Vallauris

The road along the French Riviera follows the bay of Golfe Juan and stretches to Pointe de la Croisette in Cannes. From here you can detour into the hills just up from the town of Golfe Juan to Vallauris. Picasso settled in Vallauris after his time in Antibes and tested his skill at the potter’s wheel, producing thousands of pieces of pottery using the Madoura pottery shop as his atelier. He restored the craft and brought fame to the village and in gratitude the town made him an honorary citizen. He, in turn, showed his appreciation by crafting a life-size bronze statue, which stands on Place Paul Isnard outside the church. A museum, Musée de Vallauris, displaying Picasso’s work is housed in the château, originally a 13th-century priory rebuilt in the 16th century. There are numerous workshops in Vallauris, now considered the ceramic capital of France—the Galerie Madoura remains one of the best, and stores sell a vast assortment of styles and qualities. (Closed Nov, Sat and Sun, tel: 04.93.64.66.39.) Over 200 craftsmen reside in Vallauris, creating original designs and copying patterns made famous by Picasso.