Arles and Aix-en-Provence
5th – 10th October 2027
Discover the artistic and cultural treasures of Provence on a captivating journey through Arles and Aix-en-Provence. From ancient Roman monuments and medieval towns to the landscapes that inspired Van Gogh and Cézanne, this trip combines fascinating history, exceptional art and the distinctive character of southern France. Along the way, we will explore the Van Gogh Foundation, LUMA Arles, the Abbey of Montmajour and the fortified town of Aigues-Mortes, with time to experience the unique landscapes of the Camargue.
The journey continues to elegant Aix-en-Provence, where Cézanne’s legacy comes to life, before concluding at the spectacular Château La Coste, where contemporary art, architecture and Provençal vineyards meet. This promises to be a richly varied exploration of Provence through its art, history, landscape and culture.
Itinerary
Tuesday 5th October
Our flight arrives in Marseille, and we will take a private coach for the journey to Arles. Once we have settled in at the hotel, we will set off to explore this atmospheric Provençal town, beginning with an introduction to its remarkable Roman heritage. We will visit the ancient Theatre and the impressive Amphitheatre, before descending beneath the modern town to explore the Cryptoporticus, the atmospheric underground passages which once formed part of the Roman Forum.
We will then follow in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh on a walking trail through Arles, discovering the places which inspired some of his most famous paintings and gaining an introduction to the artist’s extraordinary relationship with the town. We will discuss this over a good supper near the hotel.
Wednesday 6th October
We will begin the morning at the Van Gogh Foundation, which celebrates the artist’s time in Arles alongside the work of artists who have been inspired by his legacy. We will explore the collection and exhibitions before lunch.
In the afternoon, we will visit LUMA Arles, the striking contemporary arts centre created by the architect Frank Gehry. The complex brings together art, architecture and design in a remarkable setting on the former industrial site of the Parc des Ateliers. We will then make the short journey out of Arles to the magnificent Abbey of Montmajour. Founded in the 10th century, this extraordinary monastic complex grew over the centuries and combines Romanesque, Gothic and classical architecture. Its position above the surrounding landscape has long attracted artists and writers – including Van Gogh – and we will explore the abbey and its evocative setting before returning to Arles for the evening, where we will have a lovely supper.
Thursday 7th October
We will spend the day exploring the fascinating medieval town of Aigues-Mortes, reached by a scenic drive of around an hour from Arles in a private coach. Built by Louis IX in the 13th century, the town retains its extraordinary fortified walls and towers. We will walk along the ramparts and visit the imposing Tower of Constance, learning about the town’s history as a royal port and its later role as a place of imprisonment.
After lunch, we will discover the remarkable landscapes of the Camargue. We could visit the pink salt lakes and the Musée du Sel to learn more about the traditional production of salt in the region or take a boat trip through the wetlands in search of the Camargue’s famous flamingos. If time and energy allow, we may be able to combine the two. We will return to Arles for dinner.
Friday 8th October
We will head onwards to Aix-en-Provence after breakfast. Our first stop will be the Atelier de Cézanne, the studio where Paul Cézanne worked during the final years of his life.
After lunch, we will explore the elegant streets and squares of Aix-en-Provence, following in Cézanne’s footsteps and discovering the city’s rich architectural heritage. We will also visit the Musée Granet, whose collections range from Old Masters to more modern works, including paintings by Cézanne. If time allows, we may make a detour to the Fondation Vasarely, the striking modernist centre devoted to the work of the Hungarian-French artist Victor Vasarely.
Saturday 9th October
We will spend our final full day at Château La Coste, set amongst the vineyards and countryside north of Aix-en-Provence. The estate brings together wine, architecture and contemporary art, with works by leading artists and architects scattered throughout the landscape. We will spend the morning exploring the art and architecture of the estate, discovering how the buildings and sculptures interact with the surrounding Provençal landscape.
After lunch, we will continue with the exhibitions before enjoying a wine tasting and learning more about the estate’s wines. We will return to Aix-en-Provence for our final supper in France.
Sunday 10th October
After breakfast, we will leave Aix-en-Provence and take the private coach to Marseille for our flight home.
Further Details
Tutors
Joshua White and Emma Wagstaff will lead the trip, both have led many tours to France and know the area well. Emma specialised in Modernism and Avant-garde performance, she trained as a scenographer at the Royal Central school of Speech and Drama and and École Jacques Lecoq in Paris. She is fascinated by the drama of space, colour and rhythm, and employs these as critical approaches to the study of art history. Joshua taught at Christie’s Education for twenty years and has been the Director of a commercial art gallery. He is an art historian, writer and lecturer specialising in modern and contemporary art.
Hotels
In Arles we will stay in l’ Artatan in the centre of town. It is designed by artist Jorge Pardo with mosaics, plays of light, and unusual volumes creating a vibrant decor that is both warm and contemporary, but still retaining the high standards of an excellent hotel. In Aix-en-Provence we will stay in the 4-star Cezanne Hotel, a charming hotel in an excellent location with a lovely relaxing terrace.
Travel
Flights – We do not book the flights thus allowing you to travel to suit your budget, use airmiles, travel between different airports or on different dates. Not all airlines have published their flights for the end of September 2027 yet; we shall notify you as soon as soon as they do.
Alternatively, you can take the train. Do let us know if you would prefer this and we will be in touch with our suggested timings once tickets become available to purchase. You can book the whole journey on the Eurostar website.
Transport
There will be coach or taxi transfers to meet the recommended travel arrangements. We will travel by private airconditioned coach for all of our travels.
Ability
There is quite a lot of walking on this trip. As is the case for all our courses, there is a lot of standing while we discuss the works we are looking at.
Lunches and Dinners
Lunches are a set menu of two courses to include drinks. Dinner is by no means compulsory, but we book a table for the group each night at different restaurants and divide the bill equally between everyone. Sometimes these may also need to be a set menu but we try our best to avoid this. We will adjust the bill for those not drinking alcohol.
Cost
The fees are £2690 which includes accommodation and breakfast, all lunches, transfers for the recommended flight, transport when connected with teaching, entrance fees, tuition, reading lists and local advice. The single occupancy supplement is £290 (double room for single use). Not included are the flights, all suppers, travel insurance. The group will not exceed 16 people.
To register
Please complete the online registration form, having read our terms and conditions and pay a deposit of £600 per person via bank transfer once you have received the confirmation email. Please note your place is not confirmed until we have received your deposit.
If you have any queries, please email [email protected] or call 01379 871800 (302)
NB you must buy your own flights or train.
