Learn to see photographically and fine tune your visual storytelling skills in one of the most beautiful regions of France!
Normandy offers rich history, stunning architecture, fine cuisine, breathtaking sea and landscapes, friendly people and so much more. From William the Conqueror to the D-Day landings of WWII, Normandy has seen it all, and so will you. Valérie grew up in Normandy and her family has lived here for generations. She will be delighted to share stories and cultural facts with you during this exclusive photographic journey.
This photo tour is designed to be a worry-free experience, from the moment you are picked up in Paris by a private chauffeur, to the time you are brought back to your original destination.
You will leave this week-long adventure with memories you will cherish for a lifetime, having made new friends who share your passion. The newly learned photographic techniques will empower you and your confidence as a photographer will soar!
This photo workshop is designed to fit all levels. Please note that all instruction will be done in English.
***NEW*** October 2018 Adventure
Spend a week in Normandy to learn the art of seeing photographically and story telling with Valérie.
Home base for this adventure will be in the chic seaside resort of beautiful Cabourg at the at the luxury 5 star Grand Hotel where Marcel Proust came on holiday and was inspired to write his masterpiece ‘In Search of Lost Time’. During the week, Valérie will take you to Honfleur where you will strolls down narrow paved streets overshadowed by timber-framed houses. Deauville and its famous boardwalk will make another great backdrop as you practice newly learned techniques with your camera. You will also enjoy a full day visit to the island of Mont Saint Michel, which will take you back as early as the 8th Century, regaling you with stunning and unique photo opportunities.
Mid-week you will spend a day visiting the D-Day landing areas with an itinerary especially tailored for photographers while being accompanied by a bilingual historian. It will be an unforgettable and moving experience for all. The adventure continues with a visit to Caen, siege of government of William The Conqueror and much more…
All Inclusive Package includes:
- Pick up from Paris with a private taxi service
- Small group instruction by Valerie Jardin for a maximum 1:1 attention in the field
- 6 nights and breakfasts at the luxury 5 star Grand Hotel in Cabourg
- All single room accommodation included
- Welcome and goodbye dinners and two lunches in gourmet restaurants
- Entrance fee to select monuments
- Daily transportation with private bus company
- WWII D-Day landing beaches photography day tour accompanied by a bilingual historian
- Use of a conference room on location for presentations
- Return to Paris with private taxi service
- Price: $4,475
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June 2018 trip (Sold out)
Your adventure begins in the seaside town of Honfleur, where you will spend 2 nights and enjoy strolls down narrow paved streets overshadowed by timber-framed houses. Then, after an afternoon spent photographing beach life and the famous boardwalk in Deauville, you will experience La Belle Vie in a beautiful 18th Century Chateau for three nights. While there, you will wander through the charming town of Bayeux and spend a day visiting the D-Day landing areas with an itinerary especially tailored for photographers while being accompanied by a bilingual historian. It will be an unforgettable and moving experience for all.
The adventure continues with an overnight visit to the island of Mont Saint Michel, which will take you back as early as the 8th Century, regaling you with stunning and unique photo opportunities day and night. After your week-long photographic adventure, you will be transported back to Paris.
- Pick up from Paris with a private taxi service
- Small group instruction by Valerie Jardin for a maximum 1:1 attention in the field
- 6 nights and breakfasts in exclusive accommodations
- All single room accommodation included
- 3 dinners in gourmet restaurants
- Entrance fee to select monuments
- Transfers between hotels with private bus company
- WWII D-Day landing beaches photography day tour accompanied by a bilingual historian
- Return to Paris with private taxi service
- Price: $4,475 (Sold out)
What clients have to say about Valerie Jardin's photo tours:
"A week in Normandy with Valérie Jardin and seven other photographer-wannabes like me was a dream come true. Valérie's boundless energy and unbridled enthusiasm for photography and teaching made this workshop immensely rewarding. She has organized the week superbly, covering a large swath of Normandy from Honfleur to Mont Saint Michel and arranged the daily schedules with a perfect mixture of group and free time. Valérie launched the week with an overview of how to think about composition and light with examples from her own portfolio which was really good food-for-thought, and after that she makes herself available to one and all encouraging, suggesting, and discussing this passion we call photography. I highly recommend any workshop with Valérie and just know you'll come away a better photographer with new found skills, just as I did." Claudia Ward, Bridgehampton, NY
"I pursued photography workshops to reignite my love of making pictures, something I set aside for a number of years. I was looking for something that would stretch the way I see things and interact with the environment in which I was. I believed Valérie’s Normandy workshop would offer both to me. Her focus is on street photography, something I had never attempted, and I had never traveled through Normandy. The workshop did not disappoint! I learned that street photography isn’t as intimidating as I thought and most people love having a picture made of them - or they will definitely let me know. As a native, Valérie’s selection of locations in Normandy provided not only a wonderful perspective of the region, but, more importantly, an introduction to places that would have been much more difficult to find without her intimate local knowledge. She provided valuable constructive feedback on my images that has moved me forward on my photographic journey. Valérie’s planning made the logistics of a multi-destination workshop a non-event. I experienced a new part of the world, made new friends, and learned a lot. I couldn’t have asked for more." Helen Wagner
"Definitely recommend!!!! Wonderful experience in every way thanks to your professional manner and enthusiasm. Your energy is incredible and you are an inspiration." ~ Gail. UK
"If your passion is photography, attending one of Valerie Jardin's photography workshops would be a great way to give your photography a serious boost. The Normandy workshop was an opportunity to photograph some of the world's most iconic settings from Mont St. Michel to the D-Day beaches. Our hotel accommodations and dining were outstanding throughout the week. Valerie treats each one of the workshop participants as if he/she were the only student participating in the workshop. She points out potentially great shots as you pursue your photo walks and then gives great advice as you do your post production. I heartily recommend Valerie's workshops . You will come away from the experience as a better photographer." Linda Chaplin
"As I review my Normandy images, I have had a chance to reflect on the Normandy Workshop in which I participated, ending two weeks or so ago. The Workshop was as described in your information, and I would have been satisfied with that, but it was so much more. I found the pace of the Workshop and sites (sights) visited to be ideal, the hotels and meals well-researched and first-rate (a chateau and Mont St. Michel!), the photography instruction and suggestions made by you to be professional but not pushy, informative without being didactic, and thoughtfully helpful. Serendipitously, the folks on the trip were uniformly interesting and interested in photography. I came away with a sense of friendships made and photographic abilities recognized. Would I change anything? No. Would I do it again? Yes. Would I recommend it? Of course. Thanks very much." ~ Ford J. Dieth