In this course we will explore Provence and the Côte d’Azur as sites of artistic community and creative energy. What is it about the climate, landscape, and cultures of Southern France that attracted artists like Van Gogh, Picasso, Cézanne, and Renoir? How do the region’s features influence the people making local crafts and cuisines today, blending old traditions with new technologies? Readings and classwork will prepare students for visits to museums, workshops, and historic sites in and around Nice. Those excursions will in turn inspire group discussions for a deeper understanding of the French Riviera.

The South of France has been immortalized in novels and films such as A Year in Provence. The lavender fields, golden beaches, trill of cicadas, Mediterranean climate, and Italian flair make it a famous location. In this class, we will discover the profound culture and history of this region through near-daily trips to charming hill towns, historic sites such as Van Gogh’s asylum, local artisans such as one of the World’s best chocolate makers, sweeping vineyards and markets, and port cities. We will examine and discover the deep Provençal roots of the food, culture, language, and history that make this region distinct and, in some ways, a model for understanding the complexity of French identity.