Join Carrie Jacobson in the south of France for painting, exploring, and relaxing.
I’m thrilled to invite you all to come with me on an unforgettable trip, to paint, explore and experience Provence, where so many of the Impressionists lived, loved and painted.
Date
Sep 22 - 29
Year
2026
Group Size
12 - 16
Tour Escort
Day 1 to Day 7
About this trip
Join Carrie Jacobson in the south of France for painting, exploring, and relaxing. A note from Carrie:
I’m thrilled to invite you all to come with me on an unforgettable trip, to paint, explore and experience Provence, where so many of the Impressionists lived, loved and painted. An oil painter, I use a palette knife to capture the colors, depths and rhythms of the landscape. On this trip, I’ll show you how to use a knife – in acrylics – to make bold, luscious strokes that capture the joy and delight of what you see.
I started painting 20 years ago, when I was 50, and shortly afterwards, left a successful journalism career to earn my family’s living by making and selling art. For years, I traveled the country participating in outdoor art festivals. Now, I’m selling art primarily in galleries and in my studio on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, where I also give private lessons, and lead regular painting workshops. We’ll spend the first session of our Provence workshop learning to hold and move the knife, and talk about how to see the world through your artist’s eyes. We will start a painting, and finish it in the second session. I’ll be available for private lessons throughout the week.
Minimum group size
Pricing is based upon a minimum group of 12 paying travelers. If Wine Lovers Travel does not achieve this minimum before final payment is due, the trip is subject to cancellation and WLT will refund all payment made in full.
Inclusions
- Painting classes and materials mentioned.
- All meals mentioned in the itinerary.
- Private guided tours of the cities and museum entrances.
Exclusions
- International Air.
- Travel Insurance.
- Meals not listed and items of personal nature.
Available Packages
After being picked up from the Marseille airport, you will be transferred to your hotel, located in the heart of the city. Renaissance Aix-en-Provence Hotel is a 5-star haven that will be your home base for the whole trip. Tonight, we will have a welcome dinner at the hotel for you all to get acquainted with one another.
Meet with your guide in the lobby of your hotel & explore the city of Aix-en-Provence. The center of Aix is the old town (vieille ville), ringed by a circle of boulevards and squares. It’s a small enough area to explore on foot. The medieval Aix was protected by a wall with 39 towers. Today, only the 14th-century “Tourreluquo” tower remains, at the northwest corner of the town. Cours Mirabeau is the center of the center, and the heart of Aix. The Cours Mirabeau is a beautiful tree-lined avenue, with one side lined with wonderful terrace cafés and bookshops. If you sit at only one French sidewalk café outside of Paris, it should be here, where the air is warm, the light sublime and the sidewalk alive. Large plane trees overhang the length of the avenue, giving day-long shade on hot summer days. Enjoy tastings of local specialties as you explore. After exploring town, we will go back to the hotel for a 3-course lunch. After lunch, we will stay at the hotel for your first painting workshop.
After being picked up at your hotel by your guide and your driver, you will first visit the Monastère of Saint Paul de Mausole. Then, you will enjoy a painting workshop with a Van Gogh theme. After lunch, drive to the south of Avignon, through the sea of olive oil trees & acres of vineyards and arrive in the town of Les Baux de Provence.
The village, which can only be visited on foot, is officially classified and labelled as “one of the most beautiful villages in France”. Its cultural heritage is exceptionally rich, with 22 architectural treasures classified as “Historic Monuments” (including the church, chateau, town-hall, hospital, chapels, houses, doorways… without counting items of furniture and a collection of paintings). After this discovery, you will visit Les Carrières de Lumières. Dive into an immersive artistic experience at the Carrières des Lumières, located in Les Baux-de-Provence. Our digital exhibitions transform this exceptional mineral site into a space where digital art comes to life. Each exhibition invites you to explore art from a fresh perspective, through monumental projections that surround you with images and sounds, offering a full immersion into both renowned and contemporary works of art. Tonight, you will go back to the hotel and have dinner on your own.
Time to climb on your e-bike, get pedaling and enjoy your ride! Start towards the village of Lacoste. You will stop by the remains of the Marquis de Sade’s castle, one of the Luberon’s unmissable 11th-century jewels. Snap away at the incredible views over the valley and the neighboring villages. You’ll enjoy a guided ride through olive tree plantations and vineyards. Time for a break and lunch in the charming village of Ménerbes, listed as “one of the most beautiful villages in France”. Return to the hotel and have dinner on your own.
Today, we will enjoy a beautiful 5-hour hike in the Calanques. You will reach the coves of Port Pin and En-vau after crossing the cove of Port-Miou. Numerous panoramas mark the route to appreciate the unique landscapes of the coves. You will have time to enjoy a picnic and take in the views before going back to the hotel.
Hopefully, all the beautiful blues you saw yesterday will inspire some painting this morning at the hotel. Carrie will host a painting workshop in the morning, then you will enjoy a 3-course lunch as a group at the hotel. Enjoy the rest of your day to do as you please, either at the hotel or explore the city.
Meet with your driver guide in the lobby of your hotel & depart for a day exploring the charming villages of the Luberon Valley. Lourmarin is known for its Renaissance castles. Its lush setting makes it a must-see during your stay in Provence. You’ll then pass through the famous Combe de Lourmarin, which crosses the Luberon from one end to the other. The valley offers exceptional scenery before arriving in Bonnieux for a photo stop, admiring the summit of its church. You’ll be amazed by the beautiful view this village offers over the Luberon. Crossing the Calavon, you can admire the Pont Julien, a bridge dating back to the Roman era. Then head to the ochre village of Roussillon, where you can discover the ochre cliffs and the village, where each house is painted a different color. Be amazed by its astonishing palette of flamboyant colors, featuring fifty shades of red. Enjoy your last evening at leisure after a beautiful day of exploring.
Unfortunately, today is your last day. After breakfast, we will arrange private transfers to the Marseille airport, where you can continue your travels or head home.