SM'ART 2026: building a contemporary art stay in Aix-en-Provence

In late April, Aix-en-Provence reclaims its title as the Mediterranean capital of contemporary art. SM'ART Life — the salon of art and luxury crafts — takes over Parc Jourdan from 29 April to 3 May 2026 for its 20th edition, bringing together more than 400 artists and galleries in the heart of the city. For owners of second homes in the Pays d'Aix, this is the ideal opportunity to build a contemporary art stay around an exceptional cultural programme.

SM'ART Life: art and luxury in dialogue

This 20th edition marks a major transformation: the salon reinvents itself as SM'ART Life, placing artistic creation and artisanal excellence in conversation. Painters, sculptors, photographers, designers and luxury craftspeople exhibit their work side by side in a unique setting. Entry is free and opening hours are flexible — from Wednesday evening through Sunday afternoon — making it easy to incorporate into a long weekend without rigid scheduling.

Château La Coste: contemporary art among the vines

Twenty minutes from Aix, the Château La Coste wine estate is an unmissable open-air gallery. Works by Louise Bourgeois, Tadao Ando and Richard Serra punctuate a trail through vines and garrigue. In spring, the Provençal light is at its finest and the estate has not yet reached its summer crowds. A morning visit, followed by lunch at the estate's restaurant, makes for a thoroughly satisfying half-day.

The Biennale d'Aix: art throughout the city's gardens

The third edition of the Biennale d'Aix occupies parks, chapels and public spaces with a multidisciplinary programme spanning contemporary art, dance, music and photography. Outdoor installations are freely accessible, making for an ideal cultural stroll on a late afternoon after the SM'ART. This year, the Biennale pays homage to contemporary Italy — a rare artistic dialogue at this scale.

How to build your stay around these events

A successful cultural stay in Aix requires advance planning: reservations at privately-known restaurants, transfers to Château La Coste, and coordinating visit slots around SM'ART's opening hours. These are precisely the details — logistics, anticipation, local network — that we arrange for our clients, so that they arrive at their property with only one thing to do: enjoy it.

Would you like to organise a stay around SM'ART or the Biennale d'Aix? Discover our bespoke stays service or share your dates with us.