I landed in France on September 3rd, via the Charles De Gaulle airport. An eight hour overnight plane ride resulted in two hours of sleep. Still, I was hyped when I arrived solo for the second time in six years for a month-long artist residency. My current stay is at L’Expressoir, just next door to my May 2017 residency at CAMAC, Centre d’Art Marnay Art Centre.
Under new ownership, it’s now La Prieure’ sur Seine, a nod to the 17th century expansive building, once a priory. I’ve met the owner twice and have an invitation to visit this week!
My best intentions were to pack light, (“You do know you can wash clothes when you get there,” said hubby). Yet, here I was, wheeling my 49-pound luggage, and 20-pound carry-on through the airport, reading signs to make my way to the Paris Gare du Nord railway station. Oh, and dripping sweat in the 90 degree heat.
Despite all that, I made my way to the terminal and purchased my billet (ticket). Onto the first train I go. One taxi ride, and a second train ride later, I arrived in Nogent-sur-Seine.
A lovely couple came to pick me up for the last leg of the journey, just four miles to Marnay-sur-Seine. Paula Temple is president of L’Expressoir’s artist residency program, runs the Jardin Botanique, and is a very talented painter. I toured her studio on the upper floor of her home with open mouth, totally in awe.
Riding through Nogent and arriving at Marnay brought back many memories. In 2017, my residency group consisted of about nine people, from all over the world. This time, I would be solo. A second artist, a dancer from Canada, was unable to attend as planned. No worries.
Marnay-sur-Seine, a town of 250 is filled with artists, and art enthusiasts. After their visits, at least two current residents have moved here permanently.
The rural setting offers small town life, with the vibrancy of artists ever present. Strolling cats. The Seine river for swimming and relaxing. The beautiful Jardin Botanique. A mobile Farmer’s Market arrives every Tuesday in front of the Mairie, city hall, the site of my writing studio. Yes, I was invited to set up shop in city hall!
Many kudos to Mathilde Rousseau Domec, who has transformed a historic building into an amazing gathering spot for locals and tourists. And created a haven for artists through her residency. The care she has taken is evident. And her cuisine and chocolate cake are extraordinary.
The L’Expressoir café, and wonderful boulangerie next door, serve up a variety of goodies: delicious bread, café items, and drinks, including a lovely red French wine. Albums and books complement the décor.
Now, for two fun facts, with more to come in my next post.
Marnay-sur-Seine doesn’t have a grocery store. Thanks to L’Expressoir, in addition to their weekend café, live entertainment is available just across the street from my residency apartment!
After days of looking forward to the performance of Abrazado, a tango quartet, performed at L’Expressoir on Saturday, I was not disappointed.
Sitting at a front table, before these extraordinary musicians, I gained a fresh appreciation for tango music and gifted musicianship. The arts are alive and well in Marnay-sur-Seine. I plan to dedicate my stay to my next projects, and to leave inspired. Onward!
Watch social media to track my journey in the next post.
