PROVENCE - walking with Cezanne
18th-23rd Oct. 2021
Rescheduled from 2020 due to Covid 19
“Rain they take as a personal affront, shaking their heads and commiserating with each other in the cafés, looking with profound suspicion at the sky as though a plague of locusts is about to descend, and picking their way with distaste through the puddles on the pavement.”
― Peter Mayle, A Year in Provence
It took Peter Mayle a whole book (actually, several books) to convey his enchantment with this diverse and gloriously unique part of the world.
It is no surprise that artists congregated here - Provence is itself one of nature’s most vibrant works of art. Everything appears brighter - the light has a transcendent quality that seems to intensify colour and warmth.
The most famous resident of Aix en Provence is, of course, Paul Cezanne, and the town is dedicated to his life and work. He was utterly transfixed by the elegance of Mont St Victoire which he painted 87 times. We can but pitifully aspire to such a degree of dedication.
Picasso followed Cezanne there and although he died elsewhere, it was Provence that he chose as his final resting place.
Led by Doug and Valda
FURTHER DETAILS CAN BE SEEN IN OUR ONLINE PRESENTATION
We have based ourselves just outside Gordes - officially one of the prettiest villages in France.
The gentle light bounces off the golden, honeyed architecture of the tiny village and the elegant sweep of the distant rolling hills will provide us with an every-changing kaleidoscope to inspire us. Renoir, Picasso, Matisse and Van Gogh all sought solace and inspiration in the cradle of this stunning valley.
We could easily spend the whole workshop in this area but we will make time to travel a little further afield. There are too many enchanting villages to choose from but we will try to make time to visit Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, situated in the Parc Naturel Régional des Alpilles and Van Gogh’s artistic inspiration.
L’isle Sur Sorgue is close by - an ‘island’ city, it is surrounded by water and has several canals running through it. Peppered with art galleries and antique shops, it is a place that art lovers gravitate towards.
We are staying at Mas de las Senancole, just outside the village and set in a private, shaded park surrounded by Mediterranean gardens. Fashioned after traditional Provençal houses, its decor is light and airy with ground floor rooms leading out onto a garden terrace.
This is a Creative Growth tour so significant amount of the time spent will be classroom based. You can read more about this type of workshop here
Le Mas de la Senancole is a little piece of heaven in the heart of Provence. By taking accomodation in this “Mas” (traditional house of Provence) built in traditional Luberon stones, you can get a real insight into the character and authenticity of the area.
Located in a picturesque and quiet area a few kilometres from the centre of Gordes, the Mas De La Senancole boasts a lovely garden and outdoor swimming pool. There are also two on-site meeting rooms with views of the garden.
All the colourful rooms at the Mas De La Senancole are air conditioned and decorated in a Provencal style. Some of them have a private terrace.
18th-23rd Oct 2021
Rescheduled from 2020 due to Covid 19
PRICING:
SINGLE ROOM £2,495
DEPOSIT DUE AT TIME OF BOOKING - 20%
Partner rate (non photographing) £975
Includes £10 carbon offsetting fee. This is a voluntary contribution. Please advise us if you would rather opt out and we will cover your contribution.
INCLUDES:
Five nights single room accommodation at the Mas de la Senancole including breakfast.
Transfers to and from Marseilles airport (if your flight coincides with ours).
Hardbound book book with a selection of everybody's images made during the tour.
Tuition from Doug and Valda
Max, 10 clients.
EXCLUDES
Flights, insurance, meals (apart from those listed), airport transfers, should your flight not coincide with ours.
Fitness level - moderate. Gentle walking.
Average temperature High 18°, Low 7°C
RECOMMENDED FLIGHTS:
Easyjet from Gatwick to Marseilles
Flying time about two hours.
GMT +1 hours