Customer Q&A: Painting the French Riviera with Alastair Sooke

Customer feedback is really important to us and first-hand reviews are invaluable in ensuring each trip is a success and runs smoothly year after year. Every guest is sent a feedback form after their return and we also ask guests for further insights on our trips.

New for 2026, we introduced an art on the French Riviera tour in the company of art critic Alastair Sooke, which followed in the footsteps of the great masters of modern art, including Matisse, Picasso, Bonnard and Renoir. In our latest customer Q&A, Anne Cotton shares her highlights of the trip.

Have you ever been on a tour with an expert before?

I had never been on a tour with an expert before. I saw this holiday advertised in The Telegraph and it appealed to me because I spend quite a lot of time in the South of France (we have a holiday home in Les Issambres) so I thought I would arrange a few weeks' stay around the dates of the tour. It meant I could drive to join the group.

The idea of visiting the museums associated with Picasso, Matisse and Renoir (to name a few) sounded really interesting. The thing that sealed it for me was having Alastair Sooke, a real expert, introducing us to the artists and their work.

What difference did it make having Alastair Sooke on the tour with you?

Quite simply, Alastair made the tour. His encyclopaedic knowledge of modern art, his enthusiasm, his easy way of presenting information and his warm personality were all exceptional.

How did you find the experience of travelling with others as part of a group?

I would say the small group comprised like-minded travellers! We all got on extremely well. The atmosphere was always relaxed and easy going. A group of six of us, travelling individually, had a meal together each evening which added to the pleasure for someone like me, travelling alone.

What were the top 3 highlights from your experience?

My three highlights are venues which struck a chord with me - they were not necessarily the 'best' art but they left a lasting impression.

1. Renoir's beautiful house in Cagnes-sur-Mer was so personal with paintings of his children and the studio he used when he was so badly disabled by rheumatic arthritis with his wooden wheelchair in front of the easel.
2. I was so attracted to the work of Fernand Léger in the Museum in Biot. I have to confess I did not know much about the artist and I particularly loved his innovative sets and costume design for the two ballets, Skating Rink and La Création du Monde.
3. My third highlight was the Chapel of The Rosary in Vence, designed by Matisse. Here, he created a small but very special, tranquil and reverent place flooded with light from amazingly coloured stained glass windows.

What would you say to someone thinking of booking a similar trip?

I would definitely recommend this trip to others - even if, like me, they are not especially knowledgeable about art. But those who are well informed will be enthralled by Alastair's commentary.

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