FRANCE
Roussillon March 22–29, 2021 from £2145 per person | with Juliet Heslewood
Sant Pere de Rodes
• Visit Céret, home to iconic 20th century artists such as Picasso, Braque and Matisse, and visit the Musée d’Art Moderne • Delve into Dalí’s Surrealist imagination by visiting his unmissable Teatro-Museo in Figueres • Explore the Monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes and view its remarkable Romanesque architecture Nestled between France and Spain, Roussillon – a former county of the Principality of Catalonia – boasts diverse landscapes and a unique identity. This French gateway to Spain inspired and welcomed several artists from the 20th century avant-garde, such as Picasso, Miro, Matisse, Dalí and Braque. The village of Cérét drew Picasso and Braque as well as other leading artists including Matisse, and this creative emulation led to the foundation of a rich Musée d’Art Moderne. In addition to exploring collections of Cubism, Fauvism and Surrealism, we will also devote time to exploring the Musée d’Art Hyacinthe Rigaud in Perpignan, encompassing fine examples of regional art from the Gothic period through to modern times. As well as the art collections, our stay in Roussillon will enable us to study Romanesque architecture and sculpture. Highlights include the Abbey of Saint Michel de Cuxa, Serrabone Priory, the Musée du Maître de Cabestany and the Monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes – decorated by the Maître de Cabestany’s workshop in the 12th century. We will cross into Spain, taking the 24
This tour will be led by Juliet Heslewood, MA, an author and art historian who lived in France for nearly 30 years where she devised and led study tours in six different regions. Juliet studied at the universities of London and Toulouse, and she has written many books, including most recently Van Gogh: A Life in Places. In addition to leading tours, Juliet frequently lectures at the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford. opportunity to look at the restored stonebuilt town of Besalú with its complex fortified bridge. Indeed, the defensive architecture of this frontier zone, studded with 17th century strongholds, is one of the region’s most fascinating aspects. Forteresse de Salses, keeping watch over the border with Spain, is a masterpiece of 15th century military architecture. We will also look at Dalí’s theatrical works in his purpose-built Teatro-Museo in Figueres. We will stay on the Mediterranean just outside the fishing port of Port Vendres, once home to Charles Rennie Mackintosh, at the comfortable and simply furnished three-star Hotel Les Jardins du Cèdre. The terrace enjoys panoramic views overlooking the sea and the hotel is particularly noted for its excellent restaurant. FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: This tour involves a significant amount of walking on cobbled and uneven surfaces. Because of the age of many of the buildings, steps can be of differing sizes and depths. Lifts are not available at many of the sites, nor at the hotel. Participants must therefore have a good level of mobility.
Please note that the itinerary represents a guide to what we hope to offer, and some elements may be subject to change or confirmation nearer the time. Day 1 Depart London Heathrow 1320 on British Airways, arriving Toulouse 1605. Transfer to Hotel Les Jardins du Cèdre, Port Vendres, for seven nights. Day 2 Introductory lecture followed by excursion to Collioure: harbour and Church of Notre Dame des Anges. Continue to Elne (preRoman Iberian citadel of Ilíberis). Day 3 Morning: Prats de Molló and St Joan de les Abadesses. Afternoon: stone-built town of Besalú in Spain, returning to France via border town of Le Perthus. Day 4 Whole day excursion to Catalonia: Figueres (Dalí Museum) and Sant Pere de Rodes (superb Romanesque monastery). Day 5 Morning: Church of St André de Sorede followed by Chapelle St-Genis-des-Fontaines and Céret (provincial town frequented by turn of the century artists) for the Musée d’Art Moderne (Picasso). Afternoon: Church of St Martin de Fenollar. Free evening. Day 6 Morning: Serrabone Priory followed by a walking tour of Villefranche-de-Conflent. Afternoon: Abbey of St Michel de Cuxà (10th century Romanesque church). Day 7 Forteresse de Salses (huge complex built to withstand early artillery) followed by Musée d’Art Hyacinthe Rigaud in Perpignan and Cabestany (Musée du Maître de Cabestany). Day 8 Transfer to Toulouse for visit to Basilica of St Sernin (time permitting). Depart Toulouse 1910, arriving London Heathrow 2010. Cost of £2145 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, six dinners with wine, water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £285. TOUR CODE: ROU121
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