The olive groves of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin provided a spectacular backdrop for the inauguration of the 14th Art-Bre Festival…
The festival opened this week in the presence of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II. This annual event transforms the Parc des Oliviers into an open-air gallery showcasing works inspired by the region’s history and identity.
This year’s theme pays homage to the sea and the oceans, placing in the spotlight Virginie Hériot, the pioneering yachtswoman who left an indelible mark on both French and local maritime heritage. Hériot, the first female Olympic medallist in sailing at the 1928 Amsterdam Games, spent part of her life in Roquebrune at the Villa Cypris, a cloister-like home perched dramatically above Cap Martin. The site has long been a landmark for sailors and a symbol of her lifelong passion for the sea.
Festival organisers explained that the specially commissioned works seek to revive the memory of a remarkable woman who, despite her achievements in racing, shipbuilding and promoting the Yacht Club de France, has slipped into relative obscurity. “For Virginie Hériot, sailing was life itself,” one speaker noted.
Prince Albert II praised the commitment of the artists and the commune to celebrating local culture and heritage, emphasising the festival’s role in connecting residents and visitors with the Principality’s maritime story. With installations scattered throughout the park, the 14th Art-Bre Festival offers an evocative journey through art, history and the spirit of the Mediterranean.
Image: Monaco Info
