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Join Us for a Season That Awakens the Senses
We’re building a stellar 2026 season: world-class artists from Paris, London, and New York galleries, seasonal garden-to-plate menus bursting with Charente’s finest flavours, and wellness soft activities to soothe your soul.
The big reveal is coming—join our waitlist now!
WHAT TO EXPECT AT A CHATEAU CHARENTE RETREAT
Paint
Every day, immerse yourself in hands-on workshops led by a world-class artist. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned painter, you’ll be guided through creating art inspired by the ever-changing landscape of Southwest France. The season’s colours, textures, and rhythms will inform your work, allowing you to explore new techniques and awaken your creativity in an environment that nurtures artistic expression.
Don't miss our 2026 retreat season artist announcements coming soon.
Each retreat weaves together experiences from four pillars to deliver a holistic experience that nourishes both the creative spirit and the soul.
Savour
Indulge in the finest of French cuisine with farm-to-table meals prepared with the freshest local ingredients. Experience authentic French culinary traditions through cooking workshops, guided wine tastings, and intimate meals prepared on-site. Every bite is an opportunity to savour the flavours of the season, all set against the backdrop of a beautifully restored 19th-century estate in the heart of the Charente region.
Learn more about the food and wine of the Charente region on our blog post "A Taste of Charente: Local Food and Wine" here.
Breathe
Start your mornings with gentle wellness sessions—think tai chi, yoga, or meditation—designed to restore balance and clarity. You’ll also have the chance to embark on tranquil nature walks, soaking in the beauty of the surrounding vineyards, gardens, and woodland. The unhurried pace of each day allows you to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and leave feeling revitalised in mind, body, and soul.
Read more on our blog post, Soft Wellness Activities in France: The Art of Slowing Down, here.
Belong
This retreat is about more than just art—it’s about connection. With only 12 guests per retreat, you’ll find yourself surrounded by like-minded individuals who share a passion for creativity, culture, and meaningful experiences. It’s a space for authentic conversations, new friendships, and shared memories that last long after the retreat has ended. Together, you’ll create not just art, but a community.
Read our blog article "Art Retreats for Connection and Wellbeing: Why Belonging is the True Luxury".
A DAY AT A CHATEAU CHARENTE RETREAT:
Begin the day with a ginger-turmeric health shot, then move into gentle qigong beneath a centuries-old tree.
Linger over breakfast on the terrace—flaky French pastries, sun-ripened seasonal fruit, organic eggs from the chateau hens, and freshly brewed coffee or tea.
Later, set up your easel for a plein air painting session, guided by a celebrated artist, surrounded by the natural beauty of the French countryside.
Every moment is designed to inspire, nourish, and connect.
Ease into the evening with apéro hour on the terrace. Sip a Spring Lilac G&T—one of our seasonal signature cocktails—fragrant with floral botanicals and a hint of citrus.
As the sun sets, gather for a garden-to-table dinner prepared with the day’s freshest local and seasonal ingredients. Wines from nearby vineyards flow, stories are shared, and new friendships begin to take root.
This is where the magic happens—over beautiful food, in good company, beneath the Charente sky.
Enjoy a leisurely picnic lunch featuring seasonal quiches, crusty baguettes, vibrant salads picked fresh from the jardin potager, and the region’s finest artisanal produce.
As the afternoon unfolds, choose your own rhythm. You may wish to accompany the chateau chef on an optional market excursion or stay on the estate to continue painting, wander the gardens, or simply relax in the quiet luxury of your surroundings.
Whether you’re following creative inspiration or indulging in stillness, this time is entirely your own.
What You'll Walk Away With
01
Renewed creative confidence: Reignite your artistic spark with expert guidance.
02
Nourishment: Feel energised by movement and seasonal food.
03
Your Own Artwork: Take home a portfolio inspired by the landscape.
04
Real Connection: Leave with friendships that feel like family.
05
Inner Calm: Return home rested, centred, and inspired.
HOW IT WORKS
STEP ONE - JOIN THE WAITLIST
Be the first to know when bookings open. With only 12 guests per retreat, places go quickly—don’t miss your chance.
STEP TWO - Choose Your Season and Artist
In the coming months, we’ll reveal our 2026 line-up of renowned artists—masters in oil, watercolour, landscape, florals, portraits, and more. Waitlist members receive early access and first choice of retreats.
STEP THREE - Secure Your Spot
Once bookings open, waitlist members choose first. Rooms are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. It’s simple, seamless—and well worth being on the list.
SPECIAL OFFERS
CREATIVE DUO OFFER
2 retreat participants
Perfect for partners, friends, or solo travellers who elect to share a room with a like-minded participant to access this offer. Enjoy the full retreat experience together, with a 7.5% discount when booking as a duo and sharing a room.
Discover the joy of creating side by side, whether painting beneath centuries-old trees or sharing long-table dinners under the stars. This is a rare opportunity to deepen your connection—or forge a new one—and immerse yourselves in art, nature, and the pleasures of French living, together.
CURATED ESCAPE OFFER
2 RETREAT PARTICIPANTS WITH ONLY 1 PAINTER
Designed for those who want to share the retreat’s magic without the painting workshops, the Curated Escape Offer grants a 12.5% discount from the partner when sharing a room.
Enjoy shared wellness sessions, cultural excursions and in the heart of the French countryside. While your companion enjoys the painting workshops, you can relax in the refined comforts of the Chateau or craft your own adventure through our à la carte experience menu—play golf, explore the vineyards of Bordeaux or Saint Emilion, wild swim in the Charente River, visit local galleries, or try fishing.
COMPANION OFFER
1 PARTICIPANT, 1 NON-PARTICIPANT
For those who wish to savor the retreat’s ambiance without participating in wellness, art, or excursions, our Companion Offer provides a 20% discount for the companion when sharing a room.
Join your partner for exquisite meals, while enjoying the freedom to relax in the refined comforts of the Chateau or curate a bespoke experience through our à la carte menu, featuring options like spa rituals, food and wine experiences, or local adventures.
FAQ
(Frequently Asked Q's)
What’s the cost of the retreat?
The cost of the retreat starts at €3,850 per person plus tax. Pricing varies based on room type, with several options available to suit different preferences. This includes all meals, snacks and drinks, accommodation, daily workshops, materials, and guided excursions including transfers. We offer a complete and indulgent experience where every detail is taken care of.
How do I get to Chateau Charente?
Chateau Charente is easily accessible by train and plane. The closest TGV station is Angoulême, which is 2 hours from Paris, 5 hours from Kings Cross London, and just 25 minutes from Bordeaux Airport. We will arrange transfers from Angoulême train station to the chateau and return you there at the end of your retreat.
Do I need to be an experienced artist?
Each retreat is tailored to a specific experience level. Some retreats are designed for all levels, from beginners to advanced artists, while others are more focused on mid to highly experienced levels. When you sign up for the waitlist, let us know which season and painting style interests you, your experience level, and we will guide you towards the retreat that best suits your experience level. Our expert artists provide personalised guidance, ensuring each guest receives the support they need to thrive.
WHAT TYPE OF ART WILL WE BE CREATING?
Each retreat is led by a renowned artist, each specialising in a unique genre. From botanical watercolours to contemporary oil painting and plein air oil painting, you'll have the opportunity to choose an artist and painting style that resonates with you. When you join the waitlist, you'll be the first to hear about our incredible artists, their distinctive styles, and the workshop formats. Plus, you’ll get exclusive first choice in selecting the artist whose style best suits your artistic journey.
What is the cancellation policy?
We understand that circumstances can change unexpectedly, which is why we offer a 30-day cooling-off period after booking. Cancellations beyond this point may be eligible for a partial refund, assessed on a case-by-case basis. Full terms and conditions will be provided at the time of booking.
Is the retreat suitable for solo travellers?
Yes, the retreat is perfect for solo travellers. The group is intentionally small and intimate, with only 12 guests per retreat. This ensures a personal and welcoming experience, where you can form meaningful connections with like-minded individuals. Many of our guests come alone and leave with new friends for life.
Do you cater for dietary requirements?
Yes, our expert chef prepares delicious, locally sourced meals that cater to all dietary needs. Whether you are vegetarian, gluten-free, or have any other dietary requirements, we will ensure your meals are both nourishing and enjoyable. Simply let us know your preferences when you sign up, and we’ll take care of the rest.
What are the seasonal themes for the retreats?
Each retreat is inspired by the season, creating a unique artistic and sensory experience:
Spring: Focus on flowers, landscapes, and the blossoming beauty of the season, complemented by fresh, vibrant cuisine.
Summer: A celebration of lush landscapes, vivid flowers, and the rich, abundant flavours of summer.
Autumn: Embrace the golden hues of the autumn landscape, with seasonal produce that inspires both the artist’s palette and the plate.
GET priority ACCESS
JOIN THE WAITLST
We’re building a stellar 2026 retreat season: world-class artists, seasonal garden-to-plate menus bursting with Charente’s finest flavours, and wellness soft activities to soothe your soul.
The big reveal is coming—join our waitlist now!
UNLOCK early ACCESS / UNLOCK early ACCESS
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