Only open since the summer, the Bonnard Museum is a welcome new addition to the galleries on the Riviera, located in Le Cannet, originally a small town in its own right, but now simply part of Cannes itself. Bonnard lived in a villa in the Eastern part of town in LeBosquet which is still lived in by his descendants, so the museum is in a converted Belle Epoque hotel with some modern additions and beautiful gardens....
The Museum contains a fair selection and an interesting variety of Bonnard works including paintings, drawings, poster designs, photographs and ornamental screens, but not nearly enough of the classic pieces for which he is rightly famous. Unfortunately, photography is not allowed inside the museum, but it is certainly well worth a visit, and the film about his life and art is excellent.
Le Cannet, itself, is also well worth a wander with its impressive Mairie (town hall still with its christmas decorations on display), beautiful Belle Epoque villas, lovely views across the valley, the old town centre with its street of artisan workshops and artists at work, plus an amazing place for lunch......
This restaurant is called Arts & Assiettes (243 Rue St.Sauveur) and offers this wonderfully presented three course gourmet lunch for just 12 Euros (for those of you who know the Riviera well, this is a complete steal right??) All in all a visit to the Bonnard Museum, lunch at Assiettes and a stroll around Le Cannet makes for a special day out.......Enjoy!
10 comments:
ah ah ah...now it's confirmed that I simply must visit the French Riviera area (the Riveriarea)--I mean not only a museum of my favourite painter's works and life, but a 3-course gourmet lunch that includes frites??? Bonnard and brunch, what could be better?
Yes there are so many galleries in such a concentrated area here - just out of interest
Why is Bonnard your favorite? I do love his work too....
Sounds like the makings of a great day! Love your captures as always, Catherine! I'm so glad you are enjoying your new home! I am, too, from a distance!
Sylvia
Oh, now I'm hungry!
You certainly aren't suffering for lack of shadows in the Riviera. Gorgeous shots as always, Catherine.
Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie’s Guide to Adventurous Travel
Lovely shots, Catherine and I am mesmerized by the color of the sky! I can confirm that a 3-course meal for 12 Euros anywhere in France is a great deal! I will add Le Canet and the museum to my list of places to see next time I visit. Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)
Very nice post and shots.
Regards and best wishes
I like that word, "mairie". Sometimes I say London maire, instead of mayor. The latter sounds as if I'm calling someone "senior", only because that's what we say in Spanish. great photos and I love the way you captured the essence of the town.
Greetings from London.
Architects succeeded very well to mix old and new buildings, and the paintings are full of lights.It's a very interesting museum, and the city around is really pleasant.
Why do I love Bonnard? First thing that springs to mind is light and colour. But also the intimacy of his scenes...and the strong feeling of place. It's a world I want to enter into and live in. It's better than real, softer, romanticized. I was thrilled to find an exhibit of his work one time I was in London. It filled me with joy; and again at the Musee d'Orsay in Paris, I just drank in his paintings. I left there feeling, "why bother trying to paint, it's already been done so beautifully." Colour, light, intimacy, a certain controlled looseness of brush strokes, subject matter. It's all there for me.
12€ for a decent meal on the Riviera!!
Bonnard, lawyer first, then painter! With his gift, the right choice!
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