The French Riviera painted in a new light

For generations of artists, the French Riviera offered more than escape. Its intense light, vivid vegetation and glittering coastline became material for experimentation. A new Royal Academy exhibition traces this enduring fascination through works by Monet, Renoir, Signac, Picasso and Matisse, each interpreting the Mediterranean landscape through a distinct visual language. From Pointillist colour and Fauvist glamour to quiet interiors framing luminous sea views, the exhibition reveals how the Côte d’Azur became both subject and studio, transforming modern art while creating an enduring image of Riviera life.