There’s something magical about saying yes on impulse — especially when that “yes” leads you to paint at an art retreat in the heart of southern France.
I had no intention of traveling this year. Life felt too full — work, kids, responsibilities, the usual. But when I saw one final opening for an art retreat in France with Renee Walden, hosted by Perigord Retreats, something called to me. The dates lined up perfectly. The location looked like something out of a dream. I booked it without much thought.
And I am so glad I did — it turned out to be one of the most creatively nourishing experiences I’ve ever had!
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Where We Stayed
We were based at the stunning property of Harrison and Katel in the French countryside, near Gourdon. The setting was serene and welcoming, with the kind of scenery that begs to be painted. A lavender field, rolling hills, a small grove with oaks and Magnolias, and a pool — what more could one ask for in France?
Well, one could ask for food and wine — and we were not in want there! Katel, along with her team, made the most delicious food I can ever remember having — and I even ate in a Michelin-starred restaurants while in France.
From our home base, we took day trips to charming villages and beautiful vistas.
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The Highlights: Art, Laughter, and… a Dress?
There were so many beautiful moments it’s difficult to pick favorites — but here are a few that keep replaying in my mind:
- Kayaking on the Dordogne River, surrounded by cliffs and castles that made me feel like I’d paddled into a painting.
- Wandering through Rocamadour, on a mission with my fellow retreat-goers to find the dress. (Yes, eight of us bought dresses from the same designer/store — and some of us even bought two! No regrets.)
- The kind of laughter that leaves your face sore, fueled by long dinners, shared studio time, and the kind of connection that forms only when you’re all a little sunburnt and joyfully tired.
- Moments of focused creativity, where time felt suspended and it was just me, the sketch, and a French breeze.
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The People Make the Place
As breathtaking as the scenery was, it’s the people who made this trip unforgettable. Harrison and Katel are the kind of hosts who anticipate your needs before you realize you have them — warm, funny, generous, and excellent cooks. Renee’s calm and encouraging teaching style gave me the freedom to explore my art without pressure. I left with a deeper confidence in my creative instincts, and friendships I hope will last far beyond this summer.
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What I Took Home (Besides Paintings and a Dress)
One of the things I kept coming back to on this retreat was how important it is to listen to my curiosity. We’d often sit as a group—twelve of us in the same place, looking out at the same scene—but what we each chose to paint was wildly different. And each piece was beautiful, not because it followed any particular rule, but because it reflected what mattered to that person at that moment.
That stayed with me.
I noticed that when I chose subjects that spoke to me — an interesting stone, a tree with ivy, something I couldn’t quite explain — I felt more connected to the painting process. And the results, whether finished or still in-progress, felt more honest. More like me.
Through this process of painting only what spoke to me, I felt my skills grow tenfold. Way more than simply following a demo. It also reminded me that art doesn’t have to be about capturing the most obvious thing. Sometimes, it’s about noticing what pulls at you, even if no one else sees it.
Some of the paintings I brought home I’m really proud of. Others I’m just happy with. And that feels like enough. They’re all reminders of a moment I wanted to hold on to — and that’s what makes them special.
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Final Thoughts
If you’re on the fence about booking a retreat? This is your sign. You don’t need everything to be perfectly planned. You just need an open heart, a paintbrush, and maybe a suitcase that leaves a little room for new art supplies.
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Want to See What I Painted?
Here’s a reel with some of my favorite photos from the trip.
And here is my sketchbook flip from the trip!
Or follow me on Instagram @elyestelle to see more from the retreat.
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