Come bask in the beauty and charm of Loire Valley, France for a delightful five days of creativity, great food and wine, rivers, castles, vineyards, historic towns. You’ll stay in a gorgeous manor house in the heart of Saumur, enjoy delicious meals, and spend days sketching, drawing, and painting. Led by Marilyn MacGregor, artist, teacher, and resident of Saumur, well known for scenes of interesting places from her travel sketchbooks. Portfolio site at www.mmacgregorart.com
Glass of sparkling wine, Cremant de Loire on arrival and snacks
4 course meal and getting to know the group
Double bed with ensuite shower room
Visit Chateau Azay de Rideau both the chateau and village for inspiration for your art project
Healthy and generous breakfast of fruit, fresh pastries, etc., served in the garden or in the elegant dining room.
Visit to the beautiful village of Montreuil Bellay and have lunch at the stunning L'auberge des Isles. A beautiful location to inspire the most timid of artists within us
On the last night we will host a celebration 4 course meal at La Maison Trumeau
Transport to local villages, chateau visits and day excursion to Montreuil Bellay
Art instruction, support, and encouragement: Marilyn will spend every day teaching where needed and wanted, offering advice and suggestions.
A walking tour of the town of Saumur, orientation to sights, landmarks and local restaurants. See itinerary for more information
Due to the nature of the retreat and being out at various locations, lunch is not provided on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday
Due to the nature of the retreat, dinner is not provided on Wednesday ,Thursday and Friday evening
Arrive at Saumur and settle into your room at La Maison Trumeau. Depending on your arrival time, you may want to stroll around the historic town before a delightful apero, served at 6pm in the garden and a 4 course welcome meal.
After breakfast we’ll set out with sketchbooks to explore Saumur, wandering the old streets, walking across the Loire on the 16th c bridge for fabulous views of the castle and town, then back to Place St Pierre to enjoy the vibrant scene of this lively centre. In Place St Pierre you’ll have some nice choices for lunch. After lunch you can return to La Maison Trumeau for some quiet time or spend the afternoon drawing and painting in your choice of spots.
The Loire River flows past many charming villages and fascinating places. Today we’ll seek out several of these, beginning with Montsoreau, officially ‘A Most Beautiful Village of France’. Set between the river and vineyard covered cliffs, the town is an artist’s dream of lovely houses, impressive castle, and vistas over countryside and the Loire. A short riverside stroll then takes us to Candes Saint Martin, another village full of possibilities for artists. As part of our day we’ll taste some of the celebrated Loire Valley wines.
The Loire Valley is renowned for castles big and small, some famous, some less well known. Today we’ll visit a great one in the nearby town of Montreuil-Bellay, a fascinating place with much to offer for artists. Impressively sited in the upper town, the ancient castle of Montreuil-Bellay dates to the 12th c. Now privately owned, it is a delightful combination of picturesque buildings, lovely gardens, and magnificent views. Along with the castle we'll enjoy the town and stroll along the lazy Thouet river, savouring views and finding good subjects. There are several nice choices for lunch in Montreuil Bellay.
We will have lunch (included in your price) at L'Auberge des Isles, a fabulous restaurant nestled in between the castle and the river Thouet.
In Saumur, on Saturdays, everything begins with the famous market. Centered in Place St Pierre, it winds through the town, filling the streets with color and vibrant life. We’ll join in, feasting on the sights, smells and sounds of one of France’s best regional markets. There will be plenty of inspiration amid the crowds of happy sociable shoppers; you’ll wander freely and happily sketching, drawing, getting ideas! In the afternoon after the market closes, it’s a good time for further exploration in Saumur, with a climb up to visit the Castle and to marvel at the amazing wide views of the Loire and countryside.
On our last evening we’ll share our drawings and paintings (as we wish) and talk about our week of art and exploration in the Loire Valley, finishing up with a wonderful celebration dinner at La Maison Trumeau
Breakfast at La Maison Trumeau, and personal time to add more to your drawings, relax and enjoy peaceful time at La Maison Trumeau or take a wander in Saumur before departure.
Checkout time is 1pm.
