For the hardcore art lover (or even
if you’re not) the Painter’s Trail is a must. It’s along the breathtakingly scenic coast. You will follow the trail offering a chance to see exactly what Picasso, Monet, Raymond Peynet, Eugene Boudin and others saw as they painted, with their art placed on the very site where they set up their easels. With sixty lecterns it’s another way for the Cote d’Azur to warm its way into your heart.
Quick Stop in Vallauris Why Vallauris, you ask? That’s an easy question. This is a town that is known for its ceramics (the names Jean Marais and Jean Cocteau should come to mind) so when in the area it’s a must. There’s also the chance to see Picasso’s “War and Peace” at the National Picasso Museum in the Chapel of Peace. You will see the hardwood panels of both the war and peace compositions – a good place now to sit and contemplate. It was in this town too that many
an artist came to learn what was called “the art of fire”, which is delicate ceramic glazing. Just southeast, the coastal resort
town of Golfe-Juan celebrates Napoleon’s landing on his return to France from the Isle of Elba every year.
A Short Jaunt to Jazz Option Number Two Just a quick trip from Antibes is the town of Vence where the second jazz festival option awaits, even if for one night. The festival in 2010 is going on its 13th
year, created by Teo Saavedra, Director and musician in 66 A Distinctive style MAGAZine
his own right. The event, Nuits du Sud (
www.nuitsdusud.com) will be held from July 8th through August 7. Artists this year include Suzanne Vega, Youssou N’Dour, Axelle Red and Georges Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, but there’s more too. A cultural experience, musicians from all genres play here. When not enjoying the music, there is the old town to discover. In Vence there’s Matisse’s chapel
and of course the historic town itself. Of particular note, absorb the 2,000 years of history, the Roman columns, and slip into the Cathedral to see the Notre-Dame de la Nativite; lastly, don’t miss the Castle of Villeneuve.
Final Instructions Okay, now that I’ve basically planned it all out for you, your next move is to visit the jazz festival websites and figure out which days coincide with your artists at both Juan-les-Pins and Nuits du Sud. It’s that simple because, let’s face it, there’s nowhere else in the world where the best music, the best destination and probably the best days of your life will be spent in unison and all you have to do is ask for another glass of that famous French wine (oh, but that’s another story).
Where to Stay: Garden Beach Hotel, Juan-les-Pins
www.partouche-hotel-garden-beach.fr Las Mas de Pierre,
Saint-Paul-de-Vence
www.lemasdepierre.com
Where to Eat: Cour des Thes, Antibes Juan-les-Pins 14 avenue du 24 Aout
Le Bastion, Antibes 1 avenue du General Maizerie
www.restaurant-bastion.com
La Litote, Vence 5, rue de l’Eveche
www.lalitote.com
How to Get There: Air France, of course. This airline went beyond the call for me and if you opt for business class you won’t want to get off the plane. Flights into Paris are daily from many US cities and, what can I say, the food is good, the service is good and the check-in process was so painless I almost felt like something was wrong. Yes, it is Air France every time I visit France from now on – period.
www.airfrance.us
Getting Around: French Rivera Executive Transport Service (ask for Piero)
www.executive-transport-service.com
For More Information:
www.frenchriviera-tourism.com www.antibesjuanlespins.com www.vallauris-golfe-juan.com www.vence.fr www.saunt-pauldevence.com www.cotedazur-tourisme.com
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