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 – Tuesday, September 22: Arrival Châteauneuf-du-Pape

• Highlights: Workshop orientation, welcome dinner
• Dinner

From Marseille Airport our drivers will provide group transport to our charming accommodations in the countryside of Provence near Châteauneuf-du-Pape. After some time to unpack and settle in, you’ll join Elizabeth for an overview of the week ahead, followed by a delicious, welcome dinner at a Provençal restaurant.

DAY 2 – Wednesday, September 23: Exploring Provence

• Highlights: Excursion to Avignon, winery visit with tasting and dinner
• Breakfast, dinner

After a relaxed breakfast, we set off for a private guided walking tour of the historic heart of Avignon, one of Provence’s most iconic cities. You’ll stroll beneath the towering medieval ramparts, step into the grandeur of the Palais des Papes, and admire the graceful arches of the Pont Saint-Bénézet, famously captured in song and story. Your guide will bring Avignon’s rich layers of history to life.

Following the tour, you’ll have free time to wander at your own pace. Browse the charming boutiques or linger in a sun-drenched square with a glass of chilled rosé. Lunch is on your own today, with no shortage of inviting options — from classic Provençal bistros to cozy creperies tucked into quiet corners of the old town.

In the afternoon, we return toward our base for a bit of rest and recharge time. Then, as the light begins to soften, we head out again for a private wine tasting and dinner at a family-run winery near Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Nestled among rolling vineyards, with vines stretching to the horizon, this is your chance to unwind and savor the region’s world-renowned reds and whites while learning about local terroir and winemaking traditions. As the sun sets over the vines, we’ll gather for a leisurely wine-paired dinner, enjoying the warm hospitality and the full flavor of Provence.

DAY 3 – Thursday, September 24: L’isle-Sur-la-Sorgue

• Highlights: Market day, sketching with Elizabeth
• Breakfast, dinner

This morning our private drivers brings us through the scenic countryside to the town of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, often called the “Venice of Provence” for its gentle canals and charming footbridges. Upon arrival, you’ll check into your lovely hotel, where garden views and the sounds of the Sorgue River invite you to slow down and settle in.

Just outside the hotel’s door, the Thursday market is in full swing. The streets come alive with the colors and textures of the season—late-summer melons, deep purple figs, golden squash blossoms, and bunches of fragrant herbs. This is a market made for artists, offering endless inspiration in every crate and canvas sack. Together, we’ll wander the stalls, selecting a beautiful array of fruits and vegetables to serve as models for the afternoon’s sketching with Elizabeth.

After lunch on your own, you’ll gather with Elizabeth in the shaded garden of the hotel, for a sketching session using your market treasures as subjects. With the golden September light filtering through the trees and the fresh produce arranged before you, it’s the perfect setting to kick off this exciting watercolor sketching workshop! This evening we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner served up at a nearby restaurant, featuring delectable regional specialties.

DAY 4 – Friday, September 25: L’isle-Sur-la-Sorgue

• Highlights: Sketching with Elizabeth, food experience
• Breakfast, dinner

This morning, we stay close to home to sink deeply into the rhythms of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. With sketchbook in hand, Elizabeth will lead you through the village, pausing at scenic corners, colorful façades, and shady spots along the canals to sketch. You might even settle in at a café, observing and capturing the life that flows through this vibrant Provençal town-including reflections dancing on the water, and locals chatting over their morning coffee.

Lunch is on your own today, and the village offers plenty of tempting choices. You might opt for a quiet riverside terrace, a casual crêperie, or simply pick up a warm slice of quiche from our favorite local bakery and find a quiet bench to enjoy it.

In the afternoon, we’ll shift our focus from sketching to savoring, as we set out on a food-lovers’ stroll through the village. This guided tasting walk will introduce you to some of Provence’s most delicious specialties—from artisan cheeses and crusty breads to olives, pâtés, and regional wines. You’ll meet passionate local purveyors, taste as you go, and deepen your appreciation for the flavors that define this corner of France.

DAY 5 – Saturday, September 26: Gordes & Roussillon

• Highlights: Sketching with Elizabeth, excursion to Gordes & Roussillon
• Breakfast, dinner

This morning, you continue your artistic immersion in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, where Elizabeth will once again guide the group through sketching in the village. With its quiet canals, mossy waterwheels, and ever-changing light, the town offers endless inspiration. You might revisit a favorite scene or discover a new angle—a quiet alley, a flower-filled window, or a sunlit stone bridge. Lunch is on your own, with time to relax at a café, explore the shops, or gather picnic fare from the local épicerie.

In the afternoon, we set off on an excursion into the heart of the Luberon. Our first stop is the striking hilltop village of Gordes, where golden stone buildings cling to the cliffs and narrow lanes open to sweeping valley views. After time to explore and sketch, we continue to the red-ochre village of Roussillon, known for its dramatic earth tones and surreal, painterly landscape. Bring your sketchbook or take lots of photos!

We’ll close the day with dinner in Roussillon, where we’ll gather as the sun begins to set, surrounded by the warm glow of ochre walls and Provençal hospitality.

DAY 6 – Sunday, September 27: L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

• Highlights: Sketching with Elizabeth, farewell celebration
• Breakfast, dinner

Our last day in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is all about slowing down and soaking in the inspiration that’s been building throughout the week. The morning begins with a relaxed drawing session in the hotel’s garden, where you can revisit the textures, colors, and market treasures that first welcomed us to Provence. Later, you may wish to return to a favorite village scene with fresh eyes—capturing final sketches along the canal, beneath the plane trees, or at a favorite café corner. Lunch is once again on your own, with time to enjoy a leisurely meal or simply wander the village with your sketchbook in hand.

In the late afternoon, we’ll gather for a special aperitif and informal gallery session with Elizabeth, sharing your work from the week and celebrating each artist’s individual discoveries and progress in their watercolor journals. It’s a joyful, reflective close to this creative time together.

As the sun sets, we’ll come together one last time for a delicious and elegant farewell dinner, raising a glass to new friendships, artistic growth, and the beauty of Provence that brought it all to life.

DAY 7 – Monday, September 28: Departure

Early morning departure to Marseilles Airport

ACCOMMODATIONS & VENUE:

Hotel La Sommellerie 

Our first two nights are spent at L Sommellerie, a charming, boutique hotel nestled among the renowned vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, between Avignon and Orange. Housed in a beautifully restored in a former 17th-century sheep farm, the property exudes authentic Provençal character with its thick stone walls and serene ambiance. Each room is thoughtfully decorated in a traditional style and named after local wines.

Grand Hôtel Henri

The next 4 nights are spent Grand Hôtel Henri—a refined 4-star boutique hotel located in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, a picturesque town in Provence renowned for its antique markets, art galleries and scenic waterways. Housed in a beautifully restored building, with its classic French elegance and modern comforts, Grand Hôtel Henri is an ideal base for artists seeking inspiration in the heart of Provence.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• 2 nights stay at Hôtel La Sommellerie in Châteauneuf-du-Pape
• 4 nights stay Grand Hôtel Henri, L’isle-Sur-la-Sorgue
• Group transportation to/from Marseilles Airport
• Private transportation on excursions
• All breakfasts
• 6 dinners
• 1 lunch
• Excursion to Avignon
• Guided tour Avignon historic center
• Excursion to Gordes and Roussillon
• Wine tasting dinner
• Street food tour
• Market day
• Daily in-depth lessons, demonstrations, presentations  – plus group and one-to-one instruction with Elizabeth
• 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 22-28, 2026
• Trip Price:
  • From $4,795-$5,695 USD (Select room type upon booking.)
• Note:  All rooms types include a private ensuite bathroom, hair dryer, wifi, and air conditioning
• A $700 deposit is required to book your space
• View our Terms and Cancellation Policy

BOOK NOW

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