Villa Noailles
Iconic avant-garde villaThe spirit of Charles and Marie-Laure de Noailles
Villa Noailles, built in the 1920s at the request of patrons Charles and Marie-Laure de Noailles, is an emblem of modern architectural heritage. Transformed into an art center of national interest, it now hosts exhibitions, festivals and workshops all year round, perpetuating the cultural and artistic legacy intended by its illustrious creators.
5 good reasons to come to Villa Noailles
- Visit one of France’s first avant-garde villas
- Embracing the view of Hyères old town and the sea
- Enjoy a unique venue dedicated to art, free of charge
- Participate in the city’s cultural life through its many major events
- Stroll through the surrounding Mediterranean gardens
The Noailles, a life of patronage
The commission was for “an interesting little house to live in” in Hyères, in the south of France. A challenge for the young architect Robert Mallet-Stevens, who responded to a request from Charles and Marie-Laure de Noailles, a wealthy Parisian couple with avant-garde ideas. From wealthy, influential families, they were known for their shared passion for art, culture and philanthropy. Their marriage in 1923 marked the beginning of an extraordinary collaboration, during which they supported and encouraged many emerging artists, helping to shape the cultural landscape of their time.
Architectural avant-gardism
The architectural style of Villa Noailles is characterized by clean lines, bold geometric shapes and an innovative use of space. Architect Robert Mallet-Stevens created a structure that harmoniously merges interior and exterior, highlighting natural light and surrounding views. The interior spaces are functional and open, with a fluid layout that encourages circulation and connection between the different rooms. The Villa incorporates innovative features such as roof terraces, entablature windows and spiral staircases, testifying to the modernity and boldness of its architecture. Thanks to this avant-garde approach, it became a “laboratory” for architectural ideas, influencing many architects and designers to this day.
Fashion and design at the top
Since its beginnings in 1985, the fashion festival has been a unique platform for young designers to present their collections to an international audience of industry professionals, journalists and fashion enthusiasts. Held every October, the festival’s shows and exhibitions highlight innovation, creativity and boldness in fashion.
Another not-to-be-missed event, the Design Parade, held every year from June to November, highlights the most innovative trends in architecture, furniture and the decorative arts. His exhibitions present a variety of projects, from experimental prototypes to functional works of art, showcasing a fascinating concentration of emerging trends in the world of design.
Our advice
To find out more about the Villa Noailles, guided tours are organized on site from Wednesday to Sunday at 3pm, without reservation.
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The Design Parade
Summer in Provence Mediterranée is punctuated by a not-to-be-missed event: the Design Parade festival, which takes place in Hyères and Toulon. Every year, on the last weekend in June, a competition brings together emerging talents in design and interior architecture, with an exhibition of their projects running throughout the summer and until November in Toulon.
This event is enriched by meetings, workshops and off-site exhibitions, showcasing young, unique, lively and daring contemporary art.
How do I get there?
On foot: Villa Noailles overlooks the historic center of Hyères. The easiest way to get there is on foot, from the town center. A 20-minute walk will take you up the narrow streets of the historic center to the villa. Choose flat shoes for ease of use.
By car: there are two dirt parking lots at the very top of the hill, but the number of spaces is limited. During major events such as the Festival de Mode or the Design Parade, free shuttles run between Place Clemenceau and Villa Noailles.