Eventpartners - Bezoekersregistratie
5 summer destinations for art lovers
Eventpartners - Bezoekersregistratie|
July 11, 2024

Summer holidays don't just have to consist of sun, sea and beach. For the sun-worshipping art lover, there are plenty of great summer destinations where you can alternate sunbathing with a nice dose of art and culture. Five summer destinations for art lovers.


Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France

Marc Chagall lived and worked in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a picturesque medieval town on the French Riviera. Furthermore, it is home to the Fondation Maeght. This famous museum was founded in 1964 by Marguerite and Aimé Maeght, a couple who owned a prominent art gallery in Paris. The collection includes works by several leading artists of the 20th century, including Alberto Giacometti, Marc


Chagall, Joan Miró, Georges Braque and Alexander Calder.

In addition, the Fondation Maeght also houses temporary exhibitions, as well as a sculpture garden and a library specialized in modern and contemporary art. The building, designed by Spanish architect Josep Lluís Sert, is a beautiful example of how modern architecture can blend seamlessly into the natural environment. Fondation Maeght is one of the most renowned museums of modern art in France and is well worth a visit for art lovers visiting the Côte d'Azur.


Porto Ercole, Italy

This beautiful coastal town on the Monte Argentario peninsula in Tuscany was the last home of the famous painter Caravaggio, who is also called the Rembrandt of Italy because of his breathtaking 'chiaroscuro'. In Porto Ercole you can immerse yourself in the mystique of his life and work. Visit the location where he died in mysterious circumstances and experience how the dramatic Tuscan landscapes influenced his work. In summer you can of course also enjoy the beautiful beaches and local cuisine, while walking in the footsteps of one of the greatest artists of the Italian Baroque.

Did you know that the village was the favorite holiday destination of the Dutch royal family for many years? In 1959, Prince Bernhard had his holiday villa l'Elefante Felice (the lucky elephant) built there, where he, Princess Juliana and their children spent many holidays. Unfortunately, the villa cannot be admired, it was demolished in 2012.


Cap d'Antibes, France

This glamorous coastal town on the French Riviera is known for its luxury and beauty, but also has a strong connection with the art world. Pablo Picasso spent a productive summer there in 1946 at the Château Grimaldi, where he created some of his famous works. Now this château is the Picasso Museum, which exhibits some of his works.

Speaking of Grimaldi: this wealthy and influential family, together with the Oetker frozen food family in Cap d' Antibes, also owns the iconic Hotel du Cap Eden Roc. Since 1870, this hotel, with a spectacular swimming pool in the rocks on the sea, has served as a refuge for the happy few. Who was on holiday? Literary giants such as F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway, actors such as Marlene Dietrich, Alain Delon, Elizabeth Taylor, artists such as Chagall, Picasso and Matisse, musicians such as Ella Fitzgerald, John and Yoko and Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg and royals such as the Duke of Windsor and Wallis Simpson. And oh yes, during the Cannes Film Festival Vanity Fair always hosts a big party for the Hollywood crowd present.

If a suite in this super deluxe hotel is just a bit above your budget, you can of course also just have a coffee there and feast your eyes on all the glam peeps walking around.


Cadaques, Spain

Located on the Costa Brava in Catalonia, Spain, Cadaqués is famous for its historical ties to some big names in the art world. The most famous of these is that of Salvador Dalí. This surrealist artist spent much of his youth in Cadaqués and was inspired by the town's unique landscape and surrounding natural beauty. In the nearby village of Portlligat, Dalí built a house where he lived and worked for many years. This house is now a Dalí Museum that is definitely worth a visit.

And Cadaqués was not only a refuge for Dalí. Its charm and serene landscape also attracted other great artists such as Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró and Marcel Duchamp. These artists often came to Cadaqués for holidays and artistic retreats, and the town had an enduring place in their work and lives.

In addition to its rich artistic heritage, Cadaqués still offers many art galleries and events today, including the international music festival held every summer. With its whitewashed houses, winding streets and spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea, Cadaqués remains a magnet for artists and art lovers alike.


Lagos, Portugal

If you are looking for a mix of sun, sea, beach and art, then Lagos, in the Portuguese Algarve, is also a great choice. This historic seaside city offers beautiful beaches and a healthy dose of culture, with a rich arts scene.

Lagos' strong artistic heritage is evident in the charming old town, which is full of galleries showcasing art from local and international artists. In addition to traditional painting and sculpture, there is also a growing street art scene, with murals brightening up the city.

One of the most famous art-related events in Lagos is the street art festival where streets in the old town are transformed into open-air galleries and filled with artists all summer long. If you don't want to miss a piece of street art, start your walk at the LAC (Laboratório Actividades Criativas), where you can pick up a walking route.

Lagos is also home to the Santo António Cultural Center, a major arts and culture center that hosts exhibitions, concerts and other events. Nearby you will find the impressive Ponta da Piedade, a natural landscape of rock formations that has inspired many artists.



More inspiration?

A detailed explanation and tips for organizing an art fair can be found in our paper 'Event registration at art fairs'.


Download paper

show original

Like Comment