JOIN ELIZABETH ST. HILAIRE in Provence, France

All levels are welcome! Elizabeth’s immersive watercolor sketchbook workshop in the heart of Provence is held in September, as the golden light of early autumn begins to soften the hills, the vineyards ripen with rich clusters of grapes and the landscape is painted in shades of ochre and sage. Rolling fields, centuries-old stone villages, and winding country roads provide endless inspiration for journey into watercolor sketching and painting.

Together with Elizabeth you’ll explore the timeless charm of Provence, from its sun-dappled vineyards to bustling open-air markets and serene hilltop towns. Each day is a magical blend of demonstrations, lessons, sketchbook journaling and cultural discovery, as Elizabeth guides you in learning her distinct watercolor techniques in your own handmade journal—designed to become a personal travel keepsake filled with color, sketches, and stories.

Your time here in Provence is not just about watercolor sketching, but about capturing a sense of place—the aged shutters of a medieval house, the shadows on a chapel wall, or the twisted shape of a freshly baked croissant.

SKETCHING Provence

With Elizabeth’s expert guidance, you’ll create your own journal and learn her best tips and techniques for sketching the landscapes, cafes, herbs, gardens and pastries that are quintessentially Provence. 

For years Elizabeth has been using watercolor sketch-journaling to document her own personal trips, and in this exciting Provence workshop she shares with you her process, techniques and approaches – plus an incredible variety of tips!

And Watercolor Sketchbook Provence is more than a sketching workshop. It’s a week filled with fellowship, camaraderie and fun beyond your wildest dreams – in a truly stunning location. In addition to daily lessons and demos with Elizabeth, you’ll sketch from sidewalk cafes, in color markets and in panoramic locations.  Plus you’ll spend a full day exploring the villages and countryside of Provence before the workshop begins.

HAND-MADE Sketchbook!

Elizabeth will personally craft your sketchbook using luxurious hand-made Fabriano watercolor paper, sourced from Italy. This isn’t just a sketchbook—it’s a one-of-a-kind souvenir designed to capture the essence of your time with us in Provence.

We’ll keep the process simple and joyful: start with loose pencil sketches, layer in black ink accents, and finish with expressive splashes of watercolor. As you fill the pages with your own visual stories, you’ll learn to:

• Simplify Provence’s charming details into basic shapes
• Infuse your sketches with vibrant, sun-drenched colors
• Create depth and dimension through shading techniques
• Add handwritten travel notes to personalize your pages
• Stay within a harmonious color palette
• Design page layouts that reflect your unique style
• Use borders and visual framing as powerful design elements
• Explore and define your personal sketching voice
• Capture the essence of the region with confidence
• Elevate your sketches with pen and ink embellishments
• Build form and texture for visual interest
• Incorporate light and shadow effectively
• Improve naturally through daily sketching practice
• Keep line work loose and expressive
• Share your artwork with ease on social media

Whether you’re an experienced artist or a curious beginner, this sketchbook will be your creative companion—documenting the flavors, colors, and memories of Provence with every stroke.

ITINERARY

DAY 1 – Monday, September 21: Arrival Grignan

• Highlights: Workshop orientation, village walking tour, welcome dinner
• Dinner

From Marseille Airport our drivers will provide group transport to our charming accommodations situated at the base of the medieval village of Grignan with its regal, Renaissance chateau. After some time to unpack and settle in, you’ll join Elizabeth for an overview of the week ahead, followed by walking tour of the village and delicious, welcome dinner at a Provençal bistrot.

DAY 2 – Tuesday, September 22: Exploring Provence

• Highlights: Excursion to La Garde-Adhémar, Rhône Valley Winery and Alba La Romaine
• Breakfast, lunch, dinner on your own

The morning, after breakfst, we’re off on a cultural adventure exploring the villages, countryside and beauty of Provence. We begin with short drive to La Garde-Adhémar, a peaceful hilltop village designated one of the most beautiful villages in France. Here we’ll walk and explore, including the Jardin des Herbes, a terraced medieval herb garden overlooking the landscape. Afterwards we continue to a Rhône Valley winery, where a wine tasting and leisurely Provençal lunch are served, as we overlook the sweeping vineyards. Our final stop, as we make our way back to Grignan, is Alba-la-Romaine, where Roman ruins unfold across a valley floor, offering a palette of textures and colors. Photographing is a must – sketching is optional!

This evening we’ll enjoy aperitif together in Grignan, followed by free time to enjoy dinner on your own.

DAY 3 – Wednesday, September 23: Grignan

• Highlights: Sketching the village, sketching in the labyrinth gardens
• Breakfast, dinner

This morning, after breakfast, you’ll join Elizabeth in the hotel’s roomy studio space where you’ll construct your personal sketchbook with handmade paper. After instruction and an overview of the day, you’ll walk the few minutes into the village to wander the streets of Grignan with your sketchbook, following your curiosity—sunwashed walls, crooked doorways, climbing vines, stone fountains, and shuttered windows. You mgiht even sketch with Elizabeth while enjoying a coffee at Café des Voutes or Le Poème, where shady terraces offer perfect people-watching scenes and local life. This morning is about capturing atmosphere and inspiration throughout the village. Lunch today is on your own.

This afternoon it’s off to the serene atmosphere of Les Jardins de la Maison du Bailli, a hidden gem in the heart of Grignan. These beautifully maintained labyrinth gardens offer boxwood hedges, flowering pathways, and quiet benches where you can sit and sketch in your journal. Today ends with dinner in a nearby bistrot.

DAY 4 – Thursday, September 24: Nyons

• Highlights: Excursion to Nyons, market day
• Breakfast, lunch, dinner on your own

This morning we take a short drive to lovely Nyons, a town known for its lively markets and olive groves. The local market is a tapestry of flowers, fruit, spices, and conversation. Here sketchbooks quickly fill with striped awnings, stone arcades, and lively street scenes – a vibrant setting to add texture and color to your journal. Today we’ve arranged lunch at a local brasserie serving classic French dishes.

This afternoon, after some time to rest and refresh, you’ll join Elizabeth for a sketching demo on the beautiful grounds of our boutique, historic hotel, followed by time to walk into the village and enjoy dinner – or perhaps a French pastry – on your own.

DAY 5 – Friday, September 24: Château de Grignan & Cheese Tasting

• Highlights: Guided tour Château de Grignan, cheese and wine tasting
• Breakfast, light dinner

This morning after breakfast we’ll meet up with a local guide for a private, two-hour tour of the Château de Grignan. You’ll learn about its dramatic architecture and the famous letters of Madame de Sévigné as you walk the vaulted halls, balconies, and panoramic terraces. After the tour you’ll join Elizabeth as you sketch the panoramic view or castle details. Lunch today is on your own.

This afternoon you’ll join Elizabeth on the grounds of our beautiful accommodations for a sketching session overlooking Chateau di Grignan from a distance. Later in the day, we head to nearby Domaine de Montine, just minutes from the village center, to enjoy a leisurely wine tasting and cheese pairing featuring local varietals and artisanal cheeses – a relaxing exploration of the flavors and traditions of the Drôme Provençale. Held in the warm ambiance of the estate’s tasting room or terrace, this is the perfect close to a day of creative inspiration.

DAY 6 – Saturday, September 26: Grignan and Gallery Celebration

• Highlights: Sketching coffee and croissants, gallery celebration, farewell dinner
• Breakfast, Dinner

Your final day is for soaking up the ambiance of Grignan with Elizabeth as settle in at an outdoor cafe to sketch coffee and croissants. Next you might revisit secret gardens or walk vineyard paths before enjoying lunch on your own.

In the afternoon, as the light becomes golden, you might explore once again the esplanade below the château to sketch here one last time or perhaps take some time for some last minute shopping in town. Then it’s time to gather with Elizabeth in the hotel’s studio space for a celebratory gallery show, as you reflect on the week followed by a Provençal farewell dinner.

DAY 7: Departure

Early morning departure to Marseilles Airport

VENUE: Boutique Hotel La Ferme Chapouton

Nestled just a gentle stroll from the medieval village of Grignan, La Ferme Chapouton is a beautifully restored 18th-century farmhouse that blends rustic charm with understated elegance. Surrounded by olive trees, lavender beds, and the golden light of the Drôme Provençale, this boutique hotel offers a serene retreat infused with authentic southern French character.

The interiors are refined yet inviting with wooden beams, terracotta tiles, and linen-draped windows that open to vineyard views or the silhouette of the nearby château. Each room is individually styled, offering a tranquil blend of simplicity and comfort, with soft natural tones and thoughtful details that reflect the spirit of the region. Plus the hotel’s shaded terrace and garden offer ideal areas for sketching.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• 6 nights stay at Hotel La Ferme Chapouton
• Group transportation to/from Marseilles Airport
• Private transportation on excursions
• All breakfasts
• 4 dinners
• 2 lunches
• Full-day cultural excursion to La Garde-Adhémar, Rhône Valley Winery and Alba La Romaine on the first day of the trip
• Excursion to Nyons & visit to local market
• Wine tasting lunch
• Cheese tasting
• Guided tour Château de Grignan
• Daily in-depth lessons, demonstrations, presentations  – plus group and one-to-one instruction with Elizabeth in cafes, coffee bars, piazzas and alongside romantic Venetian canals
• Hand-made paper sketch journal
• ALL SUPPLIES! Including your own hand-made paper sketchbook and watercolor sketch set
• Free time for shopping and exploring on your own

Not included: Artist-grade brushes (Elizabeth will share suggestions), airfare, meals, alcoholic drinks, buses, trains or boat transportation outside of that which is specifically listed in the trip package, gratuities for hotel staff

The Unexpected is Part of the Journey: Sometimes unexpected things come up. If there is unscheduled closing or schedule change, we carefully pivot to include something that is equally as wonderful and interesting, so that the quality of your experience is never at risk. ☺️

DATES AND DETAILS

• Dates:
  • September 21-27, 2026
• Trip Price:
  • From $4,495-$5,195 USD shared twin/double (Select room type upon booking.)
• Room Description:
  • Single Occupancy – double bed with ensuite bathroom, air-conditioning, garden or village view, free WiFi and mini-bar
  • Double Occupany – double bed or two single beds with ensuite bathroom, air-conditioning, garden or village view, free WiFi and mini-bar
• A $700 deposit is required to book your space
• View our Terms and Cancellation Policy

OPENING SOON

ABOUT Elizabeth St. Hilaire

Elizabeth St. Hilaire is an award winning full-time artist, art workshop instructor, and published author. She is a former Golden Paints Artist Educator, a former Ambassador for Princeton Brush, and a former Creative Team Artist for Gel Press. Her work is also featured on Fredrix Canvas packaging.

Her unique mixed-media artwork is created from torn tidbits of hand-painted paper which she glues down over an acrylic under-painting. St Hilaire’s collages are collected and have been exhibited both nationally and internationally. Images of her work are reproduced and available nationwide on wall canvas, household items, stationery, clothing, jewelry, and more.

Elizabeth is a Signature Member of National Collage Society, holds a BFA from Syracuse University, and has been working in her medium for over 15 years. She has published seven books on her process.

Visit Elizabeth’s website at PaperPaintings.com