There are exhibitions you visit out of curiosity. And then there are those that make you stop in front of an object and think: that's exactly it. Exactly what my clients are looking for when they say they want "something with character."

The Gallery in Beaulieu-sur-Mer opened its doors in February 2026. Architects Thomas Vielliard and Jacques Francheteau created a space that looks like what you'd dream of living in: natural light, perfect proportions, silence.

This summer, in partnership with Lythore — an online gallery specializing in collectible design — they present Présences. Fourteen creators, unique pieces and limited editions, until September 12, 2026. I was at the opening on June 24.

Vincent Poujardieu — material under tension

Vincent Poujardieu presents three pieces that form a single universe. The Throne: a stainless steel tube structure, covered in copper-brass-stainless weaving, four brass cabochon feet. One of eight editions, nominated for the Créateur Design Award 2025. The Squid, a bench in the same vein, one of five. And Bee Gold — his lamp: matte 24-karat gold base, aluminum honeycomb structure treated in gold.

These three pieces share the same obsession: light passing through matter. The weaving of the Throne changes with the hour. Bee Gold illuminates without imposing. These are not objects you buy to decorate. These are objects that live in a space.

HOMA — marble that captures light

Tuğba Koç, Turkish designer, works marble, onyx, and metals — all by hand, all artisanal. At Présences, two pieces under the same name: Orbis. A coffee table in orange marble and honey onyx, with a mirror heart in polished stainless steel. A mirror in bronze glass and marble. Stone that captures, reflects, changes depending on where you stand. On the Côte d'Azur, in that evening light — these pieces do something particular.

Vincent Mazenauer — perfect balance

Vincent Mazenauer, Swiss, based in Lausanne, creates furniture inspired by history and engineering. Modern lines, ancient references, demanding European production.

His Iliad console in Nero Marquina — black marble veined with white, 150 cm long — is one of those pieces you see once and remember ten years later. Nothing too much. Nothing missing.

Szkło Studio — glass as light

Aleksandra Zawistowska blows glass by hand, without a mold. Vases, bowls, glasses — each piece is unique, organic, spontaneous. What you really see is the light inside: the glass does not block it, it captures and transforms it. Objects you never tire of looking at.

The other creators

The Ustio mirror in burned steel by Paul Hardy. The Under the moon & the stars floor lamp in mirror-polished aluminum by Bogdan Ciocodeica. The Apo side table in polished brass by Victor Tison. The bronze sculptures by Lørdag & Søndag — small, precise, the kind that stay with you. And the Héritage cabinet by Diamant Versatile: dark solid oak, Jacquard upholstery. A beautiful piece.

Why this touches me, as a real estate agent

Because I see the same shift in my clients. Finding a beautiful property is no longer enough. They want to know how to live in it.

The question is no longer "is the house beautiful?" but "does the house look like me?" And for that, you need objects with a story, an intention, a hand behind them. Not showroom purchases off the shelf.

Présences is exactly that. Each piece was chosen for what it does in a space — not for what it is worth on the market.

Exhibition Présences — The Gallery × Lythore · From June 2 to September 12, 2026 · Beaulieu-sur-Mer