Château La Coste: 40 artworks, Tadao Ando, Gehry and Niemeyer in the vineyards

An estate reconceived as an art centre

The property was acquired in 2004 by Irish property investor Patrick (Paddy) McKillen, a collector and patron, who decided to graft an open-air contemporary art centre onto the existing wine-producing estate. The concept opened to the public in 2011.

Today, the estate combines wine production (organic wines under certified agriculture), open-air art and architecture trail, several restaurants, a five-star hotel, and galleries for temporary exhibitions. It is one of the most ambitious privately-funded projects of its kind in France, in the same vein as the Fondation Maeght in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, though more dispersed.

The art and architecture trail, 40 outdoor artworks

The trail extends across the 200 hectares of the estate, mainly along the vineyards and olive groves, along a marked path. It takes approximately two to three hours of leisurely walking to complete the entire route. There are around 40 permanent works, plus a few temporary exhibitions in the galleries.

Among the most striking pieces: “Crouching Spider” by Louise Bourgeois in the entrance basin, the Art Centre Pavilion by Tadao Ando with its triangular façade over water, the music pavilion by Frank Gehry, the auditorium-pavilion by Oscar Niemeyer set among the vineyards, alongside works by Sophie Calle, Andy Goldsworthy, Hiroshi Sugimoto, and a welded metal sculpture by Bob Dylan.

The architecture of the reception buildings

The Art Centre designed by Tadao Ando is the entry point to the site. It combines a triangular reflecting pool, in which the Louise Bourgeois sculpture is reflected, and a floating pavilion in two wings forming an acute angle, the signature of the Japanese architect. It functions as both ticket office, circulation space and a framed vantage point over the pinewood and vineyards.

The wine cellar was designed by Jean Nouvel, in a different vocabulary (refined industrial volumes), where visits and tastings take place. It is one of the rare wine estates where the cellar is itself an autonomous architectural object, and where the visit does not separate the “vineyard section” from the “art section”.

The wines: organic, Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence

The estate produces Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence AOP, under certified organic and biodynamic agriculture (Demeter). The range covers all three colours, with a rosé as the signature offering (typical of the region) and age-worthy reds.

Tasting is available by reservation at the cellar, at prices varying according to the format chosen, short visit or full trail with food and wine pairing at the restaurant.

When to visit and how long to allow

The art centre is open year-round, with seasonal hours. For a comfortable visit, allow a minimum of half a day, ideally a full day if you wish to combine the art trail, lunch on site and tasting. Spring (March to May) and early autumn (September to October) remain the best windows: the light complements the artworks, and summer heat does not make the outdoor trail overwhelming.

In summer, plan to arrive early (opening around 10am) and take a mid-day break in the shade of the galleries or at the restaurant.

Planning a stay near Aix-en-Provence

AEC Collection selects and represents distinguished bastides and villas in the Aix-en-Provence and Luberon region, near Château La Coste. Booking for the art trail and wine cellar tastings is made directly with the estate.