Join me for a transformative artistic experience in the south of France

JUNE 2-9, 2025

Travel to the heart of the beautiful Drôme region in the south east of France and immerse yourself in the French country landscape, surrounded by vineyards and lavender fields. Throughout this seven-day art experience, we will focus on letting go of perfection, being in the moment, and trusting the creative process. Our morning workshops are centered around collage techniques, printing your own collage papers, refining your composition skills, and using mixed media to enhance your artwork – all supplies are provided.

Only a few spots left, register today!

What you will learn:

Techniques for creating rich layered collages
Creative ways to loosen up and trust the process
Tips on color mixing
Methods for layering mixed media to enrich your work
Strategies for refining your composition

In 2025, give yourself the gift of creativity and discovery.

A time to nurture yourself, slow down and soak in the environment with all of your senses.

I have designed this retreat to share with you my love of my native France and my love of art. I want you to feel welcome, comfortable and relaxed. Focusing on creativity and art expression, we will gather in a supportive and encouraging environment. I have selected a beautiful and calm location where you will feel inspired to explore art making but also take time to unwind, read a book outside, or lounge by the pool.

WHERE: We will stay in a magnificent 19th century estate, entirely renovated with exquisite taste, surrounded by mature trees, splendid views, and a heated swimming pool. Walking distance from the nearby village, it is nestled in a charming rural area between the Vercors mountains and the valley of the Rhône in southeastern France. In an atmosphere that is both refined and relaxed, you will enjoy authentic and generous cuisine based on local products. Meals are prepared on site using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Vegetarian options are available. Fresh baked goods are served every morning for a delicious breakfast. You will fall in love with our wonderful French hosts!

Registration fee: $3,550.00 USD

Group size: 9 persons (8 participants + 1 organizer)

Age requirement: 21 and over

Spouses, partners, significant others, and/or family members are not allowed to join the participant at the retreat unless they pay for their own registration and agree to participate in all activities listed in the itinerary.

Happy Artist Stories:

This retreat is special in every way. It exceeded all my expectations, from the location and venue to the food and hospitality, to the teaching and excursions. If you’re looking for something extraordinary, this is it! ~ Lorelyn

I feel fortunate that I was able to participate in Catherine’s Art Retreat in France. I loved learning collage techniques and enjoyed the rich culture of France at a beautiful country maison. ~ Lorna

Loved the hosts!! They were truly exceptional, so friendly and gracious. Always ready to go above and beyond. ~ Sheila

Catherine has woven together the most memorable and unique art experience! The collage process is exciting and challenging for experienced and new artists. The venue at La Grande Maison was beyond perfection! – beautifully decorated rooms, amazing meals, art workshop, wine tasting, cooking demonstrations and movie night. Local tours of nearby ancient villages immersed the group in the local history and culture. The eight artists who attended our retreat were incroyable! ~ Carole

Attending this art retreat was a transformative experience for me. The serene surroundings, inspiring instructor, and supportive staff at La Grande Maison helped me to tap into my creativity and allowed me to create artwork that exceeded my own expectations. It was truly an exceptional retreat that I will cherish forever. ~ Leslie

The art retreat was a unique opportunity to experience creative expression, relaxation and exploration. The beauty of Provence and the French style available everywhere. I felt like I was really living there the whole time. One week was just not enough. ~ Nancy N.

The retreat was so special and a remarkable experience. Words can’t really express how beautiful it was. The location, the food, the staff, the laughter, their willingness to please our endless requests for this or that. All the day excursions were planned well and tied into everything we were doing and learning. The morning classes suspended me into another reality where l could be free and tap into my creativity. You are an excellent teacher and l love your teaching style. I have learned so much from you and the other students in class. ~ Jo

Included with your registration:

Five mornings of creative workshops including all art supplies, What we will do: create beautiful patterns on paper with a gel plate, explore the use of various types of collage papers including vintage French ephemera, assemble intuitive and abstract collages and learn about mixed media techniques. Some knowledge of art is encouraged but not required as I will guide you and meet you wherever you are in your art practice.
Seven-nights accommodation in the room category of your choice based on availability – Monday evening to Monday morning
Seven breakfasts, five lunches, and six dinners prepared and served on site, including non alcoholic beverages - water, tea, coffee + one glass of wine with dinner
One group dinner at a restaurant at a nearby historic village
One baking demonstration by the owner of the guesthouse
One wine tasting
Visit of two local historic sites
Transportation by taxi to all local excursions on the itinerary
Exclusive use of the property for our group including lounge, dining room, 12-seat movie theater, garden, pool and patios
Free day to visit the city of Valence (transportation & lunch on your own)

Not included with your registration:

Airfare, including any baggage fees
Transportation from/to the airport (Paris, Lyon or Marseille)
Taxi from/to train station to our event location
Additional transportation other than what is included in the itinerary
Insurance of any kind (cancellation, medical, etc.)
Meals, snacks and alcoholic beverages outside of those listed on the retreat itinerary
Tips, shopping, travel necessities
Shipping of your artwork and any souvenirs
Room service and daily maid service
Customized dietary requirements may be subject to an additional fee

Accommodations

Two single occupancy bedrooms (queen) with private bathroom - based on availability, first two registrants get priority.

Two shared suites which include two private bedrooms: one room has a queen bed and the other room has 2 twin beds. The suites have one shared bathroom.

One shared 2-level apartment with two private bedrooms (queen beds) and bathroom upstairs, and shared kitchen, living room and second bathroom downstairs.