Villa Noailles in turmoil in Hyères: 7 questions we ask ourselves after a month of crisis

A double event took place this Wednesday in the life of the Villa Noailles. At 11 a.m., the members of the association's board of directors met, and in the afternoon, Jean-Pierre Giran, the main funder as mayor of Hyères and president of the Métropole TPM, provided an update on the decisions of the steering committee established to rescue the art center from its turmoil.

1. When will suppliers be paid?

The association announces that it has adopted a phased and " responsible" debt reduction plan, enabling the association's financial situation to be gradually improved while preserving its artistic activity, it emphasizes in its press release.

Let us recall that the Ministry of Culture's report revealed that a multitude of suppliers (horticulturists, taxis, hoteliers, etc.) were waiting to be paid for their services.

Specifically, Villa Noailles announces that "€1 million has already been paid to the Villa's suppliers since the beginning of 2025, an additional €1.5 million will be paid by December 31, 2025, and €700,000 will be paid in 2026." These figures are confirmed by Jean-Pierre Giran, who praises a " more than considerable effort ."

2. How to find the money to repay?

No magic money to rescue the Villa, according to Jean-Pierre Giran. To pay off these debts, financiers are forcing the association to tighten its belt. "The next Design Parade will have a budget of €500,000 less, the future fashion festival will have a budget of €700,000 less, and a saving of €300,000 on payroll will be made," announces the president of TPM.

A budget cut that will result in a refocusing on the "fundamentals " and a slowdown in lifestyle. In short, fewer temporary exhibitions and fewer cocktail receptions are planned to save the fashion festival, an event presented as ensuring Hyères' global reputation.

Beyond cost savings, TPM plans to move away from completely free admission for visitors. The Metropolis wants to introduce a ticketing system for events or visits to the Villa. No specific timeline has been announced, however.

3. Have the fashion houses abandoned the Villa?

Obviously, the media coverage received by the Hyères association has not escaped the attention of the fashion houses, major patrons of the institution. Chanel in particular has taken a step back. When asked about the impact of this decision on its business, the Villa announced that it is working " to maintain trust with (its) partners. The suspension of support from the House of Chanel concerns the fashion festival scheduled for October. We are obviously all working to restore the situation at Villa Noailles as quickly as possible and to continue our missions. "

Jean-Pierre Giran emphasizes that this is a " suspension " that he understands and that a reverse gear is entirely possible.

4. Will there be a fashion festival this year?

Given the situation, many were betting on a blank year for the fashion festival. A falsely good idea for saving money, according to Jean-Pierre Giran. " We could have asked ourselves that question. But the budget established with the fashion festival showed that it was less expensive than without it. Because it attracts patrons."

5. Will there be a Design Parade festival?

Yes. The Villa's board of directors announces that it has "confirmed the continuation of the exhibitions planned as part of the Design Parade festival (from June 26 to 29, 2025 in Hyères and Toulon ). This refocused format will preserve the artistic dimension and visibility of the festival, while remaining within the management framework defined for the year 2025."

6. Will Villa Noailles change status?

Maintaining the Villa Noailles' influence but moving away from its association status, which prevents public funders from keeping an eye on the accounts, is " an absolute priority " for Jean-Pierre Giran. " We can no longer, in such an important institution, remain in association form." He is campaigning for a Public Interest Group. This topic will be on the agenda of the association 's next general meeting on July 2. "It will focus on the developments to be considered in terms of governance, economic model, and cultural positioning," the Villa announced.

7. Is the project to make Hyères a fashion capital doomed?

For months, the TPM Metropolis has been refining its candidacy in a " call for expressions of interest, territorial hubs of cultural and creative industries" . A system launched by the Ministry of Culture which aims to design areas of excellence in different fields... and to finance their development. Highlighting the momentum launched in particular by the Villa Noailles, TPM supports the candidacy of Hyères for fashion and Toulon for design and would have been happy to do without this "bad buzz". All is not lost however according to Jean-Pierre Giran, who assures that the designation procedure is following its course and still hopes for good news for the beginning of 2026.