Painting in Provence (trip)

Painting in Provence

  • France
  • Active & Adventure
“What a joy this escapade has been. The two of you are the perfect team, gracious hostess and charming guide.… ”
France

from $3,190* per person8 DaysMay, June, September
Boutique accommodations Exertion level: 2
Operator: French Escapade 12 people max
Discover why Provence has been an inspiration for generations of artists like Van Gogh, Cezanne,...

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Locations visited/nearby

France

2 testimonials about this trip

  1. Reviewer: S Delehanty located in Penryn, CA USA
    What a joy this escapade has been. The two of you are the perfect team, gracious hostess and charming guide. You show off France well, the country should be proud of you! My friends and I will never forget the fun (and certainly not the food). It’s been like being part of a big happy family. I am proud of the students for their passion and dedication to painting and learning and I hope you will invite me back again to teach on your wonderful trips.
  2. Reviewer: S Hamilton located in Auburn, CA USA
    Merci Jackie and Valerie, Our first experience with French Escapade was more than any of us anticipated. It was so wonderful—from the gourmet food and presentations to the personal attention taken to the preparation of each day. You both are so well organized and made our stay most comfortable. Each place we visited was more than special. The time to paint and sketch this beautiful country was the best. We all loved this experience and hope to return again. Merci – à bientôt.

3 testimonials about the provider, French Escapade:

  • Reviewer: Jill G., Laytonville located in Laytonville CA USA
     We had never done a tour before we traveled with you, and we will never do another tour unless it's with you. We always appreciated all the hard work you put into your tour, but now, we REALLY appreciate it, having experienced what it's like on a "non-French Escapade" tour ", now that we are on a motorcycle tour of southern Italy. Although there have been many wonderful moments on the trip so far, it has been a disappointment because you have spoiled us on the French Escapade tour! Oh, how I wish you were here with us! You attention to details, your kindness, your knowledge of the region made the trip so memorable. We will travel with you again next year."
  • Reviewer: Jim H.and Cully B. located in Los Altos, CA USA
    "'Shall I tell you what I think are the two qualities of a work of art? First, it must be indescribable and second, it must be inimitable' -Renoir.
    Jac and Valerie, this quote from Renoir captures our feelings very well, you created something that is beyond words and certainly can’t be imitated."
  • Reviewer: Bonnie C. located in Oakland, CA USA
    "From the moment we connected at the airport, I felt myself relax! Jackie and Valerie attended to every detail of making the trip safe, educational, entertaining, and country-French authentic. Yet they did it with a kind of grace and that felt like each person's needs and tastes were important, and respected. It was so refreshing to just surrender to the beauty of the place, and to their special charms and TLC. We all wanted to live there forever, or, lacking that, take them both home with us. Dream on, dream on."

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Special information

  • You need to form your own private group for this trip. It will be scheduled for a date you arrange with the provider. The itinerary here is just a sample.
  • Offers some solo-only/singles departures.

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome Champagne Reception


We will pick you up at the Avignon train station. Upon your arrival at our hotel, take time to settle in, dip in the pool or explore the village. In the evening, you will enjoy a welcome reception followed by a gourmet dinner.

Day 2: Ochre village of Roussillon

Roussillon, one of France's Most Beautiful Villages, sits on top of the world's biggest vein of ochre, the reddish pigment which has been used by artists for centuries. Paint red houses, ochre trails, cafes, what ever inspires you. If it is in June, we will have a chance to paint in a lavender field close to Roussillon.

At the end of the day, we will take a walk inside the park, on the Ochre Trail revealing many fantastic rock and cliff formations.You will also have time for shopping: don't miss out on the unique reddish poteries.         


Day 3: Most spectacular village in Provence: Gordes

Gordes, also listed one of France's most beautiful villages, is the most spectacular village in Provence, perched on the southern edge of the high Plateau de Vaucluse.

The view from the village is a southern panorama out across fields, vineyards and forests, and small-perched villages to the Montagne du Luberon. You can choose to paint the breathtaking panorama, the village houses, or even the outdoor stalls.
           
        
Day 4: Market and Canals in "Isle sur la Sorgue"

L'Isle sur la Sorgue is a real paradise for painters and photographers.Its colors are nature's green and the bright reflection of the water shines from the several canals running through its center.

In the morning, we will shop the incredible and colorful market: colorful arrays of Provencal fabric, tablecloths, pottery, silk scarves, natural soaps with dozens of scents and of course lavender products. Afternoon, we will paint by the canal.
        

Day 5: Painting in the Fontaine de Vaucluse

Today will be a non driving day to allow even more time to painting.
Fontaine de Vaucluse is a charing village surrounded by mountains and where the beautiful Sorgue river's source is located, giving wonderful vignettes to paint.         
        

Day 6: On Van Gogh's trail in St Remy de Provence

We will paint along the paths that Van Gogh used to walk the last years of his life.
This tour is an emotional trip through the wonderful landscapes, which inspired the great impressionist.
We will visit the beautiful old monastery of St Paul Mausole with the bedroom where Van Gogh stayed during his very troubled time in 1889-90.This is now a nursing home that has a permanent exhibition of paintings made by the patients and beautiful reproduction of some of Vincent van Gogh's paintings. You will be able to paint the same sceneries and same olive trees Vincent painted 15o years ago.
            
        
Day 7: Non Touristy Village of the Luberon

The Luberon has a few non touristy jewels, not listed in travel books. While strolling one of our favorite medieval village, you will come to appreciate the wonderful atmosphere that will seduce you, as it has dozens of artists.

Day 8: Departure

It is time to say: "au revoir" but not "adieu" because you will be back. We just know it.
After our last breakfast together, we'll drive you to the Avignon train station by 10am.

More information from French Escapade: