We recommend a visit to the Musée de l’Annonciade during your stay in Saint-Tropez. A former 16th-century chapel, it houses a collection that we really enjoyed, mainly devoted to paintings from the pointillist, nabis and fauve movements.
Check out our useful tips and photos to help you plan your visit and have a great time!
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is a visit to the Annonciade Museum worthwhile?
Yes, the Annonciade Museum is well worth a visit. It is housed in a former chapel dating back to 1548. It’s one of the best activities in town!
In our opinion, it’s worth discovering the museum’s collection of modern art. It includes works by Pointillist, Fauvist and Nabis painters.
This immersion in the region’s artistic history enabled us to admire masterpieces by such greats as Signac, Matisse, Bonnard and many others. To learn more about these renowned artists inspired by Saint-Tropez, opt for a guided tour with a local – see photos, photos and availability.
What you can see
The architecture of the Chapelle de Notre-Dame de l’Annonciade
Even before entering the building, we were captivated by the pink façade of the former chapel. It was built by the Pénitents blancs brotherhood around 1548. During the French Revolution, it was sold as national property. The bell tower was demolished in 1829 and replaced by a new storey. It was used for other purposes in the early 20th century, before passing into the hands of collector and patron Georges Grammont. He transformed the site into one of France’s first modern art museums.
A curvaceous, colorful interior
As we entered the museum, we were greeted by a veritable explosion of color. The brightly-colored walls brightened up our visit. They highlighted the works on display, respecting a skilful balance of contrast and light.
From inside the building, we could imagine the configuration of the former chapel thanks to the vaulted arches. In 1937, the first floor was renovated. Later, between 1951 and 1955, architect Louis Süe restored the entire building. The museum is resolutely modern and Provençal in style!
Pierre Bonnard’s inspiring paintings
In our photo, you can see the painting La route rose dating from 1934. She transported us to a colorful, typically Provençal street!
We were delighted to contemplate Pierre Bonnard’s bright and cheerful paintings. They capture all the beauty of the Côte d’Azur. While discovering his works, we immersed ourselves in the creative universe of this artist, who is greatly inspired by the landscapes of the South of France.
Are you passionate about this artist? We recommend that you read our article on the Musée Bonnard in Le Cannet!
The inscription on the wall bears witness to the history of the site
A few lines are engraved on the wall of the museum to recall Georges Grammont’s key role in the rehabilitation of the former chapel. It was he who gave the place a new direction: modern art.
At his own expense, he began transforming the building in order to exhibit his own pieces. He then donated the most important works in his collection to the town of Saint-Tropez. We wanted to thank him for them, because they made us travel! The museum was inaugurated on August 7, 1955.
Paul Signac’s poetic works
The museum highlights Saint-Tropez’s key role in the avant-garde pictorial movement of the early 20th century. Paul Signac fell under the spell of this small fishing village and bought a house called La Hune. He transformed it into a studio, and welcomed many artist friends.
The painter’s oil on canvas Vue de Saint-Tropez, coucher de soleil au bois de pins (1896) ( View of Saint-Tropez, sunset in the pinewood ) attracted us with its blue and violet color scheme. An invitation to escape through art!
The view from the inside window
Appreciate the architecture of the former chapel by observing the view from the upstairs glass window. It’s a different perspective on the showroom, amplifying the contrast between the orange walls on the first floor and the blue walls upstairs. Incidentally, these are 2 shades that oppose each other on the colorimetric spectrum, and therefore compliment each other well. It’s a color combination we particularly like!
The first floor and its colorful paintings
Once upstairs, you’ll discover a selection of colorful paintings. Most of them are natural landscapes, which we really enjoyed. The works on display are very inspiring and relaxing. They invite contemplation. Use this time to meditate, or to awaken your creativity! Do any of you have an artistic soul?
Annonciade Museum in Saint-Tropez: how to get there
Where is the museum?
- In the seaside resort of Saint-Tropez,
- 2 Place Georges Grammont,
- In the heart of the historic city center,
- Next to the port.
Access by car and parking
Arriving from the D98A road along the seafront, you’ll come to the Avenue du Général de Gaulle, which leads directly to the parking lot.
We recommend parking at the Nouveau Port parking lot. It’s very close to the museum, and just a 3-minute walk away via Place Alphonse Celli.
OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN Provence
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Public transport access
The museum is just a 5-minute walk from Saint-Tropez bus station. Numerous buses pass through here, so check out the city’s official website here to adapt your itinerary.
Visiting difficulties
Housed in a former chapel, the site is not accessible to wheelchair users. We observed stairs, but no elevator. We didn’t see a ramp either.
Otherwise, the museum floor is completely flat and smooth. It presents no particular difficulties.
Useful tips for visiting the Annonciade Museum
Schedules and prices
Schedules:
- Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm, January to March, and November-December,
- Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from April to June and in October,
- daily from 10am to 7pm from July to September.
Consult the dates of exceptional closures here.
Price:
- full adult price: between €4 and €6 (depending on the presence of a temporary exhibition),
- free for children under 12.
How long
Allow 30min to 1h to visit the museum, depending on whether or not there is a temporary exhibition.
Best moment
We advise you to visit in the morning to avoid the peak tourist season. This is especially true during the summer months. The museum is located close to the famous port of Saint-Tropez, and can therefore be busier in high season.
If you’re tempted by a visit at dusk in summer, the site is open on Mondays from 10am to 9pm from mid-July to the end of September.
Direction of visit
Due to the configuration of the chapel, there’s not really a set direction, but we did notice directional arrows in certain places. We recommend you start on the first floor and work your way up.
The museum is quite small.
Visiting with children
The museum regularly hosts fun art workshops for children. Find out more about the program here.
Eating out
Located just 2 steps from the port of Saint-Tropez, there are many excellent restaurants nearby. To find out which one to choose, read our article on the best places to eat in the city!
Hotels
You’ll be right in the heart of Saint-Tropez, which boasts a dense, high-quality hotel offer. The choice is yours! See our recommendations below:
WHERE TO STAY IN Saint-Tropez
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
Option 1: Downtown
Enjoy the charm and liveliness of the old town.
Hôtel Le Yaca – Check photos and availability
Hôtel Les Lauriers – Check photos and availability
Option 2: on the road to the beaches
Hotel Le Pre de la mer – Check photos and availability
Hotel Sezz – Check photos and availability
See our complete selection of the best hotels in Saint-Tropez
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
