IWCR ARTS GROUP

So many artists have been inspired by the light in Provence.

Jean Cocteau in Menton

During the Middle Ages the Schools of Avignon and Nice were flourishing. Puget was known as the Michelangelo of Provence in the 17th century. In the 18th century, Fragonard filled his paintings with the flowers of Grasse. Some of the most important painters from the 19th and 20th centuries were drawn to the region to capture the colours of the land and seascapes. From Monet, Cézanne and Renoir, Bonnard, Signac and Dufy to Matisse, Chagall, Picasso and Cocteau, the list of artists is outstanding.

In small galleries and important museums - the importance of art continues.

Art Visits

Guided visits to museums and galleries are organised to view and learn more about the art in our region.

Information: Jennifer and Hendrika
Booking: Piete
Last Minute/Emergency: 06 80 86 31 32

Piete always confirms every booking either by email or telephone. Please do not just turn up at the venue without a confirmed reservation.

Friday 24 February

Musée Bonnard

16 bd Sadi Carnot, 06110 Le Cannet

The Musée Bonnard has opened a new exhibition: The collections Bonnard, a life devoted to art. Again the formidable trio of Jennifer, Piete and Hendrika have negotiated a good deal for us. The entrance fee is only €3.50 and a new generation visioguide €3 per person.

Bonnard the painter is known for his friendship with Monet, his illustrious neighbour in Giverny, and for his discovery of the Côte d’Azur, where he settled in Le Bosquet in Le Cannet.

The first inaugural exhibition of the Musée Bonnard, which was an enormous success, was largely based on loans from other collections. This second exhibition is unique in that it covers the different stages in the artistic evolution of Pierre Bonnard from 1880 to 1947, and that it is based on the permanent collection of the Musée itself. We shall discover the different techniques used by the artist: drawings, book illustrations and even furniture drawings, but of course the essence of the Musée lies in the paintings and drawings of his years in Le Cannet, such as Paysage du Midi or Baigneurs à la fin du jour.

Those of you who feel hungry after the visit can join us for lunch at theArts et Assiettes, a genuine Provençal restaurant within walking distance from the Musée. The price is a staggering €12 for a first course and main dish. The patron is very flexible, so we all order what we want and pay separately under the vigilant eye of Piete to avoid any of the misunderstandings which have sometimes occurred.

We meet in front of the Musée at 9.45. There are a number of public car parks nearby.

Please send the booking form and cheque for €7 to Piete before 17 February.

We hope to have an English speaking guide with us, in which case the price will go up, and we will let you know about the guide when Piete confirms your booking. The additional cost can be paid on the day.

Friday 20 April

Monaco Old Town

at 9.45

Our next outing will combine visits to several places of interest at Le Rocher of Monaco. They are all within easy walking distance, allowing us to see some of the sights of the old town on the way.

We shall visit the State Apartments of the Palace of the Grimaldi Princes, followed by the museum of Napoleonic memorabilia, a rich collection of objects, documents and paintings, and the Chapelle de la Visitation. The chapel features masterpieces by Rubens, Zurbaran, Ribera and other great Italian baroque painters. We shall of course be led by an English speaking guide, although inside the Palace they are not allowed to speak, so we shall use audio guides. The visit starts with a projection of the Monte Carlo Story, a documentary film relating the story of the Princes and Princesses of Monaco, with soundtracks in several languages, which helps to set the various places of interest into context.

There is a wide variety of restaurants and snack bars at the Rocher, so on this occasion we shall leave you to choose for yourself where to eat. After lunch there will be an optional ride on the Petit train, the tourist train which starts and ends in front of the Oceanographic Museum at the Rocher, conveniently on top of the car park. The 30 minute trip takes in most of the major sights of interest including Casino Square, the port and the Grand Prix circuit. The commentary is in twelve languages.

Those who still have the stamina will find many other interesting places to visit at the Rocher such as the Cathedral where the Princely Family are buried (including Princess Grace), the beautiful gardens overlooking the sea and the harbour of Fontvieille, and of course the Oceanographic Museum.

The cost of the various visits with a guide will be €27 and if you wish to take the Petit train in the afternoon, it will be an additional €8, payable in cash before getting on board.

On arrival in Monaco, head for Monaco Ville and Palais Musées which should lead you to the Parking des Pêcheurs. Take a lift or escalator from there, direction Palais Musées, and you will arrive at the entrance to the cinema, in the same building. The Monte Carlo Story will start at 10.00 so please arrive on time.

Please send the booking form and cheque for €27 to Piete by 13 April.