Paint the French Riviera

Dates: June 21-27, 2021

Duration: 6 nights

Location: Nice, France

Cost: from $3195 based on double occupancy

Single Supplement: from $595

The basis of the 6-day sketchbook art vacation in France will be sketching and painting on location in and around beautiful Nice and the Riviera.  Basic drawing and loose, intuitive watercolor will be taught. This will become the heart of our travel journals. 

Inspired by this coastal paradise, we’ll draw small landscapes, flowers, unique architecture, and farmers market treasures. Your sketchbook travel journal will be completely infused with a moment-in-time sense of place. In short, bursting with color, pattern, and nature – each page is a memory of our week together on the dazzling French Riviera.

Learn more about Jennifer and view her sketchbook art journal on her Artist Page.

Sketchbook Art Vacation in France

Sunset from Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, Cap Ferrat, France

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 Chagall (to name a few) all called this sunny region home.  The spirit of these artists serve as inspiration for creating your keepsake travel journals with Jennifer Orkin Lewis in Nice, France.

The week together will focus on collecting inspiration and making content for your travel journal. 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 short (less than 45 minutes) and most are optional.

View of the Promenade from Cap Martin, Carnoles, France 

• Visit to Cours Saleya flower market (or Monday antique market)
• Admission to Villa Ephrussi
• 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

Example Itinerary: Sketchbook Art Vacation in France…

Actual daily schedules may differ.

Day 3

After breakfast we’ll gather for a morning class with Jennifer on the sunny hotel patio. Later, a short train ride brings us to Beaulieu Sur Mer. We will enjoy a serene stroll along landscaped coastal paths and past handsome French villas to St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. The villa enjoys incredible views of the riviera from it’s private gardens.

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 can wander its winding alleys, discover artisan boutiques, and visit the Picasso Museum.

There will be time in the studio to finish up your travel journals before meeting for a convivial show-and-tell aperitivo and farewell dinner.