20th – 23rd April 2023
with ‘Matisse. Cahiers d’Art, the Pivotal 1930’s’ Exhibition at L’Orangerie
Who can resist Paris in springtime? As many of you will have visited Paris before, we have designed a long weekend to explore some of lesser known, yet equally as fascinating parts of the city. We will discuss gothic architecture, the death of Napoleon, African masks, contemporary art and Impressionism. We will end on a high at Monet’s beautiful gardens bursting with spring colours. Added to this is the new Matisse exhibition at L’Orangerie which will include some iconic works.
Our hotel is ideally placed on the corner of the Place Vendôme and retains a certain 18th century charm. This trip is a mix of interesting art and architecture, beautiful gardens, Parisian Cabaret, good food and wine – throw in great company and it’s a perfect few days away.
Itinerary
Thursday 20th April
We will catch a Eurostar around midday which will allow us to check-in to the hotel before heading out for an introduction to the history of Paris at Les Invalides and look at the building’s complex story from the Hôpital des Invalides to Napoleon’s Tomb and the Musée de l’Armée. Supper will be at a lively bistro in the Champs de Mars.
Friday 21st April
We will start the day at Sainte Chapelle, built in the 13th century to house the Crown of Thorns. Stunning gothic stained glass windows surround you on all sides creating the feeling of a jewelled reliquary. We will then visit the nearby Musée Rodin. Set within the house and grounds of the Hôtel Biron, there is no better place to see the great sculptor’s work than within this intimate museum.
After lunch we will briefly visit the Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac. The museum is home to a fascinating collection of art from Africa, the Americas, Asia and Oceania. The influence of these important works on artists such as Picasso makes this a key place to visit. In addition the museum has a lovely garden creating a surprising green space within the city. We will end the day at the monumental Palais de Tokyo built in 1937 for the Paris International Exhibition and now the largest centre for contemporary art in Europe. Dinner will be at Les Parigots where the food promises to be excellent.
Saturday 22nd April
We will spend the morning in the Musée Marmottan, nestled in a pretty area of Paris. The museum houses the world’s largest collection of works by both Berthe Morisot and Monet, including the iconic ‘Impression – Sunrise’. We hope to then visit the Fondation Louis Vuitton which puts on excellent temporary exhibitions.
After an alfresco lunch we will explore the Musée Jacquemart-André, yet another fantastic museum building. The beautiful 19th century interiors display a fabulous collection of art from around the world, including works by Rembrandt, Frans Hals, Fragonard, Van Dyck and David to name but a few. We will then visit the Musée Picasso, picking out a few key works. Dinner will be at an excellent Bistro in Montmartre followed by a fun evening at the Lapin Agile, Paris’ oldest cabaret bar.
Sunday 23rd April
With our bags packed we will set off by private coach to the Villa Savoye designed by Le Corbusier, a modernist’s answer to the French country retreat. After lunch we will continue on to Monet’s gardens at Giverny. This will be a stunning time of year to visit and a perfect way to end the trip. Our coach will then take us to the station for the Eurostar home.
Further Details
Tuition
The trip will be led by Tom Parsons and Frankie Dytor. Both are experienced AHA tutors and know Paris well. Tom is the author of a book on Post-Impressionism.
Hotel
We will stay at the Hotel Mansart, a beautiful 18th century building on the corner of Place Vendôme.
Transport
There will be a private coach to meet the recommended Eurostar and to Giverny.
Eurostar
We do not book the Eurostar for you allowing you to travel to suit your budget. We recommend the following trains:
20th April London St. Pancras 12:24 – 15:57 Paris Gare du Nord
23rd April Paris Gare du Nord 19:03 – 20:39 London St. Pancras
Ability
There is quite a bit of walking on this trip, as well as uneven cobbles and steep slopes. As is the case for all our courses, there is a lot of standing while we discuss the works we are looking at.
Dinners
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.
Cost
The fees are £1680 which includes accommodation and breakfast, all lunches, transfers for the recommended Eurostar, transport when connected with teaching, entrance fees, tuition, reading lists and local advice. The single occupancy supplement is £120 (double room for single use). Not included are the flights, all suppers, travel insurance. The group will not exceed 16 people and we will divide in to two smaller groups wherever possible.
To register
Please complete the online registration form, having read our terms and conditions and pay the fees via bank transfer.
If you have any queries please email charlie@arthistoryabroad or call 01379 871800 (302)
