Lavender Art Retreat & the American Impressionist Society
9 Day Château Retreat
During Provence’s Legendary Lavender Season.
June 9 – 17, 2026
Our June retreat is located between the Luberon mountains and the Mediterranean. Join this wonderful opportunity to paint with other artists and spend 9 idyllic days in the South of France, all while surrounded in the natural beauty and bounty of Provence in Lavender Season.
AIS, the American Impressionist Society, is proud to partner with Workshops in France and offer this engaging experience for artists to enrich their fine art practice and this retreat in June 2026 is sure to be one to remember! Serving artists since 1998, AIS was founded to promote the appreciation of Impressionism through exhibitions, workshops and events. this event is open to all; AIS members and non-members.
The château is only half an hour from Avignon and sits atop a medieval village which it defended in the past. The château commands stunning views of the Luberon Valley.
Avignon is a world heritage site. It is surrounded by many historical landmarks with an artistic connection. We will visit Saint Rémy de Provence and visit the sanitarium where Van Gogh lived for just over a year. We will walk in his footsteps, paint what he painted and see what he saw. We will also visit the spectacular medieval village of Les Baux de Provence and Cézanne’s hometown of Aix-en-Provence.
The Itinerary
Your itinerary includes markets, vineyards and visits to breathtaking hilltop villages. We’ve chosen locations where we have access to our vehicles, materials and cafés. Bring your camera because you will be truly inspired by your surroundings and want to snap references to paint later.
After dining together in the great room, we take up various painting-related topics for discussion. Although the workshop is not instructed, when painting side-by-side with other artists, you’ll leave the retreat with stronger skills and lifelong connections. Wonderful guests from across the world have joined us for Workshops in France, including painters, photographers, writers, and a sculptor. Hear what they had to say about their experience.
Price is $5,800 (non-members) $5,250 (AIS members), based on double occupancy. Single rooms are available. Airfare is not included. Discounts available for spouses or partners (painting or non-painting).
Have questions about Workshops in France? We have answers on our Frequently Asked Questions.
Or shoot an email to Valerie.
In 2026, this Workshop Includes:
9 days of artistic immersion.
All Inclusive: Fine food, wine, accommodation and ground transportation with two excursion lunches at your own expense.
Train station pickup and dropoff available.
Paint, sketch and enjoy the good life in beautiful European surroundings.
Daily painting locations: Private vineyards with wine tasting, charming villages, markets and lavender-filled views.
Balanced itinerary of painting, exploring and relaxation for artists of all media – all skill levels!
Learn, live and paint side-by-side with artists.
Uninstructed workshop.
Bring a friend! Discounts for spouse/partner/friends.
Plenty to do for non-painting partners!
Lavender Season Retreat with the American Impressionist Society
June 9-17, 2026
AIS Member $5,250
Non-AIS Member $5,800
Bring a friend for a discount!
*Prices are in US Dollars
