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Join us this August Cruise and Paint Provence
Experience Provence through the eyes of an artist on Paint By Destination’s watercolor workshop river cruise along the Rhône River. This intimate journey combines professional, guided watercolor instruction with the extraordinary color, light, and atmosphere of southern France. Our river ship becomes a floating art studio, with dedicated onboard watercolor sessions led by instructor Andrea Patton.
Cruise through the heart of Provence, where vineyard-covered hills, olive groves, and sun-kissed stone villages provide endless inspiration. From historic towns like Avignon and Arles to the artistic legacy of Van Gogh and the timeless beauty of the Rhône Valley, each destination offers rich and rewarding subject matter for painters of all levels.
Between ports, enjoy thoughtfully paced excursions, immersive time ashore, and structured painting sessions onboard, all within the comfort of a luxury river ship. Set to a relaxed, creative rhythm, this journey invites you to slow down, learn, paint, and experience Provence more deeply, one brushstroke at a time.
workshop includes:
- Half-day watercolor workshops onboard
- 7-nights luxury accommodation on a luxury river cruise
- Daily excursions in each port
- All on board meals and beverages
- Daily Wifi
workshop DOES NOT INclude:
- Airfare
- Travel Insurance
- Alcoholic beverages outside meal hours
- Gratuities
What You'll See & Paint Provence
This August, join us for a luxurious river cruise watercolor workshop through the heart of Provence. As we cruise up the Rhône River, each destination becomes a source of artistic inspiration, from charming stone villages and vineyard-lined hills to historic cities steeped in art and culture.
Guided by watercolor instructor Andrea Patton, you’ll capture the distinctive light, color, and atmosphere of southern France through daily inspiration and structured painting sessions aboard our floating studio. Traveling and painting alongside a small group of fellow artists, you’ll explore iconic towns such as Avignon and Arles, trace the artistic legacy of Van Gogh, and experience the beauty of the Rhône Valley, all while transforming your journey into art.
All workshop rates include all excursions, meals, and accommodation on board as well as five, half-day watercolor workshops. Non-painting companions are welcome!
andrea patton
your watercolor art instructor
Andrea Patton is a Texas-based watercolor artist and instructor who teaches from her home studio in New Braunfels, overlooking the Texas Hill Country. Surrounded by a landscape that continually inspires her work, Andrea creates and teaches in an environment where nature and art naturally intersect. She is known for her ability to guide beginner and intermediate students with clarity, encouragement, and a strong foundation in color theory, drawing on experience across watercolor, alcohol ink, and acrylics.
Andrea worked for Shell Oil for 22 years as a health and safety professional before transitioning fully into teaching and creating art. Alongside her professional career, she has been painting and sketching for over 30 years, developing a deep understanding of composition, color, and expressive technique. Her passion for instruction began long before her career shift and has been enriched through formal study with artists in Alaska and Florence, Italy.
For the past six years, Andrea has taught alcohol ink and watercolor classes at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, in addition to hosting weekly workshops, private instruction, and art experiences from her studio in New Braunfels.
Andrea’s work is featured online, in local galleries and cafés, and at regional art markets throughout Central Texas. She also offers commissioned pieces and in-home art consultations. Whether teaching or creating, Andrea is committed to helping others build confidence, understand color, and experience the joy of artistic expression.
Why You Should Join Our
watercolor workshop cruises
Are you ready to set sail and paint with us?
watercolor workshop cruise Itinerary
DAY ONE | Thursday, August 6
Embarkation Day - Arles, France
Embarkation Day & Welcome Reception
Welcome aboard! On embarkation day, you’ll arrive in Arles, settle into your cabin, and ease into the start of a beautiful week in Provence.
You may board the ship beginning at 1:00 PM, and cabins will be available around 3:00 PM. Take this time to get comfortable, explore the ship, and relax before our watercolor journey begins.
In the evening, we’ll gather for a Welcome Reception and Artist Meet & Greet. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet your fellow artists, connect with the instructor, receive your detailed itinerary, and start getting inspired for the creative week ahead.
An unforgettable painting adventure in Provence awaits!
Day Two | Friday, August 7
Arles, France
All Day Excursions
Considered one of the most beautiful cities in France, Arles enchants all with its tantalizing history, formerly a Roman center of trade. Enjoy a bike ride along the Rhône, through town to the Langlois Bridge, a famous subject from several Vincent Van Gogh paintings. And for those who wish to delve further into Van Gogh’s Arles, join a special walking tour along with a visit to the Vincent van Gogh Foundation, showcasing his legacy.
During the afternoon, venture to Les Baux de Provence, a hilltop village and ruined castle. Enjoy time in the “old village,” its shops, art galleries, and cafes interspersed among the historic ruins. You will also have a unique experience at the Carrières de Lumières, where you will be treated to a spectacular presentation of art, sound, and history projected on the walls of a former limestone quarry set to music.
Day Three | Saturday, August 8
Avignon
Excursion & Workshop Onboard
Explore Avignon, named the “City of Popes,” as the center of the Catholic Church in the 14th century when its “Palais des Papes” was the equivalent of today’s Vatican.
Discover the history of Avignon on a guided walking tour that includes the Papal Palace and the well-preserved medieval walls surrounding the historic center of town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Today, enjoy a 3-hour workshop onboard with your instructor.
Day Four | Sunday, August 9
Viviers, France
Take in the quaint surroundings of Viviers, a charming commune that sidles up to the right bank of the Rhone. From Viviers, travel to the magnificent hilltop village, Grignan, and go in search of the highly prized “Black Diamond” truffles with a farmer and his trustworthy canine companion.
You can also explore Viviers on a guided walking tour, where you’ll see iconic sights such as Saint-Vincent Cathedral. Or stretch your muscles on a hike to Viviers’ St. Vincent Cathedral, taking in beautiful views of the Châteauneuf du Pape dam, the Donzère Gorge and the town of Montelimar with its magnificent château.
Today, enjoy a 3-hour workshop onboard with your instructor.
DAY five | Monday, August 10
Tournon, France
Excursion & Workshop Onboard
Take a steam train ride past magnificent landscape carved along the Gorge du Doux, stopping at the charming little station of Colombier le Vieux-Saint Barthélemy le Plain, where the train maneuvers in preparation for its return journey.
Day Six | Tuesday, August 11
Vienne, France
Excursion & Workshop Onboard
Situated between the wine regions of Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône lies Vienne with a Roman past that can be seen in its marvelously preserved ruins.
Follow the footsteps of the ancient Romans on a walking tour to see the amazingly well-preserved Augustus and Livia Temple, the Saint Maurice Cathedral, a Gothic church that took more than 500 years to build, and St. Pierre Abbey—one of the oldest surviving churches in France, and now an Archaeological Museum.
Today, enjoy a 3-hour workshop onboard with your instructor.
DAY Seven | Wednesday, August 12
Lyon, France
Excursion & Workshop Onboard
Take a walking tour that starts in Fourvière Hill, part of the city’s historic region that is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the 19th-century basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière.
Continue on to the old town of Lyon, followed by a guided walk through the St. Jean district, where you will be introduced to the city’s unique covered walkways, known as “traboules.” You can also visit the famous indoor market hall Les Halles de Lyon – Paul Bocuse, named after the late chef renowned for his Michelin-starred l’Auberge du Pont de Collonges restaurant.
There you’ll have a chance to sample of the delicacies offered by butchers, bakers, chocolatiers and cheesemongers while taking in the colorful sights and enticing aromas around you.
Later in the day, visit a traditional Beaujolais winery and learn the history and techniques of their vineyard or enjoy a 3-hour workshop onboard with your instructor.
Day Eight – Disembarkation | Thursday, August 13
Disembarkation Day - Lyon, France
Disembarkation Day & Farewell
Enjoy one final morning on board before heading off to your next destination or flight home. Whether you choose to catch your flight home or continue your travels, we hope the memories, skills, and artwork you created on this journey stay with you.
We look forward to welcoming you on another artistic adventure soon!
More than a watercolor workshop What's Included
Small Group Painting Experience
- Daily painting and lessons
- One-on-one instruction with world renown artist
- Welcome dinner and drinks with other students and meet-and-greet with the artist
- Personalized service from on-site travel coordinator
- Small private group setting experience
- Free time for painting or sketching in all port cities or leisure time of choice
Spacious Accommodation
- 7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with twin balconies)
- Entertainment-On-Demand
A Variety of Amenities
- Wellness Activities with a dedicated Wellness Host
- Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
- Sun deck pool with swim-up bar and walking track
- Fitness room
- Daily entertainment including cultural performances
Award-Wining Dining
- All onboard dining in a variety of venues
- Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
- The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant
- Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Dinner, Captain’s Cocktail and Gala Dinner
- La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs exclusive dining experience
- Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
- Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
- Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
A World of Exploration
- Immersive tours in every destination
- Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
- Bike tours and hikes
- Special Interest Tours
- Knowledgeable guides
- Personal headset for easy exploration
- Airport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterways
*The workshop fee does not include airfare, passport or visa fees, travel insurance, personal expenses, and other exclusions as outlined in the deposit form
the votes are in!
New friendships and painting techniques
Return home with beautiful paintings, incredible memories and newfound friendships. Paint By Destination’s watercolor workshops will exceed your expectations and prove to be an investment in both your artistic growth and overall well-being.
Incredible value for
money
Not only will you receive top-notch guidance to improve your watercolor painting skills, but you will enjoy luxury accommodation, curated excursions, and immersive cultural experiences along the most iconic rivers in the world. The convenience and comfort of having everything organized for you makes this worth every cent.