Context brings the brightest minds to your living room with perspective-shifting online lectures.

The French Riviera: Seaside Towns and Hilltop Villages with Pamela Morton

The French Riviera: Seaside Towns and Hilltop Villages with Pamela Morton


No events are scheduled at this time. Want to be notified when it’s back? Click the blue button to the right and we’ll notify you.

Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

Join Pamela Morton to explore the French Riviera: a mythical place of romance, glamour, relaxation, and escape. We will visit some of the most notable villages and sites of the French Riviera, including the medieval hilltop villages of Saint-Paul-de-Vence and Eze and seaside resorts, Saint-Tropez, Antibes, and Villefranche. We will investigate the region’s history, art, and culture at local museums of international acclaim. We will admire the impressive natural scenery combining sea and mountains with exotic vegetation and explore the area’s famous beaches and colorful markets where local specialties abound.
Originally an isolated region of small fishing villages, the Riviera was first ‘discovered’ in the eighteenth century by British and Russian aristocrats seeking to escape the cold northern winters. Artists including Signac, Matisse, and Chagall came to the area drawn by the intense southern light and picturesque scenery. The arrival of prominent historical figures and celebrities beginning with Queen Victoria and continuing through Winston Churchill, Coco Chanel, Pablo Picasso, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Brigitte Bardot, and U2’s singer/songwriter Bono, secured the Riviera’s reputation as a fashionable resort.
The Riviera has much to offer, from hiking trails to art museums, perfume factories, and seafood restaurants: it is a destination that still makes us dream today. Our journey along this spectacular stretch of coastline extending between the Maures mountain range on the west to the Alps on the east and will stop at some of the most beautiful villages of the Côte d’Azur. As we explore winding cobblestone streets, discover colorful local markets, and admire panoramic views of the sea and mountains, we will also visit some of the area’s cultural and artistic treasures, including Renoir’s studio, the Matisse Chapel, and the Rothschild villa and gardens. We won’t leave out of our discussion mention of some of the culinary delights to be had such as socca (chickpea crêpes), tourte de blettes (swiss chard pastry), and pissaladière (a tasty onion and anchovy pizza).
Led by Pamela Morton, an expert on the south of France, this interactive seminar will look at some of the most notable villages and sites of the French Riviera. Designed to inform curiosity and future travels, participants will come away with an increased knowledge of the history, art, and culture of one of France’s (and the world’s) most captivating regions.

Originally from the US, Pamela has lived in France (Aix-en-Provence and Marseille) for 25 years. Pamela teaches studio art and art history for American university programs in Aix. She trained in art restoration in Italy and has a background in museum work as a curatorial assistant and program director. She is also an artist working in mixed media -- drawing and painting. She attended Bennington College and California College of the Arts. She's worked as the on-site director for a study abroad program and for educational programs including the Smithsonian, Alumni International and Cultural Experiences Abroad. She's taught for Northwestern University, Oberlin College, and the Marchutz School of Art (Aix). As an art historian, Pamela is endlessly fascinated by the local culture, the archaeology, history, and architecture of the region as well as its monuments and museums. As a painter, she is intrigued by the light and colors of this southern realm, the Midi, where so many artists lived and worked. Her two favorite artists from Provence are Cézanne and van Gogh.

Not suitable for children under age 13 (sensitive content).

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 25 reviews
84%
(21)
12%
(3)
4%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
G
G. (Brantford, CA)
Towns on the Riviera

I really enjoyed Pamela Morton's talk about the towns of the Riviera. I've been there but now I can't wait to go back and see all the places I never knew about. She knows so much of the history. It was fascinating.

A
A.B. (Portland, US)
Pamela is great!

This is the 4th lecture we have done with Pamela Morton. She is knowledgeable, organized and her photos, maps and slides are great!

A
Annie Peterson (Lake Stevens, US)
French Riviera Hilltop and Seaside Towns

I didn't know much about the French Riviera but have always been intrigued about it and now I know it is a place I will be visiting and have a good idea of interesting places and things to see. The speaker did a very good job of presenting the information.

C
Carole Monaco (Arlington Heights, US)
The French Riviera with Pamela Morton

Do you want to take a great trip to the French Riviera? Do a Context Seminar with Pamela Morton. She is great and there’s no jet lag!

N
Nancy (Winter Park, US)
Illuminating journey through glorious and glamorous French Riviera

I enjoyed this presentation very much. Ms. Morton did a great job highlighting the museums, villas and historical buildings of the French Riviera.

Customer Reviews

Based on 25 reviews
84%
(21)
12%
(3)
4%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
G
G. (Brantford, CA)
Towns on the Riviera

I really enjoyed Pamela Morton's talk about the towns of the Riviera. I've been there but now I can't wait to go back and see all the places I never knew about. She knows so much of the history. It was fascinating.

A
A.B. (Portland, US)
Pamela is great!

This is the 4th lecture we have done with Pamela Morton. She is knowledgeable, organized and her photos, maps and slides are great!

A
Annie Peterson (Lake Stevens, US)
French Riviera Hilltop and Seaside Towns

I didn't know much about the French Riviera but have always been intrigued about it and now I know it is a place I will be visiting and have a good idea of interesting places and things to see. The speaker did a very good job of presenting the information.

C
Carole Monaco (Arlington Heights, US)
The French Riviera with Pamela Morton

Do you want to take a great trip to the French Riviera? Do a Context Seminar with Pamela Morton. She is great and there’s no jet lag!

N
Nancy (Winter Park, US)
Illuminating journey through glorious and glamorous French Riviera

I enjoyed this presentation very much. Ms. Morton did a great job highlighting the museums, villas and historical buildings of the French Riviera.