The sun-washed Luberon and Verdon regions of Provence are a walker's paradise, filled with vineyards, orchards, herb-covered hills and ancient Roman ruins. Provence delights the senses with its fragrant smells of lavender, rosemary and sage along with its luminous light that has inspired artists, musicians and writers. Come along -paint with us this wonderful region of France, escorted by
Artist/Instructor
Henry Vyfvinkel
Our program
- 1 night Nice
- 2 nights Castellane
- 5 nights Aix-en-Provence
Our Itinerary :
MAy 7 - Nice meet up with our Artist/Instructor, Henry Vyfvinkel and other members of the group.
After settling in we will enjoy a welcome dinner.
May 8 After breakfast we travel from Nice up into the region of the 'Alpes de Haute Provence' and
charming market town of Castellane. Situated on the 'Route Napoleon' and at the eastern
end of the great Verdon Gorge the surrounding scenery creates a terrific backdrop.
Enroute to Castellane we will stop to visit a little village hugged within a loop of the
Var River. We enter the village of Entrevaux by crossing the drawbridge (over the
river providing a natural moat) and through the “Porte Royale” gate. The Town was
fortified by order of Louis XIV's masterful military engineer “Vauban”. This along with
the totally pedestrian streets, tall, narrow houses, ancient fountains in the little public
squares and fascinating zigzag ramps to the citadel - all set in this rugged region,
gives us the experience of an authentic fairytale escape into another world and time.
We will spend 2 nights in Castellane, and as the Chef is so wonderful we will have
our Welcome Dinner here.
May 9
Today we have our workshop in and around Castellane. It's little streets, alleys
And square lined with cafes and shops are a delightful place to paint.
May 10
After breakfast today we leave Castellane. Our route to Aix-en-Provence
takes us along the stunning 'crete sublime' to give you a full-length view of
the 21 mile long canyon gorge. We will have our lunch break in the village
of Moustiers Ste. Marie. This village seems to clamber over the rocks that
cling to the hillside at the exit of the Verdon Gorge. Originally named
Monsterium it was so named after the monastery founded here in the 5th
century. Ater lunch we carry on to Aix-en-Provence
We settle into “Aix” for 5 wonderful nights !
“Aix” is a delightful old Roman Spa town. today a vibrant university town that
shows off its history, culture, and character in a very hospitible way.
Higgly-piggly streets, old golden hued stone buildings, cafes and fountains
everywhere make this a wonderful base for our five night stay.
May 11
Cassis a littlefishing village with shops and restaurants lining the quay.- a snug
harbour with sailboats from around the world. We will set up under the shade
trees lining the quay to paint the waterscape. On the way back we will drive the
'Crete' road showing off magnificent views of the Mediterranean.
May 12
- Today we are off to the little village of Le Tholonet. We will actually paint Mte. Ste. Victoire
From the very spot that Cezanne painted his beloved mountain so many times.
In the afternoon we travel back to Aix-en-Provence.
May 13
Today, we travel up onto the Luberon plateau where we find the villages that were secret
until Peter Mayle's book, “A Year in Provence”. As we enter this beautiful region we first come
across Lourmarin, considered one of the most beautiful villages in Provence.
This is Market Day so this lovely town will be even more colourful as the locals are out
buying and socializing illustrating life provençal style.
May 14
Today is dedicated to painting in Aix-en-Provence itself. We'll pick our favourite square, or fountain
for today's workshop.
May 15
After breakfast our program is over. Aix-en-Provence is about 30 kms from Marseille airport.
There is very frequent shuttle service right from Aix-en-Provence to Marseille at a cost of 10.00
Euros per person.
As a fully licensed Travel Agency we are happy to arrange flights from anywhere in North America
to meet up with this program.
The city of Aix-en-Provence was first known as Aquae Sextiae
(the water of Sextius). Sextius Calvinius was the Roman proconsul
who founded the city in 124 BC after finding the hot springs here. Even
now, 'Aix' is referred to as the “City of 101 Fountains” The city's
old-time elegance reflects its former role as regional capital.
“a complacently conservative and stunningly beautiful place that
considers culture the sustenance of life.”
The medieval quarter and the Cours Mirabeau, a majestic tree lined avenue
in the heart of the city, (a verdant tunnel of foliage protects against the
Provençal sun. Aix's life revolves around this very area) are just steps from
our hotel. Lining the north side of the street are cafés (namely the Café des
Deux Garçons, once an important meeting place for artists and writers such as
Frederic Mistral, 1901 Nobel prize winner and founder of 'Le Félibrige' society
whose aim it was to preserve the history, culture and language of Provence).
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Cooking School Option: (For Thursday, May 14)
One of the best ways to get to know the Provençal is to learn their cooking!
We have arranged for today the opportunity to join Marc Heracle at his
"Cuisines du Sud" cooking school which he orchestrates in his oh so charming
17th century chateau in a small village outside of Aix-en-Provence. This is a
demonstration class but it is more than just a cooking class. It's a wonderful
opportunity to enjoy a visit and indulge in a day in the life of the Provençal
including lunch with wine in the garden. Please note this must be booked early
(by March 01) - It is limited to a small group. Cost $189.00 CDN including
transport. (Minimum of 4 paying participants required)
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Cost:
Single supplement :
Includes :
- 8 nights accommodation with private facilities
- 1 night Nice
- 2 nights Castellane
- 5 nights Aix-en-Provence
- Full breakfast each day
- Welcome dinner in Nice
- All transportation in itinerary :
- to Castellane
- Entrevaux
- Verdon Gorge
- Aix-en-Provence
- Cassis
- the Luberon
- Le Tholonet
- Painting workshops in:
- Entrevaux,
- Castellane,
- Cassis
- Aix-en-Provence,
- Luberon villages,
- Mte. Ste. Victoire from the
- village of Le Tholonet
- All Taxes
EARLY BOOKING BONUS $75.00 per person for
Deposits received by November 30, 2009
