Art. Culture. The rhythm of French village life. If you’re searching for the best art retreats in France, let us take you beyond the expected—into the soul of Southwest France.
Experience First: A Journey Beyond the Canvas
Imagine waking to birdsong drifting through century-old shutters. After a morning of guided painting in the gardens of Chateau Charente, you slip on comfortable shoes and head off for the afternoon, ready to explore the places you won’t find in glossy guidebooks.
This is where art and travel meet: in the cobbled lanes, weather-worn market squares, vineyard-laced valleys, and vibrant murals of a region that has long inspired creatives.
These hidden gems—authentic towns and cultural outposts—are woven into every Chateau Charente retreat, perfect for those who crave a deeper connection to France.
Jonzac: Thermal Springs, Timeworn Charm & Tranquillity
Just 30 minutes from the Chateau, Jonzac feels like stepping into a painting. Best known for its natural thermal springs and Baroque château, it’s a haven of slow living. Take a moment at a pavement café after a sketching session, or visit the beautiful cloisters of the medieval church for a burst of inspiration.
Don’t miss: The local food market for artisanal cheese and handmade pottery—ideal still life subjects for your canvas.
Jarnac: Riverside Reflections & Cognac Heritage
Set along the Charente River, Jarnac is a storybook town of stone bridges, quiet quays, and warm golden light. It’s home to Courvoisier Cognac and offers a gentler pace than its bigger sibling, Cognac. Walk the riverbank with your sketchbook, tour a distillery, or simply wander the old town and let the past speak.
Ideal for: Artists drawn to water scenes, reflections, and historic architecture.
Baignes: A Town Transformed by Brocante (Today, 25 May 2025!)
On the last Sunday of May, Baignes becomes a collector’s dream. Today, the town is transformed into a giant open-air brocante, with every street, corner, and courtyard brimming with vintage finds—from antique textiles to rustic frames, perfect for presenting your art back home.
It’s not just shopping—it’s cultural immersion, filled with characterful faces and timeless treasures.
Saintes: Roman Ruins and Artistic Ambiance
A little further afield, Saintes blends ancient Roman history with riverside beauty and a thriving arts scene. The amphitheatre, the sweeping arches, the blend of eras—every corner offers dramatic compositions and architectural intrigue.
Take your journal to the banks of the Charente, where quiet cafés overlook the water. This is where many retreat guests find a moment of introspection and quiet creativity.
Cognac: Grandeur, Glass & Gilded Elegance
Cognac itself needs little introduction. While famous for its spirit, it’s also a town of manicured parks, grand maisons, and ateliers worth exploring. Many of our guests enjoy a curated tasting and sketch session amid the manicured gardens of the Hennessy estate or a visit to the museum of Cognac arts.
Pair it with a vineyard walk and you’ll understand why this town has been the muse of many.
Angoulême: Wes Anderson Vibes & Modern Street Art
With its pastel façades, winding lanes, and a filmic stillness, Angoulême is a city that feels like a Wes Anderson set. But beneath the cinematic calm lies a vibrant creative heartbeat—it’s France’s comic art capital, filled with stunning street art and graphic murals.
Top tip: Take the mural walking trail—it’s a favourite among our retreat artists for urban sketching and visual storytelling.
Bordeaux & Saint-Émilion: Art, Architecture & Exceptional Wine
If you have a few days before or after your retreat, Bordeaux and Saint-Émilion make for an unforgettable cultural add-on.
- Bordeaux offers world-class galleries, Haussmannian beauty, and gourmet delights.
- Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is pure romance—ancient cellars, climbing vineyards, and stone-paved lanes.
Both are ideal for those who appreciate the finer things: elegant light, deep history, and exquisite wine.
La Rochelle & Île de Ré: Coastal Colour & French Seaside Flair
Want to add a splash of coastal charm to your French retreat? Head west to the Atlantic. La Rochelle, with its maritime heritage, arcaded walkways and bustling harbour, feels refined yet vibrant. From there, cross the bridge to Île de Ré, where whitewashed houses, hollyhocks, and bicycles paint a quintessentially French picture.
Perfect for plein air painting and recharging by the sea.
A Cultural Retreat Designed for the Senses
Our art retreats at Chateau Charente are crafted for those who seek more than just technique. They’re designed for immersion—for feeling, tasting, sketching, and living the essence of France. Every journey beyond the Chateau walls is part of the experience.
Whether you’re an artist, a creative, or a lover of culture, Southwest France offers a slower, richer rhythm of travel—and we’re here to guide you through it.
Thinking of Joining Us?
Our retreats are limited to just 12 guests and include all accommodation, meals, guided creative sessions, and curated cultural excursions.
Visit our Retreats page to explore upcoming dates and artists.
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