Watercolor sketching holiday in the Dordogne, France – paint your memories en plein air!
ONLY 2 ROOMS LEFT
May 27 - June 5, 2026
From €3,600 (~$4,200 USD) per person
Fill a sketchbook with vibrant watercolor 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 watercolor adventure to some of the most beautiful villages in southern France!
I'm returning to Perigord Retreats in 2026 for my 5th year. What a place! I just have to keep going back, and some of my students too.
We paint OUTSIDE – that's where the magic happens
This is about capturing life as it unfolds. Our focus is plein air watercolor 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 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 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 watercolor retreats on two occasions, and both experiences have been nothing short of transformative.
What you'll learn: watercolor skills that travel with you
This retreat is for watercolor 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 watercolor 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 watercolor 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...
I'm passionate about travel sketching
For 18 years, I've never traveled anywhere without a sketchbook. What started as a side hobby on a climbing trip to Spain and France completely transformed how I experience the world. Now I have a massive stack of sketchbooks filled with priceless memories – villages, landscapes, flowers, food, people, and little notes that transport me straight back to those moments.
Since 2007, I've spent about 6 months a year in Europe and now I live in Spain, and sketching outside has immersed me in places in ways I never could have imagined. It's created vivid memories and allowed me to meet so many locals I wouldn't have encountered otherwise.
I've been teaching watercolor since 2017. My approach is simple: I want to make you braver. Whether you're nervous about painting in public, unsure about color mixing, or intimidated by perspective, I'll guide you through it with patience, encouragement, and practical demonstrations. By the end of our time together, you'll be the artist who never travels without a sketchbook.
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.
Ready to paint your French adventure?
Only 2 rooms remaining for May 2026!
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 watercolor 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.