Marc Chagall is famous for his works inspired by Jewish folklore, and this museum reveals a deeply mystical poet in him. Chagall was born in Russia in 1887 and passed away near Nice at St Paul-de-Vence in 1985. His interpretations of the Bible are presented on vast canvasses, blending candid forms with a poetry of colors. The bright and spacious Musée Marc Chagall boasts some of the finest of his works. At the entrance, a small bookshop stocks a number of publications about Chagall and his art, as well as prints of his work.

Musée d'art moderne et d'art contemporain (MAMAC) is not only a bastion for modern art, but an architectural triumph. The Carrara marble towers are linked with glass footbridges; at the top, a terrace/walkway (known as the Jardin d'Eden) gives visitors a bird's-eye view of the city. Works from the 1950s to the present day are featured in the permanent collection, including some fine Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein pop art pieces. Temporary exhibitions and the École du Louvre lecture series are held here (November to April), as well as monthly film screenings. There is an excellent museum shop on the ground floor which offers design pieces and books.

Built in 1878, this magnificent private mansion houses a collection of more than 6000 works of art dating from the 17th Century to the 1940s. As well as work by French artists (including sculptures by Carpeaux and Rodin), the museum also boasts a fine collection of remarkably restored Flemish school paintings. Two exhibition spaces are entirely devoted to modern art, featuring Kees Van Dongen, Raoul Dufy and Picasso. Of particular note is symbolist work by Nice artist Gustav Adolf Mossa, who for many years was curator of the museum. Call ahead to know more.

Housed in a magnificent red building, this museum stands on Cimiez Hill, close to the city's Arènes (ancient amphitheater) and the Musée Archéologique. Henri Matisse lived in Cimiez from 1917 until his death in 1954. The museum was established in 1963. Paintings, drawings and some of his earliest works are on display, along with pieces that reveal his lesser-known talents as a sculptor. Several black and white photographs offer glimpses of the artist's private life.

Musée des Arts Asiatiques displays the sheer beauty and diversity of Asian art and culture with pieces from various regions across the continent. The collection of traditional costumes is simply outstanding. Situated close to Phoenix Park, this museum opened in 1998 and is one of the most beautiful and well-designed in the city. The architect, Kenzo Tange, has constructed a masterpiece in white marble, resting on round and square bases which symbolize the sky and the earth. The museum stretches out towards a small artificial lake where swans and ducks swim.

The house in which Impressionist painter Pierre Auguste Renoir lived with his wife and three sons has been made into a museum. Renoir, apparently lived in this house till his death in 1919. His paintings, portraits and sculptures are now a part of the museum collection. Complemented by furniture and everyday objects belonging to the artist and surrounded by olive trees, the museum forms a lasting tribute to his creative genius. This place is about 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Cannes.

This stunning museum in Biot preserves a rich tradition of glass blowing through its exhibits. The craft of making jars is over four centuries old and has been a specialty of the area. The collection of these jars from different eras is an attractive feature of this museum. Guided tours at the museum are quite informative. Musée d'Histoire et de Céramique Biotoise is a must-visit if you want to know more about the local culture. Check website for varying dates.