Paint the French Riviera
Sketchbook and watercolor travel journal workshop with Lorraine Bell Reserve Your Space
Discover the French Riviera. Capture the magic in your Sketchbook Journal
Dates: May 30 – June 5, 2022
Duration: 6 nights
Location: Nice, France
Cost: from $3295 based on double occupancy
Single Supplement: from $645
Sketchbook Journal Art Vacation in France
Join us for a 6-night art vacation in France with Lorraine Bell. The basis of the workshop will be sketching and painting on location along the beautiful French Riviera in and around Nice, France. Lorraine’s daily classes will be inspired by the markets, vistas, and experiences you will have along the way. You will create a sketchbook travel journal bursting with illustrations, journaling, maps and French memorabilia..
Explore the Rivera on your art vacation in France with Lorraine Bell
For over a century the gorgeous French Riviera has inspired some of the world’s most famous modern artists. First attracted by sparkling blue water and scenic streets, the perpetually mild climate and beautiful light became a reason to stay. Picasso, Monet, Cezanne, Matisse, Munch and Chegall (to name a few) all called this sunny region home. The spirit of these artists serve as inspiration for your art vacation in France with Lorraine Bell.
You will visit beautiful locales on the French Riviera using the regional train. We will have wonderful food and lots of laughter along the way. There is some walking to get from one place to another, but the included walks will be moderate. Generally we will walk leisurely for 1 to 2 hours with breaks to take in the view.
- Art Program 85%
- Sight Seeing 85%
- Walking 65%
- Fun! 100%
What to expect on your art vacation in France with Lorraine Bell…
Your art vacation in France with Lorraine Bell will include:
- Daily travel journal classes with Lorraine Bell
- Six nights at our centrally located 4-star hotel in Nice, France minutes to the beach
- Full hot & cold buffet breakfast daily
- Welcome dinner
- Gelato Break
- Snack of a niçoise specialty
- Farewell dinner
- One-week unlimited use TER regional train pass along between Cannes and Menton
- Visit the towns of Menton, St. Jean, Villefranche Sur Mer, Antibes, and Cannes
- Visit to Cours Saleya flower market (or Monday antique market)
- Admission to Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
- Visit to Antibes’ Marche Provencal
- Ferry trip to the Lerin Islands
- Guided walks along the coastal sentiers (paths) of the Cote d’Azur (optional)
- Absinthe museum experience (optional)
- All maps, train schedules, and daily customized itineraries
- Your English speaking guide
- All hotel taxes, fees & service charges
- Fully hosted and escorted
- All hotel taxes and service fees
Art Vacation Highlights
1. Small groups
With a maximum class size of 14, you can expect quality time with Lorraine and explore boutique, out of the way locations.
2. Daily Guided Excursions
Each day we will share new travel adventures. Experience the French Riviera’s beauty and charms like it was your own back yard.
3. On-site art classes
Sketch by the sea. Paint on the promenade. Capture the life and light of the Côte d’Azur in your travel journal. Develop your travel journal on location, inspired by what you see.
Art Vacation in France with Lorraine Bell
Example Itinerary…
Actual daily schedules may differ.
Day 1
We will gather at our 4-star hotel in central Nice, France just blocks from the Promenade des Anglais. After a meet-and-greet and program overview, we will have an orientation walk to get to know the neighborhood. We will be sure to stop for a taste of a local specialtiy.
Day 2
We start the morning with a stroll to Nice’s old town and famous weekly antique market. This is always full of fun memorabilia, and a great location for our first class. Afterward there is time to shop and wander the historic center or join us for a walk up to a beautiful overlook. Our first day comes to an end with a delicious welcome dinner.
Day 3
After breakfast, a short train ride brings us to Beaulieu Sur Mer. We will enjoy a stroll along stunning coastal paths and past handsome French villas. Our destination is the famous Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. The villa enjoys incredible views of the riviera from it’s private gardens. It is a stunning location to capture in your journal.
Day 4
We start the day with an excursion to the lovely city of Menton on the French-Italian border. We will wander and sketch through it’s lemon-lined avenues, charming historic center, and sunny harbor.
Our art vacation in France with Lorraine Bell does not have to be France only! Some may want to visit Italy or Monaco on this day. Either are easily reached by train.
Day 5
Today’s destination is always a highlight. First we will shop together at the bountiful Marché Forville open market in Cannes. Afterwards, a short ferry takes us to Île Saint-Honorat. There, on the quiet coast of an island sanctuary, we will enjoy a picnic of the season’s best offerings.
Before returning to the mainland we will pause for a class among the olive groves and grape vines.
Day 6
On our last full day we will explore the port town of Antibes. We will tour the beautiful harbor and inspiring public art before entering the historic city center. You may wander its winding alleys, discover artisan boutiques, and visit the Picasso Museum.
Your art vacation in France with Lorraine Bell will draw to a close with a convivial aperitif, travel journal sharing, and farewell dinner.
Day 7
After a delicous breakfast, the art vacation in France with Lorraine Bell officially concludes. Finally, we bid farewell to our new friends until the next time.
A vacation in France of leisurely sightseeing and cultivating creativity
Where In the World?
Our vacations based in Nice, France take in the best of the French Riviera. Famous for it's perfect weather and seaside lifestyle, the region has long been a favorite European vacation destination for the rich and famous. Our small group walking tours take advantage of the little traveled sentiers, or walking paths, that run along the coast. Our France walking tour will focus on the very best of the area as we explore between Cannes to the west and Menton on the Italian boarder to the east.
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