France Art Retreat 2027
Where Body and Light Meet the Page
A 10-day mixed media portrait retreat in the south of France
Septemper 9-18, 2027
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Join me in the south of France for ten days of mixed media portrait art, set among medieval villages, cliffside towns and prehistoric caves. Hosted at the amazing Perigord Retreats with Harrison and Katel.
Come ready to wander, create, and bring your body and light to the page.
No experience necessary. Whether you’ve drawn for decades or haven’t picked up charcoal since school, you’ll get one-on-one guidance that meets you where you are.
Why Join Me?
You deserve ten days that are just for you. Not the to-do list, not the calendar, not anyone else’s needs. Just you, a studio, and a landscape that has inspired artists for centuries.
Some things only happen when you step out of your usual life, your usual light, your usual four walls. A portrait that finally feels like yours. A process you trust. A fuller eye.
Come for the art. Stay for the slow mornings, long lunches and new creative friends.
If you’ve been waiting for a sign, consider this your invitation.
What Awaits You
- Embodied warm-ups and intuitive painting. Start each session in the body, then build backgrounds guided by feeling, not a plan.
- Mixed media portraits. Learn to see lights and darks and use a grid for proportion, working in a mix of media like graphite, charcoal, pastel and acrylic. Paint a portrait, florals, or whatever calls to you.
- Guided tours and cheese making. Sarlat, Moulin de Cougnaguet, and a hands-on cheese making class in Rocamadour.
- Art that’s 20,000 years old. The painted cave of Pech Merle.
- Medieval villages and the river. Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, La Roque-Gageac, Domme, and a paddle down the Dordogne.
- A small group. Maximum 15 artists, one-on-one guidance, and a studio open 24/7.
A Word From Your Host
Helping students build real skill in portraiture is a joy for me as a teacher. I believe a strong technical foundation is what actually sets you free to create with confidence, not what holds you back.
For this retreat, I’m adding something new: embodied practice. We’ll infuse sessions with movement to get out of our heads and into our bodies, so the work begins from instinct instead of the inner critic. Then I’ll teach you how to build and bring life to your portraits (or anything else you choose to make).
Bring your body and light to the page, and leave with skills you’ll use for life.
Our Sample Itinerary
Excursions and days may change based on weather, light, and the energy of the group. Think of this as a taste of our rhythm, not a fixed schedule. Most days pair a morning outing with a picnic lunch and afternoons back in the studio.
Day 1, September 9: Arrival & Welcome Dinner
We pick you up at Gourdon train station and bring you to Perigord Retreats. Settle in, wander the grounds, and meet your fellow artists over Katel’s first homemade dinner.
Day 2: Opening the Studio
Our first embodied warm-up, then a gentle start on intuitive backgrounds. Take the afternoon to settle in, with time for the pool or hot tub.
Day 3: Sarlat
A guided tour of Sarlat’s medieval old town, then free time to wander, shop and sketch. Back at the studio, build on the morning’s inspiration.
Day 4: Moulin de Cougnaguet
A guided tour of the historic water mill, then back to the studio. This is where we dive into lights and darks and using a grid to refine your piece.
Day 5: Rocamadour & Cheese Making
Shop and explore this cliffside pilgrimage village, then roll up your sleeves for a hands-on cheese making class.
Day 6: Saint-Cirq-Lapopie & Pech Merle
Wander one of France’s most beautiful villages above the Lot river, then descend into the painted cave of Pech Merle to see art more than 20,000 years old.
Day 7: La Roque-Gageac & Domme
A golden village built into the cliffs of the Dordogne, then sweeping views from the Domme ramparts. Spend the afternoon turning the day’s sketches into paintings.
Day 8: Kayaking on the Dordogne
A morning paddle past the cliffs and villages you’ve been drawing, then an afternoon of painting and a long soak in the hot tub.
Day 9: Château des Milandes & Final Studio Time
Visit the fairy-tale home of Josephine Baker, then return for a last studio session to finish your pieces and share your work with the group.
Day 10: Departure
One last breakfast in the conservatory, goodbyes, and a transfer to Gourdon train station.
Places We’ll Explore
Rocamadour
A cliffside pilgrimage village that stacks houses, chapels, and a castle in dramatic layers above the Alzou canyon.
Pech Merle
One of the few decorated caves in France still open to the public, home to the famous spotted horses panel.
Saint-Cirq-Lapopie
Perched nearly 100 meters above the Lot river and long loved by artists, including surrealist André Breton.
Domme
The “Acropolis of Périgord,” a bastide town with sweeping views over the Dordogne valley.
The Dordogne River
See the same cliffs and villages from the water, paddle in hand.
Château des Milandes
A fairy-tale Renaissance château once home to Josephine Baker, entertainer, French Resistance spy, and civil rights icon.
La Roque-Gageac
A golden village built into the cliffs, with a medieval fort carved into the rock.
Sarlat
One of the best-preserved medieval towns in France, with golden-stone streets, Gothic and Renaissance mansions, shops, and markets made for browsing.
Moulin de Cougnaguet
A fortified 14th-century water mill, built by Cistercian monks and still in working order.
Your Home Away From Home
Perigord Retreats is run by Harrison and Katel, who’ve spent years hosting all kinds of artists in this corner of southwest France. You’ll have a fully-equipped studio open 24/7, an indoor pool and hot tub, and grounds made for slow mornings and quiet sketching.
Harrison knows the region inside and out. With a list of more than 70 places to visit, he advises each day’s destination around what the group needs, and he’ll shift plans on a moment’s notice if the weather or the mood calls for it. Katel runs the kitchen, cooking a locally sourced, three-course dinner every evening. Guests consistently say her cooking is one of the best parts of the week.
Let’s Talk Food
- Breakfast: French pastries, fresh yogurt and fruit in the conservatory as the sun comes up.
- Lunch: A picnic of fresh salads, quiches and homemade cookies, waiting in the shade (with wine, of course).
- Dinner: A homemade three-course meal with wine, cooked by Katel.
All meals and drinks are included, except two lunches and two dinners on select excursion days, when you’re free to explore local restaurants.
What’s Included
- 9 nights’ accommodation at Perigord Retreats
- Daily workshop instruction with Lulu
- Private transfers to/from the Gourdon train station
- Delicious farm-to-table meals, snacks, tea, coffee, and wine at the retreat property
- Daily excursions to picturesque French villages
- All excursions, entrance fees & private tour guides
- All local ground transportation during the retreat
Not included
- Two lunches & two dinners
- Airfare/travel costs
- Visa fees (if applicable)
- Travel insurance
- Extra nights lodging
- Personal shopping and souvenirs
- Personal art supplies
Ready to Join Me?
Bring your body and light to the page, and leave with skills you’ll use for life.
Private Room with
Shared Bathroom
€3,500
Single Occupancy
Private Room with
En-Suite Bathroom
€4,000
Single Occupancy
Private Room with
En-Suite Bathroom
€6,550
Double Occupancy
For 1 painter and a partner who isn’t participating in the art workshops.
*€6,800 for 2 people who are both participating in the art workshops. Please inquire on registration form for this option.
Dates: September 9-18, 2027
€500 RESERVATION DEPOSIT TO SAVE YOUR SPOT
** Perigord Retreats will handle all payments securely and assist with all booking details.
What Past Artists Are Saying
Lulu’s portrait drawing retreat was an amazing experience. I dance and knit, but had no idea I could learn to draw! With a patient teacher, the right tools and focused time, out came a masterpiece! I am still in shock and so very grateful to explore this new talent. Lulu brings hours of experience and freely shares what she’s learned from her teachers. She is an artist, teacher and friend!
I had the pleasure of joining Lulu’s three day drawing workshop this past August. It was one of the most inspiring, productive and pleasant learning experiences I’ve ever had. The environment was perfect and Lulu’s teaching techniques had even inexperienced participants producing results that were excellent beyond expectations.
I had dabbled in portraiture over 15 years previously and had put it aside. Lulu’s approach was refreshingly different and has inspired me to get back to it with newfound enthusiasm. Thank you, Lulu!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be an experienced artist?
Not at all. Whether you’ve drawn for decades or haven’t touched a pencil since school, you’ll get one-on-one guidance and techniques that meet you where you are.
Do I have to paint a portrait?
Portraits are our focus, and you’ll learn how to see lights and darks and use a grid for proportion. If a portrait isn’t calling to you, you’re welcome to work on another subject.
What is embodied practice, and do I need dance experience?
Throughout our time together, we’ll have movement breaks to help get you out of your head and into your body. No dance experience is needed, and everything is at your own pace.
What art supplies do I need to bring?
Art supplies are not included. We’ll work in mixed media, which may include charcoal, acrylic paint, and pastels. A supply list will be sent closer to the retreat date.
How do I get there, and can I arrive early or stay longer?
Transport to and from Gourdon train station is included. Additional days at the retreat location are not available, but the Perigord Retreats team can provide you with options.
What meals are included, and can dietary needs be accommodated?
All meals and drinks are included except two lunches and two dinners during excursions. Specific dietary restrictions are accommodated with advanced notification.
Can my partner join if they don't paint?
Yes. The couples rate for one painter and one non-painting partner is €6,550, and the couples rate for two painters is €6,800. Partners can enjoy the pool, hot tub, grounds and excursions.
Do I have to share a bedroom?
No. Every option includes a private bedroom. Choose a shared bathroom (€3,500) or an ensuite bathroom (€4,000), or book the couples rate for two.
How active are the excursions?
Many of the villages have cobblestones, hills and stairs, and Pech Merle involves walking through a cave. We recommend you feel comfortable walking on hills.
What will the weather be like?
September in the Périgord region is typically warm during the day with cooler evenings. Pack layers, comfortable walking shoes and a light jacket. Excursions and days may change based on weather.
How does payment work, and what is the cancellation policy?
A €500 deposit secures your spot, which is fully refundable if the retreat doesn’t meet the minimum required students. Full payment is due 6 months prior to the retreat start date. Perigord Retreats handles all payments and booking details. You can read more about their terms & conditions here.
Do I need travel insurance?
Travel insurance is not included, but we always recommend it just in case or unforeseen life events.
Come Wander With Me
Private Room with
En-Suite Bathroom
€4,000
Single Occupancy
Private Room with
Shared Bathroom
€3,500
Single Occupancy
Private Room with
En-Suite Bathroom
€6,550
Double Occupancy
For 1 painter and a partner who isn’t participating in the art workshops.
*€6,800 for 2 people who are both participating in the art workshops. Please inquire on registration form for this option.
Dates: September 9-18, 2027
€500 RESERVATION DEPOSIT TO SAVE YOUR SPOT
** Perigord Retreats will handle all payments securely and assist with all booking details.
