Porquerolles island is a little piece of paradise on earth for nature lovers, and since 2018 it has also been for art enthusiasts with the creation of la Villa Carmignac. An art center that offers an exhibition of international stature every year.
What is the Villa Carmignac? What can you see? How can you visit it? Take a look at this cultural venue unlike any other!
Article produced in collaboration with the Fondation Carmignac.
The Villa Carmignac : a farm turned art center
Long before Porquerolles became a popular tourist destination, the island was a somewhat wild place. In 1912, a Belgian adventurer, François Joseph Fournier, acquired the island and undertook major developments to attract families to live there : he built a church, a school, planted vines and trees, and fitted out villas and hotels.
In the heart of the island, a small farmhouse – seen in the film ” Pierrot le Fou ” (1965) – caught the eye of architect Henri Vidal who fell under its spell. In the 1980s, he transformed it into a family villa, elevated the building to allow a view of the sea from his windows, had vines planted and turned it into a little corner of paradise.
A few years later, Edouard Carmignac was invited to the wedding of one of his daughters and, in turn, fell in love with the estate. On the death of Henri Vidal, he acquired it and metamorphosed the Villa into an art center, opened by the Fondation Carmignac. So as not to denature the premises, nor touch the original architecture while respecting the surrounding nature, the exhibition spaces are built underground. These large halls can accommodate XXL works of art and give free rein to the imagination of the curators, who each year present an exhibition of international stature.
Building an art center on an island was not an insignificant choice: the aim is to offer visitors an out-of-the-ordinary visiting experience, where we put aside the stress of urban life to experience a moment cut off from the world and get together around art, nature and culture.
Visiting the Villa Carmignac, an experience in its own right
You don’t visit the Villa Carmignac like any other museum. Visiting the Villa is first and foremost a journey as you have to make a fifteen-minute crossing to reach Porquerolles Island.
On site, the number of visitors is deliberately limited to 50 per half-hour, so that each visitor to the Villa can enjoy a unique experience, an intimate face-to-face encounter with the works without being disturbed by a crowd. Another special feature is that visitors go barefoot, making their visit even more personal and sensory: you’ll feel right at home at the Villa!
A tour that engages all 5 senses
If a visit to Villa Carmignac is so memorable, it’s because all five senses are involved!
- Arriving on Porquerolles, you’re bound to be struck by the scent of nature with eucalyptus and rosemary.
- When you arrive at the Villa, you’re offered an herbal tea to solicit your taste.
- Among the trees, you can hear the sound of wind, cicadas and birds.
- In the heart of the Villa, the barefoot tour solicits your touch.
- Of course, the works of art are sure to take your sight!
Exhibition of the moment : The Infinite Woman
Every year, Villa Carmignac presents an exhibition. In 2024, ” The Infinite Woman “ explores female narratives with works by some sixty artists. A nod to the legend that the Îles d’Or (Porquerolles, Port-Cros and Le Lavant) are three sisters who have been turned to stone.
Curated by Alona Pardo, this exhibition looks at the way women are viewed in art, from original myths to contemporary, sometimes subversive representations. We discover women’s bodies that escape the patriarchal vision and differ from Western beauty canons.
In all, there are 80 works that are encounters with female figures, sacred, independent, objects of desire or even spider-women, as with the iconic work by Louise Bourgeois enthroned in majesty beneath the Villa’s water ceiling.
An invitation to stroll
After visiting the Villa, you can discover the 15-hectare garden which is part of the estate and features dozens of sculptures by renowned artists such as Jaume Plensa, Nils-Udo, Olaf Breuning, Wang Keping, Jeppe Hein and Miquel Barceló. A walk among trees and art that invites you to let go.
A vast cultural program throughout the season
Every summer, Villa Carmignac organizes many events :
- Open-air film festival
- Family workshops
- Full Moon Nights
- A lunar evening…
Find the full program on the Villa website:
A gourmet break
In the garden of Villa Carmignac, the restaurant le Poisson Ivre is a must-try ! This establishment offers gourmet cuisine to be enjoyed in the shade of the trees.
Please note : the restaurant sells out very quickly, so it’s not possible to book in advance, but you can book first thing in the morning for lunch, when you arrive at the Villa.
For a quicker lunch break, a foodtruck is also available in the garden.
Discover the island of Porquerolles
How to get to Porquerolles ? What are the best addresses on the island and other must-see visits ? Prepare your stay on the island of Porquerolles with this free travel guide :
Practical information
Adress:
Villa Carmignac
Porquerolles
83400 Hyères
Hours:
Open April 27 to November 3, daily except Mondays
April to June and September to November, 10am to 6pm
July and August, 10am to 7pm, Thursdays nocturne until 10pm
Website:
https://www.fondationcarmignac.com/en/villa-carmignac/
Prices:
Full price: €16
Reduced price: 11 €
Youth (12-26 years): 6 €
Free for children under 12 years old
Spaces are limited, so it is advisable to reserve a tour date before coming.
Article produced in commercial collaboration with the Fondation Carmignac
All photographs illustrating this article are the property of Antoine Vitek / Culturez-vous and may not be reused without written permission.
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