French Riviera and Its Artists - by John Baxter (Paperback)

About the Book

"Discover the artists, writers, actors, and politicians who frequented the world's most desired destination during its golden age. In 21 vivid chapters, Baxter presents the iconic figures indelibly linked to the South of France--artist Henri Matisse, who was inspired by the Riviera's color and light; F. Scott Fitzgerald, whose Riviera hosts inspired Tender is the Night; Coco Chanel, whose Saint-Tropez tan became an international fashion trend; and many more. Baxter takes readers into the cars and casinos of Monte Carlo, to the Cannes Film Festival, to the villa where Picasso and Cocteau smoked opium, and to the hotel where Joseph Kennedy had an affair with Marlene Dietrich. Then maps and listings show travelers how these luminaries celebrated life and made art in paradise"--

Book Synopsis

Get swept up in the glitz and glamour of the French Riviera as author and filmmaker John Baxter takes readers on a whirlwind tour through the star-studded cultural history of the Côte d'Azur that's sure to delight travelers, Francophiles, and culture lovers alike. Readers will discover the dramatic lives of the legendary artists, writers, actors, and politicians who frequented the world's most luxurious resort during its golden age. In 25 vivid chapters, Baxter introduces the iconic figures indelibly linked to the South of France--artist Henri Matisse, writer F. Scott Fitzgerald, Coco Chanel, and many more. Along the way, Baxter takes readers where few people ever get to go: the alluring world of the perfume industry, into the cars and casinos of Monte Carlo, behind-the-scenes at the Cannes Film Festival, to the villa where Picasso and Cocteau smoked opium, and to the hotel where Joseph Kennedy had an affair with Marlene Dietrich. These luminaries celebrated life and created art amid paradise and this book is the ultimate guide to the Riviera's golden age.

Review Quotes

"As with all Museyon guidebooks, the volume is richly illustrated: The back matter alone features an art gallery of the French Riviera and its artists, but paintings are interspersed throughout the book." --June Sawyers, Chicago Tribune

"These luminaries celebrated life and created art amid paradise and this book is the ultimate guide to the Riviera's golden age." --Christine Gray, luxurytravelmagazine.com

"This is a pretty little book . . . it's an excellent resource for planning a trip or fantasizing about one, full of enticing descriptions, glamorous people and gossipy anecdotes." ----Sara Caterall, Shelf Awareness

About the Author

John Baxter is an Australian writer, journalist, and filmmaker. He is the author of Chronicles of Old Paris, The Golden Moments of Paris, Immoveable Feast: A Paris Christmas, The Most Beautiful Walk in the World: A Pedestrian in Paris, and We'll Always Have Paris: Sex and Love in the City of Light.