For centuries, France has been a canvas for some of the world’s most celebrated artists. The country’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage have inspired painters like Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, Pablo Picasso, and Henri Matisse. So, we invite you on a 10-day France art tour, an immersive experience following in the footsteps of artistic geniuses, discovering the places that fueled their creativity and shaped their masterpieces.
From Impressionist gardens in Giverny to the art museums of Paris and the vibrant colors along the French Riviera art trail, every stop on this trip is a tribute to art, history, and inspiration. Join us on our tour On the Footsteps of the Painters, and explore the very places that brought some of the world’s most iconic paintings to life.
Day 1-2: Paris – The cradle of artistic movements
Paris has long been a magnet for artists, with its streets and museums brimming with creative history. Our journey begins in Montmartre, the bohemian heart of the city, where Picasso, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Modigliani once found inspiration. Wandering through Place du Tertre, we soak in the lively atmosphere of painters at work, just as they did a century ago.
We then step into the Louvre Museum, home to legendary masterpieces like Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. To dive deeper into the Impressionist movement, we visit the Musée d’Orsay, where Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh come to life through their vibrant brushstrokes. This Paris art experience sets the tone for our journey, tracing the footsteps of the great masters who shaped the world of French painting and Impressionism.
Day 3: Giverny – Monet’s sanctuary
Have a tour of Giverny, the idyllic village where Claude Monet lived and painted for over 40 years. This is an invitation to see the world through the eyes of one of history’s greatest painters. Walking through his house and gardens, we step into a real-life Impressionist masterpiece—his famous water lily ponds, Japanese bridge, and flower-filled pathways are instantly recognizable from his paintings.
Inside his home, we glimpse Monet’s private world, from his vibrant dining room to his art studio, where he captured the changing light of Normandy’s landscapes. A visit to the Musée des Impressionnismes Giverny rounds out the experience, offering a deeper look at the movement that Monet and other Impressionist painters helped define.
Day 4-5: Avignon – The heart of Provence
We transition from the Impressionist North to the sun-drenched colors of Provence. Boarding a high-speed train from Paris to Avignon, we travel through the stunning Provence countryside, where golden vineyards and lavender fields stretch beneath the Mediterranean sun. Upon arrival, the city’s medieval charm welcomes us, and the evening is free to wander the historic streets of Avignon or enjoy a quiet dinner at a local bistro.
The next day, we explore Avignon’s artistic and cultural treasures, starting with the Palais des Papes, a UNESCO-listed palace that once housed popes in the 14th century. Its grand halls and frescoed chapels tell the story of a time when Avignon was a center of European power. We then dive into Provence’s artistic heritage, visiting local museums and art galleries in Avignon that showcase the influence of Provence’s landscapes and light on painters throughout history.
Day 6: Aix-en-Provence – Cézanne’s muse
Next, we arrive in Aix-en-Provence, a city of elegant boulevards, sunlit squares, and artistic heritage. Known as the hometown of Paul Cézanne, this Provence art destination offers a glimpse into the life and inspirations of one of the pioneers of Post-Impressionism.
A guided Aix-en-Provence walking tour unveils the city’s hidden gems, from ornate fountains and historic mansions to lively markets that continue to fuel local creativity. The day's highlight is a visit to Cézanne’s studio, where time seems to stand still. His easel, brushes, and personal objects remain as he left them, offering an intimate look at the workspace where he painted his iconic Mont Sainte-Victoire series.
Day 7: Vallauris and Antibes – Picasso’s Riviera
Heading toward the dazzling French Riviera, we follow the trail of Pablo Picasso in the South of France. Our first stop is Vallauris, a town where Picasso reinvented himself as a ceramic artist. Here, we explore his decorative pottery and murals, including War and Peace, one of his most powerful political artworks. Vallauris still thrives as a center for pottery, carrying on the artistic tradition that Picasso helped revive.
Continuing to Antibes, we visit the Picasso Museum, housed in the stunning Château Grimaldi, which offers breathtaking sea views alongside an exceptional collection of the artist’s works. With pieces that reflect the joy and energy of Picasso’s time on the French Riviera, this visit captures a different side of his creative journey.
Day 8: Nice and surroundings – A tapestry of artistic expression
Our journey continues in Nice, where we explore the Matisse Museum, a tribute to the artist who spent his later years capturing the essence of color and form. Through his paintings, drawings, and personal objects, we gain a deeper appreciation for Matisse’s artistic vision and connection to the region.
Visit the charming villages beloved by Marc Chagall! In Vence, we admire the Chapelle du Rosaire, a spiritual masterpiece designed by Matisse, while Saint-Paul-de-Vence enchants us with its cobbled streets and thriving artistic community. This medieval hilltop town was a favorite retreat for painters and writers - its beauty is still reflected in the galleries and studios that line its squares.
We conclude the day in Haut-de-Cagnes, a hidden gem where Renoir spent his final years. The town’s Château-Musée Grimaldi (yes, another one) houses works by both modern and classical artists, offering a perfect finale to our artistic exploration of the Riviera. Here, in the footsteps of Matisse, Chagall, and Renoir, we witness how the magic of the Côte d’Azur has influenced generations of artists.
Day 9 & 10: Nice – Art and cuisine
Our final full day on the French Riviera is dedicated to art and gastronomy, two essential pillars of French culture. Explore some of Nice’s finest museums and galleries, diving deeper into the region’s artistic legacy. Whether revisiting the Matisse Museum, exploring the striking collections at the Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain (MAMAC), or discovering hidden artistic gems, the day is ours to curate.
In the afternoon, we trade paintings for plates on a traditional food tour, uncovering the authentic flavors of Nice. From socca, a crispy chickpea pancake, to pissaladière, a caramelized onion tart, we savor the unique culinary traditions of the city. A taste of wine, produced in the hills above Nice, adds the perfect touch to our gastronomic experience. This day encapsulates the perfect finale of our artistic journey, as we say farewell to France the next day.
Following the brushstrokes of the Masters
This journey through France’s artistic heritage brings us face to face with the inspirations of artists like Monet, Cézanne, Picasso, Matisse, and Chagall. From art museums to scenic landscapes, we have explored how France has shaped some of the world’s greatest painters. If you are ready to step into a masterpiece, join us on our On the Footsteps of the Painters Tour and experience the magic of France through the eyes of the artists who captured its essence!
