The rolling landscape, the golden stone of the ancient Roman towns of Aix-en-Provence, Avignon and Arles, all still as classical as Van Gogh. The early summer light, the perfumed air from herbs growing wild: thyme, marjoram and rosemary. The scenery is punctuated by dusty green cypress and olive trees. All this heightened by the colour of lavender, poppies, mimosas and that wonderful light of Provence. Provence is so many things to so many people, and a magical place to paint!
Our Program –
- 6 nights in Aix-en-Provence
- 4 nights in Arles
- 3 nights in Avignon
ITINERARY
June 12 – 17
We will meet at Marseilles airport and transfer to Aix-en-Provence where we spend the next six nights in the centre of this ancient Roman spa town. Elegant and golden-hued, the old capital of Provence is decorated by a score of fountains, a charming reminder that its name comes from its waters. We will paint these fountains and the squares of Aix-en-Provence, and travel south to Mont Ste Victoire in the steps of Cezanne. We will paint the famous blue of the Mediterranean from Cassis, an old coral-fishing village, and the villages of the Luberon, all secret until the publication of the book “A Year In Provence”.
June 18 – 21
We travel to the charming city of Arles for four nights, home of Vincent Van Gogh in the late 19th century where he created over 300 works of art in two years. Located on the grand Rhone River, Arles rose to prominence in 49 BC when triumphant Julius Caesar captured nearby Marseilles. Here we will paint Les Arenes, the Arena, an enormous Roman amphitheatre built at the end of the first century AD where chariot races and hand-to-hand battles were fought. Van Gogh and Gaugin lived in Arles in the 'little yellow house'. Olive groves and vineyards, often featured in their work, still cover the limestone hills around the city.
June 22 – 24
We travel to Avignon for three nights, a city that is still surrounded by fortified walls dating back to the papal court period. Avignon's main attraction is the celebrated Palais des Papes. This formidable, gothic palace was built for the Popes and boasts many great halls, fabulous painted murals and frescoes, and many other art treasures. During our stay, our artist/instructor, Henry Vyfvinkel, will lead sketching and painting lessons at the city's most classic locations.
June 25
Transfer from Avignon to Marseilles airport for departure.
COST AND INCLUDED FEATURES:
Cost:
Per person based on sharing twin accommodation $3289.00 CAD / $2269.00 USD.
Single supplement $899.00 CAD / $620.00 USD
Included Features:
- 6 nights accommodation in Aix-en-Provence, 4 nights in Arles, and 3 nights in Avignon
- Buffet breakfast daily
- Airport transfers and all land transportation by motorcoach to hotels and painting locations
- Guided walking tours
- All excursions mentioned in the itinerary
- All taxes and service charges
- Instruction for all levels by artist instructor, Henry Vyfvinkel
- Maximum of 18 participants
