This is our fourth year in this pastoral, provincial corner of France which is still for the most part as charming and picturesque now as it was in the time of the 'Impressionist' painters at the turn of the 20th century.
Sleepy villages of half-timber, thatched cottages and ancient towns with medieval and Renaissance buildings rise and swell in the folds of landscape patched with forests and apple orchards that go on and on, until abruptly stopping in the dramatic chalk cliffs at the very edge of the great channel.
Our Program
- 4 nights in Rouen
- 2 nights in Avranches (with visit to Mont St Michel)
- 2 nights in Beuvron-en-Auge
- 4 nights in Honfleur
- 1 night in the Paris area
ITINERARY
May 23 –26
We meet at Paris (Charles de Gaulle) airport to travel to Rouen where we will stay for four nights. Rouen is both beautiful and modern, quaint and historic. We stay right in the preserved medieval quarter within steps of the Vieux Marche, the Gros Horloge, and Cathedral Square. While in Rouen our artist/instructor, Henry Vyfvinkel, will lead sketching and painting sessions in his favourite corners of the medieval quarter --in Claude Monet's garden at Giverny, and in some of the hidden villages along the Seine River. While in Rouen, our studio is in the very room of the 16th century Renaissance building that Claude Monet rented to paint his series of the Cathedral of Rouen.
May 27 – 28
We will travel through the fields of Norman countryside to Avranches for two nights. Here we will stay in an ancient coaching inn with a fabulous garden and great food! From here we will take a tour to Mont St Michel, one of the most spectacular sights in France. Dramatically perched on a tiny island, the abbey is surrounded by vast sand flats and surging tides. It is said according to legend that the archangel Michael appeared on this island, which then inspired the construction of this gothic abbey in 1017. Mont St Michel has attracted Christian pilgrims for centuries. After our tour, we will set up here to capture the incredible beauty of this mystical place.
May 29 – 30
We travel through the picturesque countryside to the village of Beuvron-en-Auge where we spend the next two nights. Beuvron is known as one of the most beautiful villages in France, and is located on the Route du Cidre, or Cider route. In this perfectly restored village we will paint its ancient manor houses and market place, and the lovely Chapel of Clermont with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
May 31 – June 03
We will travel up to the ancient port of Honfleur at the estuary of the Seine River. We will stay here for four nights. Honfleur has long been a favourite of artists from the time of Boudin and Monet. Its rows of high, colourful 19th century houses, restaurants and shops that line the inner harbour make an amazing setting and give a true insight to Normandy's seafaring culture. While in Hounfleur, Henry Vyfvinkel will lead sketching and painting sessions in the historic basin area and at Etretat on the beach of the chalk cliffs.
June 04
We will travel back to the Paris area for our last night to conveniently place our passengers for their return flight or onward arrangements.
June 05
Transfer from your hotel to Paris airport.
COST & INCLUDED FEATURES:
Cost
Per person based on twin share $2889.00 CAD / $1989.00 USD
Single supplement $849.00 CAD / $585.00 USD
Included Features:
- 4 nights accommodation in the historic centre of Rouen , 2 nights in Avranches, 2 nights in Beuvron-en-Auge, 4 nights in historic centre of Honfleur, 1 night near Paris airport
- Daily buffet breakfast
- Airport transfers and all land transportation by motorcoach to hotels and painting locations
- Painting workshops in the following locations: historic quarter of Rouen, Claude Monet's garden at Giverny, 'Needle' at Etretat Beach, Jumieges Abbey, Hidden village of La Bouille along the Seine River, Tour and painting workshop at Mont St Michel, historic quarter of Honfleur
- Instruction for all levels by artist/instructor Henry Vyfvinkel
- All taxes and service charges
- Maximum of 18 participants
