Join Valerie Kent for an art enthusiast's dream trip, spending 6 nights in Normandy, followed by 7 nights cruising the wine regions of Burgundy and Provence aboard the deluxe River Royale.

As for the 'Impressionists', Normandy still attracts artists. By the turn of the 19th century train travel opened up Normandy to Parisians and the great Impressionists who flocked there. This is old France and still has buccolic rolling farmland, villages with ancient houses and barns of cross-beam construction and thatch roofs. The beautiful old city of Rouen on the Seine River has an unreivelled medieval quarter, loved and painted by Monet. Highlights include a 3 night stay in the historic quarter of Rouen, a guided visit of Auvers-sur-Oise where Van Gogh produced 70 canvases and a visit and painting workshop at Claude Monet's beloved home and garden at Giverny.

After the 6 nights in Normandy, we then make our way to Chalons sur Saône for a glorious 7 night river cruise of the Rhone River from Burgundy to Provence, aboard the deluxe River Royale. Provence is brilliant with lavender, sun flowers, and the azure blue of the Mediterranean. You can smell the Rosemary and Thyme growing wild. No wonder Cezanne stayed here all his life, Van Gogh made splendid canvases here and Gaughin was as happy with the colour here as in the South Pacific.

  • In Brief
  • Tour Map
  • Full Itinerary
  • Photo Gallery
  • Tour Details
  • Terms and Conditions
Day Date Itinerary Meals
1 Monday July 12th Arrive Paris, France Breakfast
2 Tuesday July 13th Rouen, France Breakfast
3 Wednesday July 14th Rouen, France Breakfast
4 Thursday July 15th Rouen, France Breakfast
5 Friday July 16th Paris, France Breakfast
6 Saturday July 17th Paris, France Breakfast
7 Sunday July 18th Embark on Rhône River Cruise, France Breakfast, Dinner
8 Monday July 19th Rhône River Cruise, France Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
9 Tuesday July 20th Rhône River Cruise, France Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
10 Wednesday July 21st Rhône River Cruise, France Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
11 Thursday July 22nd Rhône River Cruise, France Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
12 Friday July 23rd Rhône River Cruise, France Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
13 Saturday July 24th Rhône River Cruise, France Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
14 Sunday July 25th Depart Arles, France Breakfast

Sunday July 11th - Depart Home City Board your international flight to Paris, France. (As a full service travel agency were happy to assist with flight arrangements to join this tour. We suggest booking early to obtain the best flights and rates available.)

DAY 1: Arrive Paris, France Welcome to France! Everyone will meet at our hotel in Paris. If you would like to arrive one or more days early we will be happy to assist with additional days at our hotel and any touring activities you would like to participate in.

DAY 2: Private tour of Auvers-sur-Oise and Van Gogh Lecture we have private transportation to take us from Paris to Rouen, our home for the next 3 nights in the heart of Normandy. On route to Rouen we will take time to visit and enjoy a private tour of Auvers-sur-Oise. Throughout the 19th century a number of painters lived and worked in Auvers-sur-Oise. Van Gogh moved here in 1890 and took a room at the Auberge Ravoux. He produced 70 canvases here before taking his own life in July of the same year. We will take the same walk as Van Gogh took so many times through the village, past the 'Eglise d'Auvers and into the field that he painted and where he is now buried alongside his brother Theo. We continue on to Rouen and settle into our hotel in the historic centre of this ancient Norman city.
Meals: (B) Breakfast

DAY 3: Rouen After breakfast this morning we have a private walking tour to familiarize us with the history and architecture of Rouen. Rouen is the ancient capital of Normandy. It is still a navigable port on the Seine River and in spite of the war's battering still contains an overwhelming number of lovely churches, chapels, towers, fountains and old cross-beamed houses. The city is full of poignant reminders of Joan of Arc, who was burned alive there on May 30, 1431. The spot of the pyre is marked by a mosaic in the sidewalk of the Place du Vieurx Marché in the pedestrian medieval quarter. The cathedral of Rouen is one of the most beautiful examples of French Gothic architecture. The façade was used in a series of paintings by Claude Monet to study the effects of lighting at different times of the day on the same subject.
Meals: (B) Breakfast

DAY 4: Rouen After breakfast we will make our way to one of the many little streets of this historic french town to enjoy today's painting workshop. The cross- beamed houses that line the these streets will make a wonderful setting to paint.
Meals: (B) Breakfast

DAY 5: Giverny - Painting workshop at Claude Monet's GardenIn the afternoon we will travel the short distance to visit Claude Monet's house and gardens in the village of Giverny. After touring his beautiful home, left just the way it was when he lived in it you can visit both his extensive flower garden and his beautiful water garden where his beloved water lilies still grow close to the wisteria laden Japanese bridge that Monet loved to paint.

We have made private arrangements for our group to stay in the garden to paint.

Imagine making your own version of 'Les Nympheas'. After our workshop we continue onto Paris for the next two nights.
Meals: (B) Breakfast

DAY 6: Paris Nestled in the lush hills of the Rhône Valley lies the medieval walled city of Avignon, Named the "City of the Popes". A free day to indulge in Paris! The museums, the cafes, the shopping - whatever you wish Paris is yours! Valerie usually likes (and you are welcome to join her) to make a little trip up to Place de Tertre on the top of Montmartre. The 'Impressionists' used to hang out here and it's still a vibrant artist enclave. From the steps of the Sacre Ceour Paris lies before you. If you enjoy chimney pots this will be a feast for the eyes.
Meals: (B) Breakfast

DAY 7: Transfer to Lyon - Embark on 7 Night Rhône River Cruise After breakfast we transfer to our River Ship the River Royale waiting for us in the heart of Burgundy.
Meals: (BD) Breakfast, Dinner

River Royale Lavishly appointed riverview staterooms and suite have hotel-style beds draped in fine linens. The staterooms and suites on the Azure Deck have French balconies. Other amenities include: generous built-in closets, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat for air conditioning and heat, direct-dial telephone, flat-screen TV with satellite, bottled water, and bathroom with L'Occitane body products, magnifying mirror, and waffle bathrobes. The River Royale has a beautiful panoramic main lounge with full-service bar, cozy library, elegant restaurant, sun deck with chess and shuffleboard, fitness room, sauna, Jacuzzi, massage treatments, gift boutique, and elevator. Included ammenties include complimentary 24-hour specialty coffee and tea bar, 24-hr reception service, wireless internet access in public areas and use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks.

DAY 8: Chalon sur Saône Centered in the heart of Burgundy, Chalon is an important centre for France's wine trade. From here, we will travel to nearby Beaune once the capital of the Duchy of Burgundy and visit the famous 'Hospices de Beaune'. Its history aside, it is an architectural jewel with a splendid multi-coloured tiled roof, now a symbol of Burgundy. Founded in the 15th century, the Hospices were given some vineyards so they could make wine and to this day the money raised from the annual auction of the wine supports many charities. In the town square is the Burgundy Wine market where we will make a visit and enjoy a tasting of fine Burgundy wines!
Meals: (BLD) Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Excursion: Beaune and Hospices de Beaune

DAY 9: Lyon Lyon was founded by the great Roman, Julius Caesar, and has a wealth of Roman remains. It was also a wealthy merchants' town in the Middle Ages producing the finest silks in all of Europe - they are still producing some of the finest silks today. Lyon is very proud of its UNESCO protected "Renaissance Quarter" that is so charming to explore.
Meals: (BLD) Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Excursion: City tour of Lyon

DAY 10: Tournon and Tain L'Hermitage Nestled among the famous vineyards, the twin cities of Tournon and Tain L'Hermitage provide the perfect setting for those who are true connoisseurs of chocolate and wine. Celebrate the region by indulging in some Côte du Rhône wines. Cross the Marc Seguin suspended bridge and visit Tournon and its historic castle. Discover the secrets of world-famous Valrhona chocolate during an informative onboard lecture and tasting arranged by the Valrhona School of Chocolate.
Meals: (BLD) Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Excursion: Wine tasting and Tournon walking tour

DAY 11: Viviers Charming Viviers has retained its old-world charm. The town developed around its Romanesque cathedral. Our tour in Viviers starts in the 'Old Town' with an introduction to the city. We'll stop by Rue Chévrerie, Porte Riquot, Maison de Chevaliers, Rue du Château, and Maison Elémentaire du Commercant. Finally, we'll walk through the medieval streets of this charming town on our way back to the ship with time to explore the shops and little winding streetscapes.
Meals: (BLD) Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Excursion: Viviers walking tour

DAY 12: Avignon Nestled in the lush hills of the Rhône Valley lies the medieval walled city of Avignon, Named the "City of the Popes". It was the centre of the Catholic Church in the 14th century when the Palace of the Popes was equivalent of today's Vatican. Our walking tour of Avignon starts at Clocktower Square, with its many cafes, shops and namesake clock tower dating back to the 1300s, and now part of the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall). Next, it's on to the Pope's Palace Square for an inside visit of the grand Palace of the Popes.
Meals: (BLD) Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Excursion: Avignon walking tour and Palace of the Popes

DAY 13: Arles The name of Arles is closely connected with that of Vincent Van Gogh. Inspired by the unique Provençal light, he spent a period of intense and impassioned work under the bright sunny sky of Provence. During our walking tour we will discover Van Gogh's Arles as well as the fascinating wealth of Romanesque monuments, such as the Roman Amphitheatre and Constantine's Roman baths.
Meals: (BLD) Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Excursion: Arles walking tour

DAY 14: Disembark River Royale - Depart for Home City After breakfast we leave the River Royale and we will travel to Marseille for our flight home.
Meals: (B) Breakfast


Tour: Painting Normandy and Cruising the Rhône River - 13 Nts / 14 Days
Artist/Instructor: Valerie Kent
Dates: Monday July 12th to Sunday July 25th, 2010
Arrival City: (CDG) Paris, France
Departure City: (MRS) Marseille, France
Overnights: - 3 Nts Paris
- 3 Nts Rouen
- 7 Nts Rhône River Cruise
Price per person: - $4,288.00 in CAT 3
- $4,638.00 in CAT 2
- $4,988.00 in CAT 1
- Add $260.00 taxes
- Double or shared twin
- Single rate upon request
Tour Highlights: - Private tour of Auvers-sur-Oise and Van Gogh lectures
- Painting workshop in Claude Monet's Garden at Giverny
- Visit to the 'Hospices de Beaune'
- City tour of Lyon and UNESCO 'Renaissance Quarter'
- Côte du Rhône Wine Tasting
- Walking Tours (Rouen, Tournon, Viviers, Avignon, Arles)
- Palace of the Popes
Tour Inclusions: - 3 Nts Paris Hotel
- 3 Nts Rouen Hotel
- 7 Nts Rhône River Cruise aboard the River Royale
- Airport transfer from Rhône River Cruise to Marseille Airport
- Tour transfers per itineary
- Private tour of Auvers-sur-Oise and Van Gogh lectures
- Painting workshop in Claude Monet's Garden at Giverny
- Excursions per itinerary and on location workshops and painting opportunities
- Fully escorted by Artist/Instructor Valerie Kent
Meals Included: - Breakfast Daily, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
- Captain's Welcome and Farewell Dinners
Tour Exclusions: - International airfare to Paris, France and from Marseille, France
- Airport transfer from Paris Airport to Paris Hotel
- Tips, Gratuities and Baggage Handling
- Personal insurance (medical, baggage, cancellation, etc.)
- Passports, Visas and Immunizations
- Meals and Beverages not included in itinerary
- Laundry, Hotel and Personal charges
- All optional excursions or deviations from itinerary
- Items of personal nature and souvenirs

Terms & Conditions:

Creative Arts Holidays (hereinafter referred to as CAH) and/or their agent's act solely as agents for the Travel Service Suppliers such as airlines, hotels, local sightseeing and adventure companies, bus companies etc... who are providing their facilities as described on CAH's website and in CAH's brochures. We do our best to select such suppliers but exercise no control over them and cannot be held responsible for the failure of these suppliers to carry out any obligations. Any and all bookings made with these suppliers by us, for you, are subject to the terms and conditions of each and every such supplier.

Suppliers' liability may also be limited by law, tariffs, or conditions set forth in their documentation, tickets, etc. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, CAH and its agents are not responsible for any and all claims for losses, damages, delays, illness, injuries, inconvenience, loss of enjoyment, or anxiety arising from:

  1. Fault of negligence or omissions on the part of said travel suppliers;
  2. Illness, theft, strikes, mechanical problems, quarantine, governmental intervention, weather conditions, acts of hostility or violence and any other grounds beyond their control;
  3. Your failure to obtain passport, visas, inoculations or other ground documents;
  4. Your failure to report on time at an airport or ground transfer facility;
  5. Material damages, theft or other mysterious disappearance of your goods;
  6. Personal injury or death;
  7. Force Majeure - event(s) beyond our, or our suppliers' reasonable control including, but not limited to, acts of God, strikes, lockout or other labour disputes or disruptions, wars, blockades, insurrections, riots, earthquakes, weather conditions, floods or acts or restraints imposed by governmental authorities.

Liability:

Where travel services are purchased separately, and not as part of an inclusive package, CAH's responsibility shall extend only to the provisions of advice as to industry standard or supplier recommended, connection and check-in times. Provided CAH supplies such advice, it shall not be responsible for missed connections or departures, regardless of the cause.

Promotional Material:

CAH programs very often include photographs of our past tour participants that may be used on our websites and promotional material. If any of our passengers do not wish to have pictures, which include their image used by CAH, said passengers must advise CAH prior to departure in writing.

Website and Brochure Accuracy:

Every effort has been made to describe the travel services on our website as accurately as possible, but please note there may be different living standards and conditions with respect to the provisions of utilities and services than you are accustomed to at home. Information and photographs contained herein were accurate at time of printing and are subject to change: however, we will do our best to inform you should any significant changes occur. CAH reserves the right to decline any passenger as a member of any tour at any time. It is understood that all passengers reserving on any CAH program are personally physically mobile.

Itinerary Changes:

Although every effort will be made to keep itineraries, hotels and carriers as they are shown on our website and in our brochures, we reserve the right to substitute itineraries, hotels or carriers due to conditions beyond our control. In such cases, we will do everything possible to ensure that the locations visited, the excursions taken and the hotels offered are similar to the ones originally planned. Any change to itineraries will not result in eligibility for a refund.

Personal Documentation Requirements:

All passengers must travel with a passport valid for at least 6 months after the return date of the trip. Visas may be required by some passengers for entry into another country - please contact a CAH representative at 1.888.830.5324 for further details. Please note that entry into any country may be refused even if the required information and travel documents are complete. It is the passenger's responsibility to obtain at the passenger's expense, all documentation required by all relevant authorities. In the event that the passenger does not possess the proper documentation, the carrier (cruiseline, airline etc...) reserves the right to refuse passage. It is absolutely necessary for CAH to be aware of the citizenship/nationality of all its passengers to ensure that we provide correct information regarding personal documentation requirements.

Pricing:

Prices in this brochure or on our website are for the most part per person, based on two persons sharing a room, and are in effect at the time of printing or loading and are subject to price increases. Costs for this program are based on the exchange rate at the time of printing and are subject to currency fluctuation. Please note that no price increases are permitted after the customer has paid in full. If the price increase is more than 7% (except for increases resulting from an increase in retail sales or federal tax), the customer has the right to cancel the booking and obtain a full refund.

Bookings, Payments, Cancellations and Refunds:

A deposit of $500.00 (CAD) per person plus the applicable insurance premium is payable at time of booking. The balance of payment is due no later than 70 days prior to departure. Please note that the deposit is non-refundable and the balance subject to cancellation charges according to the date of cancellation by the by the passenger. Please see applicable cancellation charges below:

  • Cancellation notice received more than 60 days prior to departure - Forfeits full deposit of $500 (CAD) per person
  • Cancellation notice received 60 - 30 days prior to departure - 50% penalty of full fare †
  • Cancellation notice received 29 - 0 days prior to departure - 100% of full fare †

† Full Fare is defined as the cost of any tour, land and air element purchased from Creative Arts Holidays. Voluntary or involuntary termination by the passenger of a tour in progress will result in no refund, nor can they be exchanged for alternative travel arrangements. There is no refund for unused services or if portions of the tour are missed.

Note: Please contact a CAH representative for suggested insurance options which could protect you from the above cancellation charges.

Insurance:

Please note that Cancellation, baggage, medical, emergency medical and various additional insurance coverages are strongly recommended and are available at the time of booking your vacation. A CAH representative would be happy to offer you an insurance quotation for your upcoming vacation. Please feel free to contact an CAH representative at 1.888.830.5324 or info@creativeartsholidays.com

Tour Documents:

A tour document packet is sent two weeks prior to a passengers departure. If you request documents earlier there is a $100 CAD handling charge to cover the extra costs of early processing. If a reservation is made within three weeks of departure, a late booking fee of $100 CAD may be assessed to facilitate RUSH documentation

Booking Revision Fee:

A $100 CAD revision fee per revision is charged for any changes made to a reservation after the written confirmation is sent. Please use the names of the travelers exactly as they appear on their passports. A change in name or departure date may constitute a cancellation, and penalties may apply.

Tour Registration

To register for any of our tours, please call our office Toll Free at 1-866-830-5324

Tour:

Painting Normandy and Cruising the Rhône River - 13 Nts / 14 Days

Artist/Instructor:

Valerie Kent

Dates:

Monday July 12th to
Sunday July 25th, 2010

Arrival City:

(CDG) Paris, France

Departure City:

(MRS) Marseille, France

Overnights:

  • 3 Nts Paris
  • 3 Nts Rouen
  • 7 Nts Rhône River Cruise

Price per person:

  • $4,288.00 in CAT 3
  • $4,638.00 in CAT 2
  • $4,988.00 in CAT 1
  • Add $260.00 taxes
  • Double or shared twin
  • Single rate upon request

Meals Included:

  • Breakfast daily
  • 6 Lunches and 7 Dinners
  • Captain's Welcome and Farewell Dinners

July Weather
(Min to Max):

  • Paris
    (61°F/16°C to 76°F/24°C)
  • Rouen
    (55°F/13°C to 72°F/22°C)
  • Chalon-sur-Saône
    (60°F/16°C to 77°F/25°C)
  • Lyon
    (60°F/16°C to 80°F/27°C)
  • Tournon
    (57°F/14°C to 80°F/26°C)
  • Arles
    (66°F/19°C to 88°F/31°C)