"It took me twenty years to discover painting: twenty years
looking at nature, and above all, going to the Louvre.”
- Pierre-Auguste Renoir
In Our Area
Just something to get you started...
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Essoyes le Village des Renoir
(45 minutes away)
Essoyes is a quiet Champagne village located about 45 minutes from Orquevaux. It sits on the banks of The Ource River which was well loved by Renoir. With 745 inhabitants, the thirteen square mile village is found at the center of Champagne's Cote des Bar, on the border of Champagne and Bourgogne. Renoir's Atelier (studio) is open to the public.
Troyes
(90 minutes away)
Troyes has been in existence since the Roman era. It is about 90 minutes from Orquevaux and located on the Seine river about 150 km (93 mi) southeast of Paris. If you choose to get a way for the day Troyes is the best choice for walking around, architecture, shopping, great cafes, restaurants and bars. This area is known as the Champagne region of Northern France. Many half timbered houses (mainly of the 16th century) survive in the old town.
Langres
(60 minutes away)
They make it here...
Langres is a historical town with numerous art treasures within the ancient defensive walls that surround the old city. The walkway on the walls (3.5 km), includes a dozen towers and seven gates. Also in Langres is The Cathedral of Saint-Mammes, a late 12th-century structure. Langres is the birthplace of Denis Diderot and a museum is set up in a private mansion from the 16th and 18th centuries, it's dedicated to the philosopher and to his most famous work, the Encyclopédie, as well as to the “Age of French Enlightenment”.
Nancy
(80 minutes away)
Art Nouveau Museum
Nancy, a riverfront city in northeastern France, is known for its late baroque and art nouveau landmarks, some dating to its days as the former capital of the Duchy of Lorraine. Its focal point is the 18th-century Place Stanislas. This grand square, decorated with gilded wrought-iron gates and rococo fountains, rests by the ornate palaces and churches filling the city’s medieval old town. Nancy Has quite a bit of art related attractions and even boasts a museum aquarium.
Dijon
(90 minutes away)
Marker #8 of the 22 Stage trail - 3 different routes. Can be done in an hour if you are from New York. Otherwise take your time.
Dijon is the capital city of the historical Burgundy region in eastern France, one of the country’s principal wine-producing areas. It’s known for its vineyard tours, autumn gastronomic fair and building styles ranging from Gothic to art deco. The distinguished 1787 Musée des Beaux-Arts, housed in the vast Palace of the Dukes, holds a rich collection of paintings, sculptures, crafts and antiquities.
Joinville
(30 minutes away)
Joinville is a commune in the Haute-Marne department in north-eastern France and is a short 30 minutes from Orquevaux, a scenic drive thru farmland and many small villages. Its medieval château-fort, which gave to members of the House of Guise their title, duc de Joinville, was demolished during the Revolution of 1789, but the 16th-century Château du Grand Jardin built by Claude de Lorraine, duc de Guise, has been restored. The main event is the Chateau and it's gardens. During the season there are many art and cultural events. Make sure to check out the Notre Dame church in the center of town which is usually open to the public. Close by is a great restaurant to have lunch which does not close during the day. (which is a big deal)
Epernay - Reims - Champagne
(120 minutes away)
The Romans were the first to plant vineyards in this area of north-east France, with the region being cultivated by at least the 5th century, possibly earlier. Later, churches owned vineyards and monks produced wine for use in the sacrament of Eucharist. French kings were traditionally anointed in Reims, and Champagne was served as part of coronation festivities.