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

The Villages of the Luberon with Pamela Morton

The Villages of the Luberon 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.

Known for the beauty of its landscapes, the Luberon region stands out for its unspoiled countryside, medieval villages, and panoramic views. This is the setting that inspired Peter Mayle’s popular ‘A Year in Provence’ and will be the focus of our introductory seminar to this fascinating region of Southern France.
Consisting of a vast agricultural plain surrounded by rocky promontories, the Luberon region presents a spectacular patchwork of seasonal color with pale pink almond blossoms, cherries, lavender, and sunflowers amid olive groves, vineyards, and old stone farmhouses. Overlooking the valley are dramatically positioned villages – perchés with their closely packed buildings set high for safety.
This seminar explores this unique region's history, geography, and culture, with its chateaux, monasteries, and Roman roads as well as its drystone huts, ochre quarries, and vibrant markets. Included in our itinerary are Gordes, Roussillon, Sénanque Abbey and Fontaine de Vaucluse.
This interactive seminar will introduce participants to some of the Luberon Valley's key sites, led by Pamela Morton, a longtime resident and specialist in the history, art, and architecture of the south of France. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an increased knowledge of the area's history, architecture, and natural features.

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 74 reviews
88%
(65)
8%
(6)
4%
(3)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
B
B.K. (San Antonio, US)
Wonderful experience

Until I spotted this in the calendar, I had never heard of Luberon. So glad I signed up and learned more about France. Probably will never see in person, but I am delighted to be traveling the globe from the comfort of my home. Thank you

D
D.B. (Edgewater, US)
A lovely look at the Luberon.

Great way to experience the Luberon area as if you were driving through yourself, but with a bit of history and interesting facts given by Pamela Morton. All her lectures are great!

D
D.B. (Laramie, US)
Small villages of the Luberon

History and cultural highlights of the small villages of a very special part of Provence.

A
A. (Los Altos, US)
Excellent presentation and conversation!

Pamela did a fantastic job giving an overview of the area as well as many useful details. We will be visiting the Luberon in a few months and feel very excited to see the things she discussed. I especially liked the inclusion of famous authors and artists who lived in these areas while writing and creating their art

K
K.C. (Logan, US)

Excellent presentation. Geography lesson at the beginning put Provence and Luberon in context (pun intended). Appreciated the mix of history, scenery, and famous visitors/residents of villages.

Customer Reviews

Based on 74 reviews
88%
(65)
8%
(6)
4%
(3)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
B
B.K. (San Antonio, US)
Wonderful experience

Until I spotted this in the calendar, I had never heard of Luberon. So glad I signed up and learned more about France. Probably will never see in person, but I am delighted to be traveling the globe from the comfort of my home. Thank you

D
D.B. (Edgewater, US)
A lovely look at the Luberon.

Great way to experience the Luberon area as if you were driving through yourself, but with a bit of history and interesting facts given by Pamela Morton. All her lectures are great!

D
D.B. (Laramie, US)
Small villages of the Luberon

History and cultural highlights of the small villages of a very special part of Provence.

A
A. (Los Altos, US)
Excellent presentation and conversation!

Pamela did a fantastic job giving an overview of the area as well as many useful details. We will be visiting the Luberon in a few months and feel very excited to see the things she discussed. I especially liked the inclusion of famous authors and artists who lived in these areas while writing and creating their art

K
K.C. (Logan, US)

Excellent presentation. Geography lesson at the beginning put Provence and Luberon in context (pun intended). Appreciated the mix of history, scenery, and famous visitors/residents of villages.