Henri Matisse Art lidole-1942
Artists Inspired by ProvenceInspireMargo Lestz

Henri Matisse, a Nun, and a Chapel in Vence, Provence

“Night Nurse Needed – Should be young and pretty.” This was the ad Henri Matisse placed with the nursing school in Nice, France in 1942. He was seventy-two years old and still working while recovering from a serious surgery. He required constant care and needed someone to fill in while …

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Matisse in Studio
Artists Inspired by ProvenceInspireMargo Lestz

The Artist and His Objects: Matisse in His Studio

I’ve just been to a wonderful exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts in London. It was called Matisse in the Studio, and it shows how the objects that Matisse surrounded himself with appeared in his art. Henri Matisse was a collector: He had an array of vases, chairs, carpets, furniture, …

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Renoir Museum Cagnes-sur-Mer
Artists Inspired by ProvenceInspireSteve Wilkison

So Many Reasons to Visit the Musée Renoir in Cagnes-sur-Mer

It’s no surprise that the Côte d’Azur is home to a wide variety of art museums and galleries, considering how many famous artists have made this area their home or spent considerable time here. From Menton to Nice, from St. Paul-de-Vence to Antibes, from Cannes to Saint-Tropez, you’ll find small …

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Castle Hill Nice
Carolyne Kauser-AbbottRestaurant RecommendationsTaste

Food Lover? You Will Love Nice on the French Riviera

Nice is a city for food lovers. It is the only city in France with a wine appellation inside the city limits. The mild Mediterranean climate means fresh produce and ready access to seafood all year. Cuisine Nissarde is a culinary label that designates traditional recipes and restaurants that make …

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Travel Guides Photo Books Provencal Reading List Vieux Nice
Artists Inspired by ProvenceCarolyne Kauser-AbbottInspire

10 Museums to Visit in Nice on the French Riviera

The French Riviera coast is lined with sandy and pebbled beaches, grand villas and designer gardens. Whether you arrive by car, plane, train or yacht, it is an attractive destination. While there is no lack of things to do along the Côte d’Azur, you want a dose of culture some …

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Place Antony Mars in Vence France Many Reasons we Live Here
Carolyne Kauser-AbbottExpat Living and Real EstateLiving in Provence

Vence, France the Many Reasons to Live Here

Steve Wilkison is a web designer, writer and photographer who lives in Vence, France, with his wife Carole Richmond and their dog Myla. Originally from southern California, he first became enchanted with France when he backpacked throughout Europe at the age of 18. He fell in love with Vence the …

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Destination Nice French Riviera is one of the reasons we love Nice
Carolyne Kauser-AbbottExploreVillages Towns and Cities

10 Reasons We Love Nice, France

Nice is a fascinating city on the beautiful French Riviera. Annexed to France from Italy in 1860, you can feel the French and Italian cultures combined, creating a unique local lifestyle. There are many reasons we love Nice, and here are our top ten. Book a Holiday Rental Near Nice …

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Jil Steenhuis painting the Almond Blossoms
Artists Inspired by ProvenceCarolyne Kauser-AbbottGuided Holiday ToursInspire

Provence Painting Weeks with Jill Steenhuis Embrace the Soul

Have you ever dreamed of painting in the place where Paul Cézanne, Vincent van Gogh, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso and many others found inspiration? If so, join Jill Steenhuis, an American who has spent four decades studying the same landscapes as these masters, for a painting week in Provence. Provence …

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Socca Delicious Specialty Nice S
Carolyne Kauser-AbbottProvencal RecipesTaste

Cuisine Nissarde Savoury and Sweet Recipes from Nice

Museums dedicated to the works of Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall, a dynamic old town centre, shopping, and music are some of the many reasons to visit Nice. The largest city on the French Riviera with the shimmering Baie des Anges and famous beaches, the capital of the Alpes-Maritimes department …

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Artists' Studio at Moulin de Greoux
Artists Inspired by ProvenceCarolyne Kauser-AbbottInspire

Artist Residency in Provence Creativity in an Olive Mill

Provence Invites Creativity Driving through towards Moulin de Gréoux, a soft evening light brushed the limestone spires of the Alpilles. At the same time, the olive groves and vineyards near Les Baux de Provence and Maussane created a multi-hued quilt of green vegetation. I did wonder how one might capture …

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