Painting holiday, France - May 2026
Join me for an unforgettable painting holiday in France.
Have you ever dreamed of traveling to a beautiful destination and capturing your entire journey in a sketchbook?
In May 2026, I’ll be returning to Perigord Retreats for the fifth time to guide another small group of artists on an inspiring painting holiday in France. If past trips are anything to go by, this will be an experience to remember!
Over nine days, we’ll enjoy the perfect mix of studio time, scenic excursions, cultural experiences, and plenty of free time to relax and explore. We’ll venture into the countryside to paint some of the most picturesque towns in southern France, sketch along the Dordogne River, and soak in the region’s timeless charm.
Our home for the retreat is Perigord Retreats, nestled in the tranquil French countryside. With comfortable accommodations, an indoor swimming pool, a fully equipped 24/7 studio, and delicious locally sourced meals, it’s the perfect place to unwind and immerse yourself in creativity.
10 days of painting in France – from 3,600euros per person. Limited spots!
Group sizes are small
Allowing me to have ample time to help each person every day. And you'll be thoroughly looked after by our hosts.
Non-painting partners are welcome too! There’s plenty to do beyond painting, from kayaking, hiking, and swimming to exploring local markets or simply unwinding in the shade with a book.
I also feel so much more comfortable sketching on location which is adding so much joy to my life. I can’t recommend her classes and retreats highly enough.
Fully hosted
Our hosts, Harrison and Katel are exceptional. I can honestly say this is true! They are what makes this retreat so special. Harrison takes us to the most inspiring locations to sketch — places full of history, charm, and breathtaking scenery. Katel prepares the most incredible meals, crafted with care and local ingredients, making every dining experience a delight.
This retreat is about more than just improving your painting skills. There’s a magic combination of shared meals, laughter, and unforgettable moments — whether we’re gathered around the table at the retreat or enjoying a picnic in a stunning location after a morning of sketching. There’s a special camaraderie that forms here, a sense of connection that makes it feel like the friendships we create will last a lifetime.
The details
When…
27 May to 05 June 2026
Where…
Hosted by Perigord Retreats (click on the link to find out more about the location, accommodation and booking information)
Cost…
- Private bedroom & shared bathroom - 3,600 euros pp
- Private bedroom with ensuite - 4,300 euros pp
- Couple bedroom & ensuite - 7,200 euros pp
Cost includes - pretty much everything!
- daily excursions to beautiful places to paint and explore
- group & one on one painting tuition
- fully hosted accommodation
- use of an artist's studio 24/7
- use of the swimming pool and hot tub as well as access to gardens and surrounding property
- all meals and drinks (except 2 lunches & 2 evening meals)
- transport from and to Gourdon train station
- Not included are your flights to France or travel insurance.
For watercolor enthusiasts of all levels!
- Whether you're a beginner or experienced, you'll get expert guidance in a relaxed, inspiring setting.
- Learn how to become more confident when painting on location.
- Learn how to create sketches with minimal materials.
- Be guided by me step-by-step by following demos.
- Have plenty of time to ask questions and receive one-on-one feedback.
- Learn about the different kinds of perspective (and to not be afraid of perspective).
- Learn to work with a limited palette of colors to ensure harmony and cohesiveness in your work.
- Go on excursions to beautiful places to sketch.
- Explore charming towns full of history and character.
- Enjoy local cuisine lovingly prepared at Perigord Retreats.
- Experience French culture and connect with other artists who share your passion for creativity.
- Enjoy a fully immersive art experience, with everything taken care of, and the cares of the world far away!
Ready to join us?
Bookings are open! Please drop me an email or a message on Facebook or Instagram.
Here's a full demo of me painting the lovely lavender field at Perigord Retreats in July 2022...
And a little intro video of Perigord Retreats and their surroundings...
Travel sketching is a passion of mine.
18 years ago, I packed a sketchbook along with my climbing gear on a trip to Spain and France and I filled it. Since then the sketching part of a trip has overtaken my climbing passion and I never go anywhere without a sketchbook.
I've been visiting Europe for about 6 months a year, almost every year, since 2007 and I have a massive stack of sketchbooks that are filled with priceless memories. There are watercolour sketches of villages, landscapes, flowers, food, and people in every sketchbook, along with little notes that bring me straight back to a place whenever I open a sketchbook. Sketching outside has immersed me in places, creating very vivid memories and has allowed me to meet so many local folks I would not have encountered otherwise.
I've been teaching people to paint in watercolours since 2017. I've run classes outside giving people the tools to learn to sketch plein air; studio-based classes on painting birds, flowers, and landscapes; and classes on Zoom. Since June 2022 I've been guiding painting holidays annually in France and I can honestly say these trips are some of my favourite days of my year! I'm excited to guide one in Italy this year.
Ask me for more details...
Please drop me an email
I have been truly fortunate to attend Renee's watercolor retreats on two occasions, and both experiences have been nothing short of transformative. Her teaching style is not only exemplary but also infused with genuine support and encouragement that makes learning so much more enjoyable. ... beyond her exceptional skills, Renee exudes warmth and kindness, making her a joy to learn from and be around.
I absolutely love painting lessons with Renee. I first discovered her on Patreon last year, what a fabulous selection of tutorials and everything is so easy to find and well laid out! ...
Then I was lucky enough to join Renee at Perigord Retreats and I absolutely loved it! We had such fun painting each day, going on excursions, chatting, eating and drinking, Renee and everyone were so friendly and supportive it was so great I'm booked again for next time! 😊
Renee has an amazing way of breaking down complicated subjects into concrete steps. Watching her paint in real time, and explain her “why” behind choices such as color palettes and composition was so valuable to me. I learned so much about perspective, capturing light and shadow, and questions to ask yourself when planning a painting that I now apply to my creative practice since coming back.
Renee is a phenomenal teacher and artist! She explains techniques and fundamentals for sketching and painting in such an understandable and applicable way. When painting, she also gives wonderful encouragement and tips to help you not only feel confident in your work, but also push you to be brave. Working with her is absolutely the best. Renee is friendly, knowledgeable, kind, and so incredibly talented.