This week, as McMaster University students and faculty are travelling during their Fall Break week, we thought we’d have a little fun and explore the world through the eyes of artists whose paintings are now on view in the Levy Collection exhibition, A Cultivating Journey. In addition to discovering interesting details about a number of sites and cities, it was interesting to see how the artists interpreted the view before them, how little many of these beautiful places seem to have have changed over time…and we’ve added to our list of vacation destinations! Here are some of the highlights:

Church in Domrémy

The church of Saint-Rémy is the place where Joan of Arc was baptized.

St. Jacques, Dieppe

In 1168 a church was built along the pilgrimage route to Compostella. That church burnt down. In 1283 construction began on the Gothic church of St. Jacques that we see today. It took 4 centuries to complete.

Gerberoy

Often described as one of the most beautiful villages in France, Gerberoy is as picturesque today as it seemed to be in Le Sidaner’s paintings. Wander through Gerberoy on Google Maps and you’ll see what we mean. The artist’s house still stands and his gardens are a tourist attraction.