Cultural visits

From the Canto Grihet villa, one can easily walk to the fondation Villeneuve de Vence (contemporary art museum), and several chapels including the chapelle Matisse and the chapelle des penitents blancs. Art-lovers can enjoy numerous museums including the famous foundation Maeght in St-Paul, the Renoir museum in Cagnes sur Mer, Picasso in Antibes and Vallauris, and Fernand Léger in Biot. Visitors may also marvel at the beautiful gardens that span from Manton to Cannes, all less than 30 kilometers away!

Provence is a country of tales: visitors can take advantage of the story-telling shows at a medieval house in the old village of Vence. The old village of Coursegoule hosts a few summer nights of tales, where locals gather to share their stories. Throughout the year, locals also organize parties to celebrate traditional professions and regional products. Try to attend La Fête des Fleurs, when the city is completely decorated with flowers in honor of its newly-elected Queen.

Music is an integral part of the Southern French experience. Jazz can be heard all-year-round but the rhythm accelerates in the summer: jazz festivals are organized in Juan les Pins and in the arena of Cimiez in Nice. Vence also hosts les nuits du sud, a series of concerts where many musicians gather under the stars. Classical music fans may enjoy concerts in Vence’s cathedral.

Gastronomy

Food is an essential element of French culture. Guests are invited to sample some of Provence’s culinary specialties at the Canto Grihet villa and can even buy the necessary ingredients from local farmers. Food lovers will be tempted by some of the most famous restaurants in the area, including the château St-Martin and la table de Maximin in Vence, la colombe d’or in St-Paul, or le Moulin de Mougins.