June 17 - 27, 2010 SOLD OUT
June 1 - 11, 2011 SPACES AVAILABLE!

Le Vieux Couvent
Landscape Painting in Southern France

In June the poppies and roses will be in full bloom, and the gardens will be rich with color!
Join Julie Houck for 10 days of plein air landscape painting in the Dordogne Valley, a special
place that has inspired artists for thousands of years. Stay with other fun-loving artists at
Le Vieux Couvent, a 17th century restored convent. Relax in the collection of ancient
buildings, courtyards, terraces, enjoy the swimming pools and gardens. Dine on lovingly
prepared authentic chef-inspired cuisine, regional wines and aperitifs. Our hosts, Bill and
Corinne, have made the grounds perfect for artists with many intimate places to rest & relax.

Fees to be determined. Click here to get on the "early registration" list.

To register, please contact: Julie Houck Workshops, LLC 808 873-0597 / email

Sample Itinerary: We'll visit medieval bastide towns such as St. Cirq la Popie, Domme, and the pilgrimage site, Rocamador (where we will see the Black Madonna and the sword of Roland), colorful market towns like Sarlat, LaBastide and Cahors, picturesque river villages such as Beynac, St, Martin de Vers, Saint Germain and Gigouzac.

Other charming sites within our reach include Les Arques, whose claim to fame is the site for a book by Michael S. Sanders titled "From Here You Can’t See Paris." Here, we will enjoy a French lunch at La Recreation, a regional favorite. We may also visit Seniergues whose church was once part of the Commander of the Order of the Knights Templar, and the lovely Carennac. These destinations may change depending upon the weather and the time of year.

Le Vieux Couvent website: www.vacancesenvie.com

Your trip includes:

•Ten nights accommodation at Le Vieux Couvent, single occupancy, with private or shared facilities. Rooms are assigned upon receipt of registration form and deposit.

•Breakfast and dinner daily and most lunches* to be outlined in final itinerary.

•Transportation for daily touring by two vehicles provided by Le Vieux Couvent.

•Assistance of Bill Boychuk, Le Vieux Couvent host, from arrival in Frayssinet through departure.

•Extensive daily excursions throughout

•Unlimited use of the painting studio

•Pick-up and drop-off at Toulouse Airport OR pick-up or drop-off at Gourdon Train Station at scheduled times. Please check with Julie before booking airfare.

•Local wines at lunch and dinner
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Not Included:
•Round trip transatlantic Airfare
*Non included lunches outlined in itinerary
•Any sightseeing item not listed in the itinerary
•Items of personal nature
•Optional insurance for health, baggage, and trip cancellation/interruption is not included
•Passport fees. A passport valid six months beyond date of reentry to the U.S. is required
•No visa is required for U.S. citizens; non-U.S. citizens may require a visa
•Gratuities

Refund Policy
All cancellations must be in writing. There is no refund for partial or unused land arrangements unless workshop is full and your space is filled by a participant on the waiting list. All cancellations will incur a $300 handling fee.

Payment plan
$500.00 with enrollment, make check out to Julie Houck Workshops LLC. Credit card transactions will be charged an additional 3% of the amount charged. Balance due four months before departure.

Back to Workshops Page

The fields will be rich with color!

The spacious Art Studio at
Le Vieux Couvent

"Julie's plein air workshop in
Southern France was wonderful!
Her class and all the individual attention
I received really helped me develop
my own style. If you love art, beautiful scenery, European history, good food
and wine, wonderful accommodations
and service, you should definitely take
this trip! It was one of the most memorable and magical
experiences I have ever had!"
- Michelle Winters, NYC