Sommaire / Summary
Visit Vallauris, a town famous for the presence of Picasso, who was himself drawn to the craft of ceramics.
In Place Paul Isnard, you can admire a famous Picasso sculpture: L'Homme au mouton. This sculpture is so much a part of Vallauris life that the square is often named: Place de l'Homme au mouton.
Old town of Vallauris
The Old Town of Vallauris has an ancient center, between rue Haute, rue des Tours, rue Clément Bel and montée Saint-Anne. It's pleasant to stroll around in a soothing atmosphere, although this old center doesn't have the charm of Vieux Grasse or that of Haut-de-Cagnes.
Grave of Jean Marais
The actor Jean Marais (1913-1998) is indissociable from films such as La Belle et la bête, the Comte de Monte Cristo, the Bossu, and so on. But he was also a director, writer, painter, sculptor and potter. It was this very art that attracted him to Vallauris, where he trained and worked the clay, without however ceasing his other artistic activities.
Not far from the Old Town, the old cemetery preserves the tomb of Jean Marais, adorned by a statue created by the artist, Jean Maris himself.
Vieux Cimetière de Vallauris
Allée du Souvenir Français
06220 Vallauris Golfe-Juan
Vallauris castle museum
The Château de Vallauris dates back to the 16th century. It was the priory of the Lérins monks, lords of Vallauris from the 11th to 18th centuries. It took on the appearance of a roofed Renaissance château, with two corner towers to the south.
The chapel is Romanesque, dating from the 13th century. It was decorated by Picasso.
Picasso Museum War and Peace
The Picasso Museum in Vallauris, more precisely known as the Chapelle Picasso, is located in the former chapel of the château. This is where Pablo Picasso painted two opposing works: war and its misfortunes on the one hand. Peace on the other, and the joy of living. These works gave the museum its name: La Guerre et la paix. This is one of Picasso's major works.
But the museum also features collections of the artist's ceramics.
Practical information about the Picasso museum
- Musée Picasso La Guerre et la paix
Place de la Libération, 06220 Vallauris - Open daily, 10am to 12:15pm and 2pm to 5pm from September 16 to June 30. In summer, closed 10am to 12:30pm and 2pm to 6pm.
Except Tuesdays, January 1, May 1, November 1, November 11 and December 25. - Official website
Magnelli Museum and Ceramics Museum
The Magnelli and Ceramics Museums are housed in a former priory belonging to the monks of Lérins, lords of Vallauris from the 11th to 18th centuries. Note the Renaissance staircase leading up to the ceramics museum.
The Magnelli Museum
The Magnelli Museum houses important works by the Florentine painter, Alberto Magnelli (1888-1971). Visitors will discover colorful canvases in a style largely oriented towards abstract art.
Practical information
- Musée Magnelli et le musée de la céramique
Place de la Libération
06220 Vallauris - From September to June, 10am to 12:15pm and 2pm to 5pm,
every day except Tuesday, January 1, May 1, November 1 and 11, December 25. - July to August, 10am to 12:30pm and 2pm to 6pm,
every day except Tuesday.
The ceramics museum
On the second floor, the ceramics museum welcomes visitors. This museum features an interesting collection of utilitarian ceramics, mainly for cooking. Then there are artistic ceramics from the 1950s. They are generally very creative and colorful, in keeping with the heyday of Vallauris. Finally, the visit ends with contemporary works.
This museum regularly organizes temporary exhibitions.
Practical information
View practical information about the Musée Magnelli
Official website
Kitsh Museum
This kitsh museum showcases part of Vallauris' tourist ceramics production. The factories produced colorful souvenirs. They are not of great artistic interest, but bear witness to the town's activity, especially between the years 1950-1970.
Le Tanagra
67, Avenue Georges Clemenceau
Open during the summer season
Informations Côte d'Azur
Jean-Marc Foulquier