Your group of five to eight participants may customize the PROVENCE EXPERIENCE to suit your group’s special interests by choosing one of the alternative themes below for an entire 10-day period.
EXPLORING – Art, Architecture, Gardens, Markets, Wineries
Explore the best that the region has to offer. Discover natural treasures, medieval hilltop villages, Roman architectural wonders. Stroll through elegant private gardens. Enjoy the variety of Provençal markets. Taste local wines at a vineyard, recently pressed olive oil at a mill, cheeses freshly produced at a farm, or experience the local gastronomic delights of carefully selected gourmet restaurants.
PAINTING – Light in Landscapes
Well known for its glorious light and exquisite countryside, Provence provides a perfect setting for the avid landscape painter. Receive personal attention and guidance from our local master painter. Learn or improve your personal painting style and techniques. Practice how to retain transparency and clarity, allowing your landscape creation to sparkle and shimmer. Follow in the footsteps of impressionist masters such as Cézanne and Van Gogh. Learn how to capture the light and texture on paper or canvas as you explore the region. Visit galleries and meet local artists. All materials are included.
COOKING – Market Visits, Wine Tastings, Culinary Discovery
World-renowned for its bountiful countryside and gastronomy, Provence offers a wide array of fresh produce, spices, and wines. Accompany the chef to a variety of local farmers markets and select the best ingredients for the daily planned recipes. Collect wild herbes de Provence and, for your hands-on cooking lesson at the farmhouse, or mas, learn how to incorporate them into traditional French and local cuisine or your own special recipes. Enjoy the fruits of your labor during convivial meals. Discover the gems of the region as you stop along the way to taste local products at wineries, olive mills, and farms where cheese and honey are made. In the evening, continue your culinary experience as you relax and dine at a local gourmet restaurant.
COLLECTING – Art & Antiques
This trip is specially designed for art and antique aficionados wishing to explore the region and acquire French pieces directly from the source. You will meet French antiquaires, master painters and/or sculptors, have the opportunity to discuss their collections personally, and acquire any of their oeuvres d’art at studio price. You can experience the French way to negotiate for your acquisition during gourmet meals in the company of your favorite artists, under the guidance of your host, Catherine. In addition, you will explore selected museums, medieval hilltop villages, architectural wonders, and postcard-perfect settings.
CYCLING
Explore this exquisite region on two wheels, using our carefully designed daily self-guided itineraries, sprinkled with local gems. Ride at your own pace on tranquil roads through vineyards, orchards, lavender fields, picturesque medieval villages, and colorful ochre quarries. Stop along the way to experience a farmers market, a small winery, and a picnic lunch at a special location. Bikes, helmets, pumps, and maps are included.