Jean Cocteau museum in Menton

Jean Cocteau museum in Menton, collection Severin Wunderman opened for the first time last year, this summer you can visit free of charge on Sunday on the first weekend of each month.

The most striking thing about the Musée Jean Cocteau Séverin Wunderman is actually the museum itself. As a piece of modern architecture it is pretty impressive. From a distance it is disappointing and almost ugly but as you approach your sentiments change as one begins to appreciate what a clever piece of design work it is.

The architect Rudy Riccioti received the Grand Prix National d'Architecture in 2006 and has designed some of the most distinctive buildings in France. His ambition to reflect the obscurity of Jean Cocteau's work, which has been described by the man himself as "something hard to pick up" is an unequivocal success.

If your not an aficionado of recent French literature, theatre and films then the museum exhibit itself might pass you by. However if you are into French culture then you should enjoy it as it is interesting with lots of original manuscripts and illuminates the world of Cocteau, Jean Marais, Picasso and Edith Pilaf amongst others along with the Menton connection.

For the merely curious it's nice to know there are occasions when you can get in for free and the interior is lovely, light and spacious with cheeky views of the sea outside.

Coming up this week is the long awaited opening of the new Musem (Musée de civilisations pour l'Europe et la Mediterranée) museum in Marseilles which will be opened by President Holland on Friday 7th June, another architectural masterpiece.

See more images on our Jean Cocteau museum and Menton facebook page. 

The Cote d'Azur and Provence have lots to offer for those interested in French culture and you can see more of what's on offer in the Mediterranean south of France in our more information pages.

We are pleased that the Independent newspaper recommended Villas Worldwide - Villas du Monde for villas in Provence. For French Riviera villas our range is hard to beat as they are all hand picked, visited and very reliable. We know these areas very well indeed to please do consult us as we can ensure that your holiday in the south of France is a great one. You can visit the Jean Cocteau museum in Monton on a day out from most of our houses in Provence and the French Riviera.