{"id":23034,"date":"2025-10-29T10:07:59","date_gmt":"2025-10-29T09:07:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.themilliardaire.com\/en\/?p=23034"},"modified":"2025-10-29T10:08:00","modified_gmt":"2025-10-29T09:08:00","slug":"les-bains-gardians-a-new-perspective-on-the-camargue","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.themilliardaire.com\/en\/hotels\/les-bains-gardians-a-new-perspective-on-the-camargue-23034\/","title":{"rendered":"Les Bains Gardians: A New Perspective on the Camargue"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In the heart of a four-hectare estate, just outside Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, Les Bains Gardians<\/strong> assert their distinct identity. This discreet hotel, envisioned by Jean-Pierre Marois<\/strong>, combines the high standards of luxury hospitality with a bold artistic vision. More than just an address in the Camargue, it is a destination designed to host contemporary creation in all its diversity, in continuous dialogue with nature and local history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Vision Shaped by Jean-Pierre Marois<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Producer, collector, and the man behind the revival of Les Bains Paris, Jean-Pierre Marois<\/strong> brings to this project a consistent artistic direction that reflects his established reputation. Under his guidance, Les Bains Gardians have become a space for artistic experimentation\u2014structured yet open, developed in collaboration with curator J\u00e9r\u00f4me Pauchant<\/strong> and interior designers Hauvette & Madani<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Jean-Pierre<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The aim is clear: to integrate contemporary art into the core of the guest experience with subtlety, coherence, and precision. Artworks appear throughout the communal areas, guest rooms, reception, and especially within the Pont des Bannes restaurant<\/strong>, now a living exhibition space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"restaurant<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Each Residency, A New Perspective on the Camargue<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

From the outset, several artists were invited to produce site-specific works<\/strong> as part of carefully curated residencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Camargues\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Dove Perspicacius<\/strong>, based in the C\u00e9vennes, drew from local traditions\u2014including the Camargue\u2019s ex-votos and the figure of Saint Sara\u2014to develop a series rooted in the region\u2019s spiritual and cultural heritage. Displayed on the restaurant\u2019s terrace, her works explore the connection between memory, ritual, and contemporary expression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The duo Studio Al Fresco<\/strong>, composed of Charlotte Develter<\/strong> and Zo\u00e9 de Soumagnat<\/strong>, focused their efforts on the restaurant ceilings. Their pastel-hued, ethereal compositions offer a delicate interpretation of the Camargue sky, painted using solvent-free, environmentally respectful techniques.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another standout contribution comes from Perrine Boudy<\/strong>, a recent graduate of the Villa Arson in Nice. Her graphic ceiling piece draws inspiration from the surrounding marshlands\u2014lush green washes punctuated by stylized animals and natural motifs that hover between abstraction and figuration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lastly, Robin Leforestier<\/strong>, known for his nomadic practice, produced a series of plein air paintings around the estate. His approach, attuned to both architecture and human interaction, echoes the site\u2019s commitment to welcoming diverse artistic perspectives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Bains<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A Lasting Collection, Seamlessly Integrated<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Beyond the residencies, Les Bains Gardians host a curated selection of permanent works<\/strong> by both emerging and established artists. Visitors encounter modular volumes by Michel Duport<\/strong>, sun-drenched scenes by Martin Gendre<\/strong>, and a standout piece by Matt Jones<\/strong> at the restaurant entrance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sculptures by Alexandre Bavard<\/strong>, Benjamin Sabatier<\/strong>, and Olivier Urman<\/strong> add further depth to this evolving collection, designed to complement the estate\u2019s architecture and natural surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here, art does not merely decorate, it defines space, encourages conversation, and plays a vital role in shaping the identity of the site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A Domain Shaped by Art and the Camargue<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Les Bains Gardians<\/strong> are neither a museum nor a conventional open-air gallery. Instead, art is integrated into a broader, long-term vision, with careful attention paid to the estate\u2019s integration within the Camargue landscape. In collaboration with Luce Monier<\/strong>, a floral artist based in Arles, a rewilding project has been launched to enhance the natural environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This approach has already attracted new artists set to join the programme, including Nils Udo<\/strong>, Quentin Lefranc<\/strong>, Sylvain Ristori<\/strong>, Jan van der Ploeg<\/strong>, and Olivier Millagou<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Les Bains Gardians<\/strong> embody a new generation of cultural destinations\u2014where high-end hospitality meets a carefully curated artistic programme. A rare address, guided by the vision of a passionate collector, created for travellers seeking a more thoughtful, immersive encounter with place and art alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our team discovered and experienced this exceptional place so that we could tell you about it with authenticity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our 5 favorite things about Les Bains Gardians<\/h2>\n\n\n\n