france art tour

About Le Vieux Couvent

What is There?

Bill Boychuk and Corinne Campbell bought this French Convent nestled in the quaint town of Frayssinet in the South of France just over ten years ago. Tired of living on Vancouver Island the couple decided to fulfil their life-long dream of living in France. Corinne is originally from England and has the green thumb for creating an English garden in which this convent is set.

There are multiple complexes on site that can sleep up to sixteen people. The rooms are charming, French and many have the luxury of an ensuite bathroom. There is a large studio that contains such amenities as tables, stools, art books and easels. After a day of painting many choose to relax and swim in one of two pools on location.

All breakfasts, aperitifs and dinners are provided on site. The meals are to die for. Corrinne does all the cooking and is an expert in French cuisine. More than half of the lunches are provided too but painters prefer to picnic at the various venues they paint in. These particular picnics consist of locally bought items at the open markets.

Who Goes?

All levels of painters are welcome as are all mediums. (pic) Students are welcome to work in all drawing materials from charcoal to pastels. Painting materials can include water soluble pencil crayons, watercolour, acrylic to oil. If you don't know what is you medium be free to experiment as all types of skills are taught. A list of art supplies is given at the time of final payment. Specific list of mediums is given upon request.

Non painters are also welcome to accompany painting partners. They are welcome to participate on all trips or simply take time off to read a book in the garden or by the pool. Learners generally come from the United States, Eastern and Western Canada. There are always interesting people to meet and friendship to build.