"The Bastion is a small fortification built on the coast in the early 17th century. Its great age make it interesting, its smallness means there isn’t much to see.

It houses a “museum” – more of a small collection, really – of works by the Jean Cocteau, the famous 20th century French artist (and poet, playwright, novelist, designer, film director, and critic). Most, though not all, of the Cocteau works are prints or drawings. At the time of this visit (2025), there is an exhibition of brightly-coloured sculptural multimedia pieces by Michèle Kleijnen.

Curation was mostly in French only (there might have been a little English, but not much).

I felt it was barely worth the handful of euros it cost to get admission.

Being inside the beautifully-restored building is a bit of a treat. It’s fascinating to see how this atmospheric bit of history was built, seemingly out of re-purposed bits of other buildings. But there is not much to it: an entrance foyer, then stairs up to one large room which has three or four very small rooms off it. And also the pebble mosaics, inside and out which apparently were hand-made by Cocteau. One unexpected pleasure was the way that one of the narrow windows framed the rocks and sea outside – see photo. Oh, and the smallest museum shop in Christendom, possibly.

I’m not one for Cocteau’s art, with the exception of a very few pieces. And I did not think much of the artistry of Kleijnen’s thingies. So this really was not a place for me, save for the architectural history angle. But much better if you appreciate Cocteau."

Marc Fresko

"I recently visited the Jean Cocteau Museum and had a delightful experience. The museum is quite small—you can comfortably explore everything in about 30 minutes—but it’s filled with fascinating exhibits, and they change the artwork every two years. As an English speaker, I was touched by how the staff member made a sincere effort to communicate with me. He was exceptionally friendly and knowledgeable, sharing many insights about Jean and recommending other places to see Jean’s creations. The museum’s architecture and location are also stunning. Definitely worth a visit!"

Leona Li

"The Musée Jean Cocteau - Le Bastion is a fascinating museum located in Menton, France, dedicated to the works of the renowned French poet, writer, and artist Jean Cocteau. Opened in 2011, the museum is housed in a former bastion that dates back to the 17th century, which adds to its historical charm.

The museum features a comprehensive collection of Cocteau's artworks, including drawings, paintings, ceramics, and films, showcasing his diverse talents and his significant contributions to the arts. The collection highlights Cocteau's unique style, characterized by his imaginative and often surreal interpretations of various themes, including love, mythology, and the human experience.

One of the notable aspects of the museum is its architecture, which beautifully combines the old structure of the bastion with modern design elements. The museum's layout allows visitors to explore Cocteau's work in a captivating environment, with views overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

In addition to its permanent collection, the Musée Jean Cocteau hosts temporary exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events, making it a vibrant hub for art enthusiasts and a great place to learn more about Cocteau's life and legacy. Visitors can enjoy the intersection of history, art, and culture in this unique setting, making it a must-visit destination in Menton."

ChefLaurent DE