Painting in Rural France
This trip is ideal if you like the untouched, non touristy
country side: from villages and markets to lakes and mountains (Foothills of the French Alps,
on the border with Switzerland and Italy).
Day 1: Welcome in Aix-les-Bains
We will pick you up at the Aix-les Bains train station. Upon your
arrival at the hotel, you will have time to sette in and relax,
either by the indoor pool or in the beautiful spa town
of Aix les Bains.
In the evening, we will have an orientation meeting followed by
a gourmet dinner. |
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Days 2 and 3: Spa town of Aix les Bains and Bourget Lake
Located at the foot of the Alps, nestled on
the banks of Lake Bourget, lies the city of Aix-les-Bains,
in an exceptional location.
You will love this French spa town for its mountains
views, thermal baths, palaces from the 19th century
and relaxed atmosphere.
Aix and its international reknowned spas was frequented in
the 19th century by the European aristocracy: maharajas, emperors,
princes… the jet-set. You can still admire the city's architecture
of the Belle-Epoque: Thermal Baths, Casino, oversized palaces
and villas dominate the landscape.
19th c. Casino in Aix-les-Bains |
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19th c. Palace in Aix-les-Bains |
Aix-les-Bains is one of the few towns in France that has received the
national "4 flowers" award for its amazing flowery parks and
gardens though out the town.
Aix-les-Bains is nestled on the banks of Lake Bourget, the biggest natural
lake of glacial origin in France. Surrounded by hills and mountains
as well as small fishing ports, the lake offers breathtaking
views for you to paint or photograph.
Oil painting by Victoria Brooks (teacher) |
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Aix-les-Bains Port at Bourget lake |
Watercolor painting by Sonja Hamilton, SWA
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Day 4: Romantic Village of Chanaz and Walnut Oil Tasting
We will drive east along the Rhone River, through beautiful
vineyards and picturesque villages to the lovely village of
Chanaz. Sitting accross the canal, in the middle of trees, you
will enjoy painting this quiet village.
After your painting session, we will attend a walnut oil making
demonstration in a 19th-century mill. This
is a unique opportunity since this mill is the only one left
in France listed historical monument.
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Day 5: Annecy or 'The Little Venice of the Alps'
Annecy is the French show-piece of lakes-and-mountain
beauty. The Canal crossing Annecy brings Venice to
mind as you stroll along its banks.
Your choice for the painting site will be unlimited: medieval
narrow streets, renaissance houses along the canal,
the famous old prison (one of the most photographed monuments
in France!) or the Annecy lake surrounded by mountains.
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The old prison of Annecy |
We will visit Annecy on market day so that you can decide to
shop or paint at the market.
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Oil painting by Anne Kullaf (teacher) |
Day 6: 11th Century Virieu Castle and its Picturesque Village
On that day, we will take paint in the village of Virieu.
This quaint village is a treasure for painters: doors, windows,
flowers, church, ...Villagers will even open their homes
to you so you can paint in their garden.
You can also decide to paint the extraordinary Renaissance
Virieu castle, built over eight centuries.
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Louis, a native from the village and artist lover, always invites our
group into his home and treats us with his homemade walunt wine.
Day 7: Enjoy a Spa in the famous spa town of Aix
Enjoy your last day in France. Take your time to finish up some
paintings, start a paint of the port in Aix-les-Bains or go shooping
in the pedestrian quarter or town. |
Afternoon: Relaxation at the Spa in Aix, the second largest spa town in France
If you don't want to keep on painting, we will treat you for a very relaxing afternoon in the thermal bath of Aix.
You will have access to all the spa center facilities: naturally warm
indoor and outdoor thermal water pools, whirlpools, saunas and steam
baths, gym and relaxation areas, bar and patios. Possibilty to get a
massage, mud bath, etc...
For our last evening, we will treat you for a dinner cruise
on the magnificient Bourget lake. After dinner, the boat plays
a sound and light show on the wild cliffs of the lake.
It is truly unforgettable!
Day 8: Departure
After our last breakfast together, we'll drive you to the Aix-les-Bains
train station by 10am. |
Accommodation by the Bourget Lake
Situated in the heart of Savoie in the town of Aix-les-bains,
this 3 star hotel offers luxurious and comfortable accommodations
with view on the port of Bourget lake.
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View from the hotel (Port at Bourget lake)
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The rooms are equipped with one double bed or 2 single beds
depending on your preference.
All soundproofed guest rooms are equipped with bathtub or shower,
a flat screen TV with international satellite channnels and
free Wi-Fi internet access.
Each guest room also features a free mini-bar stocked with
soft drinks. |
Dates
Not scheduled in 2012
Rate
$2,990 per person (land cost)
Includes
- Aix-les-Bains train station pick-up at 2PM and drop-off at 10AM
- All nights accommodation at the hotel
- Transportation every day in a comfortable van with A/C
- A welcome reception
- All breakfasts and 5 dinners
- All art classes
- Entrance to the spa
- Dinner and light show on a boat
- Bottled water and snacks during day trips
- Entrance fees to all sites on the tour
- A free Paris planner for a self guided visit in Paris: suggestions
of hotels, restaurants and places to visit
Excludes
- Flights to and from France
- Train to and from Aix-les-Bains
- Lunches and drinks
- 2 dinners
- Optional activities not described in the itinerary
- Personal expenses and tipping
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