In the heart of Vallauris Golfe-Juan, the Renaissance beauty of the Château-Musée stands as both a monument to history and a living space for art.

Originally built as a 12th-century priory for the monks of the Abbaye de Lérins, the château was reconstructed in the 16th century with its now-iconic towers and sweeping Florentine staircase. Today, it houses not one but three exceptional museums.

The most famous is the National Picasso Museum “War and Peace”, located in the château’s Romanesque chapel. Here, two monumental works by Pablo Picasso—painted in 1952—fill the curved vaults with bold images exploring the themes of conflict and harmony. The setting, with its subdued light and sacred atmosphere, makes for a profoundly moving experience.

The Magnelli Museum celebrates the career of Italian abstract painter Alberto Magnelli, offering a rare journey from his early figurative works to the pure abstraction that defined his later years.

Finally, the Museum of Ceramics pays homage to Vallauris’ rich pottery tradition, displaying everything from ancient utilitarian pieces to avant-garde contemporary works, including those linked to Picasso’s own ceramic experiments.

Whether you are drawn by the power of Picasso, the elegance of Magnelli, or the timeless artistry of ceramics, the Château-Musée de Vallauris Golfe-Juan offers a uniquely layered cultural visit in a single historic location.