Tracing the footsteps of Van Gogh and Cezanne.
Life is Art. YOU are the Canvas!
June 11 - 19, 2021
Arles, France
in the heart of Provence...
If you're a purpose-driven woman on a personal quest for excellence who is ready to reinvent yourself, to create something new, then join Maura Joy Lustig, transformational coach, artist and retreat host to escape, unwind, recharge your life and indulge your senses in Arles and Aix en Provence, in southern France. Our experience is grounded in the history, the art, the culture, the cuisine!
This is the ultimate gift of self-care for the busy woman!
The Obstacle is the Way...
Your health and safety is important to us. Due to the pandemic, the Live Inspired Getaway 2020 was postponed. This provided us with a perfect opportunity to slow down and look for ways to make our next one even better! Last year's retreat in France was amazing...
The Live Inspired Getaway - France 2021 will be epic and we invite you to join us!
Don't ask what the world needs...Ask what makes you come alive and then go do it. Because what the world needs is more women who have come alive!
Are you ready to make a healthy change, to put on your own (oxygen) mask first?
So many women are at turning points, searching for meaning, feeling like time is slipping through their fingers. Many yearn to travel, they want to do something special...
If this is you, if you're feeling burnt out or overwhelmed, then the Live Inspired Getaway in France is exactly what you need:)
Our Wellness Retreat and Art Tour has a two-fold purpose that we believe is a perfect combination.
With Transformational Coach Maura Joy Lustig at your side, take an inner journey that will leave you inspired and full of energy for the road ahead. In addition to her work as a coach, Maura is an experienced and accomplished artist, who's work has been exhibited and sold internationally. Her ability to weave art, retreat and life together will create a transformational experience for you, as you indulge in the sights, sounds, culture and the power of personal empowerment of this unique tour with her.
Life is not measured by the breaths you take, but by the moments that take your breath away. Come join us!
The perfect blend of activities and relaxation. Music, laughter, strolls, exploration together and more...
Our week will be leisurely and magical - a chance to slow down, settle in, relax and enjoy the pace of French living. Carefully planned to allow you plenty of time to absorb and process your own journey and transformation, we will alternate with fabulous visits to iconic sites for two major artists of the nineteenth century - Vincent van Gogh (1853 - 1890) and Paul Cézanne (1839 - 1906). Both were in love with the landscapes, views and of course most particularly - the light, that is so unique to the south of France.
We believe this focus on art, including the beauty of the landscapes and nature (the lavender will be in bloom) will add inspiration, insight, pleasure and relaxation to your retreat time.
My heart says YES
Our Destination
Why Arles?
Arles is the town that Vincent van Gogh briefly called home and where he produced the greatest number of his masterpieces, always seeking to capture in paint the light that so many artists have admired as the greatest feature of the landscape of southern France.
Arles is a town in Provence which was a very important Roman settlement in ancient times. Today its importance is having the greatest number of Roman monuments anywhere outside of Rome, listed as a UNESCO world heritage site in their ensemble.
Our hotel is in the heart of the historic centre and in view of Arles’ most iconic monument - the Roman Amphitheatre.
Accommodation & French Hospitality
We will be staying in the Hôtel Le Calendal. This charming historic venue will be our home away from home for the duration of the Retreat. This means no packing and changing hotels, as we view this as an integral part of the retreat experience - allowing you to become at home in your surroundings during your stay.
Rooms are double occupancy with private bathrooms. Air conditioning, free wifi are all included. Single occupancy is available for an extra fee. Details on registration page.
The Hotel has the wonderful added benefit of a Spa with access included in your stay. (Massage treatments are also available to you upon reservation and for an additional fee.)
We’ll eat breakfast at the hotel every morning, followed by either a session with Maura or an outing, depending on the planned itinerary for each day. You will receive the full schedule upon arrival.
Please note - our hotel has stairs and no elevator. If you have mobility restrictions - please get in touch with Maura to discuss whether you can be accommodated on the tour.
I'm in!
Excursions
Art And The South Of France
There are so many artists to choose from when it comes to the south of France! Among them Gauguin, Matisse, Chagall, Monet, Renoir and Picasso, to name just a few. We’ve selected Vincent van Gogh and his time in the town of Arles as they are intimately woven together.
Arles & Vincent van Gogh
We will follow the “Van Gogh Circuit” which includes the museum bearing his name and dedicated to his work and legacy.
Arles lives and breathes Van Gogh to this day. Marvel as you stand and view exactly what he saw in several places on the Circuit - where you can not just see but maybe even feel his vision. What was it he wanted to convey?
We’ll also visit the nearby village of St.-Rémy-de-Provence and the Abbey and hospital where he spent a year as a patient - one of his most prolific years as an artist.
Learn more about the artist’s world view, and timeless perceptions for a more enlightened world.
Aix-en-Provence and Paul Cézanne
Cézanne's life is inextricably tied to the town of Aix-en-Provence and its landscapes, most notably the Mont St. Victoire, views of which will be on our tour.
Cézanne was born, lived out his life and is laid to rest in Aix-en-Provence. His devotion to the locality, its light and landscapes, was lifelong and this is reflected in his work.
We’ll follow “In The Footsteps Of Cézanne”, as we discover the beautiful town of Aix.
Included is a visit to Cézanne’s studio, which has remained unchanged since his own time there.
The Nature and Wildlife of the Camargue
The Camargue is a vast wetland that is famous for its unique breed of semi-wild white horses as well as for the flamingos and many other bird species that make it home. We’ll take a sightseeing cruise through this protected biosphere.
Situated in the delta of the Rhône River on the Mediterranean coast, the Camargue Biosphere Reserve is made up of a mosaic of lagoons and represents one of the most important wetlands in Europe. Located between river and sea but also between Europe and Africa, the exceptional biological richness of the reserve is illustrated by the 272 species of birds found here.
Village of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
We’ll also visit the nearby village of St.-Rémy-de-Provence and the Abbey and hospital where he spent a year as a patient - one of his most prolific years as an artist.
We will learn more about the artist’s world view, and timeless perceptions for a more enlightened world.
CUISINE
Mediterannean meals made with love!
Deliciously fresh and local - simple meals are the order of the day, where the ingredients themselves are the standout feature.
A glass of local rosé wine, typically served with ice cubes, is the “chill” drink of the day.
Can’t eat this or that? Vegan, vegetarian, gluten or dairy free? Let us know – we’ll do our best to accommodate your food preferences.
What's Included
Wellness Program
Accommodation, Excursions, Art Tour, French Experience and More...
What's Not Included
It is your absolute responsibility to be fully and properly insured for the trip. Maura Joy Lustig and the tour providers are not responsible.
Bonuses!!
Because we care, you'll also receive:
I'm so ready to go!
Trip Leaders
Maura Joy Lustig
Organizer, Transformational Coach, Artist, Mentor
Maura helps purpose driven women convert chaos to clarity and build health and confidence with solutions that change their lives. She guides them to look and feel their best, overcome overwhelm, focus and take action to improve their health, their relationships or their career.
Maura uses decades of experience, insights and wisdom to help you gain the clarity and confidence to create the body you desire and the future you deserve.
owner/founder of The Loftus Guides, certified Tour Guide and Retreat Planner
Michelle was born in London, England and grew up in Europe, spending significant amounts of time in France, Italy and England, as well as Canada. She speaks French and Italian fluently and is very familiar with the culture and way of life of all of these countries.
Michelle spends her days immersed in French culture. She brings her passion and experience to creating retreats and tours in southern France for group leaders. Michelle loves nothing more than sharing her love for this part of the world, and will go out of her way to ensure your visit is the trip of a lifetime!
REGISTRATION PROCESS
Step 1. Get in touch with Maura to express your interest, here (link to contact/message page).
Step 2. Maura will contact you to set up an appointment to talk about having you participate in the Retreat.
Step 3. Pay the $500 CAD deposit to guarantee your spot (only 8 spots are available!) and enter into your contractual agreement with Maura as a Retreat Participant.
Step 4. Make arrangements to pay the balance of the trip package.
Step 5. Ready, set, go!
You will receive email updates regarding but not limited to: what to bring; what to expect weather-wise; a detailed outline of the itinerary (on arrival); instructions for arriving at the hotel; connection to our travel agent for flight arrangements; and other.
Please Note:
You may want to spend a few extra days prior to or after the Retreat in France, or elsewhere. For some suggestions or advice, please feel free to contact our Tour Planner, Michelle Loftus, here ([email protected]) and or call our Travel Specialist, Carla van Wees, of CTM Travel here (416.420-2650 Direct Line 905.243.6598)
So, are you heeding the call to come to France?
©2020 Maura Joy Lustig. All rights reserved
www.maurajoylustig.com
Life is Art. YOU are the Canvas!