We still have a few stones to turn! This will be my 4th Art Adventure Abroad to Perigord Retreats in the Dordogne River area of Southern France. We will be staying with Harrison and Katel in their new facility!

Learn how to record your travels with an art journal and enjoy plein aire sketching. Or, if you choose to rest and relax at the property, our studio at Perigord is available to us at any time.  Our private family-owned villa in the countryside.

THERE ARE 2 PARTS TO THIS WORKSHOP/RETREAT. FIRST READ ABOUT THE PERIGORD EXPERIENCE AND THEN READ TO THE BOTTOM FOR INFORMATION ABOUT OUR RIVER CRUISE!

Harrison and Katel have a new retreat center in the works for us!

Of course, we will still have our wonderful gourmet meals prepared daily for our group by Katel and the riverside picnics midday are a welcome surprise each time!  

Here is the plan: (other options described later) This is Darla's travel plan

9 July: hop on your plane from home

10 July: arrive in France and take the train to Gourdon where we spend the night

11 July: stroll the streets of Gourdon--the church, shops, overview of the area. Harrison picks us up immediately after lunch. We arrive at Perigord Retreat, unpack, relax, dinner and in the studio we have our initial "class."

12-19 July: each day we investigate a different village of the Dordogne area--markets, churches, picnic lunches along the river, historical sites, kayak the Dordogne if you wish, prehistoric cave and more.

Following dinner at Perigord we head to the studio to continue our art journals.

20 July: Farewell to Perigord, board the train to Paris. You may fly home or continue the adventure. We have until 5pm to board our river cruise ship. Details follow the Perigord information below.

For travel: There are several options.

1) Fly into Paris and spend the night in Paris Austerlitz, take a train to 46300 Gourdon (it takes about 5 hours)

***2) Fly into Paris, take the train to 46300 Gourdon and spend the night in Gourdon. Connect with fellow group members at breakfast and spend the morning investigating the town. After lunch we are picked up by our hosts, the Turners of Perigord Retreats.

3) Fly into Toulouse. This is the nearest airport (TLS is the airport code). Spend the day and night in Toulouse and then travel north to Gourdon by train.

***4) Fly into Toulouse, catch the afternoon train to 46300 Gourdon, spend the night in Gourdon the day before we begin at Perigord Retreat. [This is what I recommend for those going through TLS]

4) Fly into Bourdeaux, spend the night and then take a 3-hour train to Gourdon. Spend the night there and connect with the group.

All alternatives require taking a train into 46300 Gourdon. As the time nears we can coordinate travel plans (Darla is flying from DFW airport). 

Note: for some reason, there are 2 Gourdons in France...be sure you come to 46300 Gourdon in Southern France, Dordogne and Lot River area.

Additionally, you may choose to add days on your own before or after our event to acclimate and discover more! 

This note from Perigord Retreat: 

"Some participants have found it easier to fly in to Toulouse a day or two early to get acclimatised to French time which leaves you ready and raring to go when you arrive at Perigord Retreats. On departure day, anyone flying back to the USA via Paris may find it easier to take the train from Gourdon, 5 minutes from Perigord Retreats.  This is approximately a 5 hour train ride taking you through the countryside of France before arrival in central Paris. Some find this a nice alternative rather than taking an extra plane ride. For anyone needing to travel on a different day, the train also travels to Toulouse, one hour 40 minutes with a shuttle service to the airport.

The Perigord transport is air conditioned minibus/people carriers and dependant on the number in the group, one or two vehicles may be used."

From Darla: My husband, Gary, provides morning yoga. Come and see why we are anxious to return!

What is included: The 10 days include your Gourdon pickup/return with the group, excursion transports, lodging and gourmet meals prepared for our group (with the exception of 2 lunches and 1 dinner) plus your workshop instruction from Darla. 

Where we are visiting: I will be canvasing returning artists for favorites, but I hope to see all new places this year. Of course, our visit will include a visit to experience an ancient cave to see the remarkble pre-historic cave paintings! 

The Nitty Gritty:

The rates include your workshop, transport from Gourdon and excursion transport, entry to those locations that charge,  lodging and chef-prepared meals.  (It does not include your airfare or train travel costs).

Costs are 3700 for your bedroom with a shared bathroom and 4200 euros for bedroom with private bathroom.

Your 10 days will be a beautiful blend of studio time, delightful excursions, cultural experiences and of course, plenty of free time to rest and explore!

Check with Perigord Retreats for rates.  https://perigord-retreats.com/about/

To register use the Perigord website. https://perigord-retreats.com/   Email me with any questions, or the Turner family at Perigord Art Holidays is very patient with questions, so feel free to ask!

If you have never been to France and want to add more, talk to Darla about ideas for a longer holiday.  The train from Paris is about 5.5 hours, so you will need accomodations in Gourdon for one night before the workshop/retreat begins the following day. It allows the perfect amount of time the next morning to visit the sites in Gourdon and have lunch before being picked up to begin our art adventure.  

BE SURE YOU ARE ON MY CONTACT LIST...IN FRANCE WE HOPE TO INCLUDE:

SAINT CERE (and perhaps a glimpse of the Chateau de Montal nearby)

Our visit here will include some fascinating medieval and turreted houses surrounded by two main squares. Up the hill are the reinsSaint-Laurent-les-Tours dating from the 12th century. Saint Cere had an important role during the Second World War as the French resistance operated a secret radio base in the Chatea de Saint-Laurent-les-Tours. It was later bought by and restored by a artist, Jean Lurcat, whose widow bequeathed it to the town on condition the art displayed in the castle remain open to the public. Another interesting fact is Charles Bourseul lived here. He invented the use of electricity to transmit the human voice through wires (later used by Graham Bell to invent the telephone).

 FIGEAC AND CAPDENAC (combined same day?)

Figeac dates back to the Middle Ages and many of the houses were build by the wealthy merchants. Visible are the "soleilhos" (open graneries) where the fruit was dried. At Place des Ecritures an exotic perfume is available. There is a large black granite slab covered with heiroglyphs in the village square. It represents the Rosetta Stone and this piece of the Egyption stele allowed Champollion to decipher the writing of the ancient Egyptians. The Champollion Museum is housed in his former home and presents writing objects and characters from all over the world. The museum has an acade with "1000 letters" of glass and copper which spills fragments of light on the exhibition hall floors.Figeac also hosts a historical market on Saturdays.

Capdenac is only 4kms from Figeac. reaching 110 meters above the Lot River, this was once the hill fort where Caesar fought his final battle against the Gauls. Today one can see the ramparts, keep and troglodytic fountains. This is touted as one of the most beautiful sites in France. Even the rooftops are of interest being made of 3 different materials; flat tiles, lauzes (stone slabs) and pantiles.. 

CARENNAC

A one-lane bridge welcomes you  to this village, lined with flower baskets. Most homes of yellow stone were bult in the 15th century. The village center has ancient fortifications with the Church of Saint-Peters dating from the 11th century. The priory and cloisters are particularly not to be missed.The 16th century castle, the Chateau es Doyens includes an exhibition explaining the history of the town and area. 

Of course a cave with paintings and carvings will be included in our adventure! We have been to 5 caves and perhaps we will add the Font-de-Gaume Cave in 2027.

Also, we had such fun with the kayaks and canoes on the Dordogne River on our most recent visit, that will undoubtedly be included in our itenerary!

OPTIONAL CRUISE ADDED AT THE END OF THE WORKSHOP

20 July taxi to the ship where we can board at  2:30 pm or enjoy some of Paris and board before 5pm

20-27 July cruise through the Siene and Rhine Rivers

27 July—end of our cruise. 

I will be checking out airfare options. Let me know if you want that info! It's fun to fly together. Check your passport now. The expiration date must be no less than 6 months after your completed travels. 

CRUISE: WPP 70720    8-Day River Cruise Paris to Paris    Avalon Tapestry II
This fabulous river cruise combines time in France’s unparalleled capital of Paris with beautiful scenery along the Seine River and the picturesque and historical region of Normandy.

Embark on your adventure in Paris and sail to Vernon, where you’ll choose between two exciting guided visits—Claude Monet’s stunning gardens at Giverny or the remarkable Bizy Castle, known as “Normandy’s Versailles.” You may choose to go on an excursion to the historic Normandy Landing Beaches, including Omaha Beach, the Point du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery. In Rouen, best known as the home of Joan of Arc, you’ll go on a guided walk through the medieval quarter and visit the gothic Rouen Cathedral—once the tallest building in the world. From Conflans, go on an excursion to the quaint and inspiring town of Auvers-Sur-Oise—associated with several famous artists, including Vincent van Gogh—or visit Napoleon and Josephine’s Malmaison.
On this French river cruise, you’ll enjoy wine, cheese, beautiful scenery along the Seine River, and stops in charming and historical parts of France, but your adventure would not be complete without some time in Paris—one of the world’s most romantic and vibrant cities! Discover the true heart of Paris on a guided walk through the sites of Paris’ rich history, or take a tour showing you the iconic sites of this enchanting city.

Day 1 Welcome to France. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding

Flights into Paris must arrive by 2:30 pm.
Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
Your day is free to explore the world’s most romantic city before starting your cruise on the Seine. Get
acquainted with the City of Light today with some shopping, strolling, or with a croissant and café au
lait to watch the world go by amid the Parisian cityscape.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VERNON
Dinner

Day 2 Les Andelys & Giverny Monet’s Muses, Castle Courtyards, and Crêpes du Jour

Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
 Active Excursion
Take a Guided Bike Tour through the picturesque Normandy countryside from Vernon to Giverny,
ending with a visit to Monet’s enchanting gardens and home, OR:
 Classic Excursion
Take a Guided Tour of Giverny, home and inspiration of the master impressionist painter Claude
Monet. Walk the grounds and see Monet’s charming residence, and the flower and water gardens
captured in his masterpieces*, OR:

 Classic Excursion
Join a Guided Visit to Bizy Castle—called “Normandy’s Versailles” for its magnificent courtyard, water
garden, and stables.
 Discovery Excursion
While sailing, enjoy a traditional French luncheon of authentic French crêpes, followed by a Pastry
Demonstration.
 This afternoon, enjoy a beautiful cruise to the picturesque town of Les Andelys.
 LES ANDELYS
 Serenity on the Seine
 Active Excursion
Join a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins of Château Gaillard—historic home of King Richard the
Lionheart**, OR:
 Classic Excursion
Take a Guided Walking Tour of Les Andelys—one of France’s most picturesque spots on the Seine.
 This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board.
 EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CAUDEBEC
 *Monet’s House is closed in March and November. During this period, this excursion will be
replaced with a Guided Tour of La Roche-Guyon and its castle
** This excursion will not be operated in November
Breakfast  lunch  dinner
Day 3 Caudebec Ancient Abbeys Along the Seine
 Active Excursion
Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the river with your Adventure Host, OR:
 Classic Excursion
Take a Guided Trip along the Normandy Abbeys Route—where more than 100 medieval Benedictine
and Augustine abbeys and churches were built along the Seine.
 This afternoon, you may choose a Guided Optional Excursion to the old seaside town of
Honfleur.
 Discovery Excursion
Enjoy an Onboard Lecture about the days before and after the Normandy landing of D-Day.
 Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.

 OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CAUDEBEC
breakfas  tlunch  dinner
Day 4 Caudebec—Excursion to Normandy
 Heroic Bravery on Normandy Beaches and French Farming Traditions
 Classic Excursion
Join a Guided Tour of Normandy’s WWII landing beaches, visit significant U.S. sites, including
Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery, OR:
 Classic Excursion
Take a full-day Guided Tour of the British and Canadian commemorative sites, including the British
cemetery, Pegasus Memorial, the seaside town of Arromanches, the Juno Beach Center, and the
Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery, OR:
 Classic Excursion
Join a Guided Tour to get a taste of authentic tradition in the beautiful region of Normandy. Toast the
day with a brandy tasting in Calvados.
 Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.
 EVENING CRUISE TO ROUEN
Breakfastlunchdinner

Day 5 Rouen  The Cathedral of Notre-Dame and a Heroine for France

 Active Excursion
Take a Guided Bike Tour to discover and explore the most famous monuments and the lesser known
hidden gems of Rouen on two wheels, OR:
 Classic Excursion

Take a Guided Walking Tour of Rouen—site of Saint Joan of Arc’s martyrdom—and see the medieval
quarter with its 16th-century Astronomical Clock, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.
 EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CONFLANS
breakfast  lunch  dinner

Day 6 Conflans  The Footsteps of Van Gogh, Bonaparte, and Louis XIV
 Active Excursion
Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the Seine with your Adventure Host, OR:
 Classic Excursion
Join a Guided Visit to Auvers-sur-Oise, home and resting place of Vincent van Gogh, OR:
 Classic Excursion
Take a Guided tour of the opulent Château de Malmaison*—home of Napoléon Bonaparte and his
wife Josephine.
 Perhaps, join a Guided Optional Excursion to the Palace of Versailles—home to a succession
of French kings.
This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.
 AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO PARIS
 *Château de Malmaison is closed the 1st Sunday of each month. On these dates, this
excursion will be replaced by a visit to Château de Chantilly.
breakfast  lunch  dinner
While we include your choice of many excursions on your trip, you may wish to explore other options
to enhance your free time. Below is a selection of excursions that may be available for purchase on
your cruise.

o Versailles, Palace of the Sun King

Spend part of your day like a French aristocrat, strolling through the halls and gardens of Louis XIV
opulent Palace of Versailles. 5h 0m price range: $$$$
Day 7 Paris   Cafés, Cathedrals and Canvases in the City of Light
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
 Active Excursion

Experience the Seine river by foot with your Adventure Host, OR:
 Classic Excursion
Discover the ancient heart of Paris on a captivating Guided Walk featuring the Palais-Royal, Louvre
pyramid, ancient sites on Île de la Cité, the Left Bank, bustling Latin Quarter, and more, OR:
 Classic Excursion
Join a Guided City Tour featuring the iconic sites of Paris, which make the City of Light the most
romantic and remarkable city in the world.
 Stroll through Paris on your own or linger over wine in a literary café on the Left Bank.
 OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PARIS
breakfast  lunch  dinner

Day 8  Cruise ends with Breakfast

We are considered a Group with 10 participants. As such we can expect the following discounts:

COST: $4,151 per person to $7,850 per person depending upon stateroom preferences

There will be an additional $50 off per person if a $250 deposit is made before Dec 31, 2025.

Also there are limited single room fee waived. If you sailed with Darla before on Avalon be sure to check out your Welcome Back discount. We also have gratutities waived.

Deluxe Stateroom    172.0 sq. ft.    Indigo Deck (Category D, E)  $4,151 per person

Above is Panorama Stateroom  200 sq. ft.     Sapphire, Royal Deck (Category A, B, P)

Below is the Royal Suite           300 sq. ft.   Royal Deck (Category S)

PAYMENTS:

BEFORE 31 DEC MAKE YOUR $250 DEPOSIT TO RESERVE YOUR ROOM AT THE GROUP RATES ESTABLISHED BY DARLA BOSTICK

21 APRIL 2017 YOUR FULL PAYMENT IS DUE