Cannes in winter: light, tranquillity and the rebirth of La Malmaison
Cannes, often associated with the glamour and excitement of the summer Film Festival, reveals a more intimate side in winter. With its golden light, quiet alleyways and the long-awaited reopening of La Malmaison, winter in Cannes is a timeless escape.
Winter in Cannes: a gentle glow
While summer in Cannes resounds with festivities, crowds and prestigious events, winter reveals a completely different face of the city. Under often clear skies, the light of the Mediterranean offers a golden glow that caresses the Croisette.
After the light, it’s the tranquility that wins us over. Mild temperatures, quiet streets, hotels that breathe. Cannes in winter is a soothing destination.
Without hurrying, we cross the sea to the Lérins islands to enjoy nature and their rich history. For a breathtaking view of the Croisette, we recommend reserving a table at the Marea restaurant in the Canopy by Hilton Cannes hotel.
La Malmaison: rebirth of a fine address
One of the highlights of this winter in Cannes was undoubtedly the reopening of the Centre d’Art Contemporain La Malmaison. After an ambitious restructuring and expansion that tripled its exhibition space, this historic venue is reborn with a renewed desire to become a benchmark for contemporary art in the Mediterranean.
Located on the Boulevard de la Croisette, La Malmaison traces its origins back to the XIXᵉ century, initially an annex of the Grand Hôtel before being transformed into a cultural landmark. Through the ages, it has welcomed artists and art lovers who have come to admire its exhibitions dedicated to the great names of modernity and contemporary art.
Today, after meticulous modernization work, the art center reopens its doors with redesigned exhibition spaces, a panoramic terrace offering a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean, and programming on an international scale.
“Luxe, Calme et Volupté” at La Malmaison
To mark this renaissance, the inaugural “Luxe, Calme et Volupté” exhibition pays tribute to the artistic vision of the Midi. Inspired by masters such as Renoir, Bonnard and Matisse, it explores artists’ fascination with Mediterranean light and idyllic landscapes.
The exhibition, spread over three levels, features a dialogue between classic and contemporary artists. The pioneers of the Midi: on the first floor, visitors will find works by Renoir, Bonnard and Cézanne, who immortalized the gentle pace of life on the Côte d’Azur. Moderns and contemporaries: in the following rooms, Bonnard’s canvases rub shoulders with works by Martial Raysse and Cristine Guinamand, who revisit the vision of the Mediterranean paradise, injecting it with more contemporary concerns. A reflection on suspended time: certain works explore the notion of happiness and contemplation, in the image of beach scenes or gardens bathed in light. A contemporary look at a threatened Eden: the last section highlights artists who question our relationship with nature, between enchantment and awareness of ecological upheavals.
The exhibition runs until April 20, 2025.
Prices: €6.50 full price.
18 to 25 years, groups of 10 or more, Cannes Pass Culture, Cannes Senior Le Club: €3.50
Under 18s, students, jobseekers, disabled: free.
Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm.
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