Sketchbook Art Journal Vacation in France
Capture the sun and fun of the French Riviera with Teaching Artist Anne Leuck Book Now
Beautiful Walks, Inspiring Locations, Lots of Fun
Dates: October 23-29, 2023
Duration: 6 nights
Location: Nice, France
Cost: from $3295 based on double occupancy
Single Supplement: from $445
Maximum Class Size: 14
Sketchbook Art Journal Vacation in France
What is Art Walk France like?
Experience a sketchbook art journal vacation that is equal parts art program and tour. Travel the French Riviera by train and by foot. With an insider-guide leading the way, you will visit medieval village centers and walk locals-only coastal paths. And not from the distance of a passenger bus or surrounded by a crowd of tourists following a flag. Rather, at eye level and with a small group of friends. Become immersed in the sensory experience of travel. Feel what it is like to be part of a place, and not just pass through it on your way to somewhere else.
We will explore a region of the Cote d’Azur between Cannes and Menton. Centrally based in the city of Nice for all six nights, you’ll unpack only once. Every day begins with an energizing walk along a new section of beautiful Mediterranean coast. Our daily destinations may include a bustling open market, a remote island monastery, or a pastel-hued medieval village overlooking the sea. We will stop for sketchbook sessions along the way. You will practice traveling lightly and drawing in the moment. Creating is part of the journey.
Art Walk participants should be able to walk comfortably for an hour at a time at a leisurely pace. We will be walking on ungroomed trails, cobbled paths, sidewalks, pavement, and stairs. Some terrain may be uneven and rocky.
What you’ll love
1. Small group classes
With a maximum class size of 14, you can expect quality time with Anne as well as your friendly, like-minded classmates.
2. Immersive experiences
Step away from your everyday life and fully experience the food, culture, and landscape of the French Riviera
3. Planning with Care
We take care of the details. You enjoy your vacation!
Example Itinerary…
Actual daily schedules may differ.
sketchbook art journal vacation
Day 1
We will gather at our charming, historic hotel in central Nice, France just blocks from the sea. First, we’ll have a meet-and-greet and program overview. Then, an orientation walk will help you get to know the neighborhood. Along the way we may sample some local specialties to get a taste of the region.
Day 2
We start the morning with a short stroll to Nice’s old town and famous Cours Saleya Flower Market. Then, a walk brings us to some of the most iconic views of the Riviera from Castle Hill. Next Anne will lead a class inspired by the day’s sites. After free time to explore the Old Town, the day ends with a delicious welcome dinner.
Day 3
After breakfast, a short train ride brings us to the charming village of Villefranche Sur Mer. The honey-colored houses and marine blue sea views are the perfect setting for a leisurely travel journal session. Afterwards, you can visit the hilltop village of Eze on your own. Alternatively, we’ll offer a coastal walk around the stunning Cap Ferrat.
Day 4
In the morning we’ll set off for sunny Menton. First we will wander lemon tree – lined lanes to the historic center. Then Anne will lead an art journal class in a picturesque village square. Afterward we’ll gather at a family-run restaurant for a lunch of classic Niçoise fare. For the remainder of the day you can cross the border to nearby Italy or visit dazzling Monaco. Alternatively, join us for a stunning walk along the Cap Martin sentier to Roquebrune.
Day 5
Today we truly experience the Riviera like the locals. After shopping at the bountiful Marché Forville open market in Cannes, we will take a short ferry to Île Saint-Honorat. There, on the quiet coast of an island sanctuary, we will enjoy a picnic of the season’s best offerings. Finally, a quiet walk among the vineyards and olive trees leads to our return ferry.
Day 6
On our last full day together we will visit art-filled Antibes. First we will walk the ramparts of this ancient fortress city. After taking in the view, we will make our way through the narrow streets of its historic center where Anne will teach class. You may choose to get inspired like artists of old with a visit and tasting at the absinthe museum. Together, end the week with a festive farewell dinner at our favorite bistro in Nice.
Day 7
After a delicous breakfast, we bid farewell to our artists’ retreat until the next time. You may depart at any time on this day. Our hotel will hold your luggage if you have a late departure.
A full week of leisurely sightseeing and cultivating creativity
sketchbook art journal vacation
What’s Included
sketchbook art journal vacation
- Daily sketchbook art journal classes with Anne Leuck
- Six nights at our centrally located 4-star hotel in Nice, France minutes to the beach and Old Town
- Full hot & cold buffet breakfast daily
- Welcome dinner
- Gelato!
- Snack of a Niçoise specialties
- Lunch in Menton
- Farewell dinner
- One-week unlimited use TER regional train pass along between Cannes and Menton
- Visit to Cours Saleya flower market
- Visit the towns of Menton, Villefranche Sur Mer, Antibes, and Cannes
- Visit to Antibes’ Marche Provencal
- Ferry trip to the Lerin Islands and Île Saint-Honorat
- Guided walks along the coastal sentiers (paths) of the Cote d’Azur
- Absinthe museum experience (optional)
- All maps, train schedules, and daily customized itineraries
- Your English speaking guide
- Fully hosted and escorted
- All hotel taxes and service fees
Important Notes
Sketchbook Art Journal Workshop in France
Solo travelers and single supplements
For our guests who are traveling solo... We offer a single supplement for an additional fee if you wish to guarantee a private room.
You may share a twin room with another trip participant of the same sex (Roomshare) if you do not request a private room. When you sign up, if no Roomshare is available, a 50% single supplement will be included on your invoice due at final payment. However, if a roommate is found before your trip departs, you will be matched and the single supplement will be removed or refunded.
A single supplement guarantees a private room. Whenever possible singles will be placed in the same room type as our double or twin rooms.
Twin / Double Rooms
Please be aware twin beds in Europe may have very little or no space between beds. Also, instead of a king or queen mattress, double beds are often adjoining twin mattresses secured together and made with double bedding.
Fitness
Walking is a part of this program. It is both a means of visiting locations and a way to immerse yourself in a place. Our scheduled walks are usually 1-2 hours long at a casual pace. We provide a general description of our walks here. It is your responsibility to know your own physical and medical condition with respect to the advisability of participating in a chosen trip. We suggest you prepare by doing at least 1 hour of walking several times per week, and a longer walk at least once per week. Ideally, include walks with elevation change and stairs. (There are always stairs.)
As with any exercise program, we recommend you consult with your physician prior to your arrival regarding the suitability of a walking tour.
Some of our guests find trekking poles helpful on steep or uneven terrain. In Europe they are quite common. Before using them on a vacation, please practice at home. We strongly advise you get comfortable using trekking poles on familiar paths first.
For additional information on these topics and more, please see our FAQ page.
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