Everyone knows of the great museums and galleries in international cities like Paris, London, Madrid, New York City and Miami, but a growing number of smaller cities and towns join the art scene with state-of-the-art galleries showcasing work from local and international artists. Art enthusiasts wanting to blend art with travel should visit these two beautiful destinations in Europe this spring to not only take in the natural scenery but also visit galleries hosting exhibitions and events.

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Porquerolles Island, France

This secluded island of the French Riviera is home to the original Provencal villa. After expanding with underground exhibition galleries lit by a water ceiling, visitors far and wide come to the island to enjoy the island’s beaches and take in art at Villa Carmignac, a private art museum. The museum is surrounded by a vast garden featuring permanent art installations, and the upcoming exhibition, The Inner Island, opens to the public April 29–Nov. 5.

This exhibition offers a deep immersion into artists’ inner worlds, featuring more than 80 works by artists like Peter Doig, Auguste Rodin, Verne Dawson, Roy Lichtenstein, Adrián Villar Rojas and more. Designed by curator Jean-Marie Gallais, this exhibition delves into a fictional, mental and abstract island, with reminders of the real Mediterranean island woven within.

While in Porquerolles, enjoy the island’s many offerings, including boat excursions, aquatic activities, jet skiing and sightseeing. Places of interest like Alycastre Fort, Moulin du Bonheur windmill and Repentance Fort are popular among visitors.

© Grove Gallery

Villars-sur-Ollon, Switzerland

Located in the Swiss Alps with views of Lake Geneva and the Mont Blanc massif, the resort village of Villars-sur-Ollon welcomes a new art space called Grove Gallery. Grove Gallery, originally from London, has garnered a reputation for consistently giving a voice to artists whose work sits outside the contemporary canon. Grove Gallery in Villars-sur-Ollon marks the gallery’s first international outpost.

In the coming months, Grove Gallery will collaborate with the newly renovated, 5-star Villars Palace to create a series of immersive art experiences, with everything from graffiti ice walls to artist-customized snowboards and urban snow installations. Some of the artists working with Grove Gallery here include Frank Canvas, Christian Furr, Lauren Baker, Opake, Glen Fox, Clarke Reynolds, Joan Miro, Orlanda Broom and more.

Villars-sur-Ollon welcome travelers in all seasons. Glacier skiing and ski resorts with thermal baths draw many in winter, while avid hikers, mountain bikers and golfers flock to the town in summer.