Anyone who loves art, architecture, design, craftsmanship and nature in equal measure will find a true paradise on the Côte d'Azur. Elke, a friend from her student days, undertook this inspiring journey for Mooris. We studied design together - today she works in the team of the architect and designer Hadi Teherani. And whenever she is out and about, she has a very special eye for spaces, light and atmosphere.
Here she shares her personal highlights and favorite places between Nice, Saint-Paul-de-Vence and Cap Moderne - a short trip full of impressions that will leave you wanting more.
A former monastery from the 11th century, converted into an atmospheric boutique hotel with an inner courtyard, garden and pool. A wonderful place to arrive, switch off and dream.
→ www.ledomainedelabbaye.com
An outstanding museum of modern art in Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Sculptures, architecture and nature merge here to create a total work of art. Works by Giacometti, Miró, Braque and Léger, among others, make this place a real experience.
→ www.fondation-maeght.com
The chapel in Vence, designed by Henri Matisse, is considered one of the most important sacred works of the 20th century. Unfortunately, we were faced with closed doors - be sure to check opening times in advance!
→ www.chapellematisse.com
Gray was not only an architect, but also a furniture designer - her designs combine aesthetics, function and lightness in an impressive way. The villa, which she realized together with her partner Jean Badovici, is considered a visionary alternative to the functionalist austerity of her time. Radical in its ground plan, delicate in its execution and visionary in its idea of use - the villa was far ahead of its time.
Le Corbusier's later relationship to this place is also fascinating: he was a friend of Jean Badovici, spent several summers in Villa E-1027 - and painted several wall surfaces without the owner's consent, which led to a deep disagreement with Gray. It is all the more astonishing that Le Corbusier built his own cabanons in the immediate vicinity a few years later, which are now also part of the Cap Moderne complex.
The guided tours of the ensemble are informative and highly recommended (by appointment only!). A piece of architectural history with a view of the sea.
Tip: The relaxed bar Le Cabanon du Buse is located directly below the villa - ideal for a lunch with a view.
→ www.capmoderne.com
In Beaulieu-sur-Mer, we discovered the Villa Kérylos - a faithful replica of an ancient Greek villa. Detailed, educational and architecturally impressive.
→ www.villakerylos.fr
To round off our trip, we visited two wonderful museums:
Musée Fernand Léger (Biot)→ www.musees-nationaux-alpesmaritimes.fr/fleger
Musée Matisse (Nice)→ www.musee-matisse-nice.org
A short trip full of impressions, light and inspiration - for all those who not only want to see art, but also experience it.
Thank you, dear Elke, for taking me with you - with your eye for space, form and atmosphere, even a short detour becomes a journey for the senses.
Instagram @elkemalek
Design & Architecture Hadi Teherani
If you want to delve even deeper (thanks Barbara for pointing this out :--)
The film "E1027 - Eileen Gray and the House by the Sea" by Swiss director Beatrice Minger tells the story behind the iconic building and its creator - impressive, quiet and full of light.
→ Now here: cinu.ch
