Normandy Through the Impressionists
July 7-12, 2025
$4,350
Join us on our trek through Normandy as we walk in the shoes of the Impressionists. We will visit the sites where Monet, Van Gogh and other Impressionists lived and painted. The trip will include time to explore the sites, learn the history about these artists and time to paint en plein air. Some of the sites we will paint will be exactly where Monet, Van Gogh, Eugene Boudin, and other artists created their masterpieces.
Registrations opens on October 7th at 7am
Your link to register will appear above when registration opens.​​
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We will use the following payment schedule. Please e-mail us if you would prefer to pay in full or request a different payment schedule.
Deposit due upon registration: $1200
1/6/2025 2nd payment auto draft: $1575
3/3/2025 final payment auto draft: $1575
Day 1 - Val d'Orger
We've rented two neighborhing homes in the small town of Val d'Orger outside of Rouen. Spend the afternoon settling in, getting to know each other and sleeping off the jetlag. This is a free afternoon for you as guests are arriving and getting settled in.
Day 3 - Giverny & Vernon
In the morning we will explore Monet's house and garden in Giverny. The experience is absolutely magical and we will visit the Impressionist museum while in Giverny. In the afternoon, we will travel to the old mill in Vernon and paint where Monet painted.
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Day 5 - Auver-sur-Oise
We will visit the town where Van Gogh spent the last 6 years of his life. The town is dedicated to sharing the story of his time there. You can take a walk in Van Gogh's shoes and see many sites he lived, visited, and painted. You will have the opportunity to set up exactly where he did as we spend the afternoon painting.
Day 2 - Rouen & Monet's Cathedral
We will spend the morning in Rouen and visit the Cathedral Notre Dame Monet painted and learn a little art history along the way. In the afternoon we will have our first painting session in Val d'Orger.
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Day 4 - Etretat & Honfluer
We will head to the coast for the day, with a quick stop in Etretat to see the cliff Monet painted. We will then spend the rest of the day in Honfluer, a town built on a harbor where many practicing artists live. We will visit the Eugene Boudin Museum and then set up and paint for the afternoon.
Day 6 - Val d-Orger
Our last morning will be spent at the house for final touch ups on our paintings and critiques.
Instruction
A team of Holt School instructors will join you on the trip to provide demonstrations, art history lessons, and individualized instruction on site.
​We encourage you to bring a sketchbook to make notes along the way.
Included in your cost
Private Room
A private room at one of our residences for the week in Val d'Orger. A very limited number of shared rooms are available for a discounted rate. Those who wish to share a room will be given priority to join the retreat. (E-mail us to arrange your shared room)
**You will need to book your own hotel at the airport on our final night.
Transportation
Transportation to the sites we plan to visit will be provided. We will also provide transportation to and from the airport in Paris if you arrive with the rest of the group.
**You will need to book your own plane tickets.
Private Chef
We have hired a private chef to provide breakfast and dinner for our group for the week. Lunches will be your responsibility while we are out on location. There are MANY choices at the sites we plan to visit.
MUSEUM ENTRY
Entry to Monet's Home & Garden, the Museum of Impressionism in Giverny, and Eugene Boudin's Museum are included in your cost.
Already registered?
Get ready for the trip in 3 easy steps
1
Book your flight
Recommended Flight:
American Airlines
Departure**: July 6-7 overnight flight from CLT 4:20pm to CDG 6:30am
A bus will be ready to pick up anyone who arrives at Paris CDG on July 7 by 7am
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Return**: July 13 from CDG 10:30am to CLT 1:30pm
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**you must check your paints, please keep this in mind when booking**
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If you plan to arrive in France earlier or later, please let us know. We are able to pick up travelers from Gare de Rouen on July 7
2
Book your hotel at the airport from July 12-13
We will vacate our accomodations at 4:30pm on July 12. Bus transportation will be provided to the airport unless you make your own travel plans after the workshop. Please book your own hotel for your final night based on your preferences,
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Hotels at CDG Airport:
Sheraton (inside airport)
Hilton Paris CDG (on airport property, short walk from terminal
citizenM (on airport property, short walk to terminal)
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3
Pack your bags and leave the rest to us!
We've included our favorite plein air gear and a packing list below. We are happy to answer any of your packing questions along the way.
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**Important** - Your paints must travel in your checked bags. Do not pack any mediums or solvents, they will be provided for the workshop,
We'll help you pack!
Check your paints at the airport: All "artist pigments" must be checked when flying. Please include the SDS sheet in your luggage:
Read Gamblin's tips on flying with artist pigments
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Check out our plein air packing list here: Packing List
**do not pack any painting mediums or solvent**
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Our teachers are sharing our favorite painting gear for travelling abroad. Below are links to some of the things we love to take and will help you make the best decisions to pack lightly for the trip. If you'd like us to take a look at some other gear you have or are considering we are happy to give our opinion.
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Favorite plein air easels:
Art Box and Panel Mini Plein Air Travel System - palette tray, panel holder, and tripod included
Skippy Pochade Box - palette tray & panel holder included, tripod not included. (Allow up to 8 weeks for shipping)
Guerilla Painter Cigar Box - palette tray & panel holder included, tripod not included
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Slik U8000 Tripod - a great lightweight option
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Favorite painting panels*:
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Favorite wet painting carrier*:
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*Make sure the size of your panels matches the size of your wet painting carrier
Questions & Answers
How many hours per day will be spent painting?
We will paint for a minimum of 3 hours per day. There will be opportunities to paint for longer stretches on some days.
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What supplies do I bring on the trip?
A supply list is provided for the trip. We will provide Gamsol and Liquin as you cannot fly with either of these.
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How many total spots do you have?
We have booked two houses on the same street and have 17 private rooms available for attendees. Only 3 rooms are available to be used as shared rooms for a discounted rate.
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Can I bring my non painting partner?
A very limited number of spots will be available for non-painting partners. They may choose whether to join us for meals, transportation, museums, and other activities and a custom quote will be provided based on their level of participation. Please e-mail us for more details.
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Can I rent my own place nearby?
Yes, please e-mail us to discuss your level of participation in the workshop.
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Are there private bathrooms?
Most bathrooms are shared between 2-4 people.
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Is there a minimum age?
You must be 18 or older to participate in this workshop.
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What is your cancellation policy?
Cancel by April 7, 2024 for a refund minus $1200 deposit
Cancel by June 6, 2024 for a 50% refund minus $1200 deposit
Cancellations after June 6, 2024 will not be eligible for a refund
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Find our full list of policies here: Read Policies
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