Travel Art Journal #3: Cassis, France

I’ve lived in southern France for almost a year and I hadn’t been to Les Calanques until last weekend. Although it has been hard to travel safely during the Covid pandemic, here in France people are taking necessary precautions AND traveling again. So, finally, I made the trip to explore the infamous Calanques… by kayak.

We arrived to Cassis by public transit from Aix-en-Provence, where I’m currently based. If you’re not a fan of public transit or long-ish bus rides (which, I’m really not as I have intense motion sickness, but the budget traveler in me won out) you should consider taking an Uber, splitting it between a few friends and going straight from Aix to Cassis. The drive is 45 minutes or less, and the uber split would be totally manageable. Better yet, rent a car, or find a friend with a car.

When we got to Cassis, we had lunch along the water, got a bottle of wine, why not, and then went for the kayaks. We chose Lo’Kayak for the 4:30 PM to 8:30PM block and it was excellent.

If you’re thinking of a nice, calm little jaunt along some tranquil shores, I would think again, as these kayaks you put right out into the ocean and just go. As an American, used to every activity having tons of protocols and regulations for safety, it was SO refreshing to jump in the kayaks and be on our way. France, I’m a fan.

I LOVE kayaking and the ocean part was a plus for me, but I can imagine rowing in chop or swells for 45 min to and hour each way to the calanque isn’t for everyone, especially if you’ve never kayaked before. If you love being out in the water though, having extraordinary views and super freedom to paddle wherever you like, this is for you.

Paddling up to the calanques was nothing short of extraterrestrial. The rock formations plus dry climate plants seemed like I was coming up to a different planet. The water is so clear you can see right down to the bottom, so bring snorkel things if you love to check out what’s going on below.

Unfortunately, I didn’t take any pictures at the calanques as I had my phone in the waterproof bucket but, here is where you put the kayaks into the water.

I didn’t take too many photos this short trip, but as is custom, I got home, reviewed the few I had, and started on some art.

In this painting, I focused less on the exact detail of the forms of the sunbathers and more on the feeling of the scene all together. An amazing thing happens when I can really feel into the scene as a whole; I struggle less to be extremely “correct” and the painting turns out better. It’s a good analogy for life, I think.

This painting is already sold, but I am making prints, starting at $28. You can find more about them here. Also, to keep update to on my daily paintings by following me on instagram.

This tiny painting, is still up for grabs! I made this one inspired by the beach scenes from Cassis, but more in the abstract color form. To purchase this painting, just click here.

So there you have it! I hope you enjoyed this little post about the lovely Cassis, kayaks and my art. If you have any questions for comments about Cassis, my art, or just me in general, please get in touch! I love hearing from you.

Donc, à la prochaine fois!

Avery