France has long attracted artists, drawn to enjoy the charms of historic Paris, postcard-pretty Provence and the fabulous French Riviera. They chose the most beautiful locations in which to be inspired and indulged. Why not follow in the footsteps of some of the greatest writers and artists in France from Vincent Van Gogh and Paul Cezanne to Ernest Hemmingway and Scott F Fitzgerald. Discover legendary cities, visit the homes and workshops of literary legends, to the most delicious restaurants, markets, museums and medieval villages.
French Riviera
Stay in Nice and discover the secret haunts of writers and artists, visit the gorgeous Villa Ephrussi and the exquisite perched town of Eze. Dine at the iconic Negresco hotel frequented by Chagall, Salvador Dali and Grace Kelly, enjoy tea at the Hotel Belles Rives in Antibes where Scott Fitzgerald stayed, wowed by the sights and writing about them in his books. Lunch at a legendary restaurant where paintings by past guests including Picasso and Leger, adorn the walls. Wander the irresistible St Paul de Vence and experience the French Riviera of the great artists who fell under it’s spell.
Provence
In the Roman city of Arles where Van Gogh lived, visit the vibrant, colourful market and meet a writer in residence at the Luma Foundation, designed by Frank Gehry. Visit charming Aix-en-Provence where Peter Mayle sat people watching, and Cezanne’s studio which looks just as if he’s popped out to get a bottle of wine. Ogle the home of Nobel Prize for Literature winner Frederic Mistral, dine and wine taste in a vineyard, visit an olive oil orchard and see a famous literary windmill…
Paris
Paris has long attracted writers. Explore this area, favoured by Hemingway, Picasso, Stein, Sartre, Zola and Victor Hugo. Dine at legendary restaurants such as Le Meurice and Le Grand Véfour which featured in ‘Midnight in Paris’ and find traces of the Roaring Twenties. Relax at the Café de Flore, explore the Palais Royal and the Opera Garnier, the setting for Phantom of the opera.
Follow in the footsteps of some of the greatest writers…
These are just a few of the places where you can soak up the spirit of literature’s greatest talents plus some of France’s best artists…
