Lavender fields and enchanting picturesque villages with a Master Artist in one of the most beautiful region of Provence!
Welcome fellow artists and travelers!
Linda and I would like you to be our special guests for a unique travel experience in a place very dear to our heart
My name is Mathieu Brousses, I have been hosting painting workshops in Provence and all over France for the past 10 years, let me tell you all about our all-inclusive Art Experience with the passionate instructor Linda Richichi whom i am proud to call my friend!
Here is a peak at our home-away-from-home for 10 unique days in Provence!
AC in all bedrooms – swimming pool – enchanting garden
(more important infos : application form, addresses, phone numbers, etc. at the bottom of this page)
Now let me introduce you our itinerary
Upon your arrival, I’ll personally come pick up the whole group at the Marseille (MRS) airport — or at a nearby hotel if that’s more convenient for you. It’s about an hour’s drive to our lovely guest house in the Luberon, where you’ll immediately feel right at home in the peaceful, truly French atmosphere.
Once you’ve had a chance to settle in, we’ll share a glass of local wine while our wonderful cook prepares a welcoming dinner for us. This first day is all about relaxing after your journey, unwinding, and getting to know each other.
You’re a group of passionate artists and remarkable people — your creativity and adventurous spirit are exactly what make this experience so special. I can’t wait to begin this unforgettable Art Journey with you!
A little « Teaser » of our chef talent!
The chronological order of the following itinerary is subject to change according to the weather, to the calendar of cultural and traditional events, to our specific desire and energy as a group and to the incredible diversity of beauties Provence has to offer. Please consider the following as a gourmet menu we will choose from!
* Please note Lavender and sunflower blooming season can vary of a few days/weeks every year *
Cucuron, where water mirrors the trees and the sky of Provence
Nestled at the foot of the Luberon hills, Cucuron is a painter’s dream — a timeless Provençal village where every corner catches the light just right. Its ochre walls, tiled roofs, and narrow cobblestone streets glow in warm hues, while centuries-old plane trees frame tranquil squares perfect for sketching and reflection.
From the shimmering pond at the village center to the sweeping views of vineyards and lavender fields beyond, Cucuron offers endless inspiration. Here, time slows down, colors deepen, and the rhythm of daily life invites artists to capture the poetry of Provence on canvas.
Under the spell of Provence, in a secret lavender field
After cruising Provence for the past 50 years, I have hunted and discovered the most beautiful, hidden gems of Plein Air Painting locations!
This one is my pride! Let me share it with you 🙂
In summer, Provence transforms into a vast canvas brushed with shades of violet and blue. The lavender fields ripple under the sun like waves of color, their fragrance hanging in the warm air — an invitation to slow down, breathe, and let the senses guide the hand and eye.
Here, we won’t be overwhelmed by buses of tourists – we will have this little heaven for ourselves. And let me tell you this is a luxury in peak season in Provence!
For painters, these fields offer endless play with light and texture — the contrast of golden paths, the rhythm of rows fading into the horizon, the dance of bees and breeze. Each moment is a fleeting masterpiece, waiting to be captured in strokes of pure Provençal magic.
Fontaine de Vaucluse, mesmerizing emerald waters
The village of Fontaine de Vaucluse is squeezed into the sharp end of a narrow valley and takes its name from the beautiful and mysterious spring feeding the river Sorgue. This spring comes from deep underground – nobody knows how deep. In the 50s, Jacques Yves Cousteau came with a submersible to explore the depths but did not find the bottom. Since then a probe has made it to a sandy bed at a depth of 308 metres (1010 ft) but the spring itself comes from somewhere even deeper.
It is said that all the rainwater from the Luberon and other surrounding mountains comes out of this one source, making a catchment area of 1100 square km (425 sq. miles). For most of the year all you can see is a deep blue pool of water at the bottom of towering cliffs. But during spring or very heavy rainfall it lives up to its name, with water gushing out at 200m3 (52,000 gallons) every second – this is one of the largest springs in the world.
Let’s not forget we also have an amazing guest house to get some well deserved rest
After a few days of touring Provence and its wonders we will welcome a nice and slow day at the guest house!
A « rest » day : Paint, read, take a stroll, snooze! It’s all up to you. Today, breakfast, lunch and dinner will be at the guest house.
2 rest days are planned during our trip, July 5 and 8
A rest day in Provence unfolds slowly — sunlight filters through linen curtains, the scent of herbs drifts from the garden, and the distant hum of cicadas fills the air. Brushes rest, palettes dry, and inspiration quietly gathers in the stillness of a cosy, sun-warmed house.
An easy day with a good book, a siesta, a swim? You call it.
Here, time softens. A cup of coffee by the window, a sketch begun without hurry, a gentle breeze carrying stories from the hills — every detail becomes a study in light and mood. Even in rest, Provence paints itself into your heart.
Lourmarin, its famous colorful streetmarket
The discreet charm of Lourmarin. A gem nestled in the middle of vineyards, olive groves and almond trees. Its market has so much to offer in an easily
navigated, captivatingly beautiful space. Local honeys and jams stacked in pyramid shapes; rows of cheeses – made from the milk of cows, goats, and sheep – neatly arranged next to fresh eggs and sausages; baskets filled to the brim with olives seasoned with various blends of herbes de Provence, garlic, lemons, fresh fruits and vegetables, lavender and peppers…
This is a street market in Provence!
The streets of Lourmarin meander round, past fountains and tightly packed houses, and you get the impression that they are circling around the impressive belfry (Castelas) at the highest point of the
village. The belfry is built on the vestiges of the medieval moated castle that once defined Lourmarin. You will notice the typical Mediterranean architecture in its winding narrow streets, lovely old restored houses, and well shaded public squares where you can immerse yourself in the gentile Provençal ambience and set your easels where you like!
Oppède-Le-Vieux, perched and majestic
Oppede is one of the most authentic and preserved villages of the Luberon. Definitely one of my favorite!
Built on a rocky spur, in a rugged setting of forests, combes and rocks, it contemplates a landscape of vineyards, olive trees, oaks and always keeps an eye on the villages perched around…
The mineral gem is located on the northern flank of the Luberon and its old village is a perfect balance between ancient mansions, nature and light, a place between mysteries and history. A timeless village. From their overlooking position, the castle and collegiate church take you to a journey in the Middle Ages.
A very preserved village, only accessible from the compulsory parking lot of the Jardins de Sainte-Cécile. In these gardens you will find 80 species of trees, shrubs and plants of the Luberon. After walking through the streets of the old village, you will discover a spectacular ensemble: the Collégiale Notre Dame Dalidon and the ruins of the castle.
Roussillon, spectacular ochres!
Situated at the heart of one of the biggest ochre deposits in the world, Roussillon is famous for its magnificent red cliffs and ochre quarries; just walking its streets is a stunning experience! Also I know a great place with a not-too-shabby view for our lunch today! In Roussillon a quirk of nature has set the landscape ablaze with ochre, a natural pigment in the rock ranging from soft gold to burnt orange, russet red and burnt sienna brown.
As you approach Roussillon you notice that the fields have turned reddish orange, as if you were wearing funky sunglasses!
We could also visit the conservatory of pigments at L’Usine Mathieu (not me!). The stages of the washing process, the kiln and the mills were restored to help visitors understand the steps in the treatment of the mineral, from it extraction to its shipment throughout the world.
The following locations are options we can choose as a group:
Isle sur la Sorgue, water is poetry, water is life
This « island city » lies at the foot of the Vaucluse plateau in the plains of Comtat Venaissin. The river Sorgue surrounds the city as if to hug it. Walking along the canals you will notice how they run between the narrow ancient streets. Its colors are nature’s green and the bright reflection of the water shining from the several canals running through its center. Also, magnificent mansions have been converted into art galleries, in particular the famous Maison René Char.
There are little bridges to cross and great wheels to look at with mossy blades turning in the river. Antique lovers and art collectors will be gratified by the nearly 300 permanent antique dealers and second hand shops here. L’Isle sur la Sorgue hosts antiques’ fairs twice a year that have given a worldwide reputation to this small city. More than 500 antique dealers and second hand dealers gather here to show their treasures to customers from all over the world.
Aix en Provence, in the footsteps of Paul Cézanne
We will paint on Cezanne’s grounds and visit his graceful city, the delicate Hotel Caumont and the collection Planque. As a city of art and culture Aix possesses a wealth of superbe architecture that has been carefully preserved and restored. We can either paint in the city or drive to the country side depending on your moods! Aix was the capital of Provence in the 15th century, wealthy merchants and local dignitaries helped turn this city into the Florence of Provence as we know it today.
Protected by the Montagne Sainte Victoire which rises to 1,011m. Aix is surrounded by a countryside full of authentic Provencal houses and traditional French style gardens. Aix was the inspiration to many of the greatest writers and painters : Guigou, Stendhal, Mistral, Zola and Cézanne (these last 2 had a close and tempestuous friendship!). Known as is the city of a thousand fountains you will easily get why when you stroll its beautiful streets.
St Rémy de Provence – St Paul de Mausole & Vincent Van Gogh
The monastery St Paul de Mausole is best known for the fact that Vincent van Gogh stayed from May 1889 to May 1890. During this period he painted 140 oil paintings and more than 100 drawings. To name a few: «The Irises», «Starry Night», «Olive Orchard», and «Wheat field with Cypress».
A masterpiece of Provencal Romanesque art, the 11th -12th Century cloister backs onto the chapel, in pure Romanesque style. The garden is a gem of beauty and simplicity. The quintessence of picturesque.
Arles, a city with an exceptional heritage
The two-tiered Roman Amphitheatre (les Arènes) sits in the town center of Arles. It was used 2000 years ago for chariot races and gladiator battles; nowadays you can enjoy plays and summer concerts or bullfighting and bullraces. The site is most often called an Amphitheatre however we’re using the term Roman Arena, to reduce the confusion with the nearby Roman Theatre.
Arles is surrounded by an environment of exceptional beauty: the banks of the Rhône river, the arid plains of Crau, the Alpilles and the untamed land of Camargue. The lights and colors you will find here are the reasons a famous
Vincent made it its adoptive town…
Les Baux de Provence, just breathtaking!
One of my favorite and one of the most beautiful villages in France set atop a rocky outcrop crowned with a medieval ruined castle overlooking magnificent vineyards and olive tree groves to the south.
The monumental (click this link –>) « Carrières de Lumières » host extraordinary multimedia shows which are unique in the world. Like walking in a dream of lights nested in an ancient and mysterious temple. Shows are renewed every year! This year is about Egypt and the Pharaons.
Avignon, A Medieval Town with a Youthful Attitude
Avignon is full of history and full of life.
Capital of the Vaucluse and the Côtes du Rhône, seat of the popes and city of art and culture, theatre, cinema, museums, big stores and little shops, Avignon is a small city that has everything a big one has, and then some…
From medieval streets and houses to private mansions from the Renaissance, passing through all its old and enticing squares, some no bigger than a tiny lane…
Although Avignon is most often associated with its famous bridge, the greatest attraction of the city is undoubtedly the Papal Palace. Avignon was the seat of popes during the years 1309–1377. It was Clement V who moved the papacy from Rome to Provence: following him, a total of seven popes and two antipopes lived in Avignon.
Please meet your art instructor: Linda Richichi
She will help you capture the essence of those breathtaking places
Linda is offering online teaching before the trip! If you join us you will have the opportunity to be a part of this tutoring. When we are on site and we paint on a regular basis, there will be critiques by Linda.
Discover the art of Linda
A bit about me: Mathieu
your host, interpreter, guide, driver, jack-of-all-trades french friend!
I was born and raised in Arles, Provence. I studied biology and film making. After 10 years in Paris working for the movie industry and television networks I came back to Provence to enjoy life with my wife and son. I renovated and settled in a 200 years old house up in the hills of Aix en Provence. I know Provence and its people like the back of my hand. With Wendy Higbee Carando I co-founded the Provence Art Experience in 2015. Art is part of my everyday life. I will be doing everything so you have a memorable stay: a unique experience!
What I want the Provence Art Experience to be
A thoughtfully tailored adventure for a small group of passionate artists led by an attentive considerate guide-interpret-driver-friend through the beautiful and secret Provence.
One of my artist participant (whom I today call my friend) once told me
“You literally hand-carried us through Provence!”
The sentence stuck with me ever since.
Participants of Provence Art Experience painting workshops tell me I am a provider, a caretaker.
There is no secret about it. I love to meet people, I love to share with them the Provence I know and cherish.
I love to make sure everyone is comfortable.
Is your folding chair ok? Do you have enough shade? Would you like a bottle of water? Would you like some more wine?! Our mini-van is a bit high to step in? Let me put this little stool here!
A Provence Art Experience is nothing like a crowded tour bus.
Nobody will impatiently tap their wrist-watch to tell you to hurry and run because the bus is leaving.
You will not be an anonymous number in a crowd of 50 people. You will be my guests.
And – in my book – guests are always of honor.
You will be a part of an all-inclusive tailored private experience with the other artists and your instructor.
I want to keep it this way so we can get to know each other. You get to discover French Culture and “art de vivre” with someone born in Provence – in love with Provence – and eager to share it with you!
Sharing is really the main idea. The meals together are always heartwarming and special moments, breakfasts at the guest house with fresh croissants and anything you might like with it, lunches at small cafés in the most beautiful typical villages or gourmet dinners with our talented and friendly chef at the guest house or in a delicious restaurant.
We will discover the treasures of Provence, in the footsteps of Vincent Van Gogh and Paul Cezanne. On the small meandering back roads of this enchanting country we will visit old, typical villages and just enjoy the lights, colors and atmospheres.
I also make sure you get the rest you need because 9 days of immersion can be intense! You will have your alone time to replenish your energy so you get to do and see more.
Provence Art Experience is the way to discover Provence like no where else.
Ultimately the most appropriate persons to talk about the Provence Art Experience are the artists who experienced it:
You can read their enthusiasms and the extremely enthusiastic and sweet reviews they wrote on Facebook, they really are heartwarming for me:
The Experience is ALL INCLUSIVE
The pricing of our painting workshops – as you can easily compare with other offers – is more than reasonable for an all-inclusive private tailored journey in Provence.
We aim to offer you a memorable journey you will remember dearly – a unique artistic, cultural, gastronomic and immersive experience.
Your Provence Art Experience includes:
-your lodging in one of the carefully chosen beautiful guest houses we work with in Provence – Brittany or Loire Valley (check the itineraries)
-All your meals with beverages: breakfasts, lunches and gourmet dinners by our chef or in local restaurants!
-All airport transfers as well as everyday local transportation for the planned tours,
-The organization of the plein-air sessions and lessons by the artist instructor,
-The outdoor activities,
-The tickets for the latest events, art museums and must-sees on the itinerary
-My 24/7 attentive and considerate presence as your host, driver, interpret, guide and provider of all you might need!
It does not include:
-The airfare tickets
-Your travel and airfare ticket insurances (I strongly recommend them)
Due to the variability in the dollar/euro exchange rate in the past years and to secure the higher level of services we are proud to offer for your Provence Art Experience – we now base the price on the Euro.
Our main goal is to offer the same level of service and quality for the lodging, the meals, the transportation, the tickets for the must-sees and everything else we pay in Euros here in France.
To confirm a reservation, three steps are necessary:
1. The following form with the terms and conditions is filled in and signed, then emailed back to us at mathieu.brousses@gmail.com
2. You have sent Linda RICHICHI her fee
3. Your EUROS 1200 deposit is paid and you have read and agree to the terms and conditions
Important infos :
My phone numbers (Mathieu Brousses) :
main : +33 6 37 04 00 93
secondary : +33 6 15 45 47 58
Our guest house address is :
Mas du TILLEUL – 41 hameau de TRABAIL – 84220 ROUSSILLON
The closest hospital is the :
CENTRE HOSPITALIER DU PAYS d’APT
225 avenue de Marseille – APT
04 90 04 33 00
For extreme medical emergencies just dial 15 – the SAMU
Emergency Numbers in France
The European Emergency number is 112 (114 for hearing-assisted).
Dial this number for any emergency service (ambulance, fire brigade, police) anywhere throughout Europe. Specially-trained operators will pick up the call, and in France are guaranteed to speak English and French. This number is free of charge and can be dialled from a fixed line or a mobile phone – even if the mobile phone is out of credit or locked. It exists alongside French national emergency numbers, which are:
- 15: Medical help/SAMU
- 17: Police/Police Nationale (Gendarmerie)
- 18: Fire department & accidents/Sapeurs Pompiers
In France, the SAMU is the national emergency organization.
It has a 24-hour service and gives medical assistance for all medical emergencies.
Its ambulances are manned by teams of trained personnel, and are equipped with emergency equipment for any cardiac or respiratory resuscitation.