Art & Culture

Discover the rich art & cultural history of Provence, including some of my favorite museums, galleries and inspirational people.

Art, Culture & Cézanne in Aix-en-Provence

Art, Culture & Cézanne in Aix-en-Provence

I honestly cannot believe that it's been 14 years living here in Provence. My family and I moved to our little perched hilltop village just outside of Aix-en-Provence from San Francisco, in search of a slower life for our growing bilingual boys.  It's true what they say, and yes, I did indeed leave a bit of my heart in San Francisco; it's a city I will always adore, but it came time to ...

Les Maisons Imaginaires

Les Maisons Imaginaires

I was invited for a photoshoot to discover this regal and beautifully designed property, La Bastide des Chardons, recently restored by one of Provence's top design firms, Bosc Architects. This multidisciplinary design firm is run by two passionate, architect brothers, Jean & Arthur Bosc, whose stunning offices are located in the center ville of Saint Rémy de Provence.  Bosc Architects are behind a number of high-profile restoration and luxury design projects throughout Provence and are known ...

Château Charleval

Château Charleval

I had the enormous pleasure to be invited to photograph our Luxe Provence Fete Collection at the magical Château Charleval - Provence Art Gallery created by philanthropist, entrepreneur, sculptor and art collector, Daniel Rocher (picture below, left). The venue is pure magic! The château with its four turrets and slate tiles was constructed in 1854 by Monsieur Bonefoi on the ancient hunting grounds of César de Cadet, whose bust reigns ...

Gallifet Art Center & Restaurant

Gallifet Art Center & Restaurant

The Gallifet Centre d'Art & Restaurant unveiled a new exhibition, entitled "Materialistes" from 15 November - 1 February, 2025 featuring hand-crafted works exploring the difference between art and craft.  If you haven't been, the Gallifet, is a stunning 18th century hôtel particulier located in the heart of Aix-en-Provence's historic, Mazarin district and was opened to the public in 2010 by Nicolas Mazet as a cultural and art venue. These past two years, the charming owners, Nicholas ...

36 Hours in Arles… Art Capital of Provence

36 Hours in Arles… Art Capital of Provence

Arles is truly experiencing a renaissance. The first, visual clue is the presence of famed architect, Frank Gehry's latest metal-clad museum masterpiece, LUMA Arles. Luma Arles is a grand project driven by art patron and cultural maven, Maja Hoffman, the mastermind re-shaping the city's landscape, culture and art scene of this ancient roman city of Provence. I felt the exciting energy everywhere, from the construction sites throughout the city, to the local artisan ateliers ...

A NY Ballerina in Provence

A NY Ballerina in Provence

I was thrilled to meet and collaborate with the sublime, New York City Ballet soloist, Olivia MacKinnon during her recent trip to Provence. Olivia joined the New York Ballet Company as a member of the corps de ballet in October 2013, and was promoted to soloist in April 2023.   It was an absolute dream to collaborate with this gracious, beautiful soul and amazing talent with an incredible work ethic. It's no wonder, she ...

In the Atelier: Aurélie Alvarez

In the Atelier: Aurélie Alvarez

Aurélie Alvarez is a visual artist from the celebrated antiquing, town of Isle-sur-la-Sorgue in Provence.  I discovered Aurélie's work years ago, in the concept store, La Caravane des Créateurs, in Saint Rémy de Provence. Her beautiful artwork was presented alongside one of my favorite local textile artisans, Aurore Pelisson, and turns out,  of course they are also friends. From her incredible, atelier in the rafters of a 16th Century hotel particulier, Aurélie, a ...

Iris Blooms of Provence

Iris Blooms of Provence

Arguably, one of the most photogenic regions of France begins its bloom each year in May bearing fields of powder periwinkle blooming irises throughout the Trets' and Fuveau-area landscapes, right where I live. Passing through the region in bloom feels as if thousands of delicate butterflies were displaying their colors as they rest gently upon fields of brilliant green. These fields are complimented by the picturesque outlines of the Sainte-Victoire, Mount Aurélien ...

Sneak Peek Caumont Centre d’Art

Sneak Peek Caumont Centre d’Art

Built in the first half of the 18th century, the Hôtel de Caumont is the work of Parisian architect Robert de Cotte, built under the supervision of Georges Vallon. Starting in July 2013, an extensive restoration program was launched to restore the Hôtel de Caumont to its former glory, while adding some special Provencal touches. The Hôtel de Caumont will be a center for art and culture, an elegant venue for Luxe Events here in Aix-en-Provence's ...