Provence's finest contemporary art venues

With its exceptional natural landscapes, traditions, history and culture, Provence is a region with a lot to offer. Discover the most beautiful places to admire contemporary art in Provence.

The Tadao Ando art center at Château La Coste, Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade

Near Aix-en-Provence, the Château La Coste wine estate is also an open-air contemporary art gallery. Here, you can stroll through the vineyards and enjoy exceptional panoramic views, as well as contemplate unique works by renowned artists such as Louise Bourgeois, Richard Serra and Tadao Ando.

The Vincent Van Gogh Foundation, Arles

The Vincent Van Gogh Foundation is located in the heart of Arles, the Dutch painter's hometown. In a building of exceptional contemporary architecture, you'll find some of the Impressionist master's greatest canvases, set against more contemporary works.

The Vasarely Foundation, Aix-en-Provence

The Fondation Vasarely is entirely dedicated to the work of Victor Vasarely, founder and undisputed master of the Op art movement. Between colorful geometric compositions, optical illusions and kinetic games, this building invites visitors to lose themselves in a maze of colors, lights and shapes. It's a must-see in Aix-en-Provence: whether you like it or not, Op art leaves no one indifferent.

Image @ninegraph

Villa Noailles, Hyères

Founded in the 1920s by art patrons Charles and Marie-Laure de Noailles, this art center is a must-see in Hyères. During your visit, you can admire the villa's incredible architecture, lose yourself in its gardens and, above all, contemplate its collection of works dating from the 1920s to the 1960s. Each year, the Villa Noailles also organizes a variety of interesting workshops, festivals and temporary exhibitions.

Villa Carmignac, Porquerolles

Located in an exceptional setting in the heart of the National Park on the island of Porquerolles, the Villa Carmignac is a superb building. Visit its contemporary art center and sculpture garden. You can also take part in the many events held here every year.

The Venet Foundation, in Le Muy

Opened in 2014, the Venet Foundation is located on the listed Moulin des Serres site. It is dedicated to the work of French visual artist Bernar Venet, renowned for his steel sculptures. The Venet Foundation is surrounded by a large park planted with trees, among which are sculptures by Bernar Venet.

Image @clairelonchampt

La Commanderie de Peyrassol, Flassans-sur-Issole

Nestled in the heart of the Provence region, the Commanderie de Peyrassol serves the dual function of wine estate and open-air art center. A stroll around the estate reveals not only the vineyards that produce Château Peyrassol wine, but also an immense and magnificent sculpture park. Here you can contemplate works created by such great names in contemporary art as Daniel Buren, Nikki de Saint Phalle, Victor Vasarely and Bernar Venet.

The Maeght Foundation, Saint-Paul-de-Vence

Created in 1964 on the initiative of art dealers Aimé and Marguerite Maeght, this contemporary art center is one of the finest in the region. Nestled in the heart of a natural setting, the Fondation Maeght is an art complex comprising a beautiful building of contemporary architecture and a pleasant sculpture park. It features works by world-renowned artists such as Joan Miró, Marc Chagall, Alberto Giacometti and Georges Braque.

The CAB Foundation, Saint-Paul-de-Vence

Very close to the authentic village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, the CAB Foundation is a magnificent building dating from the 1950s. It houses fine collections of contemporary art both indoors and outdoors, in a beautiful garden offering exceptional views of Cap d'Antibes. Just a short walk from the Fondation Maeght, it's a contemporary art center that's a must-see if you're in the area.

To make the most of your artistic stay in Provence, book your room at the Auberge Cavalière du Pont des Bannes. Nestled in the heart of the Camargue nature reservenature reserve, this four-star establishment near Arles and Aix-en-Provence is a comfortable base for to visit the Provence region and its major contemporary art centers.