CHATEAU CHARENTE

Paint in the light of Renoir with Julia Hawkins, celebrated for her luminous figurative works and evocative brushstrokes.

From €4,420 per person | STRICTLY LIMITED TO 12 GUESTS

JUST ANNOUNCED

JOIN THE VIP WAITLIST

Join one of Britain's most inspiring teachers for an exclusive six-night fully-inclusive retreat at Chateau Charente.

Guided by her expressive approach to light and form, you’ll explore new dimensions in your painting through five immersive workshops, while indulging in seasonal cuisine, curated excursions and wellness activities, and the refined elegance of French chateau life.

With only 12 places available, this is a rare opportunity to learn directly from one of Britain’s most renowned artists in an intimate setting.

A Masterclass with One of Britain's Leading Figurative Artists

Spring 2026 | 25–31 May

JULIA HAWKINS

VIP WAITLIST PRIORITY REGISTRATION
Opens Monday, Sept 22 at 8AM (French Time)

GENERAL PUBLIC REGISTRATION
Opens Thursday, Sept 25 at 8AM (French Time)

Our last retreat sold out during the VIP waitlist presale.
Don’t miss your chance.

Study with a Recognised Master of Figurative Art

Julia Hawkins is a member of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters (ROI) and the New English Art Club (NEAC), two of Britain’s most respected art societies.

This means you’ll be learning from a painter whose work is recognised at the highest professional level in Britain, and who stands within a tradition that has shaped modern figurative art.

JULIA HAWKINS' RETREAT workshop HIGHLIGHTS:

01

Secrets of Oil Painting

An introduction to the art of oil painting, inspired by the luminous techniques of the Impressionists. Julia will gently guide you through foundational methods, revealing how light, colour and brushwork can transform a canvas and spark your own creative expression.

A Weeklong Masterclass of Impressionist Techniques

02

Pastel Magic: Odilon Redon and His Flowers

Step into a world of dreamlike beauty, where pastels whisper across the page to reveal blossoms infused with poetry and imagination. Inspired by Odilon Redon, this journey celebrates flowers not merely as subjects, but as symbols of colour, mystery, and emotion.



03

The Great Outdoors: Albert Marquet - Trees & Shadows

Paint en plein air in the chateau’s park, capturing light, air, and nature through Fauvist and post-Impressionist perspectives. Learn linear and aerial perspective with Julia’s hands-on guidance.

04

Figure Painting in the Garden. Renoir and Limoges Blue

Inspired by Renoir, work with a live model among the blooms, exploring composition, form, and the interplay of colour and light.

05

Impressionist Flowers

Capture the fleeting beauty of seasonal blooms with brushwork that conveys both structure and spontaneity.


Please note that the masterclass workshop plans may change due to weather and lighting conditions.

JOIN THE VIP WAITLIST

VIP WAITLIST PRIORITY REGISTRATION
Opens Monday, Sept 22 at 8AM (French Time)

"I'm truly looking forward to leading this retreat at Chateau Charente – a place that seems made for painting.

This will be a week to deepen your skills, spark your creativity, and enjoy the simple joy of making art in a beautiful setting.

With only 12 guests, I’ll be able to offer plenty of one-to-one guidance, tailored to where you are in your artistic journey.

 I hope you can join me."

— Julia

A PERSONAL NOTE FROM JULIA HAWKINS

payment options: 

select the PACKAGE PRICE AND PAYMENT plan that's right for you:

OPTION TWO

Prefer to spread the cost? Our staged payment plan allows you to secure your place with a 25% deposit and make three equal instalments over time:

34% deposit to reserve your place
33% payable 1 November 2025
33% payable 1 Januuary 2026

Best     value!

Option one

Pay in full and receive a 5% discount

Settle your full retreat fee at the time of booking and enjoy a 5% discount—our way of saying thank you for your early commitment.

Twin-share Room | Fully Inclusive
€4,420 per person

Private Suite with Ensuite  | Fully Inclusive
€5,455 per person

Deluxe Private Suite with Private Lounge Room  | Fully Inclusive
 €6,420 per person

30% discount for
non-painting partners sharing a room.

what's included

Daily guided workshops

Six nights of luxury accommodation

All gourmet meals, snacks, local wines & refreshments

Curated wellness and cultural experiences

Transfers to and from the chateau

small group of 12 for one-on-one learning

WHY SMALL GROUPS MATTER

Cancellation & refunds:

What is your cancellation and refund policy?

We understand that plans can change. Below is our cancellation and refund policy for the Valerie Pirlot Masterclass Retreat, 10-16 May 2026, at Chateau Charente.

Cancellation by You

  • More than 90 days before the retreat (before 9 February 2026): Full refund of the retreat fee, less a €250 administrative fee per person.
  • 60–90 days before the retreat (10 February – 10 March 2026): 50% refund of the retreat fee.
  • Less than 60 days before the retreat (after 10 March 2026): No refunds will be issued, as spaces are limited and cannot be resold at short notice.

If you cancel, your spot will be offered to the next person on the waitlist due to high demand.

We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances, such as medical emergencies or travel disruptions.

Cancellation by Us

In the unlikely event that the retreat is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., instructor unavailability, force majeure, etc), you will receive a full refund of all payments made.

We are not responsible for additional costs incurred, such as flights, travel insurance, or personal expenses. Please ensure your travel insurance covers such scenarios.

Changes to Bookings

No Name Changes: Bookings are non-transferable. If you are unable to attend, please notify us to cancel your booking, and your spot will be offered to the next person on the waitlist.

Roommate Preferences: If you have specific roommate requests, please inform us on your pre-sale registration form. We will do our best to accommodate, but changes requested less than 30 days before the retreat may not be possible.

Itinerary Changes: We reserve the right to adjust the itinerary (e.g., excursions or workshop locations) due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. These changes will not affect the overall value or experience of the retreat and are not eligible for refunds.

How to Cancel

  • All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing via email to our team at bonjour@chateaucharente.com.
  • Refunds, if applicable, will be processed within 14 business days of receiving your request, using the original payment method.

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect against unexpected cancellations, medical emergencies, or travel disruptions. Ensure your policy covers retreat fees, flights, and other travel-related expenses.

For any questions about cancellations, refunds, or travel insurance, please contact our team at bonjour@chateaucharente.com.

Your Invitation Awaits. 

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.

JOIN THE VIP WAITLIST

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

JULIA HAWKINS