When Pierre Yovanovitch established his furniture and interior design studio in 2001, the industry began to evolve alongside him. Drawing on influences spanning everything from the 1920s Swedish Grace movement to contemporary art, Yovanovitch was one of the first to see furniture as a form of high art. His style soon emerged: rich yet minimalist, sculptural yet refined.
Born in Nice, Yovanovitch moved to Paris to attend business school, eventually spending eight years working alongside Pierre Cardin as a menswear designer. He later shifted to interiors, bringing with him a sharp eye that has earned him admirers from Christian Louboutin to François-Henri Pinault.
In 2009, Yovanovitch purchased the Château de Fabrègues, a 17th-century estate on the northern edge of Provence’s Var region, which he has since restored with characteristic flair. Here, the designer shares his recommendations for what to do in the area he calls home.
HÔTEL DU COUVENT
A little gem hidden in Nice. I love stopping there to enjoy the silence of the garden. (hotelducouvent.com)
LA MERENDA
An institution in Nice, La Merenda serves traditional yet lively food. I love their pissaladière. (lamerenda.net)
CLUB DAUPHIN AT THE HÔTEL DU CAP-FERRAT
Perfect for a lunch break by the pool overlooking the Mediterranean. (fourseasons.com)
Fondugues-Pradugues
Enjoy simple and delicious meals on the cellar terrace at the heart of this vineyard in Ramatuelle. The menu changes according to the chef’s wishes and what’s available at the local market. (fondugues.com)
LA COLOMBE D’OR
A hotel and restaurant, La Colombe d’Or, in Saint Paul de Vence, is a must-try. It’s a joy to have breakfast surrounded by the works of Fernand Léger, Alexander Calder, or Pablo Picasso. (la-colombe-dor.com)
FONDATION MAEGHT
The Maeght family’s art collection is astounding, but so is the architecture at this foundation in Saint Paul de Vence. A retrospective of the artist Barbara Hepworth, whose work I admire and support, is currently on view. (fondation-maeght.com)
ABBAYE DU THORONET
The Thoronet Abbey, in Le Thoronet, is a profoundly exotic place and a journey through time. I love its austerity and the intensity of its light. (le-thoronet.fr)
FONDATION CARMIGNAC
Perched on the Porquerolles Island, this foundation blends contemporary art and Mediterranean nature. It’s a place that inspires me greatly and gives me food for thought. (fondationcarmignac.com)
La Chapelle Matisse
The Matisse Chapel, in Vence, is a unique place where the light on Henri Matisse’s works creates a soothing and spiritual atmosphere. It’s a space of art and silence that moves me deeply. (chapellematisse.fr)
Le Jas des Robert
The Jas des Robert, in Cogolin, is an open-air flea market that is one of my favorite Sunday morning stops. I often find charming objects there. (instagram.com)
La Maison Cini
An artisanal fresh pasta shop in Flayosc. I buy their specialty there: Les pâtes à la flayoscaise, or fresh pasta topped with Provençal stew. A dish from my childhood! (instagram.com)
