The Programme

An example of the programme for the day:

• Breakfast in the little courtyard (weather permitting) - an opportunity to practise your French at the local baker's shop!
• A 2-minute walk to the beach with your equipment
• A short talk by Jon, about composition, tones and colours, followed by the chance to choose your view and to start to paint it, with coaching from Jon.
• Lunch on the beach or in the courtyard; an opportunity to taste the best of French produce and wines.
• A change of scene, such as the harbour at Le Hourdel, or the river at St. Valéry-sur-Somme, to give you the chance to paint a different subject, again with Jon. If you preferred to work alone for a while, that would be fine.
• Early evening - an hour's stroll on the beach or a cycle-ride (4-5 bikes available), a game of Pétanque or just relaxation!
• Apéritif at about 7.00.
• A relaxing dinner and the chance to savour traditional French cuisine and wines. You will have the opportunity to review the day's activities and to get to know the tutor and the group. Some may be tempted to go to watch the beautiful sunsets from the beach.

There will be a day-trip to Paris, to visit the former haunts of artists and to go to the Musée D'Orsay, the beautiful art gallery by the Seine. A wonderful lunch at the nearby 'Les Ministères' is included.

There will be painting trips to local medieval towns, such as St. Valéry-sur-Somme and to Eu, with the lovely chateau where Queen Victoria stayed on the two occasions that she came to France. If you wish, Jon could take the group to the marshlands to catch the early morning light and to appreciate its natural beauty. Jon will be very happy to take you to places of interest in the evenings.

If you wish to practise your French, René, our neighbour, would be delighted to chat to you. The only English words that he knows are 'Manchester United' and 'Beck-am'!

Come and soak up the calm and serenity and delight in being at one with nature, while producing your version of it.

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