Landscape Painting
River Cruise in France Paris to Normandy
SUMMER 2026
Embedded Files
Now Registering for 2026 Mentorships and Workshops
River Cruise - France
River Cruise - France
PARIS TO NORMANDY
DATES
JULY 25-AUG 1, 2027
If you are busy and never get a break for yourself, crave the peace and quiet but can barely hear the sound of your own voice, join us at this art workshop where you get time to do things just for you:
If you are busy and never get a break for yourself, crave the peace and quiet but can barely hear the sound of your own voice, join us at this art workshop where you get time to do things just for you:
✔️ witness the natural beauty of this historic area
✔️ witness the natural beauty of this historic area
✔️ Enjoy the visual beauty of the picturesque towns, mountains, castles
✔️ Enjoy the visual beauty of the picturesque towns, mountains, castles
✔️ Time and space to paint -- bring your supplies you never have time to use
✔️ Time and space to paint -- bring your supplies you never have time to use
✔️ Step into the footsteps of Monet, Van Gogh, and Joan of Arc
✔️ Step into the footsteps of Monet, Van Gogh, and Joan of Arc
Embark on your adventure in Paris and sail to Vernon, where you’ll choose between two exciting guided visits—Claude Monet’s stunning gardens at Giverny or the remarkable Bizy Castle, known as “Normandy’s Versailles.” You may choose to go on an excursion to the historic Normandy Landing Beaches, including Omaha Beach, the Point du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery. In Rouen, best known as the home of Joan of Arc, you’ll go on a guided walk through the medieval quarter and visit the gothic Rouen Cathedral—once the tallest building in the world. From Conflans, go on an excursion to the quaint and inspiring town of Auvers-Sur-Oise—associated with several famous artists, including Vincent van Gogh—or visit Napoleon and Josephine’s Malmaison.
See the world! Step back in time and enjoy this opportunity to travel with artists and paint and learn together.
See the world! Step back in time and enjoy this opportunity to travel with artists and paint and learn together.
We are so busy.
We are so busy.
Job is busy. Kids need you. Family schedules are complicated.
Job is busy. Kids need you. Family schedules are complicated.
Being busy with demanding job and family is a state many of us face. You run from meeting to meeting with barely time for lunch or a workout and then back to the errands of life and then crash into bed without time for you.
Being busy with demanding job and family is a state many of us face. You run from meeting to meeting with barely time for lunch or a workout and then back to the errands of life and then crash into bed without time for you.
But time passes, and something is missing.
But time passes, and something is missing.
Something you wanted to do. Life is more than work and sleep and obligations.
Something you wanted to do. Life is more than work and sleep and obligations.
You bought those art supplies, but that was how many years ago?
You bought those art supplies, but that was how many years ago?
Well it is time for you.
Well it is time for you.
It's time to step into a richer experience of life, where you travel and paint and experience your creativity fully. You feel the cool air of an Alsacian vineyard and sip the dry white wine, then take a tour to a museum and see the work of artists you have only seen in books. Let's go.
It's time to step into a richer experience of life, where you travel and paint and experience your creativity fully. You feel the cool air of an Alsacian vineyard and sip the dry white wine, then take a tour to a museum and see the work of artists you have only seen in books. Let's go.
If you’re ready to spend some time reconnecting to yourself and your art,
If you’re ready to spend some time reconnecting to yourself and your art,
If you’re ready to put yourself into the schedule,
If you’re ready to put yourself into the schedule,
If you’re ready to see the world and paint it at the same time,
If you’re ready to see the world and paint it at the same time,
You’re invited to join us for Landscape Painting in France (Paris to Normandy) in July 2027.
You’re invited to join us for Landscape Painting in France (Paris to Normandy) in July 2027.
This fabulous river cruise combines time in France’s unparalleled capital of Paris with beautiful scenery along the Seine River and the picturesque and historical region of Normandy.
Embark on your adventure in Paris and sail to Vernon, where you’ll choose between two exciting guided visits—Claude Monet’s stunning gardens at Giverny or the remarkable Bizy Castle, known as “Normandy’s Versailles.” You may choose to go on an excursion to the historic Normandy Landing Beaches, including Omaha Beach, the Point du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery. In Rouen, best known as the home of Joan of Arc, you’ll go on a guided walk through the medieval quarter and visit the gothic Rouen Cathedral—once the tallest building in the world. From Conflans, go on an excursion to the quaint and inspiring town of Auvers-Sur-Oise—associated with several famous artists, including Vincent van Gogh—or visit Napoleon and Josephine’s Malmaison.
On this French river cruise, you’ll enjoy wine, cheese, beautiful scenery along the Seine River, and stops in charming and historical parts of France, but your adventure would not be complete without some time in Paris—one of the world’s most romantic and vibrant cities! Discover the true heart of Paris on a guided walk through the sites of Paris’ rich history, or take a tour showing you the iconic sites of this enchanting city.
Included
Included
• river cruise Paris to Normandy
meals
* painting instruction by Sarah Griffin Thibodeaux
• and more!
Not Included
Not Included
• flights
• travel insurance
• other excursions or events
Amenities Included
Amenities Included
• Elegant, contemporary design & decor
Panoramic windows throughout the ship
Complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi (Standard Wi-Fi where available in Asia)
Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
Covered Observation Lounge
Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day
Elevator
Non-smoking interior and staterooms
Chef-prepared onboard meals with regional cuisine and familiar favorites
Seasonal cuisine featuring the freshest local ingredients
healthy cuisine options at every meal
Spacious, open-seating Panorama Dining Room
Daily breakfast buffet with full range of classic breakfast items, healthy options and daily a la carte specials
Complimentary room service for Continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Daily lunch buffet featuring regional specialties, classic dishes, healthy options and rotating chef’s features including carving & pasta stations. Alternatively, you may dine al fresco at our Sky Grill on the Sky Deck (weather and itinerary permitting) or enjoy a light lunch in the Panorama Lounge.
Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, sweet treats and sandwiches
Four-course dinners with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrées and desserts or cheese
Linger over several selections from the Panorama Bistro's tasting menu for a less formal "sit-down" atmosphere
Al Fresco dinner at the Sky Grill (on selected days, weather and itinerary permitting)
Complimentary wine and beer with lunch and dinner
Complimentary soft drinks throughout the day
flexible dining times with menu & venue options
Vegetarian options at every meal, as well as vegan, low calorie, low fat, high fiber, low cholesterol, high energy and allergy-free selections
Panorama Lounge & Bar with premium spirits, cozy seating, panoramic windows & dance floor
Welcome & farewell cocktails with sparkling wine & canapés
Included Happy Hour every evening (after embarkation day) featuring house beer, wine, cocktails and a drink of the day
Cocktails with a view on the Sky Deck
Specialty coffees, espresso drinks and beWell Essence flavored and infused water available throughout each day
Not Included
Not Included
RIZA AYSON
RIZA AYSON
Riza Ayson, founder of Ayson Travel, is a luxury travel advisor specializing in purpose-driven journeys that connect travelers to the heart of a destination through culture, community, and authentic experiences.
Originally from Pensacola, Florida, her path has taken her from the vibrant streets of New Orleans to the sun-kissed coast of California, and across oceans to dive the world’s most spectacular reefs. Her background as a former fitness entrepreneur and avid scuba diver has taught her that transformation comes from experience. Now she help others transform their lives through meaningful travel.
At Ayson Travel, she curates custom itineraries that blend adventure, cultural immersion, and purpose. From small-group journeys through Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, to romantic getaways in Italy, to family explorations across Japan or Australia, every trip is designed with intention, sustainability, and heart.
As a luxury travel advisor, I partner with trusted global suppliers who share my values of connection and community, often supporting women-owned and local businesses that make a real impact. Because to me, travel isn’t about checking off a list, it’s about creating stories that last a lifetime.
Sarah Griffin Thibodeaux
Sarah Griffin Thibodeaux
Sarah Griffin Thibodeaux is a contemporary realist artist living in New Orleans. She studied at the New Orleans Academy of Art, the Art Students League, and Florence Academy of Art. She has taught portrait painting, still life painting, and plein air painting since 2009, both at the New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts, the Capital Hill Arts Workshop (in Washington, D.C.) and in her platform North Light Fine Art, where she offers digital classes, travel workshops, local workshops, and portrait commissions.
She loves to share the process of alla prima painting--the deliberate application of brush strokes to give the painting the feeling of life, of spontaneity, of the buzzing of life all around us. Sarah is looking forward to sharing this experience of painting with you.
A few original works by Sarah Griffin Thibodeaux:
what people are saying about Travel Artist Workshops
what people are saying about Travel Artist Workshops
"I miss our sweet sanctuary already!"
"I miss our sweet sanctuary already!"
"My heart is full from a week rich with shared purpose and pleasure in painting!"
"My heart is full from a week rich with shared purpose and pleasure in painting!"
"I am renewed to keep on."
"I am renewed to keep on."
"I'm working on my new skills."
"I'm working on my new skills."
"Thanks for a wonderful week."
"Thanks for a wonderful week."
I'm interested
I'm interested
I'm interested in learning more!
Page updated
Report abuse