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Bucket list experience:

Abstract painting inside a gallery

Photo Olivier Ansellem Archives Fondation © ADAGP Paris 2021

Last updated: 04 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Dana Facaros

Nice can rightly claim France’s best hoard of modern art after Paris’s – and much of it was created here, in the early 20th century, when the Riviera’s light, colour and warmth attracted artists such as Renoir, Matisse and Chagall.

Wealthy collectors later founded museums, often in charming and historic buildings, and many artists donated works to their adopted towns. Just outside of Nice’s borders you’ll find museums dedicated to other world-renowned artists such as Picasso, Bonnard and Cocteau.

Being far less busy than Paris’s art museums, they’re a pleasure to wander – often set in pretty sculpture gardens, with lovely cafes or wine bars attached so you can sit and ruminate on your art fix.

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The tourist office website is a great resource, with a full listing of Nice’s 20 or so museums, and details on getting there by public transport, with up-to-date opening hours.

The front entrance of the museum
Experience

Bonnard Museum

Nice, Cote d'Azur, France

Colourful interiors, nudes and landscapes by world-renowned French artist Pierre Bonnard (1867-1947), a leading figure in the transition from Impressionism to Modernism. He lived in Le Cannet between 1922 and 1947.

Best for ages: 18+ | £4

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External view of the striking museum, with large white irregular pillars
Experience

Jean Cocteau Museum

Menton, Cote d'Azur, France

John Cocteau (1889-1963) was a famous French poet, playwright, novelist, designer, filmmaker and visual artist. He’s arguably best known for his novel Les Enfants Terribles (1929). Seek out his whimsical, graphic work in this quirky museum, with a waterfront facade that resembles a row of teeth.

Best for ages: 18+ | £5

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Cote d'Azur, France

This iconic hotel is the A-list choice along the Cote d’Azur, in a gorgeous seaside setting between Nice and Monaco.

Official star rating:

Hyatt Regency Palais de la Mediterranee

Nice, Cote d'Azur, France

Big, full-service hotel with a flashy image, set in a historic casino on Nice’s famous Promenade des Anglais seafront.

Official star rating:

Hotel Les Vergers de Saint-Paul

Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Cote d'Azur, France

A charming, affordable oasis of a hotel with a pool, in walking distance of the medieval town of Saint-Paul-de Vence. Stay for the tranquility, and lovely views over the countryside.

Official star rating:

Deck Hotel

Nice, Cote d'Azur, France

This fun, colourful and affordable design hotel channels this area’s beach clubs, just off Nice’s Promenade des Anglais.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

French Riviera

Cote d'Azur, France

Money, glamour and bombshell looks: this beach-trimmed stretch of French coast offers decadent hotels, lounging in beach clubs, fine restaurants and world-class art.

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Nice

Cote d'Azur, France

The buzzing, art-filled, foodie capital of the French Riviera, with a charming, Italian-influenced historic centre. The ideal base for a first-time visit to the Cote d’Azur, and home to the world-renowned Nice Carnival.

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Round-ups that include this experience