# Building Your Sketchbook Habit Retreat with Artist Andrew James in France Learn to see the world one sketch at a time on a drawing and watercolor retreat with artist Andrew James in the Loire Valley, France. Andrew will take you from a blank page to a sketchbook you are genuinely proud of, working through pen techniques, watercolor fundamentals, expressive line work, and the art of capturing a place in just a few marks. His teaching is loose, funny, and deeply encouraging. Drawing should be fun; mistakes are your best friends, so there are no rules worth worrying about! You will draw every day, on location and in the studio, with live demonstrations, hands-on exercises, sketching trips into the valley, and one-on-one feedback from Andrew throughout. The retreat is open to all levels of drawing experience. Complement your classes with three half-day trips into the Loire Valley. Sketch the castle at Montreuil-Bellay, draw the bustling stalls of Saumur's market, capture the riverside village of Montsoreau on the page, and bring it all back to the château to develop into finished sketchbook spreads. Stay at a historic 19th-century French château with blooming gardens and charming indoor workshop space. Indulge in delicious meals prepared by a private chef under the supervision of the château's nutritionist, and savor authentic French flavors in a wine-tasting event with a top local Loire Valley sommelier. Spend your free hours by the pool or in the gardens, sketchbook in hand if inspiration strikes. ## Details - **Dates:** June 21 - 28, 2027 - **Location:** Concourson-sur-Layon, France - **Starting Price:** $4,350 - **Currency:** USD - **Status:** open - **Group Size:** Max. 16 students - **Category:** [Painting](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/retreats/painting) · [Browse on uptrek.com](https://uptrek.com/retreats/painting) ## Overview **What's included** 1. Art classes, individual tuition, and demonstrations with artist Andrew James 2. Art studio equipped with: tables, chairs, easels, studio sink, professional studio lights, projector, printer/scanner, Bluetooth speaker, plein-air chairs, plein-air tables, glass jars, and paper towels 3. 7 nights of accommodation at a stunning private 19th century French château, in the heart of the Loire Valley 4. Exclusive use of the entire property with living quarters, common areas, outdoor workshop spaces, indoor art studio, a heated pool, private gardens, fruit orchard, and terraces 5. All meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners carefully prepared by a private chef under the supervision of the château’s nutritionist 6. All diets catered for, including vegetarian, vegan, diabetic, gluten-free, and lactose-free 7. Delicious welcome and farewell dinners 8. Cheese boards with a selection of fine French cheeses accompanying the three-course dinners 9. Plentiful, local French wine served during dinner service every day 10. A complimentary wine-tasting event at the château before dinner, with the top local sommelier, who has spent six years in the UK working with Gordon Ramsay before moving back to his native Loire 11. Tea, coffee, water, and afternoon snacks available throughout the day 12. Half-day art trip to Montreuil-Bellay, with opportunities for painting and sketching on location 13. Visit to Château de Montreuil-Bellay, with entrance tickets included 14. Half-day art trip to Montsoreau village, with opportunities for painting and sketching on location 15. Half-day art trip to Saumur, with opportunities for painting and sketching on location 16. Time at the Saumur market during your half-day trip 17. Private transportation and chaperone for all planned trips and activities 18. Round-trip transfers to/from Angers (St. Laud) train station at prearranged times 19. All local tourist taxes and fees 20. A dedicated UpTrek retreat coordinator available throughout the whole retreat 21. Fully staffed venue with lovely hosts, drivers, cleaning and maintenance staff, and chef and kitchen staff 22. Access to a private Facebook group with Andrew James and other retreat participants four months before the retreat takes place **Not included** - Airfare - Travel insurance - Art materials — a full list of art materials recommended by artist Andrew James will be sent five months before the retreat takes place - Tips for staff — tipping is customary in France - Other expenses guests might incur on their own ## Program ### Building Your Sketchbook Habit Retreat Explore the art of travel sketching on an inspiring retreat with artist Andrew James in the picturesque Loire Valley of France. During this retreat, Andrew will walk you through his approachable, on-location sketching method from the ground up, helping you build a travel sketchbook filled with pen and watercolor observations from your week in France. Working from life, Andrew will demonstrate his unique way of capturing a place through quick, expressive drawing. Enjoy daily classes, demonstrations, one-on-one feedback, and hands-on experience with Andrew's playful approach to pen and watercolor, learning how to loosen up, embrace imperfection, and work confidently on location. The retreat is open to all levels of drawing experience. An included online course in hand lettering will be sent to you a few months before the retreat, so you have time to practice and build a solid lettering foundation. Complement your classes with three half-day trips into the Loire Valley. Sketch the castle at Montreuil-Bellay, draw the bustling stalls of Saumur's market, capture the riverside village of Montsoreau on the page, and bring it all back to the château to develop into finished sketchbook spreads. **Some of the topics covered during your classes with Andrew include:** - Overcoming the fear of a blank page through warm-up doodling exercises - Embracing mistakes and learning how to turn them into stronger drawings - How to set up a working station for sketching on location - Learning a simple color-mixing system for confident watercolor washes - Practicing brush and water control to build foundational watercolor skills - Creating quick mini-snapshot sketches to capture a place and its atmosphere - Drawing with loose, expressive proportions, free from rules and expectations - Turning a loose sketch into a finished piece by layering in color - Mixing a flexible three-pigment palette using color-triangle mixing - Capturing people in motion in a lively setting - Sketching food and drink to convey the flavors and essence of a place - …and many more! Your home for the week will be a historic 19th-century French château. Your classes will take place indoors, in the château's well-lit studio. Indulge in delicious meals prepared by a private chef and under the supervision of the château’s nutritionist. Taste authentic French flavors in a wine-tasting event with a top local sommelier native to the Loire Valley, and savor a selection of artisanal French cheeses in delightful cheese platters accompanying each dinner. ### Day 1: Arrival Arrive at Angers (St. Laud) train station with enough time to catch the 4:00 PM group transfer, arriving at the beautiful château by 5:00 PM. Upon arrival, you will meet artist Andrew James, your instructor for the week, as well as your fellow creatives. After settling into your comfortable room, take part in a lovely orientation tour to get familiar with the impressive estate, including its picturesque gardens, serene woodlands, historic salon, and cozy library. In the evening, join Andrew and the group for a special welcome dinner. Indulge in a delicious, three-course meal accompanied by a glass of aromatic French wine and delightful cheese platters. ### Day 2: Classes at the venue Enjoy a hearty breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, then gather in the studio for your first art class of the retreat. Andrew will kick off the class with some warm-up doodling exercises, helping you start your travel sketchbook and get over the fear of a blank page. Test out the mediums you will be working with and doodle your name and contact details. You will learn how to make good lines using different types of pens in a low-pressure environment, free of rules and worries, that will encourage you and get your creativity flowing. After a leisurely lunch, return to the studio for another art session in the afternoon. This workshop will focus on embracing your mistakes and becoming best friends with them. Andrew will teach you the proper way to make mistakes and how to use them to create better drawings. You will also learn how to set up your working station for on-location sketching, preparing for tomorrow's exciting trip to Montsoreau Village. Step outside into the venue's vast gardens for an observational drawing session, making quick doodles and sketches of the surrounding nature as you wander the estate grounds. As the class comes to an end, enjoy some spare time to unwind before dinner. Gather with Andrew and your fellow artists for a delightful three-course dinner prepared by the private chef and accompanied by a cheese board of fine French cheeses and a glass of local wine, sharing first impressions from the first full day at the retreat. ### Day 3: Art trip to Montsoreau Village Fuel up with a delicious breakfast and a fresh cup of coffee, then gather your sketching supplies and head out for the first adventure of the retreat: a half-day trip to Montsoreau Village. After a 1-hour scenic drive past the rolling hills and sun-drenched vineyards of the French countryside, you will arrive at the quaint riverside village of Montsoreau. Perched on the banks of the Loire River, this town offers plenty of inspiration for your travel sketchbook. Stroll through the village's narrow alleys and look for rustic French windows that pique your interest. Sketch their intricate details in your sketchbook or take reference photos to use back at the studio, creating a small collection of traditional windows from Montsoreau. Return to the venue for a delicious lunch, then continue the day with another class in the afternoon. During this class, Andrew will introduce you to watercolor, teaching you his color-mixing system and how to think about painting. You will practice brush and water control, as well as get started on simple washes, learning the foundations of watercolor painting. Step outside into the venue's expansive gardens and collect the colors that surround you, matching them in your sketchbook and creating a color pallette inspired by the surrounding French countryside. Take some time to recharge before gathering for a wholesome three-course dinner prepared by the private chef and paired with a glass of local French wine and a board of fine French cheeses. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and lively conversations, and share impressions from another day full of inspiration. ### Day 4: Art trip to Montreuil-Bellay After a generous breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, gather your painting supplies and head out for a half-day trip to Montreuil-Bellay, a medieval town located only a 18-minute drive away from the venue. One of the last fortified towns of the Anjou region, Montreuil-Bellay has a rich history and culture, dating back to 15th-century France. Walk through the cobbled streets of the town and get transported to medieval times, surrounded by Gothic architecture and the imposing castle of Montreuil-Bellay. Enjoy a visit to the castle and take part in a mini-snapshots exercise, making quick sketches of the castle and its surrounding views. Andre will be there to guide you through this exercise, helping you put into practice your on-location painting skills. Return to the venue for a nourishing lunch, then continue your series of mini snapshots in another afternoon art class. Work from the reference photos and sketches of the morning's trip, or start another series of mini snapshots inspired by the venue, capturing the estate grounds and surrounding countryside in quick pen and watercolor sketches. As the class comes to an end, take some time to unwind in the late afternoon. Gather with Andrew and your fellow artists for a chef-prepared dinner accompanied by a glass of local wine and a board of delightful French cheeses. ### Day 5: Classes at the venue Savor a warm breakfast and a fresh cup of coffee, then join Andrew and your fellow creatives in the bright studio. The morning workshop will be focused on drawing with loose proportions, stretching the truth and embracing expressiveness without getting too caught up in details and rules. Use the reference materials from the exciting trips you've taken so far, or get inspired by the venue's beautiful surroundings and depict the atmosphere and spirit of a place and expressive, loose shapes, letting go of any rules or expectations and just embracing the process. After a relaxed lunch, continue the afternoon with another art session. During this class, you will turn your drawing from the morning into a finished piece by adding color. Practice the watercolor basics you have learned in the previous days, working with a flexible palette of just three pigments and experimenting with color triangle-mixing. As the class winds down, take some time to recharge in the late afternoon. Sit down to a nourishing three-course dinner prepared by the private chef and paired with a glass of the Loire Valley’s celebrated regional wine and some local French cheeses, trading insights and impressions from the day. ### Day 6: Art trip to Saumur & wine-tasting event Kick off the day with a wholesome breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, then gather your sketching supplies for the last adventure of the retreat: a half-day trip to the medieval town of Saumur. As you walk along this riverside town shaped by pale limestone, iron balconies, and steep rooftops, stop by the local market bustling with local produce, fresh flowers, and people. Put into practice everything you have learned throughout the week and capture the vibrant market in your travel sketchbook, focusing on drawing people in motion. Andrew will be there to guide you and offer support if needed. Head back to the venue for a satisfying lunch, then dive into another afternoon session. This class will focus on drawing foods and drinks. Use the reference material and sketches from your trips and depict the flavors and essence of French cuisine in watercolor and pen. After some leisure time, take the class on foods and drinks further into the late afternoon with a complimentary wine-tasting event at the château, led by a top local sommelier who spent six years working alongside chef Gordon Ramsay before returning to his native Loire. Sketch if you feel inspired, capturing this memory in your travel sketchbook. Sit down to a nourishing three-course dinner prepared by the private chef and paired with a glass of the Loire Valley’s celebrated regional wine and some local French cheeses, trading insights and impressions from the day. ### Day 7: Classes at the venue Settle in with a filling breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, ready to make every brushstroke count on your final full day. Spend the morning finishing your paintings and polishing your sketchbook with Andrew’s support, refining any last details and touch-ups. Andrew will also encourage you to take the art practice that you have developed throughout this week beyond the retreat, starting with your trip back home. He will give you micro-assignments for your way back, such as drawing on the train back to Paris, sketching your coffee at the airport or the window view from your airplane. After a leisurely lunch, gather with Andrew and your fellow artists for a celebratory mini-exhibition and closing circle. Display your travel sketchbook and show glimpses of your week in France. Flip through your fellow artists' sketchbooks, exchanging feedback and ideas and seeing how everyone experienced this week in such different and unique ways. As evening falls, take some time to freshen up before dinner, then gather for one last farewell dinner prepared by the in-house chef and paired with aromatic wine, raising a glass to the artistic discoveries made and unforgettable memories! ### Day 8: Departure Enjoy a final breakfast with Andrew and your fellow artists before it's time to part ways. Exchange any last contacts, then get ready for your 8:00 AM transfer to Angers (St. Laud) train station. You will arrive at the train station at around 9:00 AM. As you make your way back home, take with you a heart brimming with inspiration and lasting memories. ## Instructors - [Andrew James](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/andrew-james) — Artist, illustrator, and educator ## Accommodation ### Historic French Château Your home for the retreat with artist Andrew James will be a 19th-century château nestled in the romantic Loire countryside. You'll have the unique opportunity to stay at a magnificent estate and step back into history, surrounded by the lush greenery of its vineyards. The estate has three beautifully restored buildings: the main 19th-century château, a rustic coach house, and a cozy farm cottage. Each building exudes elegance and comfort, featuring ornate ceilings, period woodwork, and tiled floors, all while preserving their original charm. The rooms at this stunning venue can be shared or single, and they are distributed across these three buildings. Indulge in the unique indoor amenities that include a large library brimming with books, a period salon for intimate gatherings, and a games room equipped with a pool table, all found in the main château. The coach house and the farm cottage have their own common rooms as well. Outdoors, you'll find manicured French gardens, a heated swimming pool, and airy terraces. These peaceful spots are perfect for inspiring chats with fellow artists or taking in the fairytale atmosphere. Your classes will take place outdoors, on the covered deck, or on the shaded pergolas. Indoors, a spacious, bright studio awaits; it is located in the central courtyard and benefits from plenty of natural light. Please note that the retreat is not suitable for participants with limited mobility - the upper floor rooms are only accessible via stairs, and the art trips will involve plenty of walking on uneven, cobbled streets. As the venue is located in the French countryside, expect some insects during your stay. Since the venue is not equipped with window screens (to preserve its original architecture), some insects may come into your room if you leave the windows open. ### Shared room with shared bathroom One double room with a shared bathroom is available for shared occupancy. You will share this room with another same-gender participant. The room also shares its shower bathroom with one other single occupancy room, meaning that three retreat participants will be sharing the spacious bathroom. Located in the farm cottage on the second floor, the room features two comfortable twin beds with delicate woodwork and beautiful beams supporting the high domed ceiling. Participants staying at the farm cottage also have shared access to the living room and a fully-equipped kitchen, as well as a charming terrace. ### Shared standard ensuite room Three standard ensuite rooms are available for shared occupancy. Each room is shared between two same-gender participants. Two of the rooms are located in the coach house (on the first and second floor), while the other one is located on the second floor of the château. The rooms feature private ensuite shower bathrooms, comfortable twin beds, and tall French windows with gorgeous views of the courtyard. Participants staying in these rooms will also have access to the shared spaces of the coach house, and respectively, the château, as well as the outdoor terrace. ### Shared superior ensuite room One superior ensuite room is available for shared occupancy. You will share this room with another same-gender participant. Located on the top floor of the château, the room features an ensuite shower bathroom and two comfortable double-sized beds, as well as access to shared living room and the dining areas of the château. The room has tall French windows overlooking the beautiful gardens of the venue and a shared outdoor terrace. ### Single room with shared bathroom One room with a shared bathroom is available for single occupancy. You will have this room all to yourself and share the shower bathroom with two other retreat participants. Located in the farm cottage on the second floor, this room shares a large bathroom with another double occupancy room down the hall; three guests will be sharing the spacious shower bathroom in the farm cottage. The room itself is furnished with a comfortable double bed and features original wooden beams and charming decorations. Participants staying at the farm cottage also have shared access to the living room and a fully-equipped kitchen, as well as a charming terrace. ### Single standard ensuite room Two standard ensuite rooms are available for single occupancy. These rooms are located on the second floor of the coach house. They are spacious and feature double beds and ensuite bathrooms, as well as access to the shared spaces of the coach house, such as a living room, a dining area, and an outdoor terrace. ### Single superior ensuite room One superior ensuite room is available for single occupancy. Located on the second floor of the château, this bright room offers a spacious double bed for your comfort. Tall windows frame picturesque views of the enchanting French gardens below. Ensuiring convenience and privacy, this room features an ensuite bathroom and access to the shared spaces of the château, such as the living room, the library, the dininga area, and the outdoor terrace. ### Single deluxe suite Two single deluxe suites are available for single occupancy. Located on the second and top floor of the château, these rooms feature a double- or king-sized bed. They have ensuite bathrooms with a tub and a separate shower and feature access to the shared spaces of the château, such as the living room, the library, the dininga area, and the outdoor terrace. ## Food No trip to France is complete without a tour of its culinary heritage. During your retreat with Andrew James, you'll be treated to an authentic gastronomic journey that will delight your senses. Each morning, wake up to a delicious breakfast buffet brimming with freshly baked bread, croissants, a variety of local cheeses, eggs, and the essential cup of tea or coffee. During lunch, enjoy a light two-course meal featuring creamy soups, fresh salads, sandwiches, baked tarts, or other French staples. Dinner is a three-course feast, perfectly complemented by aromatic local French wine. Moreover, you'll learn why the Loire Valley is one of France's most celebrated wine regions with a unique wine-tasting event. The experience will be led by a top local sommelier who refined his skills working alongside none other than chef Gordon Ramsay before returning to his native Loire. Your retreat includes all meals, afternoon snacks, artisanal cheese platters, wine during dinner service, and a selection of tea, coffee, and water available throughout the day. All meals will be prepared under the supervision of the venue's nutritionist. 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. For more details on the food offerings during the retreat, see the section below. The menu may vary based on the availability of seasonal ingredients. ## Getting There The retreat with artist Andrew James will take place in the heart of France's picturesque Loire Valley. This stunning region will provide ample inspiration for your paintings, thanks to its magnificent châteaux (castles), sprawling vineyards, historic towns, and scenic landscapes. The Loire Valley is one of France's foremost wine regions, and its lush valleys have earned it the title of "The Garden of France". During your retreat, you'll visit Château de Montreuil-Bellay, an imposing medieval castle located an 18-minute drive from the retreat venue. Saumur, the birthplace of Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel, is a mere 15 miles from the venue, boasting a vibrant local market. Another 1-hour drive away, Montsoreau Village awaits with its rustic architecture and cobble-stoned streets. Just 25 miles away, you'll find Angers, the transfer pick-up/drop-off point. Check-in at the retreat venue starts at 4:00 PM on June 21, 2027, and check-out is after breakfast on June 28, 2027, by 8:00 AM. **Please note that we cannot accommodate early check-ins and late check-out requests, so we kindly ask that you plan your arrival and departure accordingly.** **We strongly recommend planning more time for long-distance international travel. It is best to arrive in France a day before the retreat starts to prevent any inconveniences caused by potential flight delays, rest after the long travel, and adjust to the new time zone.** Please refrain from booking flights until the retreat has been guaranteed and you have been charged for your participation. To be transferred to the retreat venue, please arrive at the Angers (St. Laud) train station. **How to get to Angers (St. Laud) train station:** The best (quickest and most affordable) option is to fly to Paris and catch a train to Angers (St. Laud) train station from Gare Montparnasse Paris. It's a very pleasant, direct train journey (1 hour, 40 minutes). Please keep in mind that the journey from the Paris (CDG) Airport to Gare Montparnasse Paris train station takes 1 hour by train. Another convenient option is to fly to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Airport and take a direct TGV train from the airport terminal (Roissy–CDG 2 TGV) to Angers (St. Laud) train station. This is a comfortable and straightforward journey that takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes on average, with no need to transfer into the city. Please note that while this route may be slightly more expensive than taking the train from Gare Montparnasse, it avoids the need to travel across Paris with luggage and may save time depending on your arrival. **You can book train tickets to Angers (St. Laud) train station from one of the following:** - [https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/](https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/) - [https://www.thetrainline.com/en/train-times/paris-to-angers-st-laud](https://www.thetrainline.com/en/train-times/paris-to-angers-st-laud) - [https://www.omio.com/trains](https://www.omio.com/trains) **How to get from Angers (St. Laud) train station to the retreat venue:** Private transfers at prearranged times to and from Angers (St. Laud) train station are included. The transfer journey to the retreat venue takes approximately one hour. - Arrival transfer: **June 21, 2027 ⁠— 4:00 PM** (leaving from Angers (St. Laud) train station, arriving at the retreat venue around 5:00 PM) - Departure transfer: **June 28, 2027 — 8:00 AM** (leaving from the retreat venue, arriving at Angers (St. Laud) train station around 9:00 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 or Angers before and/or after the retreat, and catch the transfer shuttles from/to Angers (St. Laud) train station - Grab a taxi to the retreat venue (address: Château de la Vigne, La Croix Patron, 49700 Concourson-sur-Layon, France, approximately 160 EUR/170 USD per way from Angers. Please note that taxi fares may vary.) ## Reviews **Reviews of previous UpTrek retreats at this venue:** - "The venue exceeded my expectations. From the quietude and beauty of the property to May's wonderful meals, everything was wonderful. Guy, May, and Roger have my highest recommendation as hosts. And my thanks to \*you\*, Ana (UpTrek), for so seamlessly facilitating all the details. I felt very comfortable going into the trip because of all the prep beforehand." - "Perfect. Great food, fab hosts, great learning opportunities in an ideal location." - "From the arrival to departure my needs were met and my learning was vast. I have to mention the fun had by me and the relationships we made. I would go to this retreat again in a heartbeat! Food was wonderful and May, Guy, and Roger were the best." - "Well planned and executed. Everyone helped/supported/encouraged everyone else." - "Gracious hosts, delicious food, comfortable accommodations, friendly participants, fun field trips, and fabulous art instruction." - "I know it sounds dramatic but this trip was everything I hoped it would be and so much more. To begin with, the venue was lovely. May and Guy were fantastic hosts and May is an incredible chef. The meals were outstanding as was their hospitality. Thank you for helping to make everything up front go smoothly. I’m back to reality now but have wonderful memories 😊" - "May and Guy were great hosts. I have never been so looked after dietary wise thanks to May’s excellent cooking skills. Also thank you to you Ana, you have always been very responsive and friendly thereby making it an easier journey for us all." ## Frequently Asked Questions **Is this retreat available to all levels?** The retreat is open to all levels of experience, though you’ll benefit most if you have some familiarity with the mediums, as well as with Andrew James' work and style of teaching. **When is the retreat available?** The retreat with artist Andrew James takes place between June 21 - 28, 2027. **Are there any check-in and check-out hours?** Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 4:00 PM on June 21, 2027. Check-out is after breakfast on the last day at 8:00 AM, on June 28, 2027. **Please note that we cannot accommodate early check-ins and late check-out requests, so we kindly ask that you plan your arrival and departure accordingly.** **Is Wi-Fi available?** Yes. **I am vegetarian/vegan. Can I book this retreat?** Yes. However, 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. **How do I get to the retreat venue?** Round-trip train station transfers from/to Angers (St. Laud) train station at prearranged times are included. The arrival transfer on the first day of the retreat leaves at 4:00 PM from Angers (St. Laud) train station, and the departure transfer on the last day leaves for Angers (St. Laud) train station at 8:00 AM, arriving at the train station a little before 9:00 AM. The retreat venue is located an hour's drive from Angers (St. Laud) train station. The TGV train journey from Paris to Angers takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. For more information, please read the [Location tab](https://uptrek.com/retreat/building-your-sketchbook-habit-retreat-artist-andrew-james-france#location). Please hold off booking any flights or trains until the retreat becomes guaranteed and you have been charged for your participation. **What should I pack?** Please pack appropriate clothing, sunscreen, a swimsuit, insect repellent, a cardigan for chilly evenings, comfortable shoes, a sun hat and sunglasses, 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 Andrew James will be provided five months before the retreat takes place. Tables, chairs, easels, studio sink, professional studio lights, projector, printer/scanner, Bluetooth speaker, plein-air chairs, plein-air tables, glass jars, and paper towels are included and will be available at the venue. **Students are responsible for bringing their own art supplies, based on the instructor's recommended list.** **What’s the weather like in Doué-en-Anjou in late June?** The weather in late June in Doué-en-Anjou, the closest town to the retreat venue, is usually sunny and pleasant. You can expect average highs of 29°C / 84°F during the day that drop to around 12°C / 54°F at night. In recent years, however, temperatures have varied unpredictably. It is a good idea to check the weather yourself before your departure to the retreat and to pack accordingly. **How many people are to be expected at the retreat?** Maximum 16 participants. **Do I need a visa?** Guests traveling from the US, Canada, EU, UK, and/or Schengen member states may enter France for tourist purposes without a visa. If this policy changes, we will inform you promptly. For additional assistance, please reach out to us. **What language is used during the retreat and other activities?** The retreat is available in English. **Are there any age restrictions?** The retreat is open to anyone aged over 18. **Is the retreat available to guests with limited mobility?** There will be plenty of walking on uneven, cobbled streets during the trips; the trips may not be suitable to participants with low or limited mobility. **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. **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](https://uptrek.com/protect-your-trip). Please review our [cancellation policy.](https://uptrek.com/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.](https://uptrek.com/protect-your-trip) 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](mailto: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 cancelled by the instructor 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/building-your-sketchbook-habit-retreat-artist-andrew-james-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). --- **Canonical URL:** https://uptrek.com/retreat/building-your-sketchbook-habit-retreat-artist-andrew-james-france **Last updated:** 2026-09-07