Explore the art towns of the French Riviera.

Step ashore on your French Riviera cruise to walk in the footsteps of artists from Cezanne to Chagall, and discover the towns made famous by their work

The French Riviera is a favourite destination for the yachting crowd, and rightfully so. From legendary beach clubs to medieval villages and Michelin star cuisine, this sun-soaked coast is a summer playground for the superyacht set.

Some of the world’s greatest artists and writers also flocked here since the late 1700s, drawn to capture the ethereal light and views of shimmering-cobalt Mediterranean Sea. From the great Impressionists up to present day modern artists, many of the biggest names in art have been inspired by this landscape and left their mark in the towns and villages.

Today, the wandering art lover will be excited by the treasures that these beautiful and almost perpetually sunny shores offer. So when you drop anchor, venture ashore to discover the streets and cafes that art’s greats called home, and the landscapes made famous by their work.

Often referred to as the birthplace of modern art, the town of Aix-en-Provence was in fact the actual birthplace and home of famous impressionist Paul Cezanne. From the picturesque lavender fields to the peaks of Mont Sainte-Victoire, the town, its surrounding landscape, and Cezanne himself, have inspired many later artists. One of these was Picasso. The Spanish artist was such a fan of Aix that he moved from the Riviera into Provence, and is said to have bought a castle on the slopes of Cezanne’s beloved Mont Sainte-Victoire, which Cezanne had painted almost 100 times.

Home of Cezanne  

Almost the entire town of Aix-en-Provence is dedicated to Cezanne. It was where he began his life and was laid to rest, but also where you can visit the stunning landscapes that inspired him. To get a real insight into the artist’s work, life, and the places that were part of his everyday routine, take the Cezanne Trail. The tour takes in his statue at the centre of town, the workshop where he created many of his seminal pieces, and two museums with permanent exhibitions dedicated to Cezanne. The Musee Granet houses a large permanent collection of his works, including sculptures, etchings and paintings. The second permanent annex is in a beautiful old church, which is well worth a visit in its own right. The trail even takes you to the brasserie that was his favourite hangout, and then up to the cross on the top of Mont Sainte-Victoire.

Just inland from Antibes, the medieval hilltop town of Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a picture-perfect Provencal village with a reputation that far outweighs its size. Prized by artists and writers since the early 20^th century, its winding streets and the surrounding hills are known for their unique light qualities. Saint-Paul-de-Vence was, and still is, one of the favourite locations for many painters, with La Colombe D’Or a popular hangout. To this day the hilltop village remains an artistic hub, with an arty vibe flowing through its ancient cobblestone streets and a plethora of art galleries to step into.

See Matisse, Picasso and Miro

Arles was favoured by the likes of Matisse and Picasso, and artists would often exchange paintings for free accommodation - so the restaurant walls are alive with some of the most beautiful art in the world.

The Fondation Maeght is one of the largest private collections of 20^th century art in Europe. Housed in a stunning building designed by the Spanish architect Josep Lluís Sert, there is also a Giacometti Court sculpture garden and a unique Miro Labyrinth space, along with some spectacular pieces of art. Among some of the finest galleries lining the streets is Art Seiller Galerie, which is especially noted for its sculptures. The Bogena Galerie is also worth a visit and displays a variety of paintings, sculptures and drawings.

Picasso, Gauguin and Van Gogh all visited Arles and as you walk through the town you will glimpse the scenes that they painted. The most famous of those who spent time in Arles has to be Van Gogh, who retreated to the city from Paris in 1888 with an idea to establish an artists' colony here. During the year that he lived in Arles, Van Gogh painted many scenes from in and around the city, including one of his best-known pieces – The Yellow House, which for a short period of time he house-shared with Gauguin. The building was sadly destroyed in the Second World War, but the riverscape scene captured by Van Gogh in his famous painting Starry Night Over The Rhone remains largely unchanged.

Antibes may be the epicentre of yachting on the French Riviera, but it has also attracted many artists, poets and writers who have fallen under the spell of the beautiful town. Such greats include modern sculptor Joan Miro, famed impressionist painter Monet, and celebrated artist Picasso.