Watercolour Art Retreat in Southern France
Watercolour art retreat in southern France – paint your memories en plein air!
FULLY BOOKED
May 27 - June 5, 2026
From €3,600 (~$4,200 USD) per person
Group size approx. 12 to 14
Fill a sketchbook with vibrant watercolour memories of France – medieval villages bathed in golden light, riverside scenes along the Dordogne, the dramatic cliffs of Rocamadour captured in your own hand. Become confident with your paints and sketchbook so that you'll never travel without them again.
Join me on this 10-day watercolour painting trip to some of the most beautiful villages in southern France!
I'm returning to Perigord Retreats, Gourdon, in 2026 for my 5th year. What a place! I just have to keep going back, and some of my students too.
Fully booked - please contact me to be added to the waiting list.
Taking the plunge to join you and a bunch of strangers on the other side of the world for a residential painting retreat turned out to be one of the best holiday decisions I’ve ever made.
We paint OUTSIDE – that's where the magic happens
This is about capturing life as it unfolds. Our focus is plein air watercolour sketching – setting up in enchanting castle towns, along riverbanks, in village squares where locals wave bonjour as you paint.
In a encouraging atmosphere, with plenty of laughter, a glass of wine in hand (if needed!) and the day to day details all taken care of, I promise you'll leave France with a sketchbook bursting with memories and the confidence to paint anywhere, anytime.
Back at 'home' there's gorgeous 24/7 studio for demos, skills practise or for when inspiration strikes at midnight.
Where we'll explore: the most beautiful corners of the Dordogne
Over 10 inspiring days, we'll sketch and explore our way through southern France's most paintable treasures:
- Rocamadour – The vertiginous pilgrimage town clinging dramatically to cliff faces
- Medieval castle towns throughout the Dordogne and Lot valleys
- Honey-stone Périgord villages with their timeless charm and terracotta roofs
- Riverside scenes along the Dordogne – perfect for capturing light on water
- Local markets bursting with color and life
- Hidden gems that Harrison (our incredible host) has discovered over the years
Between painting excursions, you'll have studio time to develop your work and plenty of freedom to explore (sketchbook in hand, naturally!).
What makes this art retreat special: small groups, big impact
Small group sizes mean I have ample time to help each person every day. You'll receive:
- Daily one-on-one feedback tailored to your level and goals
- Step-by-step demonstrations showing my process and decisions
- Personal guidance on color, composition, and perspective
- Encouragement to be brave and try things outside your comfort zone
Plus, you'll be thoroughly looked after by our exceptional hosts, Harrison and Katel. Harrison takes us to the most inspiring locations – places full of history, charm, and breathtaking scenery. Katel prepares meals that are truly memorable, crafted with care and local ingredients.
Non-painting partners welcome! There's plenty to do beyond painting: kayaking, hiking, swimming, exploring local markets, or simply unwinding with a book in the French countryside.
I have been truly fortunate to attend Renee's watercolour retreats on two occasions, and both experiences have been nothing short of transformative.
What you'll learn: watercolour skills that travel with you
This retreat is for watercolour enthusiasts of all levels – whether you're a complete beginner or have experience but want to grow your confidence painting on location.
Core skills you'll develop:
- How to become confident painting en plein air with minimal materials
- How to choose what scene to paint (when everything is so beautiful!)
- Working with a limited watercolour palette for harmony and cohesiveness
- Understanding perspective (and not being afraid of it!)
- Capturing light, shadow, and atmosphere quickly
- Creating loose, expressive sketches that capture the feeling of a place
- How to develop your sketches into full studio paintings
- Building a visual travel journal, that reflects your personality, and that you'll treasure forever
Beyond technique:
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 or enjoying a picnic after a morning of sketching. There's a special camaraderie that forms here, a sense of connection that makes it feel like friendships will last a lifetime.
Dates, pricing & what's included
When
May 27 - June 5, 2026 (10 days, 9 nights)
Pricing
- €3,600 (~$4,200 USD) per person – Private bedroom & shared bathroom
- €4,300 (~$5,030 USD) per person – Private bedroom with ensuite
- €7,200 (~$8,420 USD) per couple – Couple bedroom & ensuite
Hosted by :
Perigord Retreats – click for more details about accommodation and booking.
What's included (Pretty much everything!)
✓ Daily excursions to beautiful painting locations
✓ Expert watercolour instruction with one-on-one guidance
✓ 9 nights of comfortable accommodation
✓ 24/7 access to fully-equipped art studio
✓ Indoor swimming pool, hot tub, and beautiful grounds
✓ All meals and drinks (except 2 lunches & 2 dinners)
✓ Transport from/to Gourdon train station
✓ All excursion entrance fees and transport
Not included: Flights to France, travel insurance, art supplies (detailed list provided upon booking).
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...
Ready to paint your French adventure?
Fully booked - please contact me to be added to the waiting list.
This is your chance to fill a sketchbook with vibrant memories, gain the confidence to paint anywhere, and join a community of like-minded artists in one of France's most beautiful regions.
Please drop me an email or a message on Facebook or Instagram.
Frequently asked questions
What level of experience do I need?
All levels welcome! Whether you're a complete beginner or experienced painter, you'll receive personalized guidance suited to your skill level.
What watercolour supplies do I need to bring?
A detailed supply list will be provided upon booking. We focus on painting with minimal, portable materials – perfect for travel sketching.
What's the weather like in the Dordogne in May?
May is beautiful! Expect warm, sunny days (18-24°C / 64-75°F) perfect for outdoor painting. Occasional rain is possible, so we have indoor studio space as backup.
Can my partner come if they don't paint?
Absolutely! Non-painting partners are welcome. There's kayaking, hiking, swimming, markets to explore, and beautiful countryside to enjoy.
How do I get to Gourdon?
Most guests fly into Paris or Toulouse and take the train to Gourdon. We provide pickup/dropoff from Gourdon train station. Full travel details provided upon booking.
What if I've never painted en plein air before?
Great! This is the perfect place to start :-) I'll teach you everything you need to know to feel confident painting on location.