3 good reasons to visit l’Art de la Fête at the Château de Crémat

L’Art de la Fête (The Art of Celebration) is a wonderful initiative dreamt up by Soraya Bahsoun, an entrepreneur from the Côte d’Azur, and the public relations manager at the Château de Crémat.

Objective: promote the contemporary culture of Nice and the Côte d’Azur by highlighting its talents!

Artists and artisans who express and showcase themselves in a multitude of disciplines: gastronomy, painting, sculpture, fashion, jewellery and even the art of playing pétanque! “The watchwords are discovery, sharing, friendship, sweet treats, and “feel good”, plus magic and surprise…” explains Soraya Bahsoun. “We transport the public into a festive and enchanting atmosphere, by way of a variety of events established throughout the day.” In excess of 10,000 visitors are expected on over 3,500 m² of exhibitions!

Make a date on 9 and 10 September for the second edition of l’Art de la Fête: an indicator of rare gems.

1- To meet the artists and artisans of our region

Set out to meet the fifty or so exhibitors – confirmed talents or emerging stars – installed in the heart of the gardens. They are caterers, restaurant owners, rum producers, creators, artists and traders… Everything you need to satisfy the eyes and the tastebuds!

In the heart of the gardens, the Marie room and under the glass canopy, they will have you enjoy a variety of events: a cooking show with the Château’s cookery workshop, or the creation of Petits Galet (Pebble Cakes) signed by the Crémat patisserie; a mini-bouquet workshop with Maison Favelita; the creation of a niche perfume with Maison Godet, plus an unusual fashion show by Archie Bows, the Nice-based creator of bow ties made from recycled fabrics!

Not to mention live music, food trucks and a pétanque pitch for an open-air cafe feel.

2- To enjoy unusual experiences

In addition to the workshops and demonstrations by the region’s artisans and artists, truly multi-sensory performances will take place in the heart of the Château throughout the weekend.

Don’t miss the incredible visual show in the golden colours of Sylvia Rainguez on Sunday, 10 September at 16:00. With her “Body Painting Golden Vibes”, the artist from Nice is creating a living artwork, live, accompanied by a musical backdrop.

On Saturday, 9 September, it’s cabaret time with the troupe from the Nice National Theatre. As of 19:30, attend a special 1930s evening on the Bay of Angels terrace at the Château de Crémat! A singing spectacular for a musical stroll with Victor Hugo, to the voice of Bénédicte Allard accompanied by François Barucco on the piano.

Over these two days, Mademoiselle Riviera will offer you an original and unforgettable experience: take to the road and visit the Domaine de Bellet in a 2CV. A captivating discovery tour followed by a wine tasting at the estate, at the price of EUR 25 per person.

For the athletic, a bike trip is also offer by French Riviera Like a Local and the local Blue Coast Beer.

3- To explore the Château de Crémat

The Château de Crémat is a neo-Tuscan style jewel suspended on the Bellet hills. Encircled by vines, it offers panoramic views over the surrounding countryside and the Mediterranean Sea. An emblematic location that hosts exceptional events. It’s history dates back to the beginning of the 20th century when Antoine Mari, a prosperous merchant selling olive oil from Nice (the local know-how was already a thing!) built the Château on the land of his ancestors, “Li plana de Mari” and thus contributed to the revival of the Bellet vineyard.

It’s most famous secret dates from the Roaring Twenties, when the unique Irène Bretz, a super-rich shareholder in an American railway company, transformed it with the architectural firm Charles Dalmas (behind the Carlton Hotel in Cannes). Here, she hosted the great and good of the time, including Gabrielle Chanel, who would be inspired by the initials of the Château de Crémat, two interlaced Cs, to brand her prestigious fashion house.

Talking of which, on Saturday, 9 September, don’t miss the immersive visits offered by Jay Kynesios, a hypnotist and mentalist, to relive the Coco Chanel period (every hour between 11:30 and 17:30).