A Design Journey Around the World

10 iconic locations every design lover must visit

From the French Riviera to Cape Cod: design is everywhere. We’ve selected 10 inspiring places where modernist and contemporary design meet culture, architecture, and experience. Every location is visitable — and in some cases, you’ll even find an original Aalto chair in its natural habitat. The final stop? An unforgettable landing spot for any design fan flying into New York.

1. E-1027 – Roquebrune-Cap-Martin (FR)

Eileen Gray’s 1929 modernist masterpiece, designed with Jean Badovici, clings to the cliffs above the Mediterranean. A pivotal figure in design history.

Visit: Guided tours only, book via Cap Moderne

Designcollectors tip: Gray’s Adjustable Table E1027 and Bibendum Chair remain icons — and are available for your home.

2. La Garde-Freinet – House of Christophe Gevers (FR)

Belgian design patron Christophe Gevers built his retreat in this Provençal village. Not publicly accessible, but the atmosphere is deeply inspiring for lovers of modernist living.

Designcollectors tip: CG01 - Blue "Le Sud" - Limited Edition

3. Villa Tugendhat – Brno (CZ)

Designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for the Tugendhat family in 1930. A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring expansive glass walls and luxurious minimalism.

Visit: Book via tugendhat.eu

Design highlight: The Barcelona Chair and Tugendhat Chair — created by Mies for the 1929 World’s Fair — also featured here. Available from Knoll.

4. Villa Mairea – Noormarkku (FI)

Designed by Alvar Aalto for Maire Gullichsen in 1938. A poetic blend of Finnish nature, traditional materials, and modernist forms.

Visit: Tours via Ahlström Voyage.

Designcollectors tip: The 900 Tea Trolley, Armchair 400 'Tank' and the AMA 500 green echoes the organic elegance of the villa.

5. Paimio Sanatorium (FI)

Created by Alvar and Aino Aalto as a tuberculosis sanatorium. Every element is designed for healing — including color, lighting, and furniture.

Visit: Daily tours in summer via paimiosanatorium.com

Design highlight: The Paimio Chair’s sculpted plywood supports breathing and posture.

6. Vitra Campus – Weil am Rhein (DE)

A living museum of modern architecture with buildings by Frank Gehry, Zaha Hadid, Tadao Ando, and Jean Prouvé.

Visit: Open campus, tickets for museum and tours at vitra.com

Store: VitraHaus showcases design by Eames, Prouvé, Nelson and more.

7. Willem Hiele – Oudenburg (BE)

Chef Willem Hiele’s new restaurant is housed in a stunning architectural gem by Marie-José Van Hee.

Visit: Reserve a lunch or dinner via willemhiele.be

Design highlight: Interior features Santa & Cole lighting, Scarpa sofa's (Knoll), and Saarinen’s Tulip tables. A true aesthetic feast.

8. Cape Cod (USA)

After fleeing Europe, Bauhaus architects like Breuer and Gropius designed summer homes on the Atlantic coast. Pure, minimal, and surrounded by nature.

Visit: Some homes open via Cape Cod Modern House Trust

Interior: Featuring original Cesca chairs, Gropius-built-ins and Bauhaus lighting.