As part of the United Nations Ocean Conference program, Madam Le Thi Bich Tran, accompanying Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, joined other first ladies and gentlemen in visiting the medieval village of Saint-Paul de Vence and the Maeght Foundation, an esteemed modern art museum. The event was designed and hosted by French First Lady Brigitte Macron.

The visit began with a tea gathering near the main square of Saint-Paul de Vence. The guests enjoyed a panoramic view of the village, visited local galleries, and captured memorable moments together in photographs.

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Madam Le Thi Bich Tran and French First Lady Brigitte Macron. Photo: Minh Nhat

The delegation later visited the Maeght Foundation, home to one of Europe’s largest collections of modern art. The museum features paintings, sculptures, drawings, and graphic works by 20th-century luminaries such as Pierre Bonnard, Georges Braque, and Alexander Calder.

Guests were introduced to several iconic artworks, including a sculpture garden featuring works by Arman.

At the renowned restaurant La Colombe d’Or – once frequented by legendary figures like Pablo Picasso, Jacques Prévert, Yves Montand, and James Baldwin – First Lady Brigitte Macron extended a warm welcome to the distinguished guests. She expressed her hope that the tour offered a meaningful glimpse into France’s rich artistic traditions and natural beauty.

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Madam Bich Tran with other first ladies and gentlemen touring the historic village. Photo: Minh Nhat
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Photo: Minh Nhat

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Photo: Minh Nhat
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Photo: Minh Nhat

Speaking at the event, Madam Le Thi Bich Tran expressed gratitude to Brigitte Macron for initiating and organizing the cultural experience. She also appreciated the presence of the other first ladies and gentlemen, emphasizing the value of such moments of connection and sharing.

Madam Bich Tran highlighted Vietnam’s natural beauty, with over 3,000 km of coastline and a diversity of spectacular landscapes. She also conveyed her passion for addressing social issues, particularly empowering women and children.

She extended an invitation to the guests to visit Vietnam in the near future to experience its natural wonders and rich cultural heritage.

Saint-Paul de Vence, perched atop an elliptical hill and encircled by fortified walls, dates back to the Middle Ages. Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, the village has attracted artists since the 1920s. Renowned figures like Picasso, Dufy, Matisse, and Marc Chagall lived and created here.

The narrow cobblestone streets of Saint-Paul de Vence are so small that the widest road is barely one meter across. Along these alleys are galleries displaying original and reproduced artworks, ranging from paintings and sculptures to glass and mixed-media pieces.

As part of her official visit to France, Madam Le Thi Bich Tran also visited the French Senate, the National Assembly Library, the Palais Garnier opera house, and the Louvre Museum.

Tran Thuong