Context On Demand – The French Riviera: Seaside Towns and Hilltop Villages with Pamela Morton
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 webinar 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.
Watch On Demand, Submit Questions to Your Expert
Learn Now with Context on Demand. Enjoy this 60-minute webinar that can be watched immediately — or up to 40 days after purchase. As you watch, you can submit questions, thoughts, or comments that will be answered by the expert. Guided discussion questions and recommended reading lists to support further learning on the topic will also be provided.
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.
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Each presentation is approximately 60 minutes long.
Your webinar is available to re-watch for up to 40 days from the date of purchase. Use the link in your order confirmation email to re-visit the classroom.
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This conversation is suitable for all ages.
60 minutes