Thanks to the brainchild of the Lavandou’s mayor (Gil Bernardi) and his culture deputy (Mrs Myriam Ciano) and based on the remarkable research of Mr Raphael Dupouy (cultural attaché) at the Lavandou and President of the “Lalan Network” the first cultural circuit was created in St Clair in April 2006.
At the end of the 19th century, neo-impressionism was creating its influence on the evolution of painting. However, it took time to gain recognition of its importance in art history.
In the Lavandou, St Clair’s neighbourhood can be proud to have welcomed two important artists of Seurat’s pictorial period: Henri Edmond CROSS and Théo VAN RYSSELBERGHE. Both spent their last winters painting and working close to this beautiful beach.
The path of the painters allows you to follow the steps of neo-impressionism and writers who settled there from 1892 to 1926: Théo Van Rysselberghe, Henri Edmond Cross, Peul Signac, Maurice Denis, Maximilien Luce...André Gide and Emile Verhaeren.
On this footpath of 2.5 km you will find stands representing all the canvases painted in the Lavandou. It will take you one hour of walking to discover St Clair’s neighbourhood, and the artists Van Rysselberghe and Cross. Their presence can still be felt through the landscape, the coulours and the light.
This indefinable feeling they had and which made them create so much beauty is still present, right in front of you.
