# Creativity Lab Art Retreat with Artist Carla Sonheim in France

Join a whimsical art retreat with artist Carla Sonheim in the picturesque Dordogne countryside of France. Reconnect with your childlike curiosity and reinvent your artmaking process through Carla’s daily classes, one-on-one guidance, and a treasure trove of playful creative exercises. Experiment with mixed-media materials, explore your unique artistic voice, and complete at least three unique mini artist books by the end of the retreat.Carla’s teaching blends structure with spontaneity, helping you approach art with joy and curiosity. The retreat welcomes both beginners and experienced artists who wish to loosen up, explore new techniques, and rediscover the fun of making art. Between sessions, enjoy inspiration from the surrounding Dordogne landscape, with visits to the storybook villages of Beynac-et-Cazenac, Issigeac, and Eymet, where golden stone streets, colorful markets, and river views invite you to pause, sketch, and collect ideas for your next piece.Enjoy accommodation 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. Find inspiration for your sketchbook in the impressive fortified villages of southwestern France, castle-topped medieval towns, and the surrounding French countryside.

## Details

- **Dates:** October 3 - 10, 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 Carla SonheimFabriano Hot Press paper for the workshop component7 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 pondDedicated art studioAll meals at the venue carefully prepared by a private chef7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinnersAfternoon snacksCoffee, tea, and water available throughout the dayLocal award-winning wine served with dinnerA wine and cheese tasting experience at the venueArt trip to IssigeacArt trip to the Beynac-et-CazenacArt trip to the Eymet market (self-guided)Private transportation and guide 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 UpTrek host available throughout the day, fully-staffed venueAccess to a private Facebook group with Carla Sonheim and the other retreat participants four months before the retreatNot includedAirfareTravel insuranceOne lunch during the full-day tripArt materials - a list of art materials recommended by artist Carla Sonheim will be provided five months before the retreatTips for staffOther expenses guests might incur on their own

## Program

### Creativity Lab Art Retreat
Join artist Carla Sonheim on a magical art retreat in the enchanting Dordogne countryside of France. Together with your instructor and 14 other like-minded artists, you’ll rediscover a sense of play in your creative process, explore a joyful mix of mixed-media materials, and infuse your artwork with a touch of whimsy. By the end of the retreat, you’ll have completed a wonderful project: a series of small artist books that reflect your time spent exploring and creating in rural France.This retreat welcomes both beginners and experienced artists who want to reconnect with curiosity, loosen up their process, and find new joy in making art. You’ll enjoy daily classes, inspiring demonstrations, playful creative exercises, and group discussions, balanced with individual feedback to help you grow at your own pace. Carla will guide you in discovering your own artistic voice, developing confidence in your decisions, and experimenting with materials such as collage, ink, watercolor, and acrylics. Her imaginative and unconventional teaching style ensures that each day brings fresh ideas, laughter, and delightful surprises.Throughout the week, you’ll venture into the heart of Dordogne’s picturesque villages for inspiration. In Beynac-et-Cazenac, you can wander cobblestone streets lined with golden stone houses, sketch along the Dordogne River, or capture the medieval castle perched high above the valley. A visit to Issigeac, known for its colorful Sunday market and half-timbered houses, offers endless textures and details to draw or photograph. In Eymet, a charming bastide town with a lively central square, you’ll find cozy cafés, blooming flower boxes, and old stone archways perfect for gathering visual references. Each trip offers a new palette of colors, shapes, and stories to bring back to the studio and weave into your artwork.Some of the topics covered in your classes include:An arsenal of drawing and creativity exercises to help you recover your child-like freedomLayered watercolor techniquesAdding mixed media: crayons, ink, collage, watercolor, acrylics, and more"Blob-hunting" - using your environment as inspiration in unexpected waysLots of one-on-one instructor time to help you figure out what you like to make and how you like to make itPainting what's authentic to youAnd above all else, how to have a lot of fun when making art!Your accommodation will be in 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.

### 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 Carla Sonheim, your instructor for the week. Start your experience with a guided tour of the estate, showcasing its charming communal spaces, beautifully landscaped 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 fine wine, setting the tone for an inspiring and unforgettable week ahead.

### Day 2: Art at the venue
Fuel up with breakfast, then meet Carla and the group over coffee. Learn more about the course schedule and set some objectives for the day.Dive right in with a series of exciting drawing exercises. These warm-ups are designed by Carla to reintroduce playfulness into your creative process. You'll create lots of drawings in a short amount of time; the goal is to focus less on getting it right and simply letting your imagination fly. Brainstorm ideas for future drawings as you fill the first few pages of your sketchbook. The morning ends with a watercolor demonstration from Carla, where you'll learn her unique, "fail-proof" way of working with the medium.Celebrate your first day of classes with a delicious oven-made pizza party for lunch, then join Carla for the second art class of the day. In the afternoon, you'll receive your first creative assignment. Work on your first artist book by adding color to your morning drawings as well as working with collage, colored pencils, crayons, and more.Rest before dinner and let the work breathe. Afterwards, gather again for a three-course dinner paired with a glass of flavorful wine.

### Day 3: Art trip to Issigeac
Enjoy a hearty breakfast before setting off toward Issigeac. The ride will carry you past vineyards, stone farmhouses softened by ivy, and open fields shifting in the morning light. Woodland will break the view with shadow, then open again to reveal wide skies and the occasional church spire above the hills.Take part in a whimsical blob-hunting exercise; as you explore, find intriguing shapes in your environment and write down observations in your sketchbook. Capture the "blobs" with your camera or in your drawings. The village will unfold in fragments as you move through hand-lettered signs, narrow alleys framed with climbing vines, and market vendors arranging fruit and bread.Head back for lunch and take time to pause before the afternoon session begins. You'll explore collage under Carla's guidance, trying out different materials and arrangements with a series of fun exercises. You'll also further develop your blob sketches, trying to find patterns and subjects among the shapes. An oddly shaped stone could become a cat or a hedgehog, leaf shapes can turn into butterflies, and so on; the sky's the limit!After some well-earned spare time, gather again at the table for a three-course meal with wine.

### Day 4: Art at the venue
Kick off the day with a refreshing breakfast before settling in with coffee and conversation as Carla gathers you into the rhythm of creative play.This day is all about experimentation and letting your creativity loose! With a true smorgasbord of materials to choose from, you'll learn a wide variety of mixed-media techniques. Follow along with Carla's demonstrations and try these methods out for yourself. Using alcohol inks, watercolor spraying, printmaking, and acrylics, you'll create a stack of collage materials and pages that you will incorporate into your second artist book project.Break for a refreshing lunch, then continue your art classes in the studio. You'll spend the rest of the afternoon developing your artist book prototype. Carla will show you examples of her artwork to get you started and explain her process of creating an artist book. Follow along with her explanation and have fun playing with different concepts. Carla will guide you in discovering what draws you to a certain subject or theme, and how to depict it in your style.Take time to breathe before dinner, then gather once more for a three-course meal with wine, your sketchbook filled with vibrant papers, layered textures, and the beginnings of collage compositions that pulse with energy.

### Day 5: Trip to Beynac-et-Cazenac
Start your day with a nourishing breakfast, then head out with Carla toward the hilltop village of Beynac-et-Cazenac. The streets climb the cliffside beneath the medieval fortress, rooftops softened by ivy and stone warmed by the morning sun.Wander through alleys and terraces at your leisure. Carla will guide you in gathering inspiration, taking reference photos, and picking up small pieces of ephemera. Notice textures in the walls, shifting light across steps, and details that draw your attention. Fill your senses with fragments of place and memory that can be carried back into your work.Pause midday for a meal in the village, then continue through the winding streets with new eyes. If something captures you, sketch it into your book as a memento. Carla will encourage you to mark down what feels alive, whether it is a corner of stonework, the tilt of a window, or the pattern of shadows on a door. You will gather images and impressions that can later grow into more complex pieces.Return to the estate in the evening and close the day with a three-course dinner and wine.

### Day 6: Trip to the French market
Wake up to fresh fruit and strong coffee before walking into Eymet just as the market begins to stir.The square shifts with movement as striped awnings ripple overhead and stalls brim with vegetables, flowers, herbs, and handmade soaps. Sellers call out greetings while shoppers weave through the square. Take photos, pick up small bits to use later in your collage, and hold on to what draws your attention.Head back for a midday meal and rest, then settle into the studio for the afternoon. Carla will demo one more artist book structure, and then you are free to dive back in to your artist books. You'll be able to put all of the week's drawings and techniques to good use as you work on your final series under Carla's guidance. As you paint and draw, your instructor will be available for one-on-one feedback and advice, helping you become looser in your artwork, defeat that pesky inner critic, and see your vision come to life. She'll also touch on elements of composition, design, color, and adding surprise elements to your project.The evening will close with a three-course dinner and wine, your table scattered with pages inspired by the day’s discoveries.

### Day 7: Art at the venue
After a hearty breakfast on the last full day of the retreat, you'll have the chance to put the finishing touches on your artist books. Carla will help you practice any areas you feel could use some more work.Get ready for an important event after a brief break with a light lunch. In a show-and-tell, you'll get to share your thoughts on the class's most memorable works and projects, as well as your takeaways and plans for the future. You are not required to participate in this mini-exhibition, but doing so will allow you to showcase your work and get comments from your classmates.The retreat ends in style with a delicious farewell dinner prepared by the private chef, paired with a glass of delicious wine. Raise a toast to your achievements and chat the night away!

### Day 8: Departure
Enjoy a final breakfast with Carla 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 journey home, you'll carry with you a heart full of inspiration and unforgettable memories.

## Instructors

- [Carla Sonheim](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/carla-sonheim) — Artist, illustrator, author, designer

## Accommodation

### Historic countryside estate
Situated on the tranquil banks of the River Dropt, your home for the retreat 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.Art classes 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
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 (for guests traveling together) or twin beds. 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)
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 (for guests traveling together) or twin beds.

### 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 art retreat 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 Carla Sonheim 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 October 3, 2026. Check-out is after breakfast on October 10, 2026, by 9:00 AM.Arrival transfer: October 3, 2026 — 3:30 PM (leaving from Gare Bergerac train station, arriving at the retreat venue around 4:05 PM)Departure transfer: October 10, 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 from previous UpTrek retreats with artist Carla Sonheim:"The creative retreat with Carla Sonheim was a perfect mix of creative time, meeting new friends and exploring towns. I enjoyed learning new techniques that I am certain will be helpful in my art journey regardless of what medium I use or which subject I want to paint. I highly recommend this retreat to any person who needs a fresh approach to the creative process.""The instructor, Carla, the greatest and kept things moving. Great artist and teacher!""Loved, loved, loved my time with Carla! Carla found the right balance of teaching techniques and demonstrations while allowing us time to work through our own creative process (read: art blocks!) and help us get unstuck!""Unforgettable! I had the best time and would do it again in a heartbeat! Carla was amazing! I wish I could have stayed there forever!""I have never had such a lovely experience doing creative work. Carla is an amazing teacher and I truly enjoyed all she taught us, the dynamics of our group and the overall atmosphere of play, fun, joy and learning."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 mixed media, as well as Carla Sonheim's work and style of teaching. When is the art retreat available?The art retreat takes place between October 3 - 10, 2026.Are there any check-in and check-out hours?Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 4:00 PM on October 3, 2026. Check-out is after breakfast on the last day at 9:00 AM, on October 10, 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 October?The weather in Eymet in October is usually sunny and pleasant. You can expect average highs of 25°C / 77°F during the day that drop to around 13°C / 56°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 art supplies do I need for the retreat?A detailed list of art materials recommended by artist Carla Sonheim will be provided after booking, five months before the retreat begins. Fabriano Hot Press paper for the workshop component 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 art workshop and other activities?The retreat is available in English.Can a non-participating guest join me?We do not accommodate non-participants at our art retreats. This policy is in place to ensure the artistic 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/creativity-lab-art-retreat-artist-carla-sonheim-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