Picasso & Céret

The picturesque village of historic Céret is shaded by giant plane trees and protected by the foothills of the Pyrenees rising just behind. The vibrant Saturday market here is a favorite and the shops and cafés are the perfect place to while away an afternoon. It’s easy to understand why Picasso chose this village to set up his easel.

Beneath the trees of Céret Picasso developed a radically new way of perceiving and painting. At the base of these very mountains a brave new art form came into being, now famously known as Cubism.

Landscapes of the town have been painted by Picasso, Gris, Dufy, Braque, Chagall, Masson and others. Some can be viewed at the Museum of Modern Art in Céret, along with other rotating exhibits.

• January 10, 2014