Painting Tours: France – French Alps
The Alps is a dream destination for a plein air artist because of the spectacular scenery you will encounter: alpine meadows, cobblestoned villages, waterfalls, glaciated peaks, wildflowers, clean lakes, chalet with flowers from windowboxes…
One of the highlights of the tour is Annecy, also called the Venice of the North, a beautiful medieval city surrounded by canals and mountains.
Let us show you these hidden treasures.
Day 1: Welcome to the Alps
We will pick you up at the Geneva airport and drive to our beautiful chalet in the Alps. Upon your arrival at the hotel, you will have time to sette in and relax, before our welcome reception, orientation meeting followed by a gourmet dinner.
Days 2-3: Alpine Village: from Wooden Chalets to Flowery Balconies
Today we will be heading towards the mountains to our new accommodation, a cute chalet in the Alps. The village offers a breathtaking 360 degree view towards Mont-Blanc, the highest mountain in Europe.
It will be like stepping back in time: wooden chalets, baroque church, green pastures and grazing cows.
Cheese is of course the specialty of the Alps. You will find it in many local specialties like fondue, raclette, tartiflette, etc…
Day 4: Chamonix - The Queen Resort of the Alps
Chamonix, the biggest ski resort in the world, is surrounded by majestic high mountains and glaciers.
You will have the opporttunity to take the highest gondola in the world to go to the top of “L’Aiguille du Midi” at 12,000 ft. A breathtaking view of the Alps and Chamonix down below awaits you.
Many painting vignettes await you in Chamonix and when you will be tired of painting, shopping will be all around you.
Days 5-6: Annecy or 'The Little Venice of the Alps'
Today we will be driving to our new hotel. Annecy is the French show-piece of lakes-and-mountain beauty. The Canal crossing Annecy brings Venice to mind as you stroll along its banks.
Your choice for the painting site will be unlimited: medieval narrow streets, renaissance houses along the canal, the famous old prison (one of the most photographed monuments in France!) or the Annecy lake surrounded by mountains.
We will also have the opportunity to go to the local market in the old Annecy and shop for the numerous wonderful cheeses, sausages, honeys and all local products. You can also rent a boat and navigate the cleanest lake in Europe, Annecy Lake.
Day 7: Romantic Village of Chanaz
We will drive east along the Rhone River, through beautiful vineyards and picturesque villages to the lovely village of Chanaz. Sitting accross the canal, in the middle of trees, you will enjoy painting this quiet village.
After your painting session, we will attend a walnut oil making demonstration in a 19th-century mill. This is a unique opportunity since this mill is the only one left in France listed historical monument.
Day 8: Departure
After our last breakfast together, we’ll drive you back to the Geneva airport.
| 2018 Dates-French Alps | Teachers-French Alps | Painting Medium | Booking Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 25-Sept 1 | Rae Andrews | Pastel and Watercolor Painting Workshop | Sold Out-Waiting list |
| Sept 2-9 | Frank Eber | Watercolor Painting Workshop | Sold Out-Waiting list |
| 2019 Dates-French Alps | Teachers | Painting Medium | Booking Status | Price: $200 off for early sign ups |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 17-24, 2019 | Sonja Hamilton | Watercolor Painting Workshop | Open | Starts at $3,190 before Nov 30 |
| Aug 25-Sept 1, 2019 | Kathie George | Watermedia Painting Workshop | Wait List | Starts at $2,990 before Jan 31 |
| Aug 28-Sept 4, 2019 | Evelyn Dunphy | Watercolor Painting Workshop | Open | Starts at $3,190 before Jan 31 |
| Sept 1-8, 2019 | Kathie George | Watermedia Painting Workshop | Wait List | Starts at $2,990 before Jan 31 |
Hotel 1 (4 nights): Chalet-hotel in the Alps
This chalet, in the heart of Haute-Savoie, boasts stunning views of Mont-Blanc and the Aravis Massif. The beauty of the panorama, the charm of the cozy wooden interior, the gourmet restaurant, the well-being of the Spa, the comfort and amenities of the wainscoted rooms (flat-screen satellite TV, free WiFi…), all make this unique spot a haven of peace.
Hotel 2 (3 nights): by Annecy Lake
Just in front of the lake of Annecy and in the heart of the historic and commercial part of the city, the situation of this 3-star hotel is one of the best in the whole town.
The rooms are equipped with one double bed or 2 single beds depending on your preference.
All rooms are equipped with either a bathtub or shower, a flat screen TV with international satellite channels and free Wi-Fi internet access.
How to book
To Make Your Reservation for a French Escapade Tour please follow the steps below and review our Cancellation Policy:
1
Check Availability
Send us an e-mail to check availability. Include the dates you are interested in and the number of people you will be reserving a spot for.
2
Submit Registration Form and Send $600 Deposit
After receiving confirmation of availability, complete and submit the Reservation Form and send your $600 deposit check to:
French Escapade LLC
2389 Blackpool Place
San Leandro, CA 94577
If you live in the US:
- pay by check, payable to French Escapade (if you live in Canada, it needs to be a money order)
- or by wire transfer (let us know and we will provide you with our account number)
If you live outside the US please contact us for other payment options.
3
Receive Confirmation
We will send you a written confirmation of your reservation along with an information package for your trip (info about pick up and drop off, recommended insurance, name of a travel agent, what to bring, etc…).
4
Submit Remaining Balance
Your remaining balance is due 90 days prior to departure.
Cancellation Policy
| If you cancel the trip: | Cancellation Fee per Person |
|---|---|
| If French Escapade cancels | You get a full refund |
| More than 90 days before departure | $600 forfeited (transferable to another trip with a $50 admin fee or refunded if replacement found) |
| 61-90 days before departure | 50% of total cost forfeited |
| 31-60 days before departure | 75% of total cost forfeited |
| 0-30 days before departure | 100% of total cost forfeited |