Vallauris, French Riviera, France
Vallauris is a captivating town nestled on the Côte d'Azur, located conveniently near the bustling coastal cities of Antibes and Cannes. For centuries, the town's specialty was the production of cooking pottery, a craft deeply embedded in its history. However, at the beginning of the twentieth century, thanks to the pioneering Massier family, the town's focus shifted towards artistic ceramics, earning Vallauris the well-deserved title of the "French town of ceramics." The town's expansion is closely linked to the rise of tourism, especially after the arrival of the railroad in the second half of the nineteenth century. This new accessibility attracted illustrious personalities who built their hillside villas here. After World War II, Vallauris experienced a golden age when famous artists, drawn by its artistic reputation, came to live and work, most notably the legendary Pablo Picasso.
Parking in Vallauris
We stopped at a fairly large parking lot located at Espace Jean Marais (1; GPS: 43.573518, 7.056440). You can also try to arrive closer to the center and leave your car, for example, at the parking lot nearby the football pitch (2; GPS: 43.576694, 7.052861).
The parking at Espace Jean Marais offers ample space and is a good option if you plan to explore the town on foot. Alternatively, the parking near the football pitch is much closer to the heart of the village and its main attractions, making it a more convenient choice if you find an available space, especially on a busy day.
Touring Vallauris
From the parking lot we go main street to the town's center in the northern direction. We turn left into Boulevard Jacques Ugo, which will lead us to the big square where the seat of local government is located (A; GPS: 43.579458, 7.054614). On the square we find colorful sculptures of stylized characters appearing in the paintings of Pablo Picasso. From here you can also see the castle from the sixteenth century (B; GPS: 43.579880, 7.053194), which now houses, among others, the Picasso Museum and the Museum of Ceramics. From there it is only a few steps to the church of Sainte-Anne and Saint-Martin from the early nineteenth century (C; GPS: 43.579646, 7.052735). Opposite the church there is a market place where you can see a sculpture created by Picasso and called "Man and sheep". We walk narrow streets of the old town, and then return to the parking lot.
The castle, a former priory of the Lérins Abbey, is a significant historical and cultural landmark in Vallauris. It was here that Picasso worked from 1948 to 1955, and the museum dedicated to him houses his monumental anti-war masterpiece, "War and Peace," displayed in the chapel. This is a must-see for any art enthusiast. The Museum of Ceramics, meanwhile, showcases the rich history and evolution of pottery in the town, from functional cooking pots to avant-garde artistic pieces.
From the castle, it is only a few steps to the beautiful church of Sainte-Anne and Saint-Martin from the early nineteenth century (C; GPS: 43.579646, 7.052735). Opposite the church, there is a market place where you can see a significant sculpture created by Picasso himself, entitled "Man and Sheep." This iconic bronze statue is a powerful symbol of the artist's time in Vallauris. After exploring these central landmarks, you can wander through the charming, narrow streets of the old town, discovering many small pottery workshops and art galleries before returning to the parking lot.
Gastronomy in Vallauris
While Vallauris is celebrated for its ceramics and art, it also offers a taste of authentic Provençal and Mediterranean cuisine. The town has a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bakeries where you can enjoy a delicious meal or a quick snack during your visit. The local food scene is influenced by its coastal location and the fresh produce of the region.
You will find several dining options around the central squares and main streets. From traditional bistros serving local specialties like socca (a chickpea pancake) and fresh seafood, to pizzerias and more modern eateries, there is something for every taste. The market place mentioned in the tour section is also a great spot to find local produce and snacks, perfect for a picnic. Look for local honey, olive oil, and fresh fruits from the surrounding hillsides.
Enjoying a meal on a terrace while watching the world go by is a quintessential French Riviera experience. The town’s culinary offerings, combined with its artistic spirit, make for a truly immersive cultural visit. Don't forget to check out the ceramics in the shops, as many restaurants use locally made pottery for their dishes, adding to the unique Vallauris charm.
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