La Colombe d'Or is a Riviera institution. It's an inn and restaurant which has attracted Europe's creative elite since the 1930s. For decades the cream of modern art propped up its bar, and spent many lazy summer days out on the terrace. As a result, it has in its possession one of the finest collections of art in the world.
La Colombe d'Or is a Riviera institution. It's an inn and restaurant which has attracted Europe's creative elite since the 1930s. For decades the cream of modern art propped up its bar, and spent many lazy summer days out on the terrace. As a result, it has in its possession one of the finest collections of art in the world.
Patrick Hertzog/Saint-Paul de Vence Tourist Information Office
Among the works, a Picasso. He bequeathed the painting to Paul Roux shortly before the original proprietor's death in 1953. The Spanish painter, a great friend of the owner of La Colombe d'Or, was the first to pay his respects at the funeral.
Among the works, a Picasso. He bequeathed the painting to Paul Roux shortly before the original proprietor's death in 1953. The Spanish painter, a great friend of the owner of La Colombe d'Or, was the first to pay his respects at the funeral.
courtesy Michael Paul/Condé Nast Publications Ltd
The guest books plays out like a who's who of the 20th century. On one page, the surreal workings of Joan Miro, on the other a caricature from Charlie Chaplin.
The guest books plays out like a who's who of the 20th century. On one page, the surreal workings of Joan Miro, on the other a caricature from Charlie Chaplin.
courtesy Prosper Assouline
Henri Matisse befriended Roux in the 1930s. The artist was ailing by that point, and would take tea with the owner in the back of his limousine, chauffeured from Nice.
Henri Matisse befriended Roux in the 1930s. The artist was ailing by that point, and would take tea with the owner in the back of his limousine, chauffeured from Nice.
courtesy Prosper Assouline
French poet and Paul Roux's great friend Jacques Prevert in the bar which became his regular haunt.
French poet and Paul Roux's great friend Jacques Prevert in the bar which became his regular haunt.
Jacques Gomot/Saint-Paul de Vence Tourist Information Office
A Georges Braque mosaic, commissioned shortly after Paul's death by Francis Roux, the second generation to run La Colombe d'Or.
A Georges Braque mosaic, commissioned shortly after Paul's death by Francis Roux, the second generation to run La Colombe d'Or.
courtesy Prosper Assouline
Also next to the swimming pool, a mobile by Alexander Calder.
Also next to the swimming pool, a mobile by Alexander Calder.
courtesy Prosper Assouline
La Colombe's interior is full says Daniele Roux, wife of current owner Francois, but there's art decorating the exterior of the building as well.
La Colombe's interior is full says Daniele Roux, wife of current owner Francois, but there's art decorating the exterior of the building as well.
courtesy Michael Paul/Condé Nast Publications Ltd
"The Thumb" by Cesar Baldaccini (1965), a sculpture standing over 6-foot high.
"The Thumb" by Cesar Baldaccini (1965), a sculpture standing over 6-foot high.
courtesy Prosper Assouline
A painting by Pierre Tal-Coat hanging in the dining room.
A painting by Pierre Tal-Coat hanging in the dining room.
courtesy Prosper Assouline
A ceramic apple sculpture by Hans Hedberg (1994), among the later works featured at La Colombe. The most recent by a named artist is another ceramic, this time by Irish artist Sean Scully.
A ceramic apple sculpture by Hans Hedberg (1994), among the later works featured at La Colombe. The most recent by a named artist is another ceramic, this time by Irish artist Sean Scully.
courtesy Michael Paul/Condé Nast Publications Ltd