Retreats at Chateau Charente
A Sanctuary for Creativity, Wellness, and Culture
Each retreat blends art, wellness, and gastronomy with the beauty of the French countryside. With just twelve guests, enjoy six nights of all-inclusive luxury—elegant stays, seasonal dining, fine wines, and cultural moments to cherish.
our retreats
VALERIE PIRLOT
An Exclusive Retreat with one of Europe’s Leading Plein-Air Painters
A Masterclass with one of Britain's leading figurative artists
Plein-Air Master, Clare Bowen's first in person workshops in 3 years
JULIA HAWKINS
CLARE BOWEN
JUST ANNOUNCED
on sale now
sold out
Suitable for intermediate to experienced painters.
Suitable for all experience levels.
11-17 MAY 2025
Six nights, all-inclusive, from €4,420
25-31 MAY 2025
Six nights, all-inclusive, from €4,420
AT A GLANCE
Six nights in a restored French chateau - elegant rooms, sweeping grounds, and timeless charm.
Daily morning or afternoon workshops with our artist in residence - small-group sessions and personal one-on-one guidance, with a maximum of 12 guests
Professional art materials included - plus a curated take-home kit to continue your practice beyond the retreat.
Seasonal dining with wine pairings - garden-to-plate menus celebrating the flavours of southwest France.
Cultural excursions curated with care - from village markets to antique brocantes, all designed to spark inspiration.
Wellness woven in - optional morning yoga, nature walks, and quiet moments to restore balance.
Seamless experience from start to finish - transfers and full concierge service included.
Morning Wellness
Begin the day with an optional Tai Chi session or gentle stretching in the gardens. Breathe in the crisp country air as the sun warms the chateau’s stone walls.
Gourmet Breakfast
Savour a beautifully prepared breakfast featuring eggs made to order, house-made granola, creamy chia pudding, seasonal fruit, artisan breads, and freshly-baked pastries, alongside cold-pressed juices and an elegant espresso and tea bar.
Intimate Workshop with our Resident Artist
Artful Picnic Lunch
Gather with fellow guests for a relaxed picnic-style lunch al fresco—or take a beautifully packed basket back to the studio to linger in the flow of your painting.
Evening Aperitifs
Gather as golden light falls across the gardens. Each evening features a signature cocktail inspired by the season, accompanied by elegant hors d’oeuvres.
Chef's Dinner with Wine Pairing
Seasonal menus celebrate the flavours of the region — each dish paired thoughtfully with local wines. A moment to savour and share.
A DAY ON RETREAT
Choose Your Afternoon
Immerse yourself in the rhythms of French life: meander through a local brocante or market, join our chef for a hands-on cooking workshop, relax in the chateau with a book, or continue painting at your own pace.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 5 immersive half day workshops with our resident artist
- One-on-one guidance and group critiques
- Professional studio materials and plein air setup
- Exclusive Chateau Charente art kit to take home
- 6 nights in refined accommodation
- Rooms are either twin-share, private rooms or deluxe private rooms.
- All rooms include luxury bedding and linens, toiletries and amenities.
- Seasonal breakfasts, picnic lunches, refreshments, snacks and 3-course dinners
- Evening aperitifs with a daily seasonal cocktail or mocktail
- Wine pairings with dinners
- Guided visits to brocantes, village markets and family owned vineyards
- Optional nature walks and wellness sessions
- Painting sessions in storybook local towns
- All transport for excursions included
- Flights to France
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Personal expenses or gratuities
- Additional art supplies (optional)
Why Small Groups Matter
We believe in small groups because intimacy transforms the experience. With a maximum of only twelve guests per retreat, there is time to connect deeply—with your art, with your surroundings, and with those who share the journey. Our retreats sell quickly, often to our VIP waitlist members first.
HOW TO BOOK
STEP ONE - Register to ATTEND
Fill out a quick online form to register for the retreat you are interested in. Share your details, room preferences, and any special requests to personalise your experience at the stunning 19th-century chateau.
STEP TWO - Receive Confirmation
Our team will review your registration and confirm your acceptance. You’ll receive a welcome email with retreat details and next steps to prepare for your creative journey.
STEP THREE - Choose Payment Option & Secure Your Spot
Select your preferred payment plan and pay a deposit to confirm your place. With limited spots available, this ensures your spot for an unforgettable week of painting workshops, gourmet dining, and wellness in the heart of France.
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.
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.
JULIA HAWKINS
CLARE BOWEN
Join plein air master Valérie Pirlot for a week of oil painting in the French countryside, where you’ll capture light with confidence and learn to paint more freely.
VALÉRIE PIRLOT
