Southwestern France has inspired artists who worked and lived their lives in this region of France, and today many of its finest museums celebrate the lives and work of those who made the region their home. Various towns and cities come to mind such as Arles, with its association with Van Gogh, Aix-en-Provence and Cezanne, or Albi’s association with Toulouse-Lautrec. This course further dives down deep into the beauty of these museums, while also introducing the history, landscapes and cultural attractions that make the Southwest of France one of Europe's great artistic destinations. Whether you're planning a visit or simply love art history, you'll gain practical insights and fresh appreciation for this extraordinary region. This course continues from "Exploring Museums Dedicated to Artists on the French Riviera". Existing and new students welcome!
This session looks at a number of lesser-known towns in the Southwest of the country that have some excellent art museums dedicated to artists who worked and lived there. Some of these museums are indeed the former homes of the artist, one in the town of Castres was a former episcopal palace, while another, Albi, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making that a good reason to go and explore it, let alone its connection with Toulouse-Lautrec.
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
- Gain insights into towns that are often not on the usual tourist trail
- Discover for themselves the rewards of exploring new territories and their rich artistic heritage
