One does not
speak about Vallauris without evoking the pottery, whose origins
would go back at the beginning of our era thanks to its basement
rich in argillaceous ground and to the wood of the forests of pine
of Alep. In the XVIth century, the installation of families come
from the surroundings of Genoa among which many potters make pottery
naturally the first artisanal and commercial activity of the inhabitants.
The re-birth
of pottery in Vallauris was launched by Picasso, who took a great
interest in painted decorations on earthenware. Many of Picasso's
works are exhibited in the Ceramics Museum, the Modern Art Museum
and the Picasso Museum. Vallauris boasts more than two hundred master
potters. This traditional activity combined with a mellow Mediterranean
atmosphere has made it a place apart on the Côte d'Azur. Every
year, Golfe-Juan, the pleasant seaside resort down below Vallauris,
celebrates Napoleon's landing on his return to France from the Isle
of Elba.
It is in the magnificent setting ot Golfe Juan that the city of
Vallauris is located. The panoramic views of the Bay of Cannes,
the lles de Lerins, and the Esterel mountains are exceptional. The
old Vallauris will charm you with its typical Mediterranean atmosphere.
You will also appreciate the picturesque shoreline from the quai
St. Pierre to Port Camille Rayon, with its restaurants of Provençal
or fish specialities and colorful little shops.
The workmanship
can be seen in many different boutiques and in the pottery museum.
The castle museum hosts the International Biennial of Ceramic Arts.
You must not miss the jovial, friendly spectacle of the Provençal
market. Do stroll around the little streets to discover the artists'
workshops, the ceramic artists, the olive wood carving, glassworKs,
and the local perfume creators. They will all welcome you with warmth
and kindness.
Golfe-Juan is
a small seaside resort that offers a superb view of the Lérins
Islands and of the "Cap d'Antibes". Golfe Juan is in the
centre of a large natural harbour stretching from Cap d'Antibes
to the East, to the Cap de la Croisette to the West, on the outskirts
of Cannes. It was on the beach of Golfe Juan - on March 1st 1815
- that Napoleon I landed on his return from the island of Elba and
gave the order to march first towards Cannes and Grasse, then further
north: the route taken by Napoleon I as far as Laffrey, a small
village to the north of Grenoble, is now known as the "Route
Napoleon".
Golfe Juan is
in the centre of a large natural harbour stretching from Cap d'Antibes
to the East, to the Cap de la Croisette to the West, on the outskirts
of Cannes. It was on the beach of Golfe Juan - on March 1st 1815
- that Napoleon I landed on his return from the island of Elba and
gave the order to march first towards Cannes and Grasse, then further
north: the route taken by Napoleon I as far as Laffrey, a small
village to the north of Grenoble, is now known as the "Route
Napoleon".
Tourist Office
Boulevard des Frères Roustan
Phone: +33(0)493 63 82 58
Fax: +33(0)493 63 13 66
