Have you ever dreamed of painting on the beautiful French Riviera where famous French artists lived and painted?

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Whether you are a seasoned artist... or you have never painted before and have always wanted to learn... join artist and instructor Catherine Hearding for a fabulous week of plein air painting!

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Each day we'll feed our creative souls. There will be painting sessions in scenic Cote d'Azur locations... Catherine will provide demonstrations and offer individual personal instruction designed to improve your painting skills and expand your art experience... seasoned artists are free to be on their own to paint and enjoy.

 

Artists can choose to paint en plein air in oil or watercolor. You will take home your paintings and a journal filled with treasured memories of your Cote d'Azur creative adventure.

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Non-painter friends and spouses of artists are welcome to join as there are many non-painting activities.

 

Well explore the breathtaking splendor of the French Riviera... take day trips to Mediterranean coastal cities... visit historic hill-top walled villages... meander through Provençal outdoor markets... enjoy delicious Mediterranean cuisine.

We’ll be based in Nice, the heart of the French Riviera, well known for its stunning coastline and many architectural delights, from the orange and pinky-red Mediterranean rooftops to the grand villas of “La Belle Époque."  We'll paint Nice's distinctive architecture, stunning gardens and the spectacular Cote d'Azur seaside... plus we'll take day trips to:

• Cap-Ferrat - to tour and paint at Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, the former home of Baroness Béatrice de Rothschild

• Antibes - to paint The Mediterranean coast

• Saint-Paul de Vence - to paint in one of the oldest medieval hill-top walled towns on the French Riviera that was a favorite painting location of many famous artists including Marc Chagall, Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso

 

The trip includes many extras -- a welcome reception with Provence wines and cheeses, wine tasting session with a local expert, and a farewell dinner with Mediterranean cuisine and local wines.

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There will be personal free time for added individual painting sessions... to visit to Monaco, Cannes, Èze or Menton... visit the region's renowned art museums - Musée Matisse, Musée Marc Chagall, Musée Picasso or Fondation Maeght ... shop in the outdoor markets or at the luxury boutiques... have a perfume created for you... go olive oil tasting... wander through Vieux Nice discovering its old world charm... soak up Cote d'Azur sunshine, relax by the sea or at an outdoor cafe.

 

Optional before breakfast group pleasure walks along Promenade des Anglais are organized for travelers who want some morning exercise before starting their vacation day.

 

The French Riviera Painting Trip Is Designed To Provide:

• A fabulous vacation and painting experience along the French Riviera... plein air painting each day in beautiful Cote d'Azur locations.

• Painting technique demonstrations and individual one-on-one personal guidance with Catherine Hearding.

• Friendly and fun small group environment limited to 15 persons. Enjoy the camaraderie and begin friendships with like-minded travelers.

• Many activities for artist and non-artist travelers.

• Free personal time for added painting... exploring & sightseeing... shopping... relaxing.

• Optional morning group pleasure walks led by WalkEurope president, Tom Harter.

• Recommended restaurants provided should you want to explore on your own, yet everyone is invited to join local-cuisine group meals.

• Connoisseur service & support – fully escorted tour, personal & customized service for a WORRY-FREE vacation!​ 

 

What's Included:

• Daily sketching and painting with Catherine Hearding.

• Six nights in a personally-selected charming boutique hotel: Hôtel Mercure Nice Centre Grimaldi, a boutique hotel located in Nice’s upscale shopping district. The hotel will be our French Riviera home. It is located a short walk to the sea and to Vieux Nice, Nice’s historic and vibrant old town. Once checked in the balance of the day is at your leisure to explore Nice on your own… meander through Vieux Nice… visit a museum… go for a swim in The Mediterranean… relax along the sea or at an outdoor café.

• Daily hotel buffet breakfasts.

• Daily painting sessions with Catherine Hearding:

  • Nice - Vieux Nice, with its narrow cobblestone streets and pastel-hued buildings

  • Nice - Jardin des Arenes de Cimiez, the oldest garden on Cote d’Azur that surrounds a Franciscan monastery

  • Cap-Ferrat - Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild -- including tour and lunch at the villa

  • Antibes - along The Mediterranean coast

  • Saint-Paul de Vence - Provençal walled hill-perched village, one of the oldest medieval towns on the French Riviera, an artist haven where many famous artists painted, from Chagall and Picasso to Calder and Matisse.

• Welcome Reception – with Provence wines and cheeses hosted by Catherine Hearding and WalkEurope.

• Provence Wine Tasting Session - with a local expert.

• Cocktail Hour Soirees – enjoy before dinner local wines hosted by WalkEurope.

• Farewell Dinner – featuring Mediterranean cuisine and local wines hosted by WalkEurope.

• Morning Pleasure Walks - optional before breakfast group pleasure walks along Promenade des Anglais.

• Villa/garden/museum entrance fees for all group activities and day trips 

• Ground transportation for all group activities, including private vans/buses for day trips.

• Connoisseur service & support  – personal & customized service.

 

Arrival & Departure City:

Nice, France. 

 

Trip Hosts:

Catherine Hearding - Artist & Instructor - More About Catherine

Tom Harter - WalkEurope President - More About Tom

 

Trip Cost:

Charming Boutique Hotel:

• $3,950 – 7 days / 6 nights per person in double occupancy shared hotel room. For solo travelers, we will try to find you a roommate. Tour cost does not include airfare.

• Added cost for single room accommodation option (limited availability) -- $900

  

Space Is Limited -- Reserve Early!

Limited to 15 persons.