Culture in Saint Tropez: 10 Best Art Galleries and Studios

Venturing away from the bustling streets of Saint-Tropez, the nearby mediaeval village of Grimaud is home to Paul Janssen’s stunning four-storey contemporary art gallery, converted from an 18th century townhouse. Each level showcases offbeat works by some of the biggest names from the CoBra movement as well as pop art, street art and photography. Among the names to look out for in Paul Janssen’s collection are Andy Warhol, Karel Appel, Marc Lagrange, Helmut Newton and Banksy, while past events have featured works by French street artist Mr. One Teas and Belgian-born multimedia artist Delphine Boël. A gallery with a conscience, in a recent exhibition entitled Ceci n’est pas de l’ivoire (this is not ivory), Paul Janssen supported the campaign to protect wildlife in Africa.

Galerie Mason Noirez is the fruit of a partnership between a passionate artist – Paul Richard Mason – and a passionate art lover – Alissia Noirez – who have created a space for sharing their vision of contemporary art while offering customised interior design consultations, restoration of artworks and framing. Most of the works on show are by Paul Richard Mason himself, a self-taught American-born artist and sculptor. His works have travelled across Europe and the USA and are the product of his prolific imagination, ranging from acrylic on canvas or paper to sculptures in wood, stone or clay. Mason doesn’t mind observers watching him at work in his studio in the nearby Cogolin, where he uses different techniques, which include painting on the floor ‘to feel the earth’s energy’.

Small as it may be, the Musée de l’Annonciade is said to be one of the top museums for modern art in France. A former 16th century chapel of Our Lady of the Annunciation, Georges Grammont confided its transformation to the architect Louis Süe in 1950 and with a donation of 56 pieces from his private art collection, opened it up as a museum in 1955. This is where modern art lovers can enjoy some of the masterpieces of one of Saint-Tropez’s best-known artists Paul Signac, along with works by his friends – Matisse, Derain, Cross – who visited him here during the early 20th century. Temporary exhibitions are mounted during the summer period, Christmas and Easter, and have witnessed some equally big names of the French school such as Rodin and Modigliani. The Musée de l’Annociade closes annually in November.