# Create With Confidence - Landscape Painting in Watercolor Retreat with Artist Oliver Pyle in France Join English landscape painter Oliver Pyle on a watercolor retreat in the Loire Valley region of France. Through Olly's program of essential techniques, you will develop the skills and confidence to create your own paintings from the landscape around you. Confidence is a vital ingredient in watercolor painting, and it is built in the foundations of practice and sound technique. Those beginning their painting journey will gain confidence in approaching the landscape and building familiarity with the watercolor medium, while those with more experience will find new techniques and fresh ideas to help them progress. Throughout the retreat, Olly will provide in-depth demonstrations and hands-on exercises combined with one-on-one guidance, drawing on decades of landscape painting experience to help you grow as a painter, whatever your level of experience. Complement your art classes with inspiring trips to the historic town of Saumur and the spectacular gardens of Château de Villandry, a grand country house celebrated for its extraordinary contemporary garden design. Sketch the Loire River views and medieval architecture of Saumur with your sketchbook in hand, and paint your way through the Château's seven remarkable gardens, using the formal geometry, layered terraces, ornamental planting, and seasonal color as inspiration for your landscape compositions back in the studio. Stay at a historic 19th-century French château with blooming gardens and both indoor and outdoor workshop spaces. 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. ## Details - **Dates:** May 14 - 21, 2027 - **Location:** Concourson-sur-Layon, France - **Starting Price:** $4,300 - **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 Oliver Pyle 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. Full-day art trip to Château de Villandry, with opportunities for painting and sketching on location 13. Half-day art trip to Saumur, with a visit to Château de Saumur and opportunities for painting and sketching on-location 14. Private transportation and chaperone for all planned trips and activities 15. Round-trip transfers to/from Angers (St. Laud) train station at prearranged times 16. All local tourist taxes and fees 17. A dedicated UpTrek retreat coordinator available throughout the whole retreat 18. Fully staffed venue with lovely hosts, drivers, cleaning and maintenance staff, and chef and kitchen staff 19. Access to a private Facebook group with Oliver Pyle 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 Oliver Pyle 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 ### Watercolor Landscape Retreat Join artist Oliver Pyle on a watercolor retreat at a French château in the Loire Valley region of France. Through Olly's program of essential landscape painting techniques, you will develop the skills and confidence to create your own paintings from the world around you. Olly is known for his ability to teach mixed-experience groups and will work with you individually, helping beginners gain confidence in approaching the landscape while giving experienced painters new techniques and fresh ideas to push their work forward. For this retreat, Olly will build your work around four foundations that are essential to any successful landscape painting. You will develop the art of "Landscape Looking," learning how to observe, find subjects that inspire you, and decide what to paint. You will explore how to manage detail, knowing when to include it and when to simplify a complex subject down to its essentials. You will discover how to paint with real impact, using techniques that help your work capture a moment and hold attention. And you will learn to translate what you see in the field into confident, expressive paintings back in the studio. Throughout the retreat, you will explore the key components of landscape painting not by copying follow-along demonstrations, but by building a toolkit of watercolor techniques that empower you to paint the scenes that inspire you. Using sketches, photographs, on-location studies, and studio work, you will grow your skills in everything from color mixing and brushwork to understanding timing, managing edges, and controlling wash sequences. Complement your art classes with inspiring trips to the historic town of Saumur and the spectacular gardens of Château de Villandry, a grand country house celebrated for its extraordinary contemporary garden design. Sketch the Loire River views and medieval architecture of Saumur with your sketchbook in hand, and paint your way through the Château's seven remarkable gardens, drawing inspiration from the formal geometry, layered terraces, ornamental planting, and seasonal color to fuel your landscape compositions back in the studio. You will also paint en plein air in the beautiful grounds of the venue itself, putting your techniques to the test against a real scene. Throughout the retreat, you will paint alongside 15 fellow artists with different backgrounds and experience levels. Share ideas and inspiration as you work together, and find the space to explore and develop your own way of seeing and painting the landscape. **Some of the topics you'll cover include:** - Learning techniques to paint key landscape elements with confidence, from skies and water to buildings, vistas, foregrounds, and trees - How to paint and sketch outdoors on location, gathering information through sketches and photographs - Creating depth in your work through an understanding of linear, aerial, chromatic, and atmospheric perspective - Developing skills that give your paintings real impact - Finding inspiration directly from the landscape, from expansive views to foreground details - Understanding how to observe and translate the multi-sensory experience of a landscape into a painting - Simplifying complex subjects and managing the balance between realism and impressionism - Choosing the right color palette for your subject - Translating your sketches into finished paintings - Finding individuality and painting the way you want to paint - ...and many more. Your home for the week will be a historic 19th-century French château. Your art classes will take place both indoors and outdoors, surrounded by blooming gardens, open skies, and the layered charm of the château. 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 Oliver Pyle, 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 Olly 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 Wake up to the smell of freshly baked bread and enjoy a hearty breakfast paired with a warm cup of coffee. Join Olly and your fellow artists for a quick morning check-in with the venue hosts before jumping into the first workshop of the retreat. The morning begins with an introduction to landscape sketching, where Oliver will cover essential materials, approaches, and techniques to help you feel grounded and prepared. You'll explore how to select your tools, plan your composition, and sketch with clarity and confidence. After the introduction, step outside to sketch on the property. With Oliver’s guidance, you’ll begin observing the surrounding landscape and experimenting with ways to translate what you see into your sketchbook. Pause midday to share a leisurely lunch, exchanging insights and recharging for the afternoon. In the afternoon, the focus shifts to improving your drawing technique. Oliver will guide you through exercises on measurement, proportion comparison, and perspective. You’ll practice simplifying what you see into basic shapes and understanding how to build a strong structure within your drawings. These studies continue around the property, allowing you to apply what you’ve learned in different settings and from multiple viewpoints. As the workshop comes to an end, take some time to rest and reset before dinner. Savor a delightful three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef and paired with a glass of fragrant French wine. ### Day 3: Art trip to Saumur Start the day with a wholesome breakfast and fresh coffee before setting out with Oliver for the trip to Saumur. Walk through this riverside town shaped by pale limestone, iron balconies, steep rooftops, and narrow streets that open onto views of the Loire. With Olly's guidance, spend the morning focused on inspiration and observation, using a series of short studies to capture what draws your eye. Sketch the Château de Saumur's Gothic-style architecture and fortified walls, the play of light on pale stone facades, the river stretching below the ramparts, and the rooftops stacking up the hillside. Olly will help you notice contrasts, movement in the streetscape, how architectural elements interact across the space, and where the strongest compositions are hiding. Use your camera to collect reference images that extend your visual memory, paying close attention to how the composition shifts across different angles and scales. Return to the venue for a relaxed lunch, then spend the rest of the afternoon back in the art studio. This afternoon workshop will be focused on landscape painting at the venue. The focus turns to simplification. Oliver will show you how to combine your sketches and photographs into clear, useful references for painting. He will then introduce a pen-and-wash approach, where structured ink drawings support light, expressive watercolor layers. Through this method, you’ll explore how to reduce visual complexity while still conveying atmosphere, space, and light in a small, focused study. Take some time to relax and reset in the late afternoon, then gather with Helen and the group for a satisfying three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef. Enjoy a glass of fragrant wine and reflect on the joyful moments of today. ### Day 4: Classes at the venue Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before gathering your brushes for a day of creative exploration. The morning begins with focused studio work. Oliver will guide you through the process of developing your location sketches into more refined visual studies. Learn how to assess what works, identify areas to strengthen, and make thoughtful adjustments to enhance clarity and expression. Alongside this, you'll explore how to curate a sketchbook journal: organizing your drawings, color notes, and written reflections into a cohesive and personal record of your creative process. This journal becomes both a reference and a source of ongoing inspiration. Take time midday to pause, reflecting on new ideas over a relaxed lunch. In the afternoon, return to the studio to begin developing one of your sketches into a larger watercolor painting. Oliver will walk you through each step, from transferring your drawing to watercolor paper to planning your color palette and approach. Work from broad washes toward finer details, learning how to maintain energy and movement in your painting while introducing clarity and structure. Expand on your initial impressions and let your interpretation of the landscape come to life on a larger scale. As the class comes to an end, take some time to rest and unwind in the late afternoon. Join Olly and your fellow artists for a satisfying three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef. Indulge in a glass of fragrant wine and reflect on the joyful moments of today. ### Day 5: Art trip to Château de Villandry Enjoy a delightful breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, then gather with the venue hosts for a quick check-in before your first trip of the retreat. You will head to Château de Villandry, a Renaissance castle built in 1536 for a finance minister to King Francis I and celebrated for six spectacular gardens spread across the Loire Valley countryside. Grab your sketchbook and camera and follow Olly as he opens with a 30-minute watercolor sketch demonstration, showing how to work quickly with strong shapes, simplified color, confident edges, and decisive brushwork. Then it is your turn. Find a subject that draws you in, whether that is the geometric patterns of the Ornamental Garden, the way light falls across the terraces, the Water Garden's still surface reflecting the sky, or the château itself towering above it all, and create your own 30-minute sketch on location. This exercise will build your speed and sharpen your eye, teaching you to trust your observations and respond directly to the scene. Wander through the decorative Kitchen Garden, where nine geometric squares of cabbages, leeks, chard, and bright-colored vegetables line up by color and texture behind low box hedging, and breathe in the medieval Herb Garden, where over forty varieties of sage, thyme, rosemary, lavender, and mint grow in neat squares. Keep your sketchbook moving the whole time, because every path, every hedge, every bloom, every shift in color is worth a quick study. Refuel with a leisurely picnic lunch packed from the venue, then spend the afternoon exploring the rest of the Château's grounds with a different eye. Sketch loosely or snap detailed reference photos of whatever catches your attention, collecting material for future paintings back in the studio. Olly will be right there offering suggestions on composition and visual storytelling, helping you spot the details worth capturing for your studio work. Wind down with some free time back at the venue before gathering with your fellow artists for a hearty three-course dinner prepared by your private chef and paired with a glass of local French wine, swapping sketchbook pages and stories from a day spent painting through some of the most extraordinary gardens in France. ### Day 6: Classes at the venue & wine-tasting event Begin the morning with a warm breakfast, then step into the studio where Oliver will be waiting, brushes in hand, ready to guide you through a full day of painting drawn from your own vision. The morning begins with a focused studio painting session. Choose a sketch that still holds energy for you and begin scaling it up into a larger, more developed work. Oliver will show you how to transfer the structure to watercolor paper and prepare your composition for a finished piece. You’ll work gradually, beginning with broad washes before moving into more refined areas of color and detail. Throughout the session, Oliver will be available to offer individual guidance, helping you maintain the spirit of the original while expanding its presence and depth. Take a break midday for lunch, step outside for a breath, then return when you're ready to keep going. The afternoon continues in the studio. Build on the painting you began earlier, adjusting value, layering color, and refining shapes as your work comes into focus. Oliver will be close by, offering coaching as needed, helping you resolve any areas that feel uncertain, and encouraging you to stay connected to your own visual voice. If you prefer a change of setting, feel free to step outside with your sketchbook or a small block and respond quickly to the afternoon light. Enjoy some spare time to reset and recharge in the late afternoon. As the evening approaches, take part in a wine-tasting event before dinner with a top local sommelier who spent six years in the UK working with Gordon Ramsay before moving back to his native Loire. Savor a selection of fine aromatic wines, tasting the authentic flavors of France. Gather with Olly and the group for a delicious three-course dinner prepared by the private chef, soaking in the lovely conversations and cozy atmosphere. ### Day 7: Classes at the venue Wake to the soft light of morning and enjoy a peaceful breakfast before stepping into the studio, where Oliver will be ready to guide you through your final full day of painting. The morning will focus on finishing touches. Return to paintings that need final adjustments or refinements. Whether you're resolving specific areas, adjusting color, or strengthening composition, Oliver will be there to support your decisions and help clarify any remaining questions. Bring your work to a satisfying conclusion, adding what’s needed to complete each piece with confidence and care. After lunch, return for the group’s closing exhibition and feedback session. Lay your work out across the tables or place it where the light is best. Take time to look around the room and see how the week has taken shape through each person’s paintings. Oliver will lead a relaxed conversation, offering insights, answering questions, and inviting you to share your own thoughts if you feel moved to. Reflect, acknowledge progress, and gather ideas for what comes next in your painting journey. Enjoy some leisure time to unwind and reset before dinner. Savor a delightful farewell three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef and paired with a glass of fine local wine. Reflect on the week’s creative discoveries and joyful moments! ### Day 8: Departure Enjoy a final breakfast with Olly 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 - [Oliver Pyle](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/oliver-pyle) — Watercolor Artist ## Accommodation ### Historic French Château Your home for the retreat with artist Oliver Pyle 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 (female only) 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 Oliver Pyle, 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. During your full-day trip to Château de Villandry, you'll enjoy a packed lunch prepared by the private chef at the venue. 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 Oliver Pyle 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 Villandry, a Renaissance-era castle famous for its architecture and expansive gardens, found 50 miles away from the retreat venue. Saumur, the birthplace of Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel, is a mere 15 miles from the venue, boasting a magnificent château and a vibrant local culture. 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 May 14, 2027, and check-out is after breakfast on May 21, 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: **May 14, 2027 ⁠— 4:00 PM** (leaving from Angers (St. Laud) train station, arriving at the retreat venue around 5:00 PM) - Departure transfer: **May 21, 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 art retreat with Oliver Pyle is suitable for participants of all experience levels. **When is the retreat available?** The retreat with artist Oliver Pyle takes place between May 14 - 21, 2027. **Are there any check-in and check-out hours?** Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 4:00 PM on May 14, 2027. Check-out is after breakfast on the last day at 8:00 AM, on May 21, 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/create-with-confidence-landscape-watercolor-retreat-artist-oliver-pyle-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 Oliver Pyle 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, paper towels are included and will be available at the venue. **Students are responsible for bringing their own art supplies, based on the instructors' recommended list.** **What’s the weather like in Doué-en-Anjou in May?** The weather in May in Doué-en-Anjou, the closest town to the retreat venue, is usually sunny and pleasant. You can expect average highs of 20°C / 68°F during the day that drop to around 9°C / 46°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 instructors or by UpTrek?** If the retreat is canceled due to force majeure events or circumstances out of UpTrek's and/or the instructors' 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/create-with-confidence-landscape-watercolor-retreat-artist-oliver-pyle-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/create-with-confidence-landscape-watercolor-retreat-artist-oliver-pyle-france **Last updated:** 2026-08-10