Ah, the French Riviera! An enviable sun-soaked stretch of coastline renowned for its sensational beauty, glorious white sand beaches and alluring glamour — this adult playground was the ultimate resort of the first half of the 20th century.
In the 19th century, the Scottish doctor John Brown came up with a theory that galloping consumption, or tuberculosis, could be cured by a simple change of climate.
His prescription of sun, sea and sleep quickly took off, with even Queen Victoria converted - and thus the French Riviera was born as a modern tourist destination. The bright light and relaxed living of the French Riviera attracted as many artists and literati in the 20th century as it had sickly English aristocrats the century before.
From Monet in Antibes, to Bonnard at Le Cannet and Picasso just about everywhere, it was the place to be for the avant-garde. Now, this sunny region is one of the best and most scenic places to appreciate modern European art.
Here we introduce you to five places to soak up this light-filled artistic moment. Our list starts with the spectacular views, Mediterranean atmosphere and modernist architecture of the Fondation Maeght.
