Art & Culture

The artistic pace in this area of southern France has always been fast and furious, fuelled by a constant arrival of artists who brought with them new ideas, traditions and artistic know-how. With all the writers, the painters, the craftsmen – this is a region where creativity and inspiration go hand in hand.

Painting & Visual Arts

In this area you can find many different art exhibitions, everything from artists originating from the area like Granet and Cezanne to others who came here from abroad like Van Gogh, Picasso and many many more.One of our absolute favorites is the Carrières de Lumières in Les Baux, a digital exhibition in a huge mountain room where the art is projected on walls, floors and ceilings together with atmospheric music. Recommended!

• MuCEM (Marseille)
• Musée Granet (Aix-en-Provence)
• Hôtel de Caumont (Aix-en-Provence)
• MAMAC (Nice)
• Musée Picasso (Antibes)
• Musée de l’Annonciade (St Tropez)
• Carriere de Lumiere (Les-Baux-de-Provence)

The Basilica of St Maximin

Home to the relics of Mary Magdalen, this basilica is the largest gothic church in Provence and the third most important Christian tomb. Its construction began in 1295 and it continued for two centuries. It´s an impressive building which is located very near Rians, just about 20 min by car.

La Grotte de Sainte Baume

The cave in the Mountains of La Sainte Baume is where Saint Mary Magdalene took refuge during the last years of her life. Today, it is a sanctuary sheltering some relics and can only be reached by a minimum of 45 minutes hike. There´s a service every day at 11 am and the facility is taken care of by the Dominican Order, they also have a monastery at the foot of the mountain.

If you, after visiting the cave, have the strength and will to continue – keep on upwards to the top of Sainte Baume, it´s about an additional 45 minutes by foot. The view up there is absolutely stunning. Standing on the summit you can see the Mediterranean Sea on one side, and on the other side the majestic French Alps.

Poterie Ravel

The Ravel factory settled in Aubagne is one of the magic places to be discovered in Provence. At the heart of the city, this ceramic factory is the oldest and most authentic of the region. Free visits are organized every Thursday at 10:30 am. On the tour, you will discover the secrets of the manufacturing, the production of the clay and the molding. Well worth a visit!

Events & Festivals in Provence

Depending of your time of arrival, there are always events going on in or near the Rians area. Everything from small village festivals to large events with all kinds of alignment: film, classic music and opera, photography – the list is almost endless. There are two events that´s particularly close to the hearts of the French people – of course the National holiday on the 14:th of July and Fete de la musique, the national music festival. It always takes place on a Friday and then there is music, absolutely all kinds of music just about everywhere in the whole country: in all the bars, the squares, in the streets – everywhere. It is truly a fantastic experience to be a part of!