Experience French village life, with art tutors, language and cooking lessons, slow food and wine – holidays at leisurely pace.

For those who have a sense or feel for history and art, Europe draws like a magnet. While many have visited the touchstone cities of Rome, Florence and Paris, there is something alluring about living and painting in places central to European art, and the South of France are such places. We have arranged painting holidays where you can relax and enjoy the unique ambience of French village life. Paint to your heart's content and then in the pampered comfort of a Chateau, villa  with pool and terrace, relax in the evening with an aperitif and delight in French   food with produce from the local area. You may even learn to cook some French dishes or brush up on your language skills.

As with previous Ecliptic Gallery holidays, guests will be able to choose what they want to do at their own pace, whether it's learning to paint, language tuition, cooking, golf, playing Petanque (Boules) lazing by the pool or starting “that book” we all have within us. When you arrive, you unpack and have two full weeks of holiday. Evening aperitifs provide a gentle end to the day before a gastronomic delight at home or visiting local restaurants in the villages nearby.

Whether you're an established artist or still a novice with a desire to learn more, the 2010 French painting holiday may be just the thing for you.

Holiday have been organized for  September France.  The group size is small (10)and we will be staying  in a fairytale chateau with art, cooking demonstrations and French language tuition  in the mornings and  the afternoons and evenings left for sightseeing, good food and wine.

ART TUTORS

Our art tutor Angelo Quabba from Melbourne (via Italy) is very experienced and encourages artists at every level.  Tuition is a combination of demonstrations and group/personal sessions to suit the needs of guests, the light and weather conditions.

OUR CHEF AND LANGUAGE TUTOR

Chantal Moritz, our ‘cuisiniere' and language tutor was born in Paris but now lives in Victoria teaching French. Cooking and language tuition is on a very flexible basis which enables participants to develop both skills and confidence. Those interested in cooking can work with Chantal learning the intricacies and skills of preparing the French cuisine outlined in her Recipe Book – a keepsake of the trip.

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation will be in a spectacular chateau in South West France (click on photo gallery under “Holidays in France”)

ACTIVITIES

There is no requirement to pack up and move to a rigid itinerary. There are trips to nearby villages and chateaux for wine tasting, the major tourist attractions of the area, historic sites, and galleries nearby. Most days however, will be devoted to enjoying the ambience of French village life and painting the local area.

We have also broadened the range of activities available for non-painters or painters who want to do other things, e.g. golf, petanque, wine tasting, gallery and studio visits and local tours to historic villages of the region we are visiting.

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• $5,950 per person twin share
• 2 Weeks accommodation in magnificent chateau or villa
• Painting tuition including  art equipment and materials
• Daily language tuition and cooking demonstrations 
• Transportation to and from painting sites
• Pick up from nearby Train Station
• France - Meals including wine - breakfast each day, lunch and dinner on at least 10 days (other days we visit a local restaurant for lunch or dinner)

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• Air Fares (however these can be arranged on your behalf through the Gallery)
• Travel Insurance
• Individual Car Hire  

BOOKINGS

For more information or to make a booking please contact Jan Lack on +61 3 9822 2678 or mobile 0419.237424

Or email janlack@eclipticgallery.com.au . A deposit of $1,000 per person will be

Required at time of booking with the balance to be paid by June 15, 2010.

Download Painting Holidays In France Brochure 2010 (pdf)