Chateau de Fontainebleau

Description 

Explore the artistic riches of Paris and environs while based in the charming French town of Fontainebleau, best known for the opulent Chateau de Fontainebleau, which is stunningly situated at the edge of the ancient Forest of Fontainebleau. In this inspiring setting you can immerse yourself in painting, enjoy local cuisine, visit the chateau and gardens, and embark on excursions to Paris to see some of the worlds most important art collections.

Itinerary

In Fontainebleau we visit the Château de Fontainebleau, a favorite country retreat of the French royalty for nearly eight centuries and a spectacular showcase of French architecture and decor still in its original state. One of the largest residences built by the kings of France, the Château de Fontainebleau began in 1137 as a medieval royal hunting lodge and was later rebuilt in the 16th century by Francois I who worked with the best architects of France and master artists of Renaissance Italy to embellish the palace; these artists, collectively referred to as the School of Fontainebleau, created a unique blend of Italian and French styles. The château and its gardens were named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1981.


During excursions to Paris you experience the sweep of art history through its world class museums—the collections of the Musee du Louvre spans more than 30,000 artworks representing nearly every civilization on earth; Musee d’Orsay offers a world famous collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings uniquely housed in a renovated Belle Époque train station; the monumental bronzes of Rodin in the garden of his 18th century home; an extensive collection of Picasso’s work at Musee Picasso; and a deep dive into the art of the 20th and 21st century at Centre Pompidou. In between museum visits, we will encounter some of the iconic sights of Paris—from the Gothic gargoyles of Notre Dame cathedral to Art Nouveau Metro signs, and the formal 17th century gardens of the Jardin de Tuileries to Pont Neuf bridge with its evocative views over the Seine. We might even catch a glimpse of the Eiffel Tour along the way!

Sketching opportunities can be found as we visit museums and local landmarks in Paris, as well as in the Chateau gardens and town of Fontainebleau. Painting sessions will be held in the courtyard of the Hotel Londres.

Dates

Sunday August 11, 2019 to Tuesday August 20, 2019 (10 days/9 nights)

Accommodations

We will stay in Fontainebleau at the Hotel Londres, founded in 1850 and located across from the Chateau de Fontainebleau.
HOTEL DE LONDRES  
1, place du Général de Gaulle - 77300 Fontainebleau - France

Cost

$ 3595 includes tuition, room & board, entrance fees to sites & museums, and local transportation
(cost is based on double occupancy and does not include airfare).

Single Supplement - (for a single person in a double room with private bath)
$ 615

To Enroll

Email - paint@larryrobinson for enrollment form
or contact us - for more info call 415.572.6110