2026 Lyon France Workshop

Glenn Vilppu workshop in Lyon!

Set by the Romans in the south-East of France, the ancient capital of Gauls (Lugdunum) has an extraordinary well-preserved heritage, with streets and monuments dating as far as the Roman Empire. It is known today as the capital of gastronomy.

Explore the rich heritage of Lyon with Glenn Vilppu and sketch a variety of subjects, urban scenes and ancient monuments. This Sketching on Location Workshop will take you through historical sites of the city, from the Roman amphitheater remains and through the Renaissance neighborhood, all the way to nineteenth century monuments. 

You’ll follow Glenn and sketch along with him in the streets and of the historical city and Museums, in an informal setting allowing you a more personal learning experience. You will get daily group and individual demonstrations, opportunities to watch Glenn draw and ask questions, and personal feedback and advice for your work.

All levels welcome. Enrolment is limited to 15 students to ensure the best learning experience.

Itinerary Highlights (subject to change): 

* Lyon’s Museum of Fine Arts, set in 17th century abbey Palais Saint-Pierre

* Fontaine Bartholdi, 19th century fountain by Auguste Bartholdi (sculptor of the Statue of Liberty)

* Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon), one of Europe's most extensive Renaissance neighborhoods

* Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist of Lyon, completed in the 15th century and recently restored

* Notre-Dame de Fourvière, 19th century neo-byzantine basilica

* Parc de la Tête d’Or, 117 hectares (290 acres) park with Lyon’s botanical garden and 19th century greenhouses

* And more!

Join Glenn for the weekend only, weekdays only, or for the full workshop:

* Weekend only, May 23-24 (2 full days, $500): Museum of Fine Arts, Place des Terreaux and Vieux Lyon (Renaissance neighborhood)

* Weekdays only, May 25-29 (5 full days, $1,100): Parc de la Tête d’Or, Roman amphitheater, Lyon cathedral, historical sites of the « Presqu’île » (between the two rivers), and more

* Full Workshop, May 23-29 (7 full days, $1500): weekend + weekdays

Workshop details:

* Price includes instruction from Glenn Vilppu.

* Students are responsible for their own lodging, and meals.

* Lyon Saint-Exupéry (LYS) is the closest airport, the city is also accessible in 2 hours by high-speed train from Paris or Geneva

Join us for this unforgettable artistic journey, where you’ll sharpen your skills in one of France’s oldest cities under the guidance of a legendary drawing instructor.