# Elevate Your Watercolor Art Retreat with Artist Kristin Van Leuven in France Join renowned artist Kristin Van Leuven for an inspiring watercolor retreat in the countryside of Occitanie, southern France! Take the next steps in your watercolor journey and enjoy daily classes, demonstrations, and hands-on practice with Kristin's expert insights and warm guidance. You will strengthen your watercolor painting skills by learning new techniques and experimenting with colors and different brushwork. Kristin's thoughtfully structured lessons simplify complex watercolor methods into approachable steps, making the learning process both enjoyable and accessible. You will benefit most from this retreat if you have some prior experience, are comfortable with watercolor, and are already familiar with Kristin’s work and teaching style. Throughout the retreat, you will find inspiration in the character of nearby French towns and the enriching experiences that surround you. Sketch the medieval streets and Gothic architecture of Albi, capture the rhythm and beauty of nature in a French botanical garden, and indulge in a wine-tasting experience at a family-owned vineyard estate. Stay at an elegant countryside estate, where delicious chef-prepared meals and an inspiring, supportive atmosphere create the perfect setting to elevate your watercolor practice. Savor the tastes and aromas of southern France, connect with other fellow artists, and leave with memories to last a lifetime! ## Details - **Dates:** September 30 – October 7, 2027 - **Location:** Teyssode, Occitanie, France - **Starting Price:** $4,550 - **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 Kristin Van Leuven 2. Art studio equipped with: tables, chairs, field easels, portable plein-air stools, paper towels, professional studio lights, and glass jars 3. Fresh flowers for the workshop component 4. 7 nights of accommodation at a gorgeous French countryside estate 5. Exclusive use of the entire 5-acre property with a saltwater pool, hot tub, spacious reconverted barn used as a workshop space, fruit orchard, private gardens, terraces, and a rustic watchtower 6. All meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 7 dinners carefully prepared by a private chef 7. All diets catered for, including vegetarian, vegan, diabetic, gluten-free, and lactose-free 8. Coffee, tea, water, and homemade snacks available throughout the day 9. Plentiful, delicious wine and non-alcoholic beverages served during dinner service every day 10. Welcome and farewell dinners, with cocktails and canapés 11. Full-day art trip to Albi, with opportunities for painting and sketching on location and a visit to the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum 12. Entrance ticket to the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum 13. Half-day art trp to a nearby French botanical garden, with opportunities for painting and skecthing on location 14. Entrance ticket to the French botanical garden 15. Half-day trip to a French vineyard estate, with a wine tasting experience 16. Private transportation and chaperone for all trips and planned activities 17. Round-trip airport transfers from/to Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS) at prearranged times 18. Dedicated UpTrek retreat coordinator 19. Fully staffed venue with drivers, cleaning and maintenance staff, and chef and kitchen staff 20. All local tourist taxes and fees 21. Access to a private Facebook group with Kristin Van Leuven and other retreat participants four months before the retreat takes place **Not included** - Airfare - Travel insurance - Art supplies — a detailed list of art materials recommended by Kristin Van Leuven will be provided five months before the retreat - One lunch during the full-day trip to Albi - Tips — tipping is customary in France - Other expenses guests might incur on their own ## Program ### Elevate Your Watercolor Art Retreat Join artist Kristin Van Leuven for an enriching watercolor retreat in the heart of the French countryside. Throughout this weeklong experience, deepen your watercolor painting skills through Kristin's warm and encouraging teaching style. She will guide you through new, in-depth techniques, breaking down complex methods into simple, approachable steps that will help you take your watercolor practice to the next level. Along with exploring brushwork, water control, and layering, Kristin will walk you through painting expressive landscapes and loose florals from start to finish. This retreat is ideal for those who want to take the next steps in their watercolor journey, with more techniques, more painting, and more practice! Daily classes include in-depth demonstrations, individual feedback, and creative exercises designed to inspire and enhance your artistic journey. Beyond the studio, soak up the beauty of Occitanie through trips to the surrounding region. Spend a half day at a nearby family-owned château vineyard, walking through sunlit vines and tasting aromatic wines straight from the cellar. Explore a close-by French botanical garden and get inspired by the forms, colors, and rhythms of nature. Later in the retreat, set out on a full-day trip to the medieval city of Albi, sketching its narrow streets and iconic landmarks before visiting the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum, home to one of the world's most celebrated collections of Post-Impressionist art. **Topics covered during your classes with Kristin include:** - Deepening your watercolor techniques and practices - Mastering water control, color theory, and color value - Using white space to your advantage - Working with watercolor instead of forcing it - Achieving organic strokes with more in-depth brushwork techniques - Breaking down landscape and botanical subjects into essential parts - Strengthening your plein-air painting and sketching skills - Working on light, depth, and contrast - ...and many more! Stay at a charming, restored estate in the French countryside, offering the perfect backdrop for the next steps in your watercolor journey. Enjoy elegant accommodation and modern amenities, such as a saltwater pool and a hot tub, lush gardens, sunlit terraces, a fruit orchard, and a spacious art studio. Indulge in delicious chef-prepared meals, and connect with other like-minded artists. By the end of the retreat, you will return home more confident, with a renewed artistic voice and cherished memories! ### Day 1: Arrival Arrive at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport and join the 3:00 PM transfer to your retreat venue. After settling into your room, take a moment to unwind and absorb the tranquil surroundings. Meet your fellow artists and get acquainted with the lovely Kristin Van Leuven, your instructor for the week. As part of an orientation tour, explore the estate’s charming garden, the historic watchtower, and inviting communal spaces. In the evening, toast to the start of your creative journey with cocktails and bite-sized canapés, followed by a delicious three-course dinner prepared by the private chef and complemented by local French wines. ### Day 2: Art classes at the venue Wake up to a hearty breakfast and a steaming cup of coffee, then gather with Kristin and your fellow artists for a morning check-in with the venue hosts. The morning class will begin with some short introductions from Kristin of the supplies you'll be working with throughout the week. Dive right into work as you practice new techniques of in-depth color mixing, brushwork, and mark-making. Learn what your brushes can do and explore new watercolor practices under Kristin’s gentle guidance. You will be working with a limited color palette, strengthening your water control technique and bringing your own personal style into the work. Pause midday for a satisfying lunch, then return to the studio with fresh energy. This afternoon workshop will be dedicated to understanding values. Using a photo as reference, you'll first paint it in grayscale to practice maintaining consistency in your values, and then you'll redo the painting using color. This exercise will sharpen your sense of light and shadow. As the day comes to an end, take some time to rest and reset before dinner. Stroll around through the estate gardens, take a quick dip into the pool, or relax in your comfortable accommodation. Join Kristin and your fellow artists for a delightful three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef and accompanied by a glass of fragrant wine. ### Day 3: Art trip to a French botanical garden Begin the day with a warm breakfast and a morning cup of coffee, followed by a brief check-in with the venue hosts, easing into the day's creative energy. During the morning workshop, prepare for your first trip of the retreat. Focus on sharpening your observational skills and becoming more comfortable with drawing through watercolor-based sketching. Work closely with Kristin to develop confidence using a pencil and paintbrush, keeping everything approachable and connected to watercolor from the very first brushstrokes. Enjoy a leisurely lunch, then head into the afternoon with a trip to a nearby French botanical garden for a half-day of slow-looking, on-location sketching. Walk the garden paths and take in the colors and textures of the landscape. Put into practice the techniques from the morning workshop and capture botanical forms, light reflections on water, or tangled stems and leaves. Stay open, keep exploring, and enjoy the process as you translate what inspires you into sketches that feel more and more like your own artistic voice. As you return to the venue, take some time to unwind and relax before dinner. Gather with Kristin and your fellow artists for a flavorful three-course dinner accompanied by a glass of wine, reflecting on a day filled with creativity and inspiration. ### Day 4: Art classes at the venue After a wholesome breakfast and a fresh cup of coffee, settle into a morning check-in with Kristin and the venue hosts. Today will introduce you to the wonderful world of florals. Start by studying the anatomy of a flower in watercolor, learning how petals, stems, and leaves break down into simple shapes. Kristin will guide you through more in-depth floral arrangement and flower color theory, helping you select color palettes that feel harmonious and natural. You'll explore how color values create depth and dimension, using a cone-shaped guide to build each bloom from light to dark. Get inspiration for your flower creations from the venue gardens, or use the reference materials from yesterday's trip to the botanical garden. Recharge over lunch, then continue the day with another afternoon workshop. During this class, you will learn how to layer washes and use negative painting to carve out highlights and shadow. Kristin will also show you how to use implied lines to suggest form in a loose, abstract style, helping you capture the energy of a flower without overworking the detail. By the end of the day, you'll have a method you can apply to any flower. Unwind with some leisure time in the late afternoon, then come together again for a delicious three-course dinner paired with a glass of aromatic wine, savoring the warmth of the group and the momentum you have built. ### Day 5: Trip to a French vineyard & wine tasting Fuel up with a nourishing breakfast, then settle into a morning coffee check-in with Kristin and the venue hosts. Head into a morning session dedicated to landscapes. Kristin will walk you through the in-depth anatomy of a landscape painting, covering perspective, vanishing points, color values, and contrasts. You'll learn how to depict trees and clouds, using specific elevated brushstroke and texture techniques, bringing each element to life. Kristin will demo the whole process step by step, guiding you in creating intricate landscapes that capture the beauty of France. After a light lunch, prepare for an afternoon adventure on a half-day trip to a nearby family-owned château vineyard. Walk through sunlit vines, taste locally made aromatic wines straight from the source, and chat with your fellow artists as the golden hour washes over the rows. If inspired, capture in your sketchbook the warmth of the afternoon and the colors of the vineyard around you. Return to the venue with time to rest and reflect. Indulge in a hearty three-course dinner prepared by the private chef, paired with the very wines you tasted just hours earlier, an easy and lively way to close out the day. ### Day 6: Art trip to Albi Kick off the day with a filling breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, then gather your sketchbook and art supplies for a full-day trip to the medieval city of Albi, about an hour's drive through open fields and scattered villages. Once in Albi, explore the narrow streets and iconic landmarks, sketching as you go. Take in the Basilica of Saint Cecilia with its sculpted stone and towering silhouette, and pause at the Pont Vieux bridge to capture the Tarn River flowing beneath you. Put into practice what you learned during yesterday's workshop on landscapes. Capture the deep blue sky and impressive Albi cathedral rising over the stone bridge. Enjoy lunch on your own at one of the city's inviting restaurants or cafés. In the afternoon, visit the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum, housed in the Palais de la Berbie, and spend time with one of the world's most celebrated collections of Post-Impressionist art. Wander through the museum's rooms and soak in the brushwork, drawing fresh inspiration for your own practice. Afterward, stroll the lush gardens of the Palais de la Berbie, sketching as the late-afternoon light shifts across the flowers. Return to the venue and take some time to recharge in the late afternoon. Join Kristin and your fellow artists for a wholesome three-course dinner prepared by the private chef and paired with local French wine, a fitting way to close out a day steeped in landscapes, art, and history. ### Day 7: Art classes at the venue Savor a warm final breakfast, then gather with Kristin and your fellow artists for a morning coffee check-in and reflections on how far you have come. Spend your last classes with Kristin adding finishing touches, adjusting details, and looking back on everything you’ve created during the retreat. Kristin will move around the space offering guidance, answering questions, and sharing final tips for anything you want to revisit. Whether you’re adjusting a composition or talking through ways to keep painting at home, this is time to tie everything together at your own pace. After a relaxed lunch, the group will gather for an informal exhibition to celebrate the week’s work. Lay out your paintings, walk through each collection, and take in the variety of styles, stories, and discoveries. Conversations unfold naturally as you share what surprised you, what challenged you, and what you’re taking with you. Kristin will be there too, offering encouragement and celebrating each creative path. As evening falls, enjoy cocktails and canapés followed by a special farewell dinner prepared by your private chef and paired with local wine. Raise a glass to the art you have brought to life and the memories you have made in the south of France. ### Day 8: Departure After enjoying a satisfying breakfast with Kristin and the group, it's time to bid farewell and exchange any last contact details. Prepare for your transfer to Toulouse-Blagnac Airport, scheduled for 10:00 AM, with an estimated arrival time of 11:00 AM. ## Instructors - [Kristin Van Leuven](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/kristin-van-leuven) — Artist and author ## Accommodation ### Historic French Estate Tucked away in the heart of Tarn, Occitanie, your venue for the art retreat with Kristin Van Leuven is a sprawling countryside estate with a rich history. This lovingly restored farmhouse combines rustic elegance with modern comforts, featuring original wooden beams, stone fireplaces, an imposing watchtower, and terracotta tiles that capture the rural charm of southern France. With no other buildings in sight, you can enjoy uninterrupted views of the rolling hills and a patchwork of lush fields. The 5-acre estate features a main house, a cozy guesthouse, and a repurposed barn transformed into a well-lit art studio. Your classes with Kristin will take place in the studio or out and about in the gardens of the venue. Beyond your daily classes, enjoy the outdoor amenities present at the estate: two swimming pools, sprawling French gardens, and a fruit orchard. Please note that getting around the accommodation spaces, the studio, and the main building where meals are served requires a short walk. This retreat may not be suitable for participants with low or limited mobility. ### Shared ensuite attic room One ensuite attic room is available for shared occupancy. This spacious attic room and its ensuite bathroom will be shared between two same-gender participants. The attic is a large space measuring 900 sq. ft. (85 sq. m.) located on the third floor of the main house, with two distinct sleeping areas separated by curtains. The room can be outfitted with either twin beds or one double bed, on request, and it features an ensuite shower bathroom. The attic has beautiful wooden beams crossing the ceiling, giving the space a cozy and romantic look. ### Shared standard ensuite room Two standard ensuite rooms are available for shared occupancy. Each room and its ensuite bathroom will be shared between two same-gender participants. The shared standard ensuite rooms can be outfitted with either twin beds or one comfortable double bed, on request, and they feature ensuite bathrooms. Located in the main house at the venue, on the second floor, the rooms are decorated in a beautiful French style and offer gorgeous views over the surrounding countryside. ### Shared superior ensuite room Two superior ensuite rooms are available for shared occupancy. Each room and its ensuite bathroom will be shared between two same-gender participants. The shared superior rooms can be outfitted with either twin beds or one comfortable double bed, on request, and they feature ensuite bathrooms. Located on the first and second floors of the main house at the venue, the rooms have sun-lit French windows with views of the beautiful garden. ### Single room with shared bathroom Two rooms with shared bathrooms are available for single occupancy. You will share the bathroom with another same-gender participant, but you will have the room all to yourself. These rooms feature comfortable double beds and are beautifully decorated in a charming French manner. The two rooms and their shared bathroom are located on the second floor in the main house at the retreat venue. ### Single room - private adjacent bathroom One room with a private, adjacent bathroom is available for single occupancy. The room is located on the second floor of the guesthouse. It is furnished with a double bed and offers Wi-Fi access. The private shower room, located adjacent to the bedroom, is equipped with a toilet, shower, and hand basin. The room also features beautiful views of the surrounding garden. ### Single standard ensuite room Two standard ensuite rooms are available for single occupancy, each furnished with a comfortable queen-sized bed. The rooms are located on the first floor of the guesthouse and feature Wi-Fi and a TV, as well as a spacious private Italian bathrooms (within the room) equipped with a separate toilet, shower, and two hand basins. Both rooms offer beautiful views of the venue's gardens. ### Single superior ensuite room One superior ensuite room is available for single occupancy. Furnished with a comfortable queen-sized bed, the room is located on the second floor of the guest house and includes WiFi access, A/C, and a private ensuite bathroom with a toilet, shower, and hand basin. The room has sweeping views of the estate grounds. ## Food Indulge in the robust flavors of Occitanie with every meal during your retreat with Kristin Van Leuven. The private chef crafts traditional southern French cuisine, featuring regional specialties like the beloved cassoulet, brimming with savory meats and beans, and the ocean's bounty in a classic bouillabaisse. Wine enthusiasts will appreciate the area's renowned crisp white wines, served during dinner. Your culinary journey begins with welcome cocktails and appetizing canapés and concludes with a memorable farewell dinner. Enjoy delicious meals and stay refreshed with available water, coffee, and tea throughout the day. All meals are included, except for one lunch during the full-day trip to Albi. Dietary needs can be catered to if announced in advance. However, please keep in mind that we may be unable to accommodate severe, life-threatening allergies. For further details on the culinary experience awaiting you at the art retreat, please see the information below. The exact menu may vary based on the availability of seasonal ingredients. ## Getting There The retreat with artist Kristin Van Leuven takes place in the Occitanie region, in southern France. This area is famed for its stunning countryside landscapes, charming French towns, and fantastic food. Your venue, a sprawling countryside estate, is a gateway to the past, surrounded by villages with centuries-old buildings and cobbled streets. This historic estate is located an hour from Toulouse by car. The tranquility of the countryside, the warm smiles of locals, and the untouched natural beauty provide a serene backdrop for your classes. Explore the architectural marvels of Albi (an hour away from the venue), visit a French vineyard estate, and get inspired by a nearby French botanical garden. Check-in at the retreat venue starts at 4:00 PM on September 30, 2027. Check-out is after breakfast on October 7, 2027, by 10:00 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.** **To be transferred to the retreat venue, please arrive at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS).** 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. Please hold off booking your flights and train tickets until the retreat becomes guaranteed and you are charged for your participation. **How to get to Toulouse:** If you cannot find good connecting flights from your departure airport to Toulouse, we recommend you fly to Paris and fly domestically to Toulouse (local roundtrips starting from US$100, 1 hour and 20 minutes of journey time; fares may vary). **How to get from Toulouse to the retreat venue:** Private transfers at prearranged times to and from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS) are included. The journey takes approximately one hour. **Arrival Transfer:** **September 30, 2027** — **3:00 PM** (leaving from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport, arriving at the retreat venue at 4:00 PM) **Departure Transfer:** **October 7, 2027** — **10:00 AM** (leaving from the retreat venue, arriving at Toulouse Blagnac Airport at 11:00 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 Toulouse pre/post-retreat and catch the transfer shuttles from/to Toulouse-Blagnac Airport. - Grab a taxi to the retreat venue (address: Domaine d'En Naudet, 81220 Teyssode, France; estimated cost of US$200 per way). Please note that taxi fares may vary. ## Reviews **Reviews from previous UpTrek retreats with artist Kristin Van Leuven:** - "My experience with the Anatomy of Watercolor with Kristin Van Leuven was truly amazing! I learned some great watercolor techniques. Kristin's teaching was clear, easy to follow, and she was approachable with any questions. The group of women artist were so fun to share this experience, we had lots of laughs!" - "Kristin's water color painting sessions were really fun and easy to understand while still being challenging. Our art gallery on the last night was such a cute idea." - "Kristin is the most amazing, supportive teacher! She really encouraged us all to grow so much that week. One of the most relaxing weeks and most productive weeks at the same time!" - "This retreat was absolutely incredible in all areas. Kristin was an amazing instructor, she explains things well and was more than willing to answer any questions each of us had. She is so incredibly kind and friendly." - "This trip was truly one of the most incredible I have ever been on! I felt so taken care of by our hosts and they made every day feel like we were being pampered! Kristen was an incredible teacher and went above and beyond in how she engaged with our group! I can't say enough things about how lovely this whole retreat was!" - "Kristin is as excellent an instructor as she is charming human being. Her ability to tailor her lessons to all skill levels was impressive and she is just so much fun! And what a delightful bonus to have Kelly assisting. Sharing this week with so many talented, thoughtful, supportive women, who quickly became friends, was an unexpected gift. A big shout out to Alex, our Retreat Coordinator for his attention to every detail, his availability and prompt replies to all questions. This was my first experience with UpTrek and with it’s excellent staff and this unforgettable retreat, I can’t wait for my next." - "I loved everything about this retreat! Kristin is an amazing teacher who meets each individual at their level, she is patient, knowledgeable, and accepting. She is extremely open and welcoming, making you feel like you belong no matter what level you are on. She is simply amazing!" **Reviews from previous UpTrek retreats at this venue:** - "The venue was just what I was hoping for -- I love the rural area. It was very clean, hosts were professional and pleasant. Food by all three caterers was wholesome." - "Beautiful location. Our hosts were wonderful, lovely, and accommodating. I highly recommend Domain d'En Naudet!" - "UpTrek: all transfers, tours & venues were great. It was perfectly charming and Sophie & Nicolas (the hosts) were absolutely wonderful & really adapted to all of our requests beyond what I expected! The week was made fabulous by our great group of women, the snacks, wine & the bond we all formed. We learned from each other & have formed lasting friendships!" - "I had a perfect week in France. The venue was beautiful and Sophie and Nicolas (the hosts) did everything in their power to make our stay comfortable. The trips were perfectly timed and provided much inspiration for our paintings. I thoroughly enjoyed the company of my fellow painters and would definitely use your company for travel again." - "The venue was so beautiful and comfortable. I was happy with my room and the circumstances that allowed me a comfortable single room. EVERYTHING we asked for was provided by the following day or meal! I enjoyed the pool and the outdoor dining and painting. Such care was given to us by our lovely kind hosts." - "Stunning venue; delicious food and wine; wonderful hosts. Lots of painting time. Interesting day trips. I definitely want to do another retreat!" - "I had a wonderful time! I also loved getting to know the fun, encouraging women who were with me on this retreat. The setting was gorgeous - like a postcard!" - "The food, the hosts, the accommodations, and the views were wonderful. The field trips were enjoyable and educational. I would take another trip with UpTrek." - "The trip organization and warm, professional service from Uptrek, and the amazing service, delicious food, and high quality from the venue, Domaine d'En Naudet. And the other retreat participants were truly lovely! From the start, UpTrek provided prompt, careful service that was carried right through to our arrival at the retreat. Communication is key, especially when travel is just getting going again, and Andra (the retreat coordinator) was always ready with a response. I really appreciated the sensible, yet friendly approach, as well as the clear policies that were upfront from the start. Meeting Ted (CEO of UpTrek) and Andra put faces to the business - this human touch adds value and reassurance. Sophie and Nicolas (the venue hosts) were charming, attentive hosts who looked after many needs. They served us tasty treats throughout the day, they kept us shaded and they helped find solutions when required. I wish we had 48 hours in which to enjoy each day even more. The Domaine d'en Naudet was an excellent venue. The setting was magical. I was very comfortable and there was plenty of space for a group of this size. The rooms were very clean and the use of laundry facilities was much appreciated. It was lovely to feel at ease to use the pool, the hot tub, the fridge, the common areas, and the grounds - after being cooped up for over two years, this was a wonderful physical release. Having access to a well-lit space for us to enjoy Sketchbook Night Club each night was the icing on the cake: we were able to keep making art, have some laughs and get to know one another better. I would highly recommend each component and hope to have the opportunity to travel this way again. This retreat was truly like a dream come true. I loved it. I thank each of you from the heart." ## Frequently Asked Questions **Is this retreat available to all levels?** The retreat is open to all levels of experience. However, **you will benefit the most if you have some prior experience, are comfortable with watercolor**, and are familiar with Kristin Van Leuven’s work and teaching style. You will have the opportunity to deepen and refine your watercolor painting skills in a supportive and welcoming environment. **When is the retreat available?** The retreat with artist Kristin Van Leuven will take place between September 30 – October 7, 2027. **How do I get to the retreat venue?** Please plan to arrive at the Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS). The retreat venue is located approximately an hour's drive from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport. 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. Round-trip airport transfers from/to Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS) at prearranged times are included. For more information, see the [Location tab](https://uptrek.com/retreat/elevate-your-watercolor-art-retreat-artist-kristin-van-leuven-france#location). Please hold off booking your flights until the retreat becomes guaranteed and you have been charged for your participation. **Are there any check-in and check-out hours?** Please make your travel arrangements to arrive at the venue after 4:00 PM on September 30, 2027. Check-out is after breakfast on the last day at 10:00 AM, on October 7, 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.** **What supplies do I need for the workshops?** A detailed list of art materials recommended by artist Kristin Van Leuven will be provided five months before the retreat takes place. Tables, chairs, field easels, portable plein-air stools, paper towels, professional studio lights, glass jars, and fresh flowers are included and will be available at the venue. **Students will bring their own art supplies based on the instructor’s list of recommended materials.** **What’s the weather like in Teyssode, Occitanie, France, in late-September/early-October?** The weather in Teyssode in late-September/early-October is usually sunny and pleasant. You can expect average highs of 22°C / 72°F during the day that drop to around 10°C / 50°F at night. However, in recent years, temperatures have become harder to predict accurately, and averages may vary. Please check the weather a week before traveling and pack accordingly. **What should I pack?** Please pack appropriate clothing, a swimsuit, sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable shoes, a cardigan for chilly evenings, a waterproof raincoat, a water bottle, 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. **I am vegetarian/vegan. Can I book this retreat?** Yes. All diets are catered for if announced in advance. Please note, however, that we cannot accommodate severe, life-threatening allergies. **Is Wi-Fi available?** Yes. **How many people are to be expected on the retreat?** Maximum of 16 participants. **Do I need a visa?** Guests from the US, Canada, EU, UK, and/or Schengen member states can enter France for tourism without a visa. If this policy changes, we will inform you promptly. For additional assistance, please reach out to us. **Are there any age restrictions?** There are no restrictions whatsoever. Please keep in mind that you must be 18 years of age to travel independently. **What language is used during the workshops and other activities?** The retreat is available in English. **Is the retreat available to guests with limited mobility?** Unfortunately, the retreat venue and day trips are not well-suited for people with limited mobility. The trips involve plenty of walking on uneven, cobbled streets. Getting around the studio, the accommodation spaces, and the main building where meals are served at the venue also requires a short walk. **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 canceled 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/elevate-your-watercolor-art-retreat-artist-kristin-van-leuven-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/elevate-your-watercolor-art-retreat-artist-kristin-van-leuven-france **Last updated:** 2026-10-13