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 15 - 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 16 - Castellane
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 17 - Castellane
Today we will have our painting workshop in and around Castellane. It's little streets, alleys
and squares lined with cafes and shops are a delightful place to paint.
May 18 - Aix-en-Provence
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.
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).
May 19 - Aix-en-Provence
After breakfast we will go to Cassis, a little fishing village with shops and restaurants lining the quay and worldly sailboats in its snug
harbour. We will set up under the shade
trees lining the quay to paint the villages beautiful waterscapes. In the afternoon we return to 'Aix' via the Crete road, one of the highest points overlooking the magnificent views of the Mediterranean.
May 20 - Aix-en-Provence
- 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 21 - Aix-en-Provence
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”. We will be painting in the village of Lourmarin, considered one of the most beautiful villages of Provence. Today is Market Day! That means we get to experience life in a Provencel village when everyone in the village is out socializing and adding even more colour to this lovely ruralscape! You can tell by the mossy fountains in the winding streets that families have lived and died here for many generations, and that traditioon does, and will live on.
May 22 - Aix-en-Provence
A full day in Aix-en-Provence to paint, and be "Provencal" - and its Market Day!
Cooking School Option: (For Thursday, May 22)
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, 2010) - It is limited to a small group. Cost $189.00 CDN including
transport. (Minimum of 4 paying participants required)
May 23 - Depart Aix-en-Provence
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 €12
Euros per person.
COST
- Price per person (based on sharing twin accommodation) $2889.00 CAD
- Early Booking Bonus - $75.00 CAD per person for deposits received by Oct 2, 2009
- Price is 'LAND ONLY' (We are also happy to assist with flight and
travel arrangements from anywhere to join up with this program.
- Single rate on request - Limited availability so be sure to book early!
DEPOSIT
- A $500.00 CAD deposit required upon booking of tour. Balance due 70 days prior to departure.
INCLUDED FEATURES
- 1 Night accommodation in Nice
- 2 Nights accommodation in Castellane
- 5 Nights accommodation in Aix-en-Provence
- All transportation in itinerary to: Castellane, Entrevaux, Verdon Gorge, Aix-en-Provence, Cassis, The Luberon and Le Tholonet (Airport transfers excluded)
- Full breakfast each day
- Welcome dinner in Castellane
- Daily painting workshops by painting instructor - Henry Vyfvinkel
- Fully escorted by Henry Vyfvinkel
- All taxes
EXCLUDED FEATURES
- All Flights and airport transfers (We are also happy to assist with flight and travel arrangements from anywhere to join up with this program.)
