# Abstracted Flavor - Painting Inspired by the Senses Retreat with Artist Nicola Bennett in France

Embark on an immersive journey with artist Nicola Bennett in the picturesque Dordogne region of Occitanie, France. Step into a world where food becomes the muse and color becomes flavor. Reconnect with your senses, unlock expressive freedom, and deepen your artistic voice. Through a series of guided tastings, intuitive color studies, and hands-on painting sessions, Nicola will teach you how to translate flavors, textures, and memories into rich and layered abstract paintings.Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a curious beginner, this retreat welcomes all levels of experience, offering a nourishing blend of play, exploration, and artistic growth. Complement your creative sessions with art trips to the market in the medieval village of Issigeac, the bustling market of Bergerac, and the nearby Eymet market. Take note of sights, sounds, smells, and feelings as you explore together with Nicola and your fellow artists, later integrating these aspects into your abstract compositions. Draw inspiration from the stalls full of fresh local produce at the markets you will visit during your outings. Stay at a charming French countryside estate, in one of the five fully renovated traditional gîtes, and savor delicious chef-made food paired with fine wines from one of France's most celebrated wine areas. Enjoy a wine and cheese tasting experience, and find inspiration for your series of paintings in the local culture of southwestern France.

## Details

- **Dates:** September 12 - 19, 2026
- **Location:** Eymet, Dordogne, France
- **Starting Price:** $4,850
- **Category:** [Painting](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/retreats/painting) · [Browse on uptrek.com](https://uptrek.com/retreats/painting)

## Overview

What's includedArt classes, individual tuition, and demonstrations with artist Nicola Bennett Art studio equipped with: tables with protective covers, chairs, field easels, plein-air chairs, glass jars, paper towels, and fixative paint spray7 nights of accommodation at a spectacular private estate in southwestern FranceExclusive use of the entire 25-acre estate with a private heated pool, art studio, indoor and outdoor lounge areas, beautiful gardens, terraces, private woodland, and natural pondAll meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners carefully prepared by a private chefAll diets catered for, including vegetarian, vegan, diabetic, gluten-free, and lactose-freeAfternoon snacks, coffee, tea, and water available throughout the dayLocal award-winning wine served with dinnerNon-alcoholic drinks served with lunch and made available during dinner serviceA wine and cheese tasting experience at the venueHalf-day art trip to Issigeac marketHalf-day art trip to Bergerac marketHalf-day art trip to Eymet market (self-guided)Sketching and painting opportunities on location for all art trips Private transportation for the trips to Issigeac and Bergerac market Guide or chaperone for all planned activities (except for the Eymet trip)Round-trip transfers from/to Bergerac train station at prearranged timesAll local tourist taxes and feesExperienced retreat admin and UpTrek host on locationFully staffed venue with drivers, cleaning and maintenance staff, and chef and kitchen staff Access to a private Facebook group with Nicola Bennett and the other retreat participants four months before the retreatNot includedAirfareTravel insuranceArt materials — a list of art materials recommended by artist Nicola Bennett will be provided five months before the retreat takes placeTips for staff — tipping is customary in France Other expenses guests might incur on their own

## Program

### Abstracted Flavor - Painting Inspired by the Senses Retreat
Join artist Nicola Bennett for an immersive mixed media retreat set in the glorious Dordogne countryside of France. Across eight inspiring days, reconnect with your senses, develop foundational abstract painting skills, and deepen your artistic voice. Surrounded by the immersive flavors of France, explore abstract painting techniques with Nicola’s supportive guidance.Through guided tastings, intuitive color studies, and hands-on painting sessions, you’ll learn to translate flavors, textures, and memories into strong and rich personal artworks. Time away from the studio will bring the charm of Issigeac's, Beynac's, and Eymet’s markets, with lively colors and delicious produce.The retreat welcomes artists at any level, from beginners to seasoned painters, who want to deepen their understanding of abstraction and strengthen their creative practice. Nicola will demonstrate techniques using both oil and acrylic paints. However, you are welcome to choose the medium that you feel most comfortable with.Overcome your creative blocks and build confidence with abstract work!Some of the topics covered in your classes with Nicola include: Using flavor and food as creative inspiration to generate color palettes and abstract compositionsLetting go of perfectionism and building intuitive, process-led practice that surprises and delights you.Developing experiential drawing and abstract painting skillsUnderstanding how line, value, tone, movement, glazing, layering, and expressive mark-making contribute to strong and rich abstract paintingsLearning how to work in both acrylic and oilsMoving beyond fear and intimidation with abstraction into a place of play, exploration and creative confidenceDiscovering how taste, aroma, memory, and color can fuel abstract expressionCreating a cohesive series of artworks and learn how to resolve a painting to completionConnecting with a small group of like-minded creatives in an inspiring environmentEnjoying a rare chance to work closely with Nicola in a live, intimate formatGuided flavor-to-color translation sessionsVisiting beautiful and abundant local food markets for inspirationDiscussions about abstraction, color and flavor and sensory inspirationConnecting with a supportive group of like-minded creatives through discussions, artist circles, and reflective walksFeeling curious and alive and leave with a renewed confidence, clarity, and a visual language that feels like youReceiving close guidance from Nicola in an intimate setting, culminating in a group showcase and a celebration of each artist's creative achievements…and many more!Your home for the week will be an elegant historic estate from the Napoleonic era, set amidst vibrant gardens, secluded woodlands, a natural pond, and a heated pool. Delight in Dordogne’s culinary heritage with daily chef-prepared meals, and savor the local wines through a cheese and wine-tasting experience. Be receptive to an inspiring adventure in a beautiful location, build friendships, and make unforgettable memories!

### Day 1: Arrival
Catch the 3:30 PM shuttle from Bergerac train station to your retreat venue, a stunning 25-acre historic estate in the heart of Dordogne. Upon arrival, settle into your cozy accommodations, take a moment to unwind, and meet Nicola Bennett, your instructor for the week. Start your experience with a guided tour of the estate, showcasing its charming communal spaces, the vast gardens, sunlit terraces, a heated swimming pool, serene woodlands, and a tranquil pond. The day concludes with a warm welcome dinner featuring exquisite French cuisine and fragrant local wine, setting the tone for the inspiring week that’s ahead.

### Day 2: Art trip to Issigeac market
Enjoy a refreshing breakfast and a warm cup of coffee in the morning, followed by a quick check-in with Nicola and the group. Kick off the retreat and start your journey into culinary art with a trip to the medieval town of Issigeac. Located only a 30-min drive away from the venue, the ride will carry you past vineyards, stone farmhouses softened by ivy, and open fields shifting in the morning light. Visit the local market in Issigeac, and get inspired by the variety of local farmers’ produce: fresh ingredients, succulent fruits, and crisp vegetables. Wander through the market stalls, observing and taking reference pictures of the fruits and vegetables that pique your interest. As your trip comes to an end, return to the venue for a relaxed lunch, then jump into the first art workshop of the retreat. In this afternoon studio session, the focus is on collaborative drawing exercises. Nicola will bring a selection of beautiful produce such as fennel, mushrooms, walnuts, and figs, and she will guide you through playful, experimental drawing exercises in response to prerecorded cooking sounds. You will work on a large roll of white paper together with your fellow artists, using Indian ink, brushes, and barbeque sticks. The purpose of these exercises is to help you let go of any preconceived notions about drawing being hard or boring. This art session will be dedicated to mark making and bonding with your group. You will work on one area of the paper roll, then move onto another, constantly shifting positions and working on top of other students’ marks. Learn value, line, and composition, and afterwards, engage in a group feedback session, sharing your experience of this fun and collaborative exercise. The late afternoon is yours to enjoy however you like. Take some time to rest and recharge, then join Nicola and the group for a delicious three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef and paired with a glass of French wine.

### Day 3: Art at the venue
Wake up your senses with a wholesome breakfast and a cup of freshly brewed coffee. Join Nicola and your fellow artists for a quick morning check-in, easing into the pace of the day. The focus of today’s morning workshop is observational drawing, but not using traditional methods. Nicola will guide you through her tactile and blind drawing techniques, teaching you how to capture the object that is in front of you by using your senses. Close your eyes and draw the object of your piece with one hand while feeling it with the other hand. Let your heightened tactile sense guide you and create an engaging abstract work full of life. You can get inspired by the fruits and vegetables that Nicola brought or by the produce from yesterday’s market trip, if you bought any. Work on your hand-eye coordination by drawing the object that is in front of you without looking at your paper.As the class ends, pause midday for a relaxed lunch. Start the afternoon workshop with a mini critique session in which you will learn from your fellow artists, exchanging ideas, sharing the processes behind your creations, and appreciating all the beautiful art that you have made. Continue working on your pieces and learn how to combine your mark-making skills from the previous day with line, composition, value, and form. Start to introduce color and flavor to your artworks, explore onomatopoeia-inspired marks, and learn about taste-to-color translation. Nicola will guide you on how to respond to food texture and flavor through gestures, as well as help you create your own flavor palette, which you will use in the following days. End the class with another group feedback session, sharing insights and tips with your peers. Take some time for yourself in the late afternoon. You can wander through the estate’s gardens, take a quick dip in the pool, or simply relax in your comfortable room. Enjoy a delightful three-course dinner prepared by the private chef and soak in the lovely atmosphere, accompanied by a glass of fragrant wine.

### Day 4: Art at the venue
Start the day with a filling breakfast and a brief morning check-in with Nicola and the group, settling into the rhythm of the day. The focus of the morning workshop will be on preparing painting surfaces for the rest of the week. Nicola will guide you through taping paper with delicate tape and priming with gesso, as well as creating beautiful marks with black and white gesso. Learn how to use water and different tools to create intriguing surface textures through a fun, playful, and experimental preparation activity.Take a break for lunch, enjoying a light chef-prepared meal. Continue the afternoon with another art workshop in which you will use the skills learned in the previous days to draw onto the paper you prepared in the morning. Using the flavor palette you created yesterday, dive into color theory, how color and taste are intricately linked, and how to mix a harmonious color palette. Under Nicola’s gentle guidance, you will create compositions on your prepared papers, focusing on particular flavors and smells and the feelings associated with these. Practice the techniques of blind and tactile drawing from day two, introducing color, emotion, and memory into your abstract painting. You can work on multiple papers at once, experimenting with your senses and with how color and flavor are linked together. The class ends with another group feedback session, sharing your progress and insights and learning from your fellow artists. Enjoy some leisure time in the late afternoon, taking a moment to unwind and recharge before dinner. In the evening, indulge in a wine and cheese tasting experience at the venue, savoring authentic French flavors. Reflect on the stories and moments you have shared today with your group over a wholesome chef-prepared dinner.

### Day 5: Art trip to Bergerac market
Kick off the day with a satisfying breakfast and a quick morning check-in with Nicola and the group before heading out to the Bergerac market. As you explore the market, you will observe produce with fresh eyes. Rather than thinking in terms of subject matter, search for compelling shapes, forms, and colors that spark visual interest. Focus on noticing structure and rhythm, gathering ideas to bring back into the studio and feed directly into your work later in the day.Enjoy a refreshing lunch at the venue, then dive into demonstrations covering color theory and glazing techniques. Learn how glazing can be used to create color through layering, working with dry paint applied in separate layers to produce new results. You may spend some time in and around the kitchen at the venue, using the space and the food being prepared as a source of inspiration. You will notice the sounds, movement, and atmosphere of cooking, paying attention to rhythm and pace. The chopping, stirring, and pauses between actions become prompts, allowing sensory impressions to inform mark making later rather than translating them literally on the spot.From there, you will work with color mapping and harmonious palettes, thinking about how color creates a sense of flavor and how it guides the eye through a painting. You will explore how color carries weight and feeling, how texture and contrast can be integrated into the surface, and how gesture can respond to sensory cues rather than visual reference alone. Take part in a group feedback session, offering time to share progress, talk through decisions, and hear how others respond to your choices. The late afternoon is yours to relax and recharge or continue working independently. As evening arrives, gather together for a delicious three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef.

### Day 6: Art trip to Eymet market
Begin the day with a wholesome breakfast and a short morning check-in with Nicola and your fellow artists, then head out together for the Eymet market.As you move through the stalls, you will gather ingredients and sensory impressions, with particular attention on color and smell. You will taste as you go and respond in your sketchbook with small color studies that translate flavor into paint. Explore which colors feel right for a sweet lemon tart pancake, goat’s cheese, or truffle oil, allowing intuition and sensation to guide your choices rather than representation. Your studies will stay loose and exploratory, rooted in response rather than outcome.Return to the venue for a relaxed lunch. The afternoon begins with time to compare your color studies with your fellow artists’, noticing how different responses emerge from similar flavors. You will question expectations and assumptions together. Does sweetness always lean toward warm colors like red, orange, or yellow? Does a tart and sour flavor suggest green? Is salt naturally white? Where does umami sit, and does it feel earthy or energetic? The discussion moves into how color affects emotion, memory, and mood, and how those responses can be used more intentionally in your work.From there, you will choose a favorite flavor from the week, whether discovered at the market or during meals at the retreat, and create a visual response based on that experience. Continue with a group feedback conversation, offering space to talk through your ideas, hear how others read your work, and reflect on how sensory starting points can open new directions in your practice.In the late afternoon, enjoy some spare time to rest, reset, or continue working independently. As evening arrives, gather with Nicola and the group for a hearty three-course dinner prepared by the private chef and accompanied by a glass of delicious wine.

### Day 7: Art at the venue
Delight yourself with a filling breakfast, followed by a brief morning check-in with Nicola and the group, before stepping into your final full day of the retreat.The morning begins with collaborative, hands-on exercises centered on color, bringing together everything you have learned over the course of the week. Focus on integration and confidence, connecting technique with intention and your own developing voice. Nicola will work closely with you throughout the session, offering steady guidance to help you problem-solve your work through to completion. Learn to recognize what is working, understanding what needs adjustment, and making clear decisions that move a painting forward. By the end of the morning, you will leave with a clear set of questions you can return to whenever you feel stuck with an artwork back home.After a relaxed lunch, the afternoon continues with a mini-exhibition of the work you have created during the retreat. You will choose your favorite pieces from the week and share with the group why you selected those works. Talk about your work, reflect on what you have learned, and articulate how your thinking or approach has shifted during the retreat. Nicola will offer an overview of the skills developed during the week, covering how to resolve your own paintings, how to speak about your work with others, and how to continue developing your ideas beyond the retreat.Close the day with generous congratulations, encouragement, and acknowledgement from Nicola and your peers, celebrating the progress you have made. Your art practice has moved forward in a meaningful way, lasting connections have been formed, and you are ready to take what you have learned into new and inspiring directions.Gather once more with Nicola and the group for a three-course farewell dinner prepared by the in-house chef. Raise a glass of wine to the memories shared, the growth experienced, and the creative journey completed together.

### Day 8: Departure
Enjoy a final breakfast with Nicola and your fellow artists before it's time to part ways. Departing at 9:00 AM, you'll head to Gare Bergerac train station, arriving around 9:45 AM. As you make your way back home, you will take with you a heart brimming with inspiration and lasting memories.

## Instructors

- [Nicola Bennett](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/nicola-bennett) — Abstract painter

## Accommodation

### Historic countryside estate
Situated on the tranquil banks of the River Dropt, your home for the retreat with artist Nicola Bennett will be a charming French estate, reserved exclusively for your group. This 25-acre historic property provides the perfect setting for creative inspiration, featuring well-appointed living spaces, a dedicated art studio, a heated pool, gardens, terraces, woodlands, and a peaceful pond.Your classes with Nicola will be held indoors in a spacious, well-lit studio measuring approximately 500 sq. ft. (50 sq. m.) and outdoors on the beautiful terraces and gardens. You’ll also have the chance to paint en plein air in the scenic countryside surrounding the estate.The venue has a rich history, dating from the Napoleonic era to its time as a World War I equestrian center. Local craftsmen have renovated it carefully, turning the old stable block into five large gîtes (French villas) that blend modern comforts with classic French charm. These beautifully restored spaces feature exposed brickwork, heating, and high-quality bedding for your comfort.Throughout the retreat, you can relax and connect with fellow artists by the heated pool, on the airy terraces, or during peaceful strolls around the estate’s pond and private woodland, home to a variety of wildlife.

### Shared standard room (female only)
Three standard rooms are available for shared occupancy. You will share this room and its private bathroom with another same-gender participant. The shared standard rooms can be outfitted with either a double bed or twin beds, on request. They are spacious, tastefully decorated, and feature private bathrooms with showers or bathtubs. Blackout shutters and sound insulation walls ensure privacy and a quiet, good night's sleep. The windows provide great views of the countryside.

### Shared superior room (female only)
Two superior rooms are available for shared occupancy. You will share this room and its private bathroom with another same-gender participant. The shared superior rooms are spacious, with wide windows overlooking the splendid surroundings, and have private bathrooms with showers. Blackout shutters and sound insulation walls ensure privacy and a quiet, good night's sleep. One room located on the first floor has a private terrace with direct access to the courtyard. They can be outfitted with either a double bed or twin beds, on request.

### Single standard room
Three standard rooms are available for single occupancy. You will be enjoying your own private room, equipped with a comfortable double bed, a private bathroom, and shared access to a fully fitted kitchen. Blackout shutters and sound insulation walls ensure privacy and a quiet, good night's sleep. The common lounge area features floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto a huge lawn. The rooms benefit from superb views of the Dordogne countryside.

### Single superior room
Two superior rooms are available for single occupancy. More spacious than the standard rooms, the superior rooms feature comfortable double beds and private bathrooms. Blackout shutters and sound insulation walls ensure privacy and a quiet, good night's sleep. You will share access to a common lounge area with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto the gardens and a fully fitted shared kitchen.

## Food

Savor the rich flavors of the Dordogne region during your retreat with Nicola Bennett in France. Using the freshest local ingredients, the chef will craft a range of dishes that capture the essence of the region’s culinary heritage.You'll be treated to a variety of culinary experiences, from elegant seasonal canapés to hearty BBQs. Each day will start with delightful breakfasts, followed by delicious lunches, and end with indulgent three-course dinners featuring regional wine. The retreat culminates in a special farewell dinner that celebrates your artistic journey. A wine and cheese-tasting session is also included to enhance the experience.Throughout the day, you'll have access to water, coffee, tea, and a selection of snacks, including seasonal fruits and cakes.Please inform us of any dietary requirements at least one month before the retreat. While we strive to accommodate most needs, we may not be able to cater to severe, life-threatening allergies. We are unable to accommodate dietary changes announced less than a month before the retreat, switch diets during the retreat, or fulfill last-minute requests on-site. The menu will vary based on seasonal ingredient availability.All meals are included, except for one lunch during the full-day trip to Beynac-et-Cazenac.For more details on the food offerings during the retreat, see the section below.

## Getting There

The venue for your art retreat with artist Nicola Bennett is a picturesque countryside estate in southwestern France. Nestled on 25 acres overlooking the banks of the River Dropt in the Dordogne region, the property is surrounded by woodlands, renowned vineyards, and timeless stone houses. Rich in historical significance, the River Dropt region was once a vital trade route where goods like wine and wood were transported by barges. The area offers a window into its medieval past, with landmarks such as the Romanesque Pont du Bretou bridge and the quaint bastide towns dotting the riverbanks.Just a 10-minute walk from the retreat venue, you'll find the charming town of Eymet, offering convenient access to its inviting restaurants, cafés, bakeries, pharmacies, craft shops, artist studios, and local boutiques. Bergerac, the designated pick-up and drop-off location for transfers, is about 16 miles from the venue. As part of the retreat, you'll explore the medieval town of Issigeac, located 15 miles away, as well as the historic town of Beynac-et-Cazenac, approximately 50 miles from the estate.To be transferred to the retreat venue, please arrive at Bergerac train station:We strongly recommend planning more time for long-distance international travel because of the current disruptions in flight schedules. It is best to arrive in France a day before the retreat starts to prevent any inconveniences caused by flight delays, rest after the long travel, and adjust to the new time zone.How to get to Bergerac:The best (quickest and most affordable) option is to fly to Paris or Bordeaux and catch a train to Bergerac from there. It's a very pleasant train ride, either from Paris (3h 40 minutes) or from Bordeaux (1h 15 minutes), during which you can enjoy the beautiful sights of French landscapes, towns, and cities.You can book train tickets to Bergerac from the French National Railway Company, SNCF: https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/Some guests traveling from Europe may also opt to fly to Bergerac Airport directly, then catch a bus or take a taxi to Gare Bergerac train station (15-minute ride).How to get from Bergerac to the retreat venue:Private transfers at prearranged times to and from Gare Bergerac train station are included. The transfer journey to the retreat venue takes approximately 35 minutes. Check-in at the retreat venue starts at 4:00 PM on September 12, 2026. Check-out is after breakfast on September 19, 2026, by 9:00 AM.Arrival transfer: September 12, 2026 — 3:30 PM (leaving from Gare Bergerac train station, arriving at the retreat venue around 4:05 PM)Departure transfer: September 19, 2026 — 9:00 AM (leaving from the retreat venue, arriving at Gare Bergerac train station around 9:45 AM)If your travel arrangements don't work with our pre-set transfer times, please consider the following options:Spend extra days at a hotel in Paris, Bordeaux, or Bergerac pre-/post-retreat, and catch the transfer shuttles from/to Gare Bergerac train station.Grab a taxi to the retreat venue (address: La Palanque, 9 Rte de la Sabliere, 24500 Eymet, France; estimated cost: US$100 per way). Please note that taxi fares may vary.

## Reviews

Reviews of the venue:"This is my second UpTrek retreat, and I had another wonderful time. The venue was beautiful. I loved the accommodations and how they were centrally located around a courtyard space. It felt very communal, while also providing ample space for people to spread out.""The venue was spectacular, in a glorious location and the team couldn’t have been more lovely and helpful.""The evening dinner chef and assistant were amazing. The food was varied and delicious every night. They provided excellent service. The venue's location and ground were beautiful.""I loved everything about the retreat! The location, the food, the people, the excursions, and the instructors. Everything was a dream. I was especially impressed and honored by their ability to accommodate my food requirements. They even packed me lunches for our days away so I would be sure to have something to eat. The grounds are beautiful and full of flowers and whispering trees.""Overwhelming! Beautiful room. The pool much appreciated. Fantastic food! Really helpful staff, Tasha and Marie.""Everything was perfect, done to the last detail.""Tasha and Marie and Katie and Scarlet were such a big part of making the retreat so cozy and inviting .... they were always available and welcoming. This retreat was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had and I will remember it fondly. And lastly .... the food was the best I’ve ever had!!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Thank you!!!!""The venue itself was absolutely remarkable, and the hosts went above and beyond to ensure our every need was met. Tasha was so easy to talk to and had a wealth of local knowledge which was valuable. The grounds and immediate area are beautiful to explore whether on foot or bike. It really was a huge bonus that Eymet was within walking distance for use of ATM and pharmacy. The menu from breakfast, lunch and dinner was truly exceptional, offering a first-class dining experience. The local wines were also delicious - with the wine tasting a highlight. Each and every one of the excursions provided was of exceptional quality and added to my overall experience. I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of these outings, as I’m a history geek and they provided a perfect balance between education and time to sketch on location."

## Frequently Asked Questions

Is this retreat available to all levels? This retreat welcomes all levels of experience, though you’ll benefit most if you already have some familiarity with acrylics, oils, and mixed media, as well as Nicola Bennett's work and style of teaching. When is the retreat available?The retreat takes place between September 12 - 19, 2026.Are there any check-in and check-out hours?Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 4:00 PM on September 12, 2026. Check-out is after breakfast on the last day at 9:00 AM, on September 19, 2026.How do I get to the retreat venue?Please plan to arrive at the Gare Bergerac train station. The retreat venue is located approximately a 35-minute drive from Gare Bergerac, the main train station in the area that has a direct connection with Paris. We advise allowing extra time for long-distance international travel. Arriving in France a day before the retreat starts helps mitigate potential issues due to flight delays, allows for rest post-travel, and facilitates adjustment to the new time zone. Private transfers from/to Gare Bergerac train station at prearranged times are included.Please read the Location tab for more information. Please refrain from booking flights until the retreat becomes guaranteed and you are charged for your participation.What’s the weather like in Eymet, France, in September?The weather in Eymet in September is usually mild and cloudy, but pleasant. You can expect average highs of 24°C / 75°F during the day that drop to around 11°C / 52°F at night. However, in recent years, temperatures have varied unpredictably. We recommend you check the weather yourself before your departure and pack accordingly.What should I pack? Please pack appropriate clothing, insect repellent, a raincoat, a swimsuit, sunscreen, a sun hat and sunglasses, a jacket for chilly evenings, comfortable shoes, personal care items, and any personal medication you might need.Can I do laundry while on the retreat?Laundry facilities are available at the retreat venue and you are welcome to use them for free during your stay.What supplies do I need for the workshops?A detailed list of art materials recommended by artist Nicola Bennett will be provided five months before the retreat takes place.Tables with protective covers, chairs, field easels, plein-air chairs, glass jars, paper towels, and fixative paint spray are included and will be available at the venue.Is there a local currency I should acquire before arriving?The currency is the euro. Credit cards are widely accepted in most places. However, it might be a good idea to take out some euros from the ATM at the airport for taxis, small purchases, visiting the market, and tipping. Make sure you notify your bank that you'll be using your card in France.How many people are expected at the retreat?Maximum of 15 participants.I am vegetarian/vegan. Can I book this retreat?Please inform us of any dietary requirements at least one month in advance. We may not be able to accommodate severe, life-threatening allergies. Additionally, we cannot cater to dietary needs announced less than a month before the retreat, switch diets during the retreat, or accommodate last-minute requests made on the spot.Is Wi-Fi available?Yes.Do I need a visa?Guests from the US, Canada, EU, UK, and/or Schengen member states can enter France for tourism without a visa. If this policy changes, we will inform you promptly. For additional assistance, please reach out to us.Are there any age restrictions?There are no restrictions whatsoever. Please keep in mind that you must be 18 years of age to travel independently.What language is used during the workshops and other activities?The retreat is available in English.Can a non-participating guest join me?We do not accommodate non-participants at our retreats. This policy is in place to ensure the creative and immersive nature of our retreats remains intact for all participants.Is the retreat available to guests with limited mobility?Unfortunately, the retreat venue and day trips are not well suited to host people with limited mobility.What happens if I need to cancel?Once the retreat is guaranteed, all payments are final and nonrefundable. Bookings are nonrefundable under any circumstances. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. After your payment is processed, you may purchase insurance through the following link: Purchase insurance. Please review our cancellation policy.Do I need travel insurance?Yes. Since all bookings are nonrefundable, travel insurance is mandatory for all UpTrek travelers. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. We strongly advise that your chosen policy provides cover against lost or delayed baggage, loss of personal belongings, trip cancellation, trip interruption, accidents, illness, injury, medical expenses, death, and emergency repatriation.For your convenience, UpTrek is affiliated with Allianz Travel and is a Registered Travel Retailer under AGA license. Click here to purchase your insurance plan.Please note that UpTrek is not qualified or authorized to answer questions about coverage, benefits, exclusions, or conditions of any Allianz Travel Insurance plan. If you have questions about your plan, please contact Allianz Global Assistance directly at CustomerService@AllianzAssistance.com or by phone at 1-800-284-8300. Be sure to provide the reference code F215276 so Allianz knows you are purchasing protection for an UpTrek trip.We strongly recommend reviewing the terms and conditions of any insurance policy you purchase to fully understand the coverage, benefits, and claims process. We will gladly provide the essential documentation to support refund claims with the insurance provider.Do I have to pay a deposit?No. Once the number of guest reservations reaches the minimum number required for the retreat to become guaranteed, UpTrek charges the guests the cost of the retreat. Guests who reserved will be notified 48 hours in advance that their payment method on file is about to be charged.Will I receive a full refund if the retreat is not guaranteed?UpTrek does not charge the payment method we collect until the retreat becomes guaranteed. Once the retreat is guaranteed, there will be no reimbursement. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements.Will I receive a full refund if the guaranteed retreat is canceled by the artist or by UpTrek?If the retreat is canceled due to force majeure events or circumstances out of UpTrek's and/or the instructor's control, UpTrek will let you know as soon as possible, refund the total cost of the retreat, and help you find another option for your vacation.

## Book This Retreat

👉 **[Reserve your spot on uptrek.com](https://uptrek.com/retreat/abstracted-flavor-painting-inspired-by-the-senses-retreat-artist-nicola-bennett-france#book)** — no deposit required.

See [cancellation policy](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/cancellation-policy) and [travel insurance requirements](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/insurance).

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**Last updated:** 2026-03-10