Example Programme
Sunday
On arriving safely at approximately 4pm (French time), you will be greeted at the hotel and after settling into your room, we can meet you in the bar for a welcome drink. Once everyone has arrived, we will escort those who would like a walk, down to the famous Pont d'Arc which is only a few hundred yards away. You will be able to take photographs and experience a sense of the beauty that surrounds you! We will then return to the hotel for the evening meal.
Monday
We will meet at 10am (after breakfast) for your first day. You will
firstly be taken to a nearby viewpoint overlooking the gorge to do one
or two quick sketches using a 'viewfinder' (we can show you how)
and
also take some photographs and get a feeling for the landscape and
beauty of the Ardèche. You will then be taken back to the hotel
from where we will walk down to the pebble beach via our private access
opposite. Once settled we will demonstrate how to be selective when
faced with such awe-inspiring sights. After lunch (about 3pm) there
will be the opportunity to finish any paintings and/or walk to the Pont
d'Arc where the Chauvet cave
was discovered in 1997. Although it is not possible to enter the cave,
as the 32,000 year old paintings are heavily protected, it is possible
to see the entrance and visit the exhibition in Vallon . You can either
visit this in the free time you will have or we can arrange a trip
during the week if time allows.
Tuesday
A day in Vogue! The town of Vogue, is situated on the river a short distance north of Vallon Pont d'Arc. Nestled into the rocky gorge, it has beautiful narrow medieval and historic buildings. This creates the perfect environment to demonstrate perspective and for you to try your hand at architecture and tonal drawings. After lunch we can go down to the waters edge and take in the spectacular sights there. Using your sketchbooks and/or other painting mediums, you can try your hand at capturing the views around the town and river! Classified as one of "Les plus Beaux Villages de France" (The Most Beautiful Villages in France), as well as a "Village de Caractère" , Vogue is one not to miss!
Wednesday
A day in Labeaume
is a real treat for any artist. The tiny streets are filled with Gothic
looking buildings of pale cobalt blues and golds, exquisite shops
painted in an assortment of colours and cafe's to sit outside and watch
the world go by (or get your sketchbooks out!). At the bottom of the
village is the crystal clear waters of the river which has a
submersable bridge allowing people and traffic to cross. All of this is
then surrounded by magnificent cliffs and spectacular rock formations
creating an abundance of subject matter for any artist. What makes
Labeaume, which is also classified as a "Village de Caractere" , even more amazing is that in summer (July and August)
it becomes host to a classical music festival where you will be
delighted to discover musicians playing all over the place and often in
some unusual and unexpected locations.
Thursday
Market day!
Vallon is an old market town and today gives us the opportunity to soak
up the hustle and bustle of a working town's life and taste fresh local
French produce. In the morning you will have the chance to capture in
sketchbooks moving figures; stall holders and their produce as well as
the market square.
The afternoon is free for you to use as you please, although if you wish to continue sketching/painting then the tutor will still be on hand. However, their is also the opportunity to go canoeing on the river with the assistance of a Level 3 Coach who can guide you down the first section, finishing by canoeing underneath the Pont d'Arc itself! (please note that there will be a small charge for this activity - €30 per head).
Friday
Today is our last painting day. You can take advantage of the private beach or the locality of the Pont d'Arc to finish off any paintings or even to start another! I will also be able to assist you (if necessary) to prepare any sketches/paintings for the exhibition and presentation of work done during your stay which will be held in the evening. Don't worry this isn't a test! Just a chance to showcase some of your work if you so wish, and for people to share their achievements from the week.
Saturday
Departure day. You will be expected to clear your rooms by 10:30am
