Painting Retreat in Provence (no instructions)

img-group1Recharge your creative battery with this retreat for artists (no instruction).

“Join us for a relaxed week of plein-air painting and fun among artists (all skill levels and all media are welcome) in the beautiful setting of the French Alps.

Everything will be taken care of so you can fully immerse yourself in beautiful locations while enjoying the camaraderie of other artists without having to worry about the logistics.

Spend your time painting, taking photos for future paintings and learning many of the customs and traditions of the area – and of course, enjoying the food and wine!

img-group2There will not be any instruction on the trip, only artists painting together. Surrounded by other artists of different skill levels and different background, you will benefit from their experiences. “Show and tell” will be organized and you will be free to participate while sipping a glass of wine.

Day 1: Welcome Champagne Reception

We will pick you up at the TGV Avignon train station at 3:30pm. 

Upon your arrival at our guesthouse, take time to settle in or explore the village.

In the evening, you will enjoy a welcome reception followed by a gourmet dinner.

Day 2: Ochre Village of Roussillon

prov-day2-roussillon2Prov-day2-roussillonRoussillon, 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.

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 potteries.

Day 3: Most Spectacular Villages in Provence – Gordes and Luberon Villages

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 to the village is a breathtaking panorama out across fields, vineyards and small-perched villages to the Montagne du Luberon.

Although Gordes is beautiful, we will spend more time painting/sketching in the a tiny non touristy village of the Luberon whose name we keep secret!!

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. The afternoon is all yours to paint the canals, the stalls, the village.

Day 5: Painting in the Village

Prov-day5-homeprov-day5-home2Today will be a non driving day to allow even more time to painting.

We will spend the day painting either at the hotel or in the village: cobblestone streets, 18th century houses, flowers, doors…

If we are staying at the hotel in St Remy de Provence, you will have time to paint in the olive fields, the same trees Vincent Van Gogh painted 150 years ago.

Day 6: On Van Gogh’s Trail in St. Remy de Provence

Today, 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 reproductions of some of Vincent van Gogh’s paintings.

Outside the hospital, you will be able to paint the wonderful landscape that inspired the great impressionist with the same olive trees Van Gogh painted and the Alpilles mountains as background.

Day 7: Medieval Village in the Luberon

Prov-day7-villageThis non touristy jewel, not listed in travel books is our little gem, our favorite village. While strolling the streets you will come to appreciate the quietness and wonderful atmosphere that will seduce you, as it has dozens of artists who live there. This is our little kept secret village, the favorite of all our artists.

Back at the hotel, you will be able to work in the garden to finish up some of your paintings and finish the week with a “show and tell” or critique.

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 TGV Avignon train station by 9:30 am.

 

 

Dates
June 18-25, 2017 – Sold Out
Painting Retreat
Max: 12 Participants
Rates

Included:

– Avignon TGV train station pick up on day 1 at
3:30pm and drop off on day 8 at 10:30am
– A welcome reception
– All breakfasts,
– 3 lunches (picnics)
– 4 dinners (incl. drinks and wine)
– All nights at the villa-hotel
– All art classes
– Entrance fees to all sites on the tour
– Transportation in a comfortable van with A/C
– The use of folding chairs
– A personal bilingual chauffeur/guide throughout
– A free Paris planner for a self guided visit in Paris
if you decide to extend your trip: suggestions of hotels,
restaurants and places to visit.

Not Included:

– Flights to and from France
– Trains to/from Avignon
– 3 lunches and 3 dinners
– Painting supplies
– Tour leader(s) tipping

How to book

1To hold your spot, please fill out the reservation form below and send us a $600 deposit.
Note that the deposit is not refundable but is transferrable. See our Cancelation Policy below.

2Once you have submitted your reservation, you will receive a confirmation email with the details on how to submit your deposit via one of these 3 methods:

– by check (if you live in Canada, it needs to be a money order)
– via ZELLE (free instant money transfer offered by all major US banks)
– by credit card
– by bank transfer

3The remaining balance will be due 3 months before departure.

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel a US workshop:Cancellation Fee per Person
More than 90 days before departureThe $600 deposit is forfeited
(however $300 can be transferred to another trip with a departure date within 1 year of cancelation date)
61-90 days before departure50% of total cost forfeited
31-60 days before departure75% of total cost forfeited
0-30 days before departure100% of total cost forfeited
If French Escapade cancels You get a full refund

Thank you for traveling with us!

French Escapade LLC | 2389 Blackpool Place | San Leandro, CA 94577 | 510-483-5713 | contact@frenchescapade.com
California Seller of Travel Licence-CST #: 2091909-40
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