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In MASTERS Suzanne Swarts shares experiences from her travels to the world's finest art destinations. Château La Coste sits in the heart of Provence, half an hour's drive from Aix-en-Provence. On this exceptional estate, wine, architecture, gastronomy and hospitality blend seamlessly with works by major contemporary artists.

In MASTERS Suzanne Swarts shares the experiences of her travels to the most beautiful art places. Château La Coste is located in the heart of Provence, half an hour's drive from Aix-en-Provence. On this pleasant 'domaine', wine, architecture, gastronomy and hotel industry blend flawlessly with the works of great contemporary art.

There is something about the south of France. It is absolutely no wonder that countless artists found and continue to find their way here. After a beautiful tour past lavender and sunflower fields and past fields full of almond and olive trees, you arrive at the 600-hectare estate of Château La Coste. There you first marvel at the 125 hectares of vines, but then, just when you think your smile cannot get any bigger, you see a pond looming in the distance with a giant spider by Louise Bourgeois in it: you have arrived in a artistic Provencal paradise!

In 2001, Irish property developer, hotelier and art collector Paddy McKillen bought the estate and winery, which has existed since 1682. He invited artists and architects from all over the world to choose a place and create their work of art. (One of the few works that was not made especially for Château La Coste Small Crinkly by Alexander Calder.) This freedom of creative minds produces an extremely beautiful mix of art and architecture.
For example, the Japanese architect Tadao Ando was allowed to design the entrance gate, the arts center and a chapel, the Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry designed the music pavilion and Oscar Niemeyer is responsible for the auditorium. A walking trail takes you past dozens of outdoor works of art, including those by Ai Weiwei, Liam Gillick, Tracey Emin, Richard Serra, Yoko Ono and Michael Stipe (best known as the singer of REM).

“That freedom of creative minds produces an extremely beautiful mix of art and architecture”

Many works of art at Château La Coste are a cross between sculpture and architecture, including Brick Labyrinth by Per Kirkeby. This labyrinth is made up of 24.000 handmade bricks and is the artist's first work completed after his death. Kirkeby chose the location for the work because of its beautiful views and its proximity to a small ruin hidden among the trees.

McKillen, meanwhile, keeps the estate's name alive; Since 2004 he has been producing white, red and rosé wines here according to a wine-growing tradition that dates back to Roman times. He opts for a biodynamic approach to protect the soil and environment as much as possible. At the same time, the Irish entrepreneur also shows his background. Château La Coste has therefore grown into a gastronomic centre, with no fewer than five restaurants and a Provencal terrace where you can taste local delicacies and the produce of the vineyards. One of the restaurants is even run by the famous Argentinian chef Francis Mallmann.

At Château La Coste you can not only dine and taste wine amid contemporary art and architecture. The estate also includes a luxury hotel, designed by Hong Kong designer André Fu. Here the French dominates the way of life. All 28 villa suites have a terrace with views of the vineyards and the Luberon Valley. Ten suites even have their own swimming pool. In the hotel you have breakfast between work by Cy Twombly, Fernand Léger and Alberto Giacometti, among others.

Both the art collection and the 'domain' itself are one Work in progress. Every visit to Château La Coste is rewarded with new gems from talented artists, photographers and architects. I can't wait for the next time I can park my car under that pond with the giant Bourgeois spider!