Guided tour "The red rocks"

The Red Rocks: An Artistic Awakening in the Estérel (May 22 – October 31, 2026)

 

In the summer of 2026, discover the Estérel—a striking landscape of red rocks set against the blue Mediterranean.
This unique setting inspired many modern painters.
 

In 1905, artists such as Charles Camoin, Albert Marquet, and Louis Valtat exhibited paintings of this Provençal massif at the Paris Salon d’Automne. This exhibition marked the public beginning of Fauvism. However, they were not the only artists drawn to the Estérel.

At the time, the region had become what tourist guides described as a “large and distinguished colony of artists.”

The area became easier to reach after the Corniche d’Or road opened in 1903. Places like Le Trayas, Agay, and Anthéor were widely explored and painted. Artists were fascinated by the deep red rocks, the contrast between the blue and green tones of the sea, and the rich Mediterranean vegetation. These elements offered strong colors, light, and texture—ideal for artistic experimentation.

This exhibition highlights the many ways artists saw and represented the Estérel. It also invites visitors to discover the tourism context of the time, which helped make this landscape an important subject in art.