-regard.jpg
    ©Drone De Regard
    chapelle-penitents-blancs-sospel-drone-de-regard.jpg
    riviera-palace-ville-de-beausoleil.jpg
    ©Ville de Beausoleil

      Belle Époque palaces,

      opulent monuments to a carefree time

      The palaces on the Riviera celebrate a carefree time and the artistic heyday of the Belle Époque. It was a time when people came from all over the world to spend winter on the Riviera. World-famous architects outdid each other with ingenuity to give wealthy customers the luxury, comfort and beauty they wanted. These architectural gems capture a time when creativity knew no bounds!

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      ©Tiphaine Jacquin
        tende-collegiale-notre-dame-de-l-assomption-vincent-jacques.jpg
        ©Drone de Regard

          Baroque,

          fuelling emotion

          Inspiring, exciting, moving… Uncover the incredible Baroque movement for yourself, on the coast and in the valleys. Les BaroQuiales Festival is the place for live music fans! The festival also hosts plays and Baroque dances in the stunning Sospel Cathedral deep in the Roya-Bevera Valley. Ba-Roque out! If you’re looking for an artistic sign from above, seek out Baroque in the churches and chapels! Meditate, elevate and resonate in baroque…

          NB: Les BaroQuiales Festival schedule changes

          Due to safety measures, some festivals may be cancelled or their schedules may be changed.

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          ©Pango Visual

            Artist studios,

            meet the people behind the art

            The Menton, Riviera & Merveilles destination inspires artists. Countless homegrown and international artists have settled here to feed off the area’s beauty. Make sure you pay a visit to our potters, miniaturists, glassmakers, painters and sculptors! Step into their studios for a class, tour or souvenir to take home!

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