Cultural events


The Côte d'Azur and Provence still cultivate their taste for art and propose many exhibitions,
plays and other events all year long. Focus on our flourishing cultural activities.



Commemorating the 30th anniversary of the death of Jacques-Henri Lartigue (1894-1986), this retrospective exhibition is comprised of his finest photos shot in colour on the Côte d’Azur from 1920 to 1977. The famous photographer stayed on the Riviera on many occasions before settling permanently in Opio, in 1960. Until December 31st.. Opiom Gallery, 11 chemin du village, Opio (04 93 09 00 00).

Ukrainian pianist Dimitri Naïditch proposes a jazzed-up version of Mozart’s great classics. A real fan of the music of the prolific Austrian composer, himself known for his talent for improvisation, Naïditch reveals all the brilliance of his most well-known themes in a new light. Surprising ! December 9th. Théâtre Croisette - JW Marriott, 50 boulevard de la Croisette, Cannes (04 92 98 62 77).

Several cooking demonstrations will be held each day by leading local Chefs, including Jean-Claude Brugel (M.O.F and Chef de Cuisine at L’Hirondelle-Thermes Marins de Monaco) during the 21st edition of “Monte-Carlo Gastronomie”. This fair for gourmets is held in the marquee in Fontvieille where a fabulous selection of delicacies will be presented for both sampling and sale : “foie gras”, truffles, caviar, chocolates, jams, wine... November from 25th to 28th. Chapiteau Fontvieille, Monaco (www.montecarlogastronomie.com).

his exhibition is the result of a meeting between two artists : Dominique Jaussein, photographer of the Opéra de Nice, and George Oliveira, solo dancer with the Ballets de Monte-Carlo. Powerfully yet gracefully, “Signature Gestuelle” reflects the gestural dialogue held between the dancer, in total mastery of his body, and the photographer. A book containing all the photos is on sale at the gallery. Until December 30th.. Darkroom Galerie, 12 rue Macarani, Nice (06 12 55 33 88).

Inspired by Diderot’s novel “La Religieuse” and adapted by Gaëlle Boghossian, this play portrays a complex world somewhere between perversion and corruption among the clergy, from which a woman emerges, set on emancipation and claiming her right to justice and freedom. This disturbing play blends reality and fantasy in a vertiginous musical and visual show, highlighting the art of video. November 29th and 30th. Antibes. Théâtre Anthéa. 206, avenue Jules Grec. (04 83 76 06 13 13)

Recognized as a pioneer in French industrial design, Roger Tallon (1929- 2011) is the subject of this retrospective tribute presenting all the various facets of his personality and his work. In six decades, he imposed a new approach anchored in the world of industry, yet remaining very open to all aspects of contemporary creation. His name is attached in particular to the TGV Duplex, the funicular of Montmartre, the Corail train, the helical Module M400 staircase, and the Téléavia P111 television. An entire era ! Until January 8th. Musée des Arts Décoratifs, 107 rue de Rivoli, Paris 1 (01 44 55 57 50).

From January to May 2016, artist Nelly Maurel followed the route taken by Antonin Artaud in 1936 and 1937, taking her to Cuba, Mexico, Dublin and the Aran Islands. The tales she collected of the present day are here presented in a selection of materials, souvenirs, objects… She has produced works relating to the forgotten affair of Antonin Artaud’s lost objects, of which there remains no visual trace nor any proof of their existence except in books. Until October 20th. Galerie Susse Frères. 56-62 galerie de Montpensier, Paris 1er. (01 42 61 05 75)

A collector and gallery-owner, fashion designer Agnès b. has amassed an impressive collection of contemporary art over the years, currently unveiled at the Musée National de l’Histoire de l’Immigration in an exhibit entitled “Vivre !”. Curator Sam Stourdzé, director of the “Rencontres de la Photographie” in Arles, has given pride of place to outstanding works signed Jean-Michel Basquiat, Brassaï, Gilbert & George, Nan Goldin, Olivia Bee, Man Ray, Andy Warhol... From October 18th to January 8th. Musée national de l’histoire de l’immigration, 293 avenue Daumesnil, Paris 12 (01 53 59 58 60).

Artcurial is staging an unusual exhibition-sale to coincide with the FIAC art fair. Through 20 exceptional pieces assembled under the title of “Heavy Metal”, the event takes an original look at 20th-century artistic creation. Featuring works by Marc Newson, Jean Prouvé, Ron Arad, Serge Mouille and Ingo Maurer among others, the exhibition consists of unique pieces entirely made of metal. Exposition October from 21st to 24th, sale October 24th. Artcurial, 7,Rond-Point des Champs-Elysées, Paris 8 (01 42 99 20 20).

Described by the New York Times as a hybrid artist who writes like Leonard Cohen, sings like Robert Plant, and has all the charisma worthy of a cabaret performer, Asaf Avidan has met with dazzling success. On the stage of the Grimaldi Forum, he will be alone with his guitar, doing what he does best : delving deep within himself to offer an experience of pure emotion thanks to his unique voice. Octobre 8th. Grimaldi Forum, 10 avenue Princesse Grace, Monaco (00 377 99 99 20 00).

Since 1991, the Monaco Yacht Show has drawn an impressive fleet of almost 120 superyachts exhibited by the world’s most famous shipyards. In each edition, about 40 new models are unveiled in world premieres. Over 580 of the most important firms in the field of yachting (builders, designers, manufacturers of luxury products, maritime brokerage agencies...) are expected to attend this year’s edition.Until September 28th to October 1st. Port Hercule, quai Antoine 1er, Monaco (www.monacoyachtshow.com).

The Beaulieu Classic Festival presents the winners of the greatest international competitions. The elite of classical music of both today and tomorrow meet up with their violins, pianos and gipsy ballads, as for the closing evening the Sirba Octet comprised of soloists from the Orchestre de Paris will perform pieces from “Tanz”, its latest opus paying tribute to traditional music from Eastern Europe. Until September 17th. Beaulieu-sur-mer (www.beaulieuclassicfestival.com).

“D’une Chouette à l’Autre” : such is the title of this exhibition shedding light on this bird occupying a prominent place in the work of Pablo Picasso. The master in fact owned a small owl called “Ubu”, that the sculptor and photographer Michel Sima had entrusted to him after finding it wounded. Keeping him company in his studio, it served as a model for many paintings, drawings and engravings, as well as ceramics and sculptures. The nocturnal activity and piercing gaze of this bird of prey was a source of fascination for Picasso. Until September 19th. Musée national Pablo Picasso - La Guerre et la Paix, place de la Libération, Vallauris (04 93 64 71 83)

On the occasion of the 125th anniversary of the birth of aviator Auguste Maïcon, born in Villefranche in 1891, the commune is paying tribute to this great pilot, a pioneer in aviation. The son of a grocer, he was on familiar terms with both the sky and the greats of this world. Photos, videos, personal items, and a panoramic survey of the con­quest of the air bring the saga of his career back to life. Until October 16th. Citadelle, Chapelle Saint-Elme, Villefranche-sur-mer (04 93 76 33 27).

winging from a reflection on our subjective experience of time and space, and works incorporating literature and poetry, artist Salvaterra de Magos, who lives between Paris and Luxembourg, proposes an exhibition in which installations, videos, sketches and shared projects draw the map of a world fashioned by trajectories, itineraries and multiculturalism. Until October 9th Galerie contemporaine du MAMAC, place Yves Klein, Nice (www.mamac-nice.org).

With the aim of bringing together local estate agencies, elected officials and the general public, this new event organized by Showroom Immobilier de Saint-Tropez will present an overview of properties on offer in Saint-Tropez and its surrounding area. A forum in the guise of conferences-debates will enable attendees to obtain information on sales currently underway, prices, the evolution of urban planning, up-coming projects etc. September from 16 to 18th. Hôtel de Paris, 1 traverse de la Gendarmerie, Saint-Tropez (www.showroom-immobilier-de-saint-tropez.com).

The Pavillon de l’Horloge opened its doors in July. On three floors in the Sully wing of the Louvre, its vocation is to present the chequered history of this legendary place : a fortress transformed into a royal palace before it became a museum. A chance to understand more fully the past and the richness of the Louvre from its origins to the present day, its missions and its “other sites”, such as the Louvre Lens and Louvre Abu Dhabi. Le Louvre (01 40 20 53 17).

This much-heralded exhibition presents a cultural portrait of France’s former head of state who initiated the creation of the Musée du Quai Branly. Long remaining discreet, the cultural positions adopted by Jacques Chirac testify to the revolution which gradually led 20th-century Europe to rid itself of its ethno-centrism and to consider the cultures and art of the rest of the world with more interest and respect. This portrait proposed on the occasion of the Museum’s 10th anniversary allows visitors to discover the former President’s passion for Asia, Japan and pre-Columbian art.

Artists from the Blue Sky Studios, to whom we owe in particular the famous “Ice Age” saga, unveil the sketches, paintings and sculptures produced during the creation of their internationally successful films. Over 800 works are on display ! Until September 18th. Art Ludique - le musée, 34, quai d’Austerlitz, Paris 13 (01 45 70 09 49).

Impressive photographs highlighting the beauty of the oceans and their fauna comprise this exhibition addressing the theme of preservation of our seas and oceans. These photos signed Jean-Marie Ghislain, David Fleetham and Shelia Rogers plunge us to the heart of an endangered world. From September 9th to Octaber 9th. Galerie Lumas Saint-Germain, 40 rue de Seine. Paris 6 (01 43 29 10 29).