painting RETREATS IN FRANCE
Experience intimate painting retreats in France at Chateau Charente, where just 12 guests are welcomed to create, connect, and refine their craft with celebrated artists. Our retreats combine expert tuition with French cuisine, wellness rituals, and the cultural richness of the Charente countryside..
Discover an immersive, artist-led painting holiday in the heart of rural France. Wake to the soft light of dawn, paint en plein air beneath centuries-old trees, and unwind with gourmet meals and fine local wines.
At Chateau Charente, our creative retreats combine professional art instruction, wellness activities, and authentic French cultural experiences — all in an elegant chateau setting. Designed for artists of all levels, each retreat inspires growth, indulgence, and connection.
Perfect for those seeking luxury painting holidays, curated art workshops in France, or a creative escape surrounded by nature and beauty.
French Chateau Art Retreats. Come paint with us.
our retreats
Renowned plein air artist Clare Bowen’s July 2026 retreat sold out in 24 hours. Join our VIP Waitlist for early access to future retreats.
JUST ANNOUNCED
sold out
Suitable for all experience levels.
25-31 MAY 2025
Six nights, all-inclusive, from €4,420
Chateau Charente is a 19th-century French chateau in Southwest France — an elegant, art-filled retreat venue with luxurious accommodations, spacious salons and peaceful gardens.
It’s more than accommodation; it’s the heart of your creative escape, where ideas flow as freely as the wine and the conversations around our beautiful dining table.
Historic French Chateau for Painting Holidays
We open registrations to our private waitlist well before the general public — an insider privilege that means you’ll hear about new retreats first. With only 12 places available, early access matters: our last retreat sold out entirely to waitlist members within 24 hours.
Joining ensures priority selection of your preferred dates and artist, plus the peace of mind that comes with securing a coveted place up to 8–12 months in advance.
Join the Waitlist
(Retreats Sell Out Fast)
We’ve gathered the most common questions from our guests so you can feel confident and excited before reserving your place.
Your Questions, Answered.
Everything You Need to Know Before Joining Us
What skill level are your painting retreats in France for?
How many guests are on each retreat?
Who are the artists leading your workshops?
What’s included in the price?
Each retreat is one-of-a-kind, crafted in collaboration with our guest artists — some designed for experienced painters, others welcoming all levels.
Just 12 guests — ensuring personal attention, a warm group dynamic, and plenty of space to create.
We partner with renowned painters, each bringing a distinctive style, professional accolades, and years of teaching experience. Many have been honoured with memberships in respected art institutions such as the Royal Institute of Oil Painters (ROI) and the New English Art Club (NEAC). Our current and upcoming line-up includes celebrated names like Clare Bowen, with further artist announcements to come.
Accommodation, all meals, French wine with dinner, all tuition, professional materials, curated cultural experiences in the Charente region.
“Every moment felt like a beautiful exhale. The art, the food, the people—it reawakened something in me I hadn’t felt in years”
— SOPHIE, SYDNEY
“A rare and exquisite experience. I arrived curious, I left inspired—with new friends and a full sketchbook.”
— PAUL, NEW YORK
Retreat places are limited to 12 guests and fill quickly.
Register early to secure your spot, or join the waitlist for priority access to upcoming dates.
Spend a week in the French countryside one of Britain’s most inspiring teachers and celebrated figurative artists. Together, you’ll immerse yourself in painting, experiment with dynamic compositions, and refine your technique in a setting that feels made for creativity.
VIP WAITLIST PRE-SALE REGISTRATION OPENS WED 17 SEP 2025
Renowned plein air artist Clare Bowen’s July 2026 retreat sold out in 24 hours via our VIP Waitlist pre-sale registration. For early access to future retreats mjoin the VIP Waitist.
JULIA HAWKINS
CLARE BOWEN
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