Beginner Art Retreat in the Dordogne

Imagine a week where creativity is encouraged at every turn, and you’re surrounded by people who genuinely want to see you thrive. In a private château in the heart of France, this art retreat offers a welcoming space to explore, experiment, and surprise yourself.

Set within a 500-year-old château in the Dordogne countryside, the experience blends hands-on artistic discovery with the pleasures of French village life and the rich culinary traditions of the Périgord region. It’s designed especially for beginners and non-artists, though all skill levels are welcome in this small-group setting.

Your Creative Adventure At a Glance

When: May 21 - 28 2026, October 8 -15 2026, May 25 - June 1 2027, September 21 - 28 2027

Duration: 8 Days & 7 Nights

Who It’s For: Non-artists and beginners welcome. All skill levels encouraged. Small group.

Home Base: Privately owned 16th-century château in the Dordogne, France countryside.

Retreat Packages: From €3645 per person. Early bird savings available. Multiple accommodation options.

Each day is designed to spark curiosity rather than perfection. The focus is on play, experimentation, and getting comfortable with making a mess. You’ll explore a range of creative activities that help you discover what truly inspires you, while reconnecting with the joy of creating.

Daily Adventures

• Day 1 | Settle In: Meet your hosts, instructors, and fellow adventurers, then begin with journaling to open your creative flow.
• Day 2 | Fuse Paper & Nature: Gather found objects from the château grounds and use them in tactile paper-making.
• Day 3 | Gel Printing Possibilities: Visit an authentic French market with the chefs, then draw inspiration for an afternoon of gel printing.
• Day 4 | Ancient Arts: Try encaustic painting, the ancient wax and resin art form.
• Day 5 | Abstract Acrylics: Experiment with the colour wheel, acrylic paints, and palette knives to bring your vision to life.
• Day 6 | Medieval Inspiration: Step back in time with visits to local medieval villages, followed by lunch at a local bistro.
• Day 7 | Silks in the Breeze: Learn professional techniques for creating your own silk scarves and celebrate with your own “show opening.”
• Day 8 | Au Revoir: Say farewell with bags full of artworks and memories.

Please note that the itinerary may change if a local event, flea market, or festival arises, or if weather, closures, or other special opportunities call for adjustments.

Taste of the Périgord

From village markets to château meals, you’ll experience why Périgord cuisine is so celebrated. Valérie and Megan share culinary secrets and prepare dishes so beautiful you may want to photograph them before tasting.

Your Château Home

The château offers indoor and outdoor studio spaces, generously sized bedrooms with period character, a mix of en-suite and shared facilities, elegant common areas, 15 hectares of private grounds, quiet spaces for reflection, and WiFi throughout. Whether you stay on-site or nearby, it serves as your home base for a week of creative discovery.

Included

• 8 days & 7 nights accommodation at Château de Saint-Germain-des-Prés
• Daily instruction and creative guidance from two professional artists, Kate & Angela
• All art materials and supplies, including watercolours and a journal
• Transportation from the pickup point at local train stations of Angoulême, Limoges, or Thiviers to the château
• Three meals per day, except for one market-day excursion, plus snacks and apero
• House wines, beer, and cider served with meals at the château
• Unlimited non-alcoholic beverages
• Transport and entry fees for two local excursions
• Travel agent support to help ensure smooth connections

Not Included

• Travel from your hometown to the pickup point, including airfare, train connections, or car rental
• Baggage, accident, cancellation, or travel insurance
• Personal expenses such as telephone calls, passport and visa costs
• Meals not served at the château
• Alcoholic beverages not served with château meals
• Any extra tours or excursions off the property

Who You’ll Learn With

Kate Taylor and Angela Lane guide the creative experience with an encouraging, hands-on approach rooted in play and experimentation. Megan and Valérie bring warmth and flair to every meal, while Stephen and Sara ensure everything runs smoothly so you can focus fully on the experience.

Good to Know

This retreat is especially suited to solo travelers and those with little or no art experience. Dietary needs can generally be accommodated if shared in advance. Spring and autumn weather in Dordogne can vary, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 30°C, so layers and comfortable walking shoes are recommended. French is not required, though a friendly “Bonjour” and “Merci” are always welcome.