# Explorations in Watercolor Retreat with Artist Kelly Ventura in France

Join artist Kelly Ventura for a life-changing art retreat in the Loire Valley, France. Dive into exciting watercolor explorations alongside your favorite artist and create a vivid catalogue of botanical paintings, inspired by the surrounding countryside's rich flora.The retreat welcomes artists of all experience levels. Kelly will teach daily classes filled to the brim with demonstrations, one-to-one guidance, tailored advice, and fun exercises. Overcome the fear of the blank page and rediscover your playfulness and curiosity.In addition to improving your technical skills (like color mixing, creating backgrounds, painting complex pieces as well as a mini-series, and planning composition and arrangement), Kelly will encourage you to set your creativity loose. Venture out during the week to the gardens of Château de Villandry and to a vibrant French market filled with flowers, fruit, and local color.The retreat takes place at a 19th-century château with gardens, woodlands, and painting spaces both indoors and outside. Share meals each day, unwind in the evenings, and connect with a small group over process, paint, and the joy of making.

## Details

- **Dates:** September 14 - 21, 2026
- **Location:** Concourson-sur-Layon, France
- **Starting Price:** $4,650
- **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 Kelly VenturaFlowers, fruit, and herbs as reference materials for your classes7 nights of accommodation at a stunning retreat venueExclusive use of the entire property with living quarters, common areas, outdoor workshop spaces, indoor art studio, a heated pool, private gardens, fruit orchard, and terracesAll meals: traditional French cuisine and international dishes prepared under the supervision of the château nutritionistCheese boards with a selection of fine French cheeses accompanying certain three-course dinnersLocal wine during dinner serviceA 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 LoireTea, coffee, and water available throughout the day at the retreat venueAfternoon snacksArt trip to a local French marketArt trip to Château de VillandryPrivate transportation for tripsFully-staffed retreat venueExperienced UpTrek host available at the venueRound trip transfers to/from Angers (St. Laud) train station at preset timesAll local tourist taxes and feesAccess to a private Facebook group with Kelly Ventura and other retreat participants four months before the retreatNot includedAirfareTravel insuranceArt materials (unless otherwise specified) — a full list of art materials recommended by Kelly Ventura will be sent five months before the retreatOther expenses guests might incur on their own

## Program

### Explorations in Watercolor Retreat
Experience a transformative art retreat with artist Kelly Ventura in the enchanting Loire Valley, France. Over the course of the week, work closely with your favorite artist in daily watercolor workshops, receive individualized feedback, and enhance your painting skills. This retreat also features two enriching art trips, where you’ll explore France’s breathtaking sights and immerse yourself in its celebrated botanical treasures. Open to artists of all levels, this retreat is perfect for those looking to become more experimental in their watercolor painting, get over creative blocks, and paint beautiful floral subjects.Under Kelly’s attentive guidance, you’ll explore a looser painting style, painting botanical snapshots inspired by the Loire’s flowering gardens, orchards, and wild blossoms. Your backdrop is the Loire Valley, often called the Garden of France for its fertile landscapes and elaborate Renaissance gardens overflowing with flowers, herbs, and seasonal color. Kelly’s dedicated one-on-one guidance will help you fine-tune your skills and foster confidence in your artistic journey. By the end of the retreat, you’ll have created multiple mini-paintings as well as larger pieces documenting the region’s floral abundance.The week includes a visit to Château de Villandry, where the Renaissance gardens are famous for their ornamental flowerbeds, aromatic herb gardens, and intricate designs that bloom in vibrant patterns throughout the seasons. You’ll also spend time at a French market, alive with stalls of flowers, fruits, and herbs that bring the colors and textures of the Loire Valley to life. Sketch, paint, and let the region’s flora guide your watercolor explorations!Over the week, you will explore:Developing confidence in color mixingBuilding a balanced compositionCreating from natural elementsCrafting a mini-botanical seriesBecoming looser and more experimental in your styleFeeling comfortable creating larger, complex floral piecesGetting over the fear of the blank pageCharting a solid painting plan...and many more!You will work both indoors and out, surrounded by blooming gardens, open skies, and the layered charm of the château. Meals will be shared each day in good company, with time set aside for reflection, laughter, and making new connections. By the end of the retreat, you will leave with a collection of finished works and a deeper connection to your voice as an artist along with a piece of the shared warm-up artwork to carry forward.

### 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'll be warmly welcomed by Kelly Ventura and the other artists participating in the retreat. After settling into your comfortable room, take part in an orientation tour to get familiar with the incredible venue, including its picturesque gardens, serene woodlands, historic salon, and cozy library.In the evening, join Kelly and the art group for a special welcome dinner. Indulge in a delicious, three-course meal accompanied by a delicious glass of French wine and delightful cheese platters.

### Day 2: Art at the château
Start your morning with a delightful breakfast and a cup of freshly brewed coffee. Join a brief check-in with Kelly and the venue hosts, then get ready for the first class of the retreat.In the spacious studio, spend the morning getting familiar with your materials. Kelly will explain the fundamentals of watercolor, color mixing, palette setup, and brush techniques. Learn the different ways of tackling large versus small paintings, and figure out which brushes, paper types, and colors you like using best.Break for lunch with a light meal, then return to your watercolor exploration in the afternoon.Moving on from theory to practice, Kelly will demonstrate some simple exercises meant to get your creative flow going. Play with color layering, dry and wet techniques, color lifting, controlling transparency, and a suite of other watercolor basics. Using flowers at the château as your reference, work on small botanical studies and widen your repertoire of techniques. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to Kelly for help.As the afternoon fades, walk the orchard path or stretch out in the shade of the fruit trees. In the evening, gather again for a seasonal dinner and watch the last light dip behind the vines.

### Day 3: Art trip to a French market
Enjoy a delightful breakfast with freshly brewed coffee before heading out for the day.A visit to a bustling French market in a nearby Loire Valley town awaits, a cherished regional tradition. Explore the vibrant stalls overflowing with seasonal flowers, fruits, herbs, and handmade goods. Bright bouquets of peonies, roses, and sunflowers sit beside stands of strawberries, cherries, and figs, offering inspiration for both color and form. Antique dealers display frames, vases, and decorative pieces that can add a touch of history to your artwork.As you wander the market, capture inspiration from the lively displays. Take photos and create sketches of blossoms spilling from wicker baskets, fruit piled high in wooden crates, and arrangements that catch your eye. Find textures, palettes, and patterns that spark your creativity and carry them back with you, along with a small souvenir for your loved ones at home.Upon returning to the château, savor a satisfying lunch. In the afternoon, use your finds from the market as the foundation of your painting session. Create shadow studies of the flowers, building a background layer before working loosely on form. This practice will help you abstract your subject and focus less on fine details, while still honoring the natural beauty of your chosen blooms.As the day concludes, you will have leisure time at your disposal. In the evening, enjoy a three-course dinner prepared by the private chef and accompanied by a glass of fine wine. Share stories from the market and reflections from your afternoon work, enjoying the company of your fellow artists in the heart of the Loire Valley.

### Day 4: Art at the château
Ease into the day with a relaxed breakfast and a steaming cup of coffee, letting the calm rhythm of the morning ground you.Settle into the studio with Kelly and begin working on a series of new botanical studies. You'll spend the first class creating multiple types of washes for your backgrounds. While they dry, Kelly will show you how to block out the main areas of your painting using masking fluid. You'll learn more about building a balanced composition, whether it is for a flower arrangement or a landscape, how to find the focal point of your artwork, and experiment with various floral arrangements.After a refreshing lunch, continue developing your pieces. Incorporate all the techniques you've tried out so far and assemble a more complex floral scene. Kelly will demonstrate her methods of building layers and creating contrast, removing the masking fluid and painting on top of it. Work at your own pace, asking Kelly for one-on-one feedback whenever you wish.As light softens, step outside and notice how the Loire landscape shifts with the evening glow. Walk among the gardens, rest beneath the fruit trees, or leaf through your sketches. End the day together with a warm and delicious dinner, paired with a glass of wine.

### Day 5: Trip to Château de Villandry
Begin the day with breakfast and coffee before setting off toward the Château de Villandry, where sculpted hedges, blooming parterres, and rows of fruit trees stretch out in every direction like a living painting.Once the home of a noble family close to the French crown, Villandry has been shaped by centuries of design, neglect, and restoration. What you see today is a meticulous blend of geometry and bloom, brought back to life in the twentieth century by a Spanish doctor and artist with a passion for French heritage. Tour the grounds with Kelly in the morning. Walk the ornamental parterres, follow the water garden, and move through the long alleys shaded by lime trees. Sketch, photograph, and jot down palettes, blossoms, and shapes you want to return to. Notice the geometry of boxwood borders, the fragrance of roses, and the softness of vines climbing along stone walls.Unpack your lunch in the garden. Sit by the moat or under a centuries-old wall. Share your ideas with Kelly, compare patterns, and discuss the colors that caught you off guard.Stay at Villandry in the afternoon and paint on location. Choose a corner that inspires you and work into your sketches from the morning. Layer washes, build contrast, and use gesture to shape your floral studies. Paint with the fragrance, color, and atmosphere of the gardens feeding directly into your work.Return to the château as the light turns golden. End the day with a three-course dinner and wine, sharing the art and impressions gathered among Villandry’s flowers.

### Day 6: Art at the château
Refuel with a tasty breakfast and a cup of coffee, then get ready for another full day of classes at the château.Study the forms of French wildflowers and local herbs such as thyme, lavender, rosemary, and basil, including non-flowering plants and fruit. Guided by Kelly, create a mini series of watercolor paintings that documents the botanical variety found in the Loire Valley.Pause for lunch, then return to the studio for the afternoon session. Combine the techniques you have explored so far, from background washes and masking fluid to composition and value studies. Begin with the herb studies from the morning and push yourself to complete a more complex botanical piece.As the sun begins to dip, rest, reflect, or continue painting at your own pace. Enjoy a delicious dinner in good company, and share the flow of conversation over a glass of wine.

### Day 7: Art at the château
Share a quiet breakfast and take time to reflect on your creative journey. Return to the studio for one final morning class under Kelly's guidance.This last session is freely structured, giving you the chance to polish your paintings and add any finishing touches. Kelly offers one-on-one guidance and shares pointers shaped by the week together. The class ends with an open Q&A. Ask any lingering questions, seek advice about the next steps in your artistic path, and consider how to carry these lessons back into your practice at home.After lunch, finish any remaining details in your work, then prepare for a special event: a celebratory mini-exhibition. The showing is optional, but it is a wonderful opportunity to share your favorite pieces, exchange feedback with Kelly and your peers, and recognize the progress made over the week.Close the retreat with a farewell dinner surrounded by flowers, conversation, and the pages and paintings that now carry the memory of your time in the Loire Valley. Raise a glass to what you created and how you grew, marking the end of the week with warmth.

### Day 8: Departure
Enjoy breakfast with your art group, exchange any last contacts, and get ready for your 8:00 AM transfer to the St. Laud train station, arriving at about 9:00 AM.

## Instructors

- [Kelly Ventura](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/kelly-ventura) — Fine artist, designer, teacher

## Accommodation

### French Château
Your home for the retreat 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 - shared bathroom
You will share this room with another same-gender participant. The room also shares its bathroom with one other single-occupancy room, meaning that three retreat participants will be sharing the spacious bathroom. The room is located in the farm cottage on the second floor and 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 fully-equipped kitchen of the cottage, as well as a charming terrace.

### Shared standard ensuite room
You will share this room with another same-gender participant. There are three shared standard ensuite rooms; two of the rooms are located in the coach house (on the first and second floors), while the other is located on the first floor of the château. The rooms feature private ensuite bathrooms, comfortable twin beds, and tall French windows with gorgeous views of the courtyard. Guests will also have access to the shared spaces of the coach house and the château, respectively, as well as the outdoor terrace.

### Shared superior ensuite room (female only)
You will share this room with another same-gender participant. Located on the top floor of the château, the room features an ensuite bathroom and comfortable twin beds. The room has tall windows overlooking the beautiful gardens of the venue.

### Shared bathroom - single room
You will share the bathroom with two other retreat participants, but you will have this room to yourself. Located in the farm cottage on the second floor, the single room shares a large bathroom with another double-occupancy room down the hall; three guests will be sharing the spacious bathroom in the farm cottage. The room is furnished with a beautiful 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 fully-equipped kitchen of the cottage, as well as a charming terrace.

### Single standard ensuite room
Two single standard rooms are available for single occupancy. The rooms are located on the second floor of the coach house. They are spacious and feature double beds and ensuite bathrooms. Guests will also have access to the shared spaces of the coach house, as well as the outdoor terrace.

### Single superior ensuite room
One single superior 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. Your ensuite bathroom ensures convenience and privacy.

### Single deluxe suite
Two single deluxe suite are available for single occupancy. Located on the second and top floor of the château, the rooms feature a double or king-size bed. They have ensuite bathrooms with a tub and a separate shower.

## Food

No trip to France is complete without a tour of its culinary heritage. During your retreat with Kelly Ventura, you'll be treated to an authentic gastronomic journey that will delight your senses.Each morning, wake up to a tantalizing breakfast buffet brimming with freshly baked bread, croissants, a variety of local cheeses, savory ham, and 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 select 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 from the venue.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.

## Getting There

The art retreat with Kelly Ventura 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 September 14, 2026, and check-out is after breakfast on September 21, 2026, by 8:00 AM.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.thetrainline.com/en/train-times/paris-to-angers-st-laudhttps://www.omio.com/trainsHow 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: September 14, 2026 ⁠— 4:00 PM (leaving from Angers (St. Laud) train station, arriving at the retreat venue around 5:00 PM)Departure transfer: September 21, 2026 — 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 stationGrab 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

Venue reviews:"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 the art retreat available to all levels? The art retreat with Kelly Ventura is open to all levels.When is the art retreat available?The art retreat with artist Kelly Ventura takes place between September 14 - 21, 2026.Are there any check-in and check-out hours?Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 4:00 PM on September 14, 2026. Check-out is after breakfast on the last day, September 21, 2026.Is Wi-Fi available?Yes.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.How do I get to the retreat venue?Roundtrip 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. 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 art supplies do I need for the workshops?A detailed list of art materials and equipment recommended by artist Kelly Ventura will be provided upon booking, five months before the retreat begins. Flowers, fruit, and herbs to serve as additional references during the art sessions will be provided.What’s the weather like in Doué-en-Anjou in September?The weather in September in Doué-en-Anjou, the closest town to the retreat venue, is usually mild and pleasant. You can expect average highs of 22°C / 72°F during the day that drop to around 13°C / 55°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 art 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 art retreat and other activities?The retreat is available in English.Are there any age restrictions?The art retreat is open to anyone aged over 18.Is the art retreat available to guests with limited mobility?There will be plenty of walking on uneven, cobbled streets during the art trips; the trips may not be suitable to participants with limited mobility.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.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 artist'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/explorations-watercolor-retreat-artist-kelly-ventura-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