Explore Nice with AESU
It’s been said that the works Matisse produced during his time spent in Nice were the most joyous and prolific of his career. He had initially left Paris to treat his bronchitis and fell so much in love with Nice that he permanently moved to the city in 1921. The painter took an apartment in the big yellow building at the top of Cours Saleya and spent his days gathering inspiration from the subtleties of the charming French town. You can visit the Musee Matisse in Nice, and view the world’s largest collections of his works.
Matisse After Paris
In 1917, Matisse relocated to Cimiez, on the French Riviera. During his last years in Paris, his paintings had been blue and dark. They exhibited a loneliness common to artists of the time such as Picasso. It wasn’t until he moved to Cimiez that his works began to show a relaxation and softening to his approach. Some contemporary critics found these works shallow and decorative, but Matisse was the happiest he had ever been, regardless.
A Day in Cimiez, France
When you visit the Musee Matisse, you’ll stand at the foot of a 2000-year-old olive grove with the ruins of a Roman Amphitheatre to your left. A small Friar’s museum is located nearby, with a room dedicated to the Shroud of Turin ( the burial cloth that may or may not show the imprint of Christ’s body). Just a short distance from the Matisse Museum lies the beautiful Regina hotel. It was here that Matisse became too crippled to paint, and dedicated the rest of his days to created collages that he called “painting with scissors”.
Stroll through the Old Town and grab a bite to eat at one of Matisse’s favorite restaurants, Niçois at l’Acchiardo. Dine traditionally, or head across to the street to the nearby Bar-du-Coin for the best pizza in Nice.
Visit France with AESU
AESU offers unique, thrilling travel programs for college students and young professionals at affordable rates. Each trip is action-packed and informal—designed just for people your own age. We are also able to design custom tours just for your group.
Experience an exhilarating French adventure on the Cosmopolitan, Explorer, and Continental tours. It’s never too late to get a taste of a multitude of exciting cultures!
If you have any questions or want help booking your European adventure, please contact AESU by calling 800-638-7640, or fill out the contact form found on our website!