Architecture & Art, France (Outside of Paris), Travel

Art in the South of France: Best Museums and Foundations on the Riviera

September 26, 2025

The French Riviera is known for its beaches, glamour, and sunshine — but it’s also one of the richest regions in France for modern art. From Picasso in Antibes to Chagall in Nice, from Bonnard’s quiet world in Le Cannet to the experimental Fondation Carmignac on Porquerolles, the South of France offers a cultural journey as dazzling as the Mediterranean coast itself.

In recent years, I have been traveling to the South of France more and more and have been able to discover the beauty beyond the beaches. Here’s a guide to the must-see art museums and foundations in the South of France.

Please note that by clicking some links, at no cost to you, I may make a small commission to continue bringing great content to my readers.

Fondation Carmignac, Porquerolles

On the island of Porquerolles, just off the coast near Hyères, the Fondation Carmignac blends contemporary art with nature. Set in a Mediterranean villa surrounded by pine forest and vineyards, the collection includes works by Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Gerhard Richter, and Ed Ruscha, alongside rotating contemporary exhibitions. Sculpture paths wind through the grounds, creating a dialogue between art and landscape.

How to Visit: Tickets Here | Website Here.

Access is by ferry — book tickets in advance, and plan to spend the day exploring the island by bike after your museum visit.

Fondation Maeght, Saint-Paul-de-Vence

The Fondation Maeght is one of the premier modern art foundations in Europe. Designed by Catalan architect Josep Lluís Sert, the building itself is a work of art. The collection includes works by Miró, Giacometti, Calder, Braque, and Bonnard, and the sculpture garden is a highlight.

FondationMaeght_2024_Entrance_gscinparis_6 — Exterior of the Maeght Foundation building (copyright, gscinparis, LLC)

Tip: Pair your visit with a walk through the medieval village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, long a haven for artists and writers.

How to Visit: Tickets Here | Website Here.

Fernand Léger National Museum, Biot

Dedicated to the bold, geometric works of Fernand Léger, this museum was designed by his friends to honor his legacy. Monumental mosaics cover the façade, and inside you’ll find paintings, drawings, and sculptures that trace Léger’s journey from Cubism to his own distinctive style.

Tip: The museum is compact but powerful — combine it with a glassblowing visit in Biot, known for its artisanal glassware.

How to Visit: Tickets Here

Musée Bonnard, Le Cannet

This intimate museum is devoted entirely to Pierre Bonnard, the French painter known for his light-filled, domestic interiors and Mediterranean landscapes. Set in a charming Belle Époque villa where Bonnard lived and worked, the museum offers a glimpse into the private world of this Post-Impressionist master.

Tip: Le Cannet is just above Cannes, making it an easy half-day trip.

How to Visit: Tickets Here

Musée Picasso, Antibes

Housed in the Château Grimaldi overlooking the sea, the Musée Picasso was once Picasso’s studio in 1946. The collection includes paintings, drawings, and ceramics created during his Antibes stay, when the light and energy of the Riviera deeply influenced his work. Don’t miss the terrace with sculptures set against sweeping Mediterranean views.

How to Visit: Tickets Here

Or book this History and Art Tour

Musée Renoir, Cagnes-sur-Mer

Nestled in the hills above Cagnes-sur-Mer, Renoir’s last home, the Domaine des Collettes, is now a museum. The house is filled with his paintings, studio furnishings, and personal items. The surrounding olive groves and gardens, bathed in Riviera light, help you see why Renoir chose to spend his final years here.

How to Visit: Tickets Here

Musée Marc Chagall, Nice

Dedicated to Chagall’s biblical works, this museum holds the largest public collection of his paintings. The monumental canvases of the Old Testament cycle are displayed in a luminous space designed to his specifications. The museum also features stained glass, mosaics, and intimate works that reveal Chagall’s dreamlike world.

Marc Chagall National Museum in Nice, France

How to Visit: Tickets Here

Musée Matisse, Nice

Located in a 17th-century villa surrounded by olive trees in the Cimiez neighborhood, the Musée Matisse traces the artist’s life and work from his early years to his iconic paper cut-outs. The collection includes paintings, drawings, sculptures, and personal objects that show his deep connection to Nice, where he lived for decades.

How to Visit: Tickets Here

Musée Jean Cocteau, Menton

Menton pays homage to Jean Cocteau, the multi-talented poet, filmmaker, and artist, with a museum devoted to his eclectic works. The Jean Cocteau Museum houses drawings, ceramics, and films, while his jewel-like Salle des Mariages (Wedding Hall) in the Menton town hall displays murals he painted for the city.

Exterior of the Jean Cocteau Museum in Menton, France (copyright gscinparis, LLC)

How to Visit: Tickets Here

Hôtel Le Negresco, Nice

The Hôtel Negresco on the Promenade des Anglais isn’t just a five-star hotel — it’s a living museum. Opened in 1913, the Belle Époque landmark houses an extraordinary private collection of more than 6,000 works of art. Walking through the hotel feels like stepping through centuries of French history: a Louis XIII–style salon with antique tapestries, crystal chandeliers from Baccarat, 18th-century portraits, and bold contemporary pieces by artists like Niki de Saint Phalle. Even if you’re not staying overnight, it’s worth stopping by the Negresco Bar or dining at the Michelin-starred Chantecler to glimpse its eclectic collection, where Old Masters and modern pop art share the same stage.

The Hotel Negresco located on the Promenade des Anglais gscinparis

See my post about visiting Nice here.

Tips for Exploring Art on the Riviera

Many of these museums are small and manageable in under two hours, perfect to combine with market visits, seaside strolls, or wine tastings.
Check opening days carefully — some close midweek.
For a thematic trip, follow the “Route des Peintres” signs, which trace artists’ footsteps across the Côte d’Azur.
Don’t miss combining art with food: a long lunch in Saint-Paul-de-Vence after Fondation Maeght, or a seaside dinner in Antibes after visiting the Picasso Museum.

Why the Riviera Inspired the Masters

The South of France drew artists for its light, color, and Mediterranean landscapes. Matisse found his “paradise” in Nice; Picasso was invigorated by Antibes; Renoir by Cagnes-sur-Mer’s olive groves. Today, visitors can walk in their footsteps, experiencing the same luminous skies and vibrant scenery that shaped modern art.

Ready to Book Your Trip to the South of France?

Let’s make it happen! I can help you organize the perfect trip to France. Please see my Book with Me Page for more information. Or head to my European Itinerary Starter Plan to get started planning right away!

Read this post here for details on where to stay and what to do in the French Riviera:

Where to Stay in the South of France?

What to Wear to the South of France?

It is quite sunny and hot during the late Spring and summer, so dress accordingly. And, you may have gathered from the post above, much of your time is spent going from the beach to a museum to a church to a chic restaurant, so you will want to have some coverups for the swim-wear. Head to my LTK page for French-inspired fashion: