Plein Air Normandy Art Retreat Near Paris
May 8 – 13, 2026 Normandy
We are excited to welcome our artists to an enriching and compact version of our legendary art retreats. This is the perfect château-based art experience where you can devote time to your painting in a distraction-free environment. Find your inspiration from the daily painting locations while getting to know your fellow artists in highly creative surroundings.
The Normandy region sits to the northwest of Paris. The surrounding landscape, once the hunting grounds of the French nobility, provides a delicious and abundant backdrop to your art-making experience. Your home for this unique art retreat is an elegant château estate. This château is beyond charming and located in the Northern Normandy region of France, where Van Gogh spent the final year of his life. On arrivals day you can roam the estate to paint, have a glass of rosé or relax with the other artists. Then paint some more! You can see images of the estate here.
Dinners, transportation and accommodations are included. You will visit the the town of Auvers-sur-Oise where Vincent van Gogh lived and painted in the final months of his life.
Each day has a unique destination to sketch and paint – while also taking time to stop, explore, and meet the locals. Your itinerary includes a visit to a local market and many breathtaking French villages. All locations have access to our vehicles, materials and cafes. Bring your camera, because you will be truly inspired by the surroundings and want to snap references to paint later.
While dining at the château we take up various painting-related topics for discussion and demos. Although the workshop is not instructed – painting side-by-side with fellow artists provides growth, new skills and new friendships. Wonderful guests from across the world have joined this retreat, including painters, photographers, writers, and sculptors.
Price is based on double occupancy. Single rooms are available. Economy rooms are also available. Airfare is not included. Discounts are available for spouses or partners (painting or non-painting).
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive in time for painting on May 8! Get to know the other guests and celebrate with a Champagne toast!
- Day 2: We paint on the grounds and in the village and get better acquainted with other artists.
- Day 3: We travel to the historic Auvers-Sur-Oise to paint and explore where Van Gogh spent his final year.
- Day 4: Market Day! Visit a local market for retail therapy, sketching and exploring. After lunch, we go on location to paint the landscape.
- Day 5: Relax at the chateau while painting and enjoying the company of other inspiring artists.
- Day 6: We say our fond farewells and return you to the train station and you return home armed with memories and inspiration to last a lifetime!
What’s Included
Dinners, ground transportation and accommodation are included. Price is based on double occupancy. There are a limited number of single rooms. Economy rooms are also available – just ask. Airfare is not included. Discounts are available for former guests and also for those traveling together, spouses/partners (painting or non-painting).
All prices are in US dollars.
This Workshop Includes:
- 5 days of artistic immersion. Day 6 is departure day.
- Stay in an authentic French château
- All Inclusive: Fine food, wine, accommodation and ground transportation with one lunch and one dinner at your own expense.
- Charles de Gaulle airport pickup during specified pickup window.
- Paint, sketch and enjoy the good life in beautiful French surroundings.
- Daily painting locations: French villages, wine tasting, Auvers-sur-Oise.
- 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. Mentoring available.
- Plenty to do for non-painting partners!
Petite Retreat in Normandy
May 13 - 18, 2025
$4,650
Bring a friend for a discount!
*Prices are in US Dollars
