Trace southern France's luminous legacy, from Cathar hilltop fortresses to Mediterranean shores, that has long inspired artists and writers drawn to its distinctive light, layered history and dramatic landscapes.

At a Glance

  • Explore the rose-coloured streets of Toulouse, Albi’s Toulouse-Lautrec Museum and Montauban, birthplace of neoclassical painter Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres
  • Travel through Cathar country and visit the fortified medieval citadel of Carcassonne
  • Follow the footsteps of Matisse, Derain and Picasso along Collioure’s Fauvism trail
  • Visit Cézanne’s art studio in Aix-en-Provence and the Jas de Bouffan mansion, his home of nearly 40 years
  • Visit the contemporary sculpture park of Château La Coste in the heart of Provence

Begin in Toulouse, celebrated by Ezra Pound and Daniel Defoe, and visit Albi, birthplace of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, whose vibrant works are housed in the former episcopal palace.

Continue through Cathar country to Perpignan, birthplace of Baroque painter Hyacinthe Rigaud and site of Salvador Dalí’s famous epiphany, before visiting Collioure, where Matisse and Derain ignited the bold colours of Fauvism.

Conclude in Aix-en-Provence, Cézanne’s lifelong home and the place where Émile Zola forged his literary voice, and visit Arles, whose winding streets and surrounding countryside were immortalised by van Gogh.

Please click ‘Register Interest’ to receive further information when more details are available.

 

This tour is part of the World Art Tours program organised by the Art Gallery Society of NSW in partnership with Renaissance Tours.

Dates

May 2027 (12 days)

Tour leader

Lucienne Joy

Tour Status

On request

More Details

Tour code: AG2707

Fitness level: Above Moderate
Tour members must be able to:
•    negotiate airports and railway stations without wheelchair assistance
•    use combined shower/bath facilities (it is impossible to guarantee walk-in shower facilities)
•    undertake walking tours of 2-3 hours duration, including using stairs, walking over cobblestones and other uneven surfaces
•    climb staircases of 100 or more steps
•    stand for long periods in museums and other sites
•    embark / disembark coaches, trains and other methods of transportation without assistance
•    handle their own luggage

Please see Terms & Conditions for fitness level definitions here.

Stay in touch

Sign up to receive news and updates.

Follow us: