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AUVILLAR WRITERS' WORKSHOPS & CULTURAL TOURS Enjoy autumn in lush and rolling Gascony, the region of France known for its superb Armagnac brandy and excellent wine cellars; its fine dining, beautiful countryside and contented people. Gascony is a delightful, green land of sleepy, fortified hilltop villages, or bastides, that date from the 13th century when the region was fought over for a hundred years by the English and the French. Dumas country, this is the romantic fount of courtly swashbuckling and The Three Musketeers: An enchanting, undulating landscape, patched with plum orchards and vineyards, where stone and half-timbered houses nestle into the folds of the verdant green hills and oak and chestnut forests are sprinkled with hidden truffles. In addition to its gorgeous countryside, the region offers some of the finest examples of medieval and Renaissance architecture in all of France. Ancient priories, castles, and monasteries stud Gascony's vineyards, sunflower fields and gorges.
Auvillar, the site of VCCA's programs, is one of the loveliest hilltop villages in France. With its distinctive circular granary and the superb views from its promenade over the river Garonne, it transports the visitor to earlier, simpler and more romantic times.
Workshop participants may stroll the lively market of Auvillar for local chestnuts, walnuts and foie gras, as well as delicious French staples—king-size lettuces, local apples, mushrooms and chèvre—or purchase regional specialties such as apple gateaux, prune cakes and sugared plums. Afternoon outings to sample the unique autumnal treats of the region may be planned. Participants may visit Moissac, a beautiful 7th-century abbey nestled among vineyards of Chassela grapes, browse through Auvillar's fall "heirloom market," visit wine cellars and artists' studios, take a trip to a fine local museum, or stroll the glorious autumnal woods. –Sara Taber, VCCA Fellow
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| 2007 FALL WRITERS' WORKSHOPS |
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THE FOREIGNER'S NOTEBOOK
Join Sara Taber, author of Bread of Three Rivers: The Story of a French Loaf for a workshop in creative nonfiction. During this special week, participants will gather every morning for discussions of their work and of the writer's craft. Afternoons, participants may spend writing on their own and experiencing the delights of enchanting, medieval Auvillar. Click here for more information.
Left: Photo by Karen Bell |
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BUILDING FULL, REAL CHARACTERS
Being in a new setting, in a foreign country, away from familiar surroundings, participants will gain new and more astute perceptions of what they are creating and insights into the characters and settings they are writing about. Join novelist and memoirist, Nahid Rachlin, whose recent memoir, Persian Girls, four novels and short story collection have all been met with great critical acclaim, for a workshop that emphasizes how to go about creating complex, real people within the context of plot, dialogue, viewpoint, voice. The class sessions will be devoted mainly to participants' work—short stories or chapters of novels, novellas, or personal memoirs—which will be read and commented on. Click here for more information. Right: Photo by Karen Bell
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FROM PAGE TO STAGE:
A SPOKEN WORD SALON IN THE SOUTH OF FRANCE
Auvillar has a great oral tradition that dates back to the 12th century when Marcabrun, an Auvillarais and celebrated poet and musician, strolled the cobblestone streets entertaining villagers with his poetry and songs. This spoken word tradition continues this fall when Amy Friedman brings her celebrated, inspirational and highly successful coaching style into an intimate workshop setting. Amy has guided actors, moms, dads, grandmothers, prisoners, lawyers, podcasters, and musicians, from teens to retirees. She'll help you find the heart of your story and transform it into spellbinding personal narrative. Click here for more information. Left: Photo by Karen Bell |
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2007 FALL CULTURAL TOURS
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SCULPTURE AND ARCHITECTURE TOUR
Experience the sculpture and architecture of Moissac and environs through the eyes of an artist and an art historian. Led by VCCA Program Director and award-winning sculptor Craig Pleasants and Sweet Briar College Professor of Medieval Art Tracy Hamilton, participants will visit the famous 12th-century cloister of Moissac and other historic and significant structures in the region. Click here for more information.
Left: Rocamador |
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MADAME BOVARY'S FRANCE
Rescheduled for Fall 2008; Dates to be announced
More information: 434-946-7236, vcca@vcca.com
This book group and cultural tour delves into Gustave Flaubert's classic, controversial and tragic novel published in 1856. |
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