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Art and culture activities in Southern France

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Art and culture activities led by local experts

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Trace The Count of Monte Cristo through Marseille

Take a literary journey to the real-life locations where Edmond Dantès' story unfolds. Meet at Vieux Port Cross the port on the world’s shortest ferry ride. See Place Bargemond Learn about the legal system that shaped Dantès’ fate. Find the window See a tiny barred window prisoner Dantès looked through View path to prison Trace Dantès’ path down Rue Caisserie to his boat to prison. Wrap up and reflect Discover historic figures that may have inspired the story.

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Shop Marseille's top markets and build a gourmet picnic

From artisanal pâté en croûte to seasonal vegetables and fine cheeses, I’ll guide you through the city’s top shops and markets—to select the best ingredients for a perfect Mediterranean picnic. • We’ll start at Maison Empereur, renowned for its high-quality knives, aprons, and kitchen tools, before walking up Marseille’s famous rue d’Aubagne. • At Pain Pan, a charming organic boulangerie, you’ll pick out a freshly baked baguette before heading to L’Art de la Fromagerie to learn how to select cheeses that complement your picnic spread based on flavor and texture. • At a vibrant local market, you’ll shop for fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables grown in the South of France. With a curated grocery bag brimming with gorgeous seasonal produce and delicacies, you’ll have everything you need for your picnic. Bon appétit!

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Explore Marseille’s historic neighborhoods with an artist

Dive into this architectural and historical tour through the heart of Marseille, where the city’s layers of history and design reveal its rich and complex past. You’ll explore Marseille’s evolving cityscape, from its ancient Greek origins to 20th-century urban modernization. • Meet at the lively Marché des Capucins in Noailles, where I’ll discuss the history of Marseille’s expansion in the 18th and 19th centuries, propelled by industrial and colonial growth. • Explore the historic district of Belsunce, including the Labourdettes—a 1960s urban development that reflected France’s vision for a futuristic city—and discover the city’s past in the archaeological remains of a Roman port at the Jardin des Vestiges. • Wander the narrow streets of Marseille’s oldest neighborhood, Le Panier, before heading to Fort Saint-Jean for stunning views of the Old Harbor and Mucem Museum. You’ll leave with new insights into how history and architecture shape your understanding of Marseille’s past, present, and future. Please note there should be at least 5 people assigned to the tour for the tour to take place. This means that under 5 the tour will be automatically canceled, unless you chose a private tour instead.

5 out of 5 average rating, 9 reviews

E-bike along the sun-drenched Marseille coastline

Take in the fresh sea air and panoramic views of the Mediterranean during a three-hour cycling adventure along Marseille’s stunning coastline, riding electric bikes to guarantee a smooth, comfortable journey. • Meet at a bike shop in Vieux Port to pick up our bikes and go over the route. Then we’ll head out along the Corniche Kennedy, one of the most spectacular coastal routes. • After escaping the bustle of Vieux Port, stop at the Vallon des Auffes, one of Marseille’s most picturesque spots, and the Plage du Prophète, a wide, sandy beach. • Glide through the rugged landscape to the fishing village of Les Goudes, where we’ll take a break for drinks at a local shop before returning to central Marseille. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just looking for a new way to experience Marseille, you’ll leave with a fresh appreciation for the Mediterranean coastline.

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Hand embroidery workshop on vintage French fabrics

Give vintage fabrics new life by stitching contemporary and minimalist designs on them. Join a textile designer for a one-hour embroidery workshop at Œuvres Sensibles, my studio and showroom. • I’ll begin by sharing a little about my own artistic journey, walking with you through the showroom, and describing the history of textiles in Marseille. • Select a piece of antique fabric from my collection, and I’ll supply you with tools and threads. Then I or a member of my team will show you some of the essential stitching techniques we use. • Stitch your own minimalist embroidery piece. I’ll offer personalized tips and adjustments, ensuring you feel comfortable with this creative process. Once we’re done sewing, we’ll show each other the pieces we’ve created over a cup of tea. You’ll leave the workshop with a piece of beautiful, handcrafted embroidery you’ve made yourself!

5 out of 5 average rating, 2 reviews

Create sun-printed art in a Marseille studio

During this one-hour workshop, you’ll learn to create cyanotypes, a photographic printing process that uses the power of sunlight to create ethereal blue prints. • You’ll meet me at my studio, where I’ll share a little bit about my own work as well as the history and process of making cyanotypes. • Next, you’ll make your own! You’ll select natural elements like leaves, flowers, and corals from my curated collection and arrange them on light-sensitive paper. • We’ll expose the designs to sunlight, then rinse the prints in water to reveal the stunning final artwork. I’ll help you frame your favorite piece in a wooden frame. This engaging activity is ideal for children and adults alike. You’ll leave with a unique creation that will remind you of Marseille and its beautiful natural environment.

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Visit Marseille’s art and design galleries with a curator

Join me, an art director and publisher, on an inspiring aesthetic adventure through Marseille’s finest contemporary art spaces. • Meet at Piece A Part, my bookstore and ceramic studio in the historic Vieux-Port neighborhood, and learn what’s happening on the local art scene. • Explore neighborhoods, exhibits, and cultural spaces featuring work by emerging and established artists working in a variety of media, from ceramics to architure and beyond. • At each location, I’ll share stories and highlight important pieces, revealing the links between craftsmanship, art, and design. You’ll leave with a unique perspective into Marseille’s art and design scene, plus my recommendations for additional spaces for you to explore.

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4.97 out of 5 average rating, 1098 reviews

Lyon Highlights & Secrets Tour

You will plunge into the exciting stories that Lyon hides. Stories, anecdotes and legends that create unforgettable memories - as do its outstanding museums, dynamic cultural life, its past as a France's foremost publishing center, capital of the Three Gauls and "capitale de la Résistance française" and all the facts that have turned Lyon into France's gastronomical capital. The visit is with a small group and just in one language. During the 3 hours we will spend together you will linger in the major monuments but also discover the most awe-inspiring hidden secret places. The world is a book and those who do not travel and discover read only one page. *Don't hesitate to contact us if you want us to host the experience at a different time, if the experience is already fully-booked or if you want us to organise a personalised and private experience in English, French or Spanish.

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 102 reviews

Nice to Monaco by the coastal villages

What better way to ride the French Riviera coastline in style with a convertible 2CV Citroën ? The 2CV Citroen is the ideal trendy car from the 70’s to cruise around in Mediterranean style from Nice to Monte Carlo. To make the best of your stay in Nice, a trip to Monaco through the coastlines villages is a must. This tour will go from Nice and Monaco through the most scenic CURVES OF CÔTE D'AZUR. We will be exploring all the villages that dot the Mediterranean Sea such as : Villefranche, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Beaulieu-sur-Mer, Cap-d'Ail. You will discover the most beautiful panoramic views of the French Riviera with windy roads overlooking down to the coast known as the Corniche Moyenne offering more varied options along the way for stops and sightseeing. At almost halfway from Monaco, the spectacularly situated medieval village of Eze is a perfect highlight to the trip. We will then visit by car, Monaco, its harbour and mythical road of the Formula 1 circuit of Monaco as well as the casino of Monte Carlo.

5 out of 5 average rating, 7 reviews

Photoshoot In Nice

Quick and casual 30 minute photoshoot. If you have no experience having your photos taken, don't worry, 99% of my clients have never been in front of a photographer and I will be sure to make the experience fun. We will walk along the promenade and capture the classic, recognizable beauty of Nice. A fun way to record some amazing images while you're on holiday. This is a great experience to do right before going to dinner or a fancy meal, as you will be dressed-up anyway. Two to three days after the shoot, you will receive 5–6 photos and can select the three favourite you like to download them. Have a question? Send me a message on insta at simpleshotsphotography(dot)fr

5 out of 5 average rating, 70 reviews

Private Sight Seeing Tour with Art Historian

You think city tours in a big group of people are embarrassing and impersonal? Me too! Therefore I have designed a incognito intellectual discourse to introduce you to Lyon’s wild history. Join me on a city tour, starting in Croix-Rousse and ending in Place Bellecour. My experience as photographer, my bachelor in art history and my master in philosophy allow me to take you on a rich journey through Lyon. You will discover the beauty of Lyon and learn about its rich history and fascinating facts. Starting in Croix-Rousse with its stunning views we will head to the historic 'Amphithéâtre des Trois Gaules' and the infamous 'Church of The Good Shepherd', you will be transported back in time. Explore the Eglise Saint Polycarpe, the famous Fontaine Batholdi and the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon. Discover the fascinating history of Vieux Lyon, the Cour d'Appel de Lyon, and the Cathédral Saint-Jean Baptiste. Stroll through Place Bellecour. Let me show you the best of Lyon, while helping you capture memories through amazing photos. Get ready for out tour! Please reach out if my listed appointments do not suit you.

4.89 out of 5 average rating, 316 reviews

Lyon Food Tour - Go for an afternoon Old Town foodie walk

Meet and talk with local artisans as you sample their cuisine on this afternoon food tour that offers access to people and places only locals know. Go to discover the Old Town (Vieux Lyon), the second UNESCO Area in the world after Venice between murals paintings, traboules and must-see places to accompanied by the rhythm of the unusual anecdotes of your passionate local guide. During the tour, you will meet local craftsmens passionate about their profession. They will share their history, business, knowledge and obviously their delicious products they will make you taste. A 3 hours visit with 4 tasting breaks which will discover you Lyon to the plate. The perfect way to combine cultural discovery and greediness in order to lauch perfectly your evening :) Other things to note A good mix between tasting and visit. Explore this district through a gourmet way lead by a local and passionate guide

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 803 reviews

The Urban Hike of Marseille

You want to know everything about Marseille and its culture? Come with me, I'll tell you by walking through the heart of the city. In doing sport for visiting, in nourishing body & soul! Follow me for a sunny and sporty 8 to 10 kms hike and I will make you discover and enjoy Marseille differently: - Reveal its History and Geography, heritage and treasures, funny stories and true historical facts, go back in time through old & contemporary documents and maps. - Let's go find the quiet spots of Marseille, reveal hidden beauties, stride along narrow streets only known by inhabitants. - Unearth various and surprising architectural patterns of housing, which are contemporary milestones of a deep and complex History. - Climb stairs up to be offered amazing views, make some nice detours to beat the crowds, find the right spots to get global points of view which help us understand the structure of the city. If you like to contemplate, if you want to discover and understand Marseille, and if you want to exercise body and mind, then you will be delighted by this sporty guided tour in the heart of my beautiful 2600-year-old city! Don't hesitate to ask me all your questions, I'm here to guide you! (other hikes, privatized tours: urbanhike . fr)

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 125 reviews

Mystic Lyon

Lyon is, just like Prague and Turin, a mystic capital full of symbols carved into its stones. Come and immerse yourself in the world of secret societies and other sects of the city to discover its hidden faces, as we go and meet the persona who made this place an international esoteric and mystic center. From Maître Philippe and his incredible healing abilities, to the alchemists and other secret societies, Lyon is full of enlightened people of all kinds. From the Cathedral of Saint John to the Rue du Boeuf, we will get to the district of Saint Paul and its Streets of the Jews. We will also go and meet two priests who made big headlines in their time because of their strange practices. Finally, we will focus on the square of Terreaux with its magnificent City Hall and Fine Arts Museum, to finish our tour looking for the mystics of the Croix-Rousse slopes. NOTE: the tour is open to children. WARNING!! The tour is offered in French. Please write in a message that you want the tour to be conducted in English, and I will manage to do so. Regarding the current Covid-19 restrictions and the curfew, the tour cannot be conducted at night. 206 words

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 63 reviews

Rebel Lyon

Behind its aspect of a beautiful town lazying along its two rivers, Lyon still remains a wild beast which turns out to be hard to tame. Come and discover the city along its rebeynes* and other anecdotes that built on a history far from being an easy journey... From the 12th century and rebel bourgeois to those who resisted the German invader in the past century, the Lyonnais people know, or have always pretended to know what was good for them and unfortunately paid the price for it. *Lyonnais-style uprising Attention! This tour is offered in English (Wednesdays) and in French (other days). But I can be flexible regarding the bookings. Don't hesitate to ask! Other things to note NOTE: The tour is also suitable for children, the storytelling can be adapted to any type of audience. However, it is the parents' liability to judge of the sensibility of their children. Remember, we'll be talking about uprisings and tragic moments of history.

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 109 reviews

Photo walk par Evgeniya

This is a private experience for you to have the best souvenir of Nice and perfect vacation photographs ! You can book solo, for couple or with a group. I offer you two photo walks of your choice. You can choose and write me which one you prefer: Photo walk N 1 “ Negresco”. We meet in front of the Negresco Hotel : - Views of the Negresco Hotel - Promenade des Anglais - Blue chairs - Beach and the sea - Villa Massena Park ( only in the morning, except Tuesday’s) - French cafe (optional) - The streets around the Negresco Hotel - Cute details: in front of beautiful French doors, walls, showcases or flowers (seasonally). - I Love Nice ( small sign ) or Photo walk N 2, «Place Massena» Includes locations: * Place Massena * Fontaine du Soleil * Streets of the Old town of Nice * Place Rossetti * Promenade des Anglais * Beach and the sea * I Love Nice sign ( big ) * When you book: please only book one hour for 2 guests. This is one price of 200€ for a private session for couples ! ** You pay per person. *** If you want to have photos with your loved ones, the clothes should match for consistency and better images. **** If you want to make your photo walk more diverse, you can bring balloons, soap bubbles or other props (a book, a hat, an umbrella, a newspaper, a bouquet of flowers or just change a couple of outfits/swimwear etc

5 out of 5 average rating, 18 reviews

Take off your clothes and get drawn

Being drawn is a unique and rich experience, portrait, draped or whatever you want! The size of the drawing is 60x40cm or smaller and I provide a tube for transport (can be shipped optionally). First, we'll discuss a little so that we can find together a pose that suits you. Then the pose lasts only 2 or 3 times 20 minutes, no experience is required, and I'll guide you (in general, no one has a precise idea of a pose) The most important to be drawn is to be comfortable with the idea, the rest is done alone. And of course you can come accompanied, it will be a pleasure to welcome you. Don't hesitate to ask if you have any question !

Art and culture activities in Southern France

Art and culture activities led by local experts

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