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A MUSE FOR ALL SENSES
French Riviera
WHEN TO GO
MAY - JULY
IDEAL LENGTH
7 NIGHTS
PASSIONS
ART, FRAGRANCE, BOTANY
ART AND FRAGRANCE INTERTWINE
With its azure sea, balmy climate and soulful landscapes, the French Riviera proved a fertile muse for Impressionist and Modernist artists. Matisse was one such devotee, writing to his wife Amélie back in Paris, “From my open window you can see the top of a palm tree” and “sky and sea blue – blue – blue”.
The natural beauty of works by Matisse, Picasso and Bonnard has captivated other creatives, from perfumers and botanists to glassblowers and chefs. Uncover the artistic allure of the region on an olfactory journey, guided by perfumers, artisans and art historians.
THE JOURNEY
Price from £10,450 per person for seven nights, based on a party of two guests sharing.
INCLUSIONS
Spend the day in the company of creative director and author Louise Ebel, visiting Villa Santo Sospir, Villa Kerylos and Théâtre de plein air Cap-d'Ail
Visit the Eze Exotic Garden and Villa & Jardins Ephrussi de Rothschild, under the guidance of Deborah Trentham
Create your own perfume at an atelier in Grasse, and your own glass perfume bottle at a workshop in Biot
Guided tours of the Musée Picasso and Villa Kerylos with a local expert
Visits to Musée Bonnard, Thuret Botanical Gardens, Musée Léger and Musée Matisse
Four nights' accommodation at Belles Rives, Antibes - Juan-Les-Pins
Three nights' accommodation at Château Eza in Eze village
Transfers from/to Nice airport and transportation throughout the journey
WHEN TO TRAVEL
The best time of year to travel is May to July
EXCLUSIONS
Flights to/from Nice
All food and beverage unless specified
ENHANCE YOUR EXPERIENCE
After exploring the grounds, enjoy a private dinner in the gardens of the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
A unique, private visit to Fondation Maeght after hours
Visit St Paul de Vence, to see the Matisse Chapelle du Rosaire. Spend the night at La Colombe d’Or
Extend your trip in St Tropez, taking in the Domaine du Rayol, Musée de l'Anonciade and Abbaye du Thoronet
Speak to a Travel Designer about exclusive experiences that can be added to your journey.
ON THE TRAIL OF THE MODERNISTS
In hilly Le Cannet, the Belle Epoque former residence of Pierre Bonnard has been reimagined as the Musée Bonnard. Admire a permanent collection of paintings by the eponymous artist, including evocative depictions of his gardens, planted with orange and mimosa trees. In the company of an art historian, discover why Matisse’s friend was nicknamed ‘le peintre du bonheur’ (the painter of happiness). In Nice, explore the Matisse Museum and follow in the artist’s footsteps to Marché aux Fleurs, the Old Town and the streets he called home.
CREATIONS IN SCENT AND GLASS
The aromas of mimosa, May rose and lavender fill the air in Grasse: the perfume capital of the world. Guided by an expert nose, create a personalised scent in a renowned perfume atelier, and form a chic bottle to match at La Verrerie de Biot. How is this family-run glass factory inspired by imperfection?
THE TATTOOED VILLA
When Jean Cocteau discovered the blank white walls of Francine Weisweiller’s villa in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, he saw giant canvases awaiting ornamentation. Having come for a holiday, he began ‘tattooing’ the walls with his artworks – and stayed for 11 years.
Explore Villa Santo Sospir with author and artistic director Louise Ebel, who will reveal visual connections with ancient Greece, and artworks by Picasso and Matisse also that grace the walls. Continue your Cocteau immersion with Louise at the artist’s open-air theatre in Cap d’ail.
FABLED FLORA
The French Riviera’s botanic gardens are living canvases, vivid with colour and scent. In the company of renowned British garden historian Deborah Trentham, uncover the alchemical properties of the region’s climate, soil and terroir at Eze’s Jardin Exotique and the legendary neoclassical seaside mansion Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, regarded as Aaron Messiah’s finest creation.
FURTHER YOUR CURIOSITY
DEBORAH TRENTHAM
Learn more about the historic private gardens along the Côte d'Azur with Deborah Trentham, an expert in architecture and garden history.
LOUISE EBEL
Gain a greater understanding of the cultural influences on French art and architecture with Louise Ebel, an art historian based in Paris.
THE TATTOOED VILLA
Louise Ebel explores the forgotten figure behind Santo Sospir, the 'tattooed villa' tucked away in Cap Ferrat.
START PERSONALISING YOUR EXPERIENCE
We believe in the power of travel to nurture personal growth. Our goal is to explore and build upon the interests of our guests, while igniting newfound passions along the way.
From discovering the life of a classical composer with an acclaimed concert pianist, to unearthing treasures in Cairo with an archaeologist, our travel designers will create a personalised one-off journey, shaped by you.
