Free Choral Concert Next Weekend

Every summer, a group of talented singers from Nice and the UK known as Ristretto arrives in tiny, charming Lumières in the Luberon to enjoy good food and wine, the beauty of Provence, lovely warm weather and a week of intensive choral singing. This year's program will be works by: Bach, Schumann, Part, Naylor, Macmillan and Pearsall. And every year, the group offers a free, open-to-the-public concert showcasing the works they've perfected during the week. This year, the concert will be Saturday August 10 at 6 pm, in the Sanctuaire Notre-Dame de Lumière, Lumières/Goult near the Hotellerie Notre Dame de Lumières, a very-special hotel in a former 17th-century convent. Admission to the concert is free...just show up! For a casual dinner afterwards, stroll over to Le Garage, grab an outdoor table and tuck into a terrific selection of tapas, small plates and cocktails. Lumières is just off the D900, just below the village of Goult...about 15 to 20 minutes from Gordes and the 12th-century Abbaye de Sénanque. And if you're planning an event of your own, please keep in mind that the highly regarded Ristretto and its musicians are available for weddings and other events throughout Provence and the Côte d'Azur. For more info: RistrettoVoices.com, choralsummer@aol.com, +33 (0)6 83 53 23 50. 

Painting Workshops in Provence in 2017

Many of my readers and clients ask about painting classes in Provence...and I've found some great instructors who are happy to give half- and full-day lessons. (Interested? See some here and then email me: whattodoinprovence@gmail.com.) But if you'd like something longer and more comprehensive, you might consider a trip devoted mostly or entirely to painting. Most workshops last about a week, there are many happening all over Provence and a sampling appears below. (A few of these instructors allow for day-long drop-ins.) I can't tell you which of these trips are best as I haven't experienced any of them myself. I've chosen these because they're either led by painters I know and admire...or they were recommended by people I trust...or they look really promising online. For questions, please contact the organizer or instructor directly. And if you have another workshop to promote or recommend anywhere in the South of France, feel free leave the info and a link by clicking "comments" below this story...or email me and I'll add it. Here's a great selection of what's available...with captions for all the photos above appearing at the end of the text.

There are still two places left for Julie Houck's painting workshop at the very beautiful Moulin de la Roque, not far from St. Remy and Avignon, April 22 to 29. Julie prides herself on small-group mentoring and highly personalized instruction while encouraging camaraderie between students. You'll stay in a lovely restored farmhouse with a full kitchen and enjoy daily painting excursions (the poppies will be in bloom!). Price: $2,250 includes lodging, workshops and use of the painting studio; airfare and meals are extra. For info: juliehouck.com, juliehouck@gmail.com.

The talented watercolor artist Tessa Baker, originally from London, has lived and taught in the Var region of Provence since 1985. In addition to day classes in a variety of locations, she offers popular week-long watercolor workshops. "If there are poppies we go to the poppy fields, if there's lavender we go to the lavender fields... and so on!" she says. "And I have a beautiful studio at my home in Lorgues on the off chance it rains. Painting is a joyful moment in time so I encourage students enjoy, laugh, have fun, create. It seems to work very well!" This year Tessa is offering her week-long workshop four times; the dates are April 29 to May 6 (two spots left), June 10 to 17, July 1 to 8 and September 9 to 16. Plus, Tessa will host "Cook and Paint with Tess" from May 20 to 27, during which you'll learn to make popular Provençal dishes with produce from the local markets. For info: paintprovencewithtess.com, tessabakerart@gmail.com.

British artist Julian Merrow-Smith lives and paints in Provence full time. I think his work is exquisite and so do the thousands of people who follow his "Postcard from Provence" online art sales. In 2017, he'll be offering just one painting getaway with his wife Ruth Phillips, a writer and musician. The dates are April 27 to May 4, the price is $2875 and there's one double room with two painting spots left. (You could also come alone and pay a single supplement...or come with a non-painting partner.)  "There are no frills to this workshop," Julian says. "We usually visit one of the local markets; otherwise the week is all about painting—talking, living and breathing it together. Our aim, above all, is to give you the experience of living the painter's life in the south of France." The group stays in the lovely restored priory/B&B called La Madelène, in the countryside at the foot of Mont Ventoux. For more info, click here or email: couguieux@gmail.com. 

This year, Workshops in France is offering four Provence painting trips. Two 10-day uninstructed "art retreats" are being offered from a château in the Luberon near Aix for "Poppy Season" in May/June and "Glorious Provence" in September.  These retreats include 10 days of artistic immersion (mentoring available) and daily painting sessions in private vineyards, small fishing ports, charming villages, markets, on the Van Gogh trail and more. There's plenty to do for non-painting travel partners as well.  Click here for details. In addition, two workshops with well-known instructors are scheduled in early May and late September. You'll stay and work in a château above the hillside village of Chateauneuf de Gadagne, not far from Avignon, and again, there's plenty for non-painting partners to do.  Click here for details. Workshops in France also accepts drop-in guests for the day. For info, click here or email Julie Snyder: julie@workshopsinfrance.com. 

Based in one of the Luberon's loveliest villages, the American artist Andrew Petrov lived and painted in Provence for many years before returning to the US in 2012. But his heart remains in rural France and he returns each summer to Saignon, to paint and teach. "There's no better place to learn, practice, and enjoy the process of plein aire painting than in Provence!" Andrew says. This summer, he'll be teaching two seven-day workshops--June 17 to 24 and July 1 to 8--and if there's room, day painters can join in (prices below). Otherwise, half- and full-day a la carte painting sessions will be available in between (June 25 to 30).  You'll paint beautiful fields...pretty, historic villages...prehistoric and Roman vestiges. And all skill levels are welcome; Andrew says his easy-to-grasp methods make it possible for someone "who's never lifted a brush" to create real and empowering artworks. The seven-day package (lodging, meals, art supplies and more) is $2500. Half-day sessions are 100€ per person; full day sessions: 200€ per person. Prices include all supplies and group prices are available. For info: andrewpetrov.com or petrov.andrew@yahoo.com. 

French Escapade is offering six different eight-day painting vacations in Provence--each led by a different instructor--plus one workshop in the Loire Valley and one artist retreat in the French Alps (no instructor). Choose from oil painting, watercolor or journal sketching. Groups are 12 max and prices start at $2,990 for a double room. "We usually stay at the same lodging for the entire tour," says company founder Jackie Grandchamps, "so you can feel at home without having to pack and unpack every day and you can spend more time painting rather than on the bus. Best of all, choose an ideal base location and take you on a wide variety of daily painting excursions in a comfortable van." French Escapade also has workshops this year in Spain, Belgium/Holland and Tuscany. For details, click here or email Jackie: contact@frenchescapade.com.

British artist Jill Douglas will teach a class at the artists' studios Ateliers Fourwinds, on the outskirts of the pretty little town of Aureille, not far from Maussane and Les Baux. The property--a former quail farm--sits in the foothills of the Alpilles Mountains, surrounded by olive trees. "When I first spent time painting here, it was life changing," Jill says. "After painting every day for two weeks I knew I was breaking through to a new level.” Jill has created a course appropriate for complete beginners to advanced painters, taking place in the studio and the surrounding countryside. Lodging is either at Fourwinds or a nearby hotel. Typical excursions are to colorful market in Mouriés, the Roman city of Arles and the village of St. Remy, where students will visit the places Van Gogh painted. "My focus is to help students develop and express their visual voice," Jill continues. "We do group and individual critiques, which helps you critique your own work better and learn how to know when you're finished...the much asked question!” 2017 dates are May 15th to June 3rd and Sept 18th to 30th. Price: 1860€ per week includes art instruction, transport, lodging and meals; come for one week or two. For info, click here or jilldouglasart@gmail.com.

Atelier Provence (July 3 to 14, 2017) is a unique course that combines a 7-day painting workshop in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence with a 4-day art history tour in Barcelona (easily accessible by high-speed train). This is a great opportunity to paint in plein air (glorious lavender fields, ochre cliffs, Cézanne’s beloved Mont St. Victoire), learn art history and theory, visit Barcelona’s greatest art sites and enjoy famous Provencal and Catalan cuisine and wines...in an intimate environment fostering creativity and fun. Visit Cézanne’s studio in Aix-en-Provence, Gaudi’s marvelous Sagrada Familia, the Picasso and Miró Museums and much more. Atelier Provence is sponsored by Walk The Arts, which has been hosting workshops in Europe since 1997. The price ($2750) includes painting instruction, lectures, 11 nights double accommodation (7 in Provence, 4 in Barcelona), all breakfasts, 6 lunches and 6 gourmet dinners with wine, all ground transport including TGV train Avignon to Barcelona and entry fees to museums and sites. For info, click here or email Walk the Arts' co-owner Monica Marquez: info@walkthearts.com.

Based in Monterey, California, Cindy Wilbur will offer a Provence workshop September 3 to 12, hosted by Provence Art Experience Workshops. The group will stay in a guesthouse in the heart of Arles (20 meters from the Roman arena!) and explore many of the enchanting villages of Provence. The price ($3,950) includes the workshop, airport or train transfers and ground transport,  lodging and all meals....everything but airfare and painting supplies. Cindy tells me her course is suited for serious beginners and seasoned painters alike. For info, click here or email: cindywilbur920@gmail.com.

Judy Ryan is a talented landscape painter who has taught adults at the Museum of Fine Arts (Boston) for more than 20 years; she loves to share the basics of plein air painting with beginners and offer practical advice for more-advanced students. Her two 10-day painting workshops will be kept small, allowing for individual attention and intensive painting time. You'll be based in the very-rural area of northern Provence in the Drome region, near Montelimar and Pont-de-Barret, an area of lavender and sunflowers, quaint hill towns nestled in the foothills of the French Alps and mountain rivers with rustic stone bridges. Lodging is in a beautifully restored farmhouse. Each workshop includes a private room, wonderful French meals, all painting supplies (easels, umbrellas, chairs, paint) and lots of time to paint "the legendary light that inspired the French Impressionists." The 2017 dates are June 27 to July 7 and July 11 to July 21.  Price: $2150 singles (private room) and $3150 couples (one painter and one non-painter).  For info: provenceforpainters.com, judy.ryan.artist@gmail.com.

Jill Steenhuis is an Atlanta-born, French Impressionistic painter who lives in Aix, where she taught painting and drawing (at the American University) for ten years. In addition to leading Cezanne and Van Gogh walking tours for American museums and art lovers,  Jill offers week-long oil painting workshops in the countryside for all ability levels. (For those who share her passion for Cezanne and Van Gogh, special arrangements can be made to paint on the very sites where they did.)  "My joy comes from watching the beginner or more-advanced painter climb a mountain in their creative way and in their inner soul," she says. Students may bring their own supplies or Jill can provide them. Details are on her site here. For info: jill@jillsteenhuis.com.

Under the auspices of Coastal Maine Art Workshops, Tony van Hasselt will lead a 10-day watercolor trip Oct 13 to 23. Tony has led workshops in the region for more than a decade. You’ll stay in a lovely 16^th century, 3-star hotel in the old section of Vaison la Romaine, take day trips to nearby medieval villages and spend the last night at a 4-star hotel in Marseille. Tony creates terrific sketchbooks to capture and keep handy the memories of every trip; he’ll also teach you the tricks of these quick painterly sketches and how to enhance them with written notes, menus, photos and more, to bring back a sense of place...“an easy way to be creative without bringing along your entire plein air kit.” The price ($3995 for painters in double rooms; $3595 for non-painting companions) includes lodging, all ground transport, all breakfasts, 2 lunches and all dinners.  All levels welcome. For info, click here or email:  info@cmaworkshops.com.

Since 1990, David and Liz Atkinson have run Arts in Provence in the tiny hamlet of Les Bassacs, with its commanding views over  the Luberon Mountains and the Vaucluse. Surrounded by cherry orchards, vineyards and olive groves, Les Bassacs is within easy reach of the well-known villages of Gordes, Lacoste and Bonnieux. Workshops of varying lengths are led by different artists reflecting a wide range of styles and themes. This year there are 14 of them, between early May and late September.  Group size is 12 max...and all the info is here.

And One for the Sculptors...

Ateliers Fourwinds offers a wide range of art programs for locals, travelers and visiting artists. (Read more about it in the listing for Jill Douglas’ painting workshop above). Fourwinds' co-founder Ursula Hanes will lead her very-popular clay sculpture workshop here October 9 to 13, with instruction from 9 am to 12 noon daily. Students will work with a model and produce a full-figure sculpture. Beginners are welcome and, as Ursula tells me, "their experience is enhanced by working with students who've already had some training. The emphasis is not only on acquiring knowledge and technique but also in meeting other sculptors. My groups have always been friendly and helpful towards others." The fee of 180€ per person includes daily instruction and the firing of your completed piece; students buy their clay at an extra charge of 13€ for a 10kg block. Everyone is responsible for finding their own lodging but Fourwinds can make suggestions and in some cases, offer lodging on the property. Students are responsible for their own meals, with a group potluck the last evening. For info: ateliersfourwinds.com, ursulabear@orange.fr.


Photos: (1) A student paints lavender at its peak, in a workshop led by Judy Ryan. (2) Judy Ryan's painting "Small House in the Field." (3, 4, 5) Two paintings by Cindy Wilbur, who will teach in Provence Sept. 3 to 12...and the terrace of the guesthouse in Arles where Cindy's group will stay. (6) A student on one of Julie Houck's Provence painting trips; there are two spots left in Julie's workshop April 22 to 29 at Moulin de la Roque. (7) One of Julie Houck's own paintings, "Les Cocquelicots" (The Poppies). (8) A painting by Tessa Baker, who will lead five Provence workshops this year, including one pairing cooking with painting. (9) Last year Tessa Baker's group did a day trip to St. Tropez. (10) A typical meal during Tessa's workshop: fresh, colorful, healthful and Mediterranean inspired. (11) One of Julian Merrow-Smith's lovely fruit paintings. (12) Julian with students among the poppies. (13) One of Julian's Provencal landscapes. (14) Julian's group might lunch on the terrace at La Madelène or share a picnic like this one.  (14) Julie Snyder returns to Provence each summer to teach, paint, host and mentor through Workshops in France. (15) Julie Snyder's oil-on-canvas "That's Done." (16) Artist Patricia Alexander painting in Chateauneuf-du-Pape; she has attended four art retreats hosted by Workshops in France. (17, 18) Two paintings by Andrew Petrov, who leads week-long workshops and day classes in the Luberon.  (19, 20, 21) Three paintings by Sandy Delanty, hosting a June workshop through French Escapade. (22) Shari Blaukopf will teach travel sketching in July, through French Escapade; this watercolor is from Costa Rica. (23, 24) Two paintings by Jill Douglas, who'll be back this summer teaching at Ateliers Fourwinds. (25) A painting by Jill Steenhuis. (26, 27) From Tony Hasselt: A couple sketchbook pages...and a watercolor of a Provence village.

Group Events with Space Available in October

 A free financial forum for expats will be held at Chateau La Coste, the very-unique, very-beautiful wine domaine not far from Aix. 

Two scenes from the market in Aix. Join a local chef/cooking instructor for an insiders' tour.

The Luberon village of Gordes at sunrise. Ok, so you won't see the sunrise on the Luberon Foodie Bike Tour...but you'll see tons of other gorgeous scenery...and taste some terrific artisan foods.

On Sunday Oct 9, there's a charity lunch and yard sale in St. Remy to benefit the Busoga Trust, which builds wells (like this one) in Uganda.

In an 18th-centry farmhouse in Tarascon, join an Oct 15 small-group cooking class followed by dinner.

In legendary Chateauneuf-du-Pape, learn about the local wines in this cellar dating from the 12th and 13th centuries....then enjoy lunch prepared by a top local chef. 

Two spots remain in a writers retreat taking place at Julia Child's former house in Provence. The dates are Oct 16 to 23.

Rosé wines and goat cheese: two of the four food groups in Provence! You'll enjoy both on the Foodie Tuesday walking tour in St. Remy, October 18 or 25.

In Uzes, who could resist a market-shopping trip with the chef, followed by a cooking class and lunch?

If you’ll be in Provence in October...or are still mulling on a trip...here are some special group activities (market tours, cooking classes, wine tastings, a writers’ retreat, a luncheon for a great cause and more) that still have space available. Joining a group gives you access to activities you might not be able to enjoy otherwise. Plus, you'll almost certainly pay less than you would if going it alone. And sometimes a group is just more fun, right? I also stuck in one free event (on Oct 6) that will interest foreigners already living part or full time in France...and those of you considering it. All of the events below are in English...I hope you find something you'd love to do!

Thursday Oct 6: La Tour de Finance, a free financial forum for expats, will be held at the gorgeous winery Château La Coste, in Le Puy Sainte-Réparade, ten minutes north of Aix. From 9:30 am to about 2 pm, five presentations will tackle how to make the most of your assets in France, international payments, mortgages, pensions, taxes and wealth management. The forum brings together key players who assist expats settling or already living here…and provides a nice opportunity to socialize and share your experiences with others. There will be a free buffet lunch and plenty of time for questions. The Tour de Finance is sponsored by Currencies Direct (FX currency brokers) and Spectrum (independent financial advisors), but they’ve promised me it’s not designed to overtly promote either company. Walk-ins will be welcome but reservations are appreciated. To book or for questions, click here or email: sam.h@currenciesdirect.com. *Note: If you’ve never visited the 600-acre wine domaine Chateau La Coste, definitely plan to walk the grounds; see the privately commissioned collection of sculpture and architectural works; and perhaps even take a peek at the brand-new hotel Villa la Coste, with 12 of 25 suites now finished. Tickets for the art and architecture walk can be purchased on site. 

Thursday Oct 6, Tuesday Oct 11 or Wednesday Oct 12. A Luberon Foodie Bike Tour! Choose your bike--road bike, hybrid or electric bike--and then off you go on a glorious full-day adventure in the Luberon. Depending on the day of the week, your route might include a local market, an olive mill, a goat farm for a tasting of fresh goat cheeses, an ancient bread bakery still in use, a studio making superb confiture, the winery made famous in Peter Mayle's movie A Good Year and a tasting of truffle products. (Turns out our English-speaking bike guide is a chef too, with 20 years experience working in Provence and a Michelin star for pastry on his CV. So ask all the questions you like: he knows everything about the local foods!) Plus you'll experience some of the top sites in the Luberon such as the Abbaye de Senanque, The Chateau of the Marquis de Sade and the historic hilltowns of Gordes, LaCoste, Bonnieux, Menerbes and Oppede le Vieux. Taste wonderful artisan foods, go at whatever pace feels perfect to you and enjoy perfect fall biking weather. Total cycling is about 60 km or 38 miles but that's flexible. The day starts in Bonnieux around 8:30 am and ends about 5 pm. Price: Cost: 175€ per person. Price includes bike rental, helmets, market tastings, artisanal visits and tastings, restaurant lunch and any museum entry fees. To book: juliemautner@aol.com.

Friday Oct 7 or Friday Oct 14: Join this popular morning walking tour to discover the hidden corners and wonderful food merchants of Aix. En route, you’ll learn a bit of history and find out what gives Aix its special personality. Plus, your charming guide, a local chef/cooking instructor, will also discuss the French way of life and art de vivre, bien sur! Indian Summer will be in full swing so the markets will be overflowing with late-harvest heirloom tomatoes and the sweetest Muscat grapes, for example. This 2.5-hour tour includes all tastings at historic food merchants and in the market, a stop for coffee, a cheese and wine tasting as well as seasonal recipes, a map and restaurant suggestions which are handed out at the end. Eight participants max. Price: 65€ per person. To book: juliemautner@aol.com. 

Sunday Oct 9: Lucy Bakr holds regular fundraising events in Provence for the Busoga Trust, a UK-based charity building wells in rural Uganda, providing clean water for drinking, cooking and sanitation. Lucy’s next event is an all-day yard sale/brocante from 10 am to 4 pm, with a homemade lunch for anyone who wants to join in at 12:30. She hasn’t chosen the menu yet but her meals are always simple, colorful and delicious. Over the years I’ve made some great new friends at Lucy’s table. Lunch costs 20€ per person; all revenues from the sale, raffle and lunch go to Busoga Trust. For the yard sale, just show up at 1 ave. Baltus in St. Remy. To reserve your place for lunch—or to donate something for the sale-- email: lucydavid@bakr.fr. 

Saturday Oct 15. Meet in Châteauneuf-du-Pape at noon for an introduction to the wines of the region with a master sommelier. It's held in a vaulted cellar dating from the 12th and 13th centuries, located at the top of the village, right by the church...in a magical, candle-lit space that once stored wines for the Popes when they were based in Avignon. Your host is a charming raconteur who speaks terrific English…and he loves to make the wines come alive with tasting tips and tales about the personalities behind each domaine. The tasting is followed by lunch, prepared by one of the top chefs in the region. The lunch ends around 2:45 pm and the package costs 100 € per person. The vibe is good fun...not serious! If you need transport, I’m happy to try to arrange it for you. To book: juliemautner@aol.com.

Saturday Oct 15. In Tarascon, 15 minutes west of St. Remy, a small group will gather at 5 pm for a cooking class followed by dinner with wine in a beautifully restored 18th-century mas (farmhouse). If you wish, you can meet at the Hotel Gounod in St. Remy at 4:45 pm and follow the others to Tarascon. The evening ends at roughly 9:30 pm and the class/dinner costs 120€ per person. If you need transport, I’m happy to try to arrange it for you. To book: juliemautner@aol.com.

Sunday Oct 16 to Sunday Oct 23. Due to a cancellation, there are two spots left in this food-writing retreat, to be held at Julia Child's old farmhouse, between Valbonne and Grasse, 30 km from the Nice Airport. Your instructor will be Betsy Andrews (poet, writing teacher, former executive editor at Saveur and current editor-at-large at Organic Life). Price: $2550 per person includes instruction, mentoring, housing and all meals except two dinners. To learn more about the workshop, click here or inquire directly to: nicole@cooknscribble.com. For more about the house and its new owners, see my recent story here. Food writer Julia Moskin recently spent a week cooking in the house and wrote about it for the New York Times here.

Tuesday Oct 18 or Tuesday Oct 25. Foodie Tuesday! St. Remy is filled with artisanal food producers, working in traditional ways, keeping local food traditions alive. And luckily many of them have shops and workshops, right in the heart of the village. Rendezvous at the Tourist Office at 10 am...and then we hit the rue running! Staying in the heart of the village (with minimal walking) we’ll roam from shop to shop, tasting homemade chocolates, cookies, nougat, flavored salts, honey, olive oils, tapenades, confitures and more. Then we'll move on to a cheese tasting, enjoyed with a glass of one of one of our favorite local wines.  Along the way you'll get a taste of the rich history of this cobblestoned village ...and a glimpse into real local life from your charming and knowledgeable guide. The tour ends around 12:30 and we'll happily recommend a restaurant for lunch. Price: 70€ per person for adults, 50€ for ages 12 to 18 and 30€ for kids 6 to 12. Kids under 6 are welcome to join the party free, as long as they're fearless and willing to taste! To book: juliemautner@aol.com.

Wednesday Oct 19 or Wednesday Oct 26.  This popular cooking school in the beautiful village of Uzès has a few spaces available in their “French Market Class.” The day starts at the glorious outdoor market, with the chef as your guide. Learn to select seasonal produce, enjoy chatting with local producers and be part the atmosphere of a typical French market. Back at the school, you’ll create a three-course menu with the chef’s guidance and instruction. Wine and cheese will round out the meal...and a perfect day in Uzès. Price: 150€ per person. To book: juliemautner@aol.com.

Sunday Oct 23 and Sunday Nov 6. Popular cooking classes in English are offered at the Les Halles indoor food market in Avignon, by an American chef with 20 years of experience cooking in some of the finest restaurants and hotels in Provence. Class starts at 9:30 am when you'll shop the market with the chef and buy the ingredients for the menu, always based around Provencale dishes but with lots of improv. Around 10:30 am, you'll start preparing the appetizer, main course and dessert. At noon, you'll be ready for a nice glass of local wine, followed by lunch...the meal you've prepared, of course! The class ends around 1:30 or when the market shuts down shortly thereafter. Price: The market tour, class, meal and wine  is 100€per person. To book: juliemautner@aol.com.

The Journées du Patrimoine is This Weekend

It's that time again: The wonderful annual Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days) event takes place September 17 and 18 in cities and villages all over France; a few have activities on Friday the 16th as well. The program was started by the French Ministry of Culture in 1984 and has since spread all over Europe (where it's also called European Heritage Days). This is the 33rd year. 

The idea is that a wide range of historic sites, monuments, buildings, estates, gardens and domaines are open for special visits...along with many sites that are normally closed to the public. Most sites have a guide on hand to enhance your enjoyment of the visit (most tours and talks are in French) and most offer free entry. Some may require you to sign up in advance...but for the most part, you just show up. 

The website with all the participating venues is here but you'll do much better checking in with the Tourist Office or the tourism website of the village or city you want to visit. For example, the main Patrimoine website lists just seven participating sites in my village of St. Remy. But as in years past, the village has published its own terrific guide and map featuring 22 participating sites. You can download it here or pick up a printed one at the Tourist Office or at most of the participating sites.

The best idea is to choose the village you wish to explore, pick up or download their schedule as early as possible and map your route, because some events happen only at certain times.

Here are some additional city and village Patrimoine schedules that I was able to find online: Aigues Mortes, Avignon, Aix, Arles, Beaucaire, Cannes, Cassis, Chateauneuf-du-Papes, Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, Gordes, Isle sur la Sorgue, Lauris, the Luberon, Marseille, Nice,  Nimes, Orange, Tarascon, Uzes, Vaison la Romaine and Valreas.  

And here are listings for various Provence departments: Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Alpes-Maritimes, Bouches du Rhone, the Gard (not really Provence but never mind), the Hautes-Alpes, the Var and the Vaucluse. 

Beyond that, you're on your own...but here's a list of most of the Tourist Offices in Provence and they should be able to help. Enjoy!