# Exploring the French Countryside Watercolor Retreat with Artist Ellen Crimi-Trent in France Join watercolor artist Ellen Crimi-Trent for an inspiring painting retreat set amid the sunlit hills and vibrant villages of Occitanie, southern France. Paint scenes full of color and character as the golden light and rolling countryside spark your creativity. Through hands-on lessons and personalized guidance, Ellen will help you grow as an artist, building confidence and filling your sketchbook with vivid work rooted in the landscapes around you. Whether you have been painting for years or are picking up a brush for the very first time, you will find a supportive environment where experimentation comes first. Venture out on a half-day trip to the riverside town of Castres to sketch its lively markets and pastel-colored arcades, explore the charming squares of Lisle-sur-Tarn on a half-day trip through one of the region's best-preserved medieval bastide towns, and set out on a full-day trip to the UNESCO-listed city of Albi to paint its towering red-brick cathedral and wander its medieval streets. Stay at an elegant countryside estate, where delicious chef-prepared meals and an inspiring, supportive atmosphere create the perfect setting to dive into your creative process. Savor the tastes and aromas of southern France, connect with 16 other fellow artists, and leave with memories to last a lifetime! ## Details - **Dates:** May 5 - 12, 2027 - **Location:** Teyssode, Occitanie, France - **Starting Price:** $4,750 - **Currency:** USD - **Status:** open - **Group Size:** Max. 17 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 Ellen Crimi-Trent 2. Art studio equipped with: tables, chairs, field easels, portable plein-air stools, paper towels, professional studio lights, and glass jars 3. 7 nights of accommodation at a gorgeous French countryside estate 4. 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 5. All meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 7 dinners carefully prepared by a private chef 6. All diets catered for, including vegetarian, vegan, diabetic, gluten-free, and lactose-free 7. Complimentary water, coffee, tea, and homemade snacks available throughout the day 8. Plentiful, delicious wine and non-alcoholic beverages served during dinner service every day 9. Delightful welcome and farewell dinners 10. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails and gourmet canapés before the welcome and farewell dinners 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 trip to Lisle-sur-Tarn with opportunities for sketching and painting on location 14. Half-day art trip to Castres with opportunities for sketching and painting on location 15. Private transportation and chaperone for all trips and planned activities 16. Round-trip airport transfers from/to Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS) at prearranged times 17. A dedicated UpTrek retreat coordinator available throughout the whole retreat 18. Fully staffed venue with drivers, cleaning and maintenance staff, and chef and kitchen staff 19. All local tourist taxes and fees 20. Access to a private Facebook group with Ellen Crimi-Trent 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 Ellen Crimi-Trent 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 ### Exploring the French Countryside Watercolor Retreat Join watercolor artist Ellen Crimi-Trent for an unforgettable painting retreat set in the countryside of Occitanie, southern France. Capture the golden light and rich textures of this extraordinary region as you focus on expressive landscapes, vibrant village scenes, and the visual culture that makes the south of France one of the most painted places on earth. Ellen will guide you with live painting demonstrations and personalized feedback, helping you discover and refine your unique style while you paint with confidence and creative freedom you did not know you had. The retreat welcomes all levels of experience. Beyond the studio, venture into the heart of Occitanie on trips that feel like stepping inside a painting. Spend a full-day trip in the UNESCO-listed city of Albi, where the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum fills your head with bursts of color and unexpected forms that will change how you see everything afterward. Head out on a half-day trip to the riverside town of Castres, where pastel-colored tannery houses lean over the Agout River and sun-drenched café squares practically beg to be sketched. Take a half-day trip to the medieval bastide town of Lisle-sur-Tarn, where a grand central square, stone arcades, and a 13th-century church sit waiting for your sketchbook. With paintbrush in hand and this much beauty in front of you, you may never want to leave! **Some topics covered in your classes with Ellen Crimi-Trent include:** - Create color palettes - Play with various watercolor techniques including wet-on-wet, expressive painting with brushes and pen and ink - Create a compelling composition and layout - Paint nature and your surroundings - Take reference pictures and use them to create beautiful paintings - Use your sketchbook for future ideas - Discover your strengths and personal themes through experimentation - Create your own unique art collection - ...and many more! Stay at a charming, restored estate in the French countryside, offering the perfect environment for creative exploration. 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 16 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 Ellen Crimi-Trent, 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: Classes at the venue Begin your morning with a delicious breakfast, then join Ellen and your fellow artists for a check-in over coffee. Get a glimpse of the day’s schedule and prepare for your first watercolor class. During the morning session, Ellen will lead you through the fundamentals of watercolor painting, starting with demonstrations of essential techniques such as wet-on-wet, layering washes, and blending colors. Explore landscapes, florals, and still-life subjects while trying out brush strokes and creative effects. Ellen will encourage you to follow your artistic instincts as you become more comfortable with your materials. After a satisfying lunch, come back for the afternoon session, where you'll expand on the morning’s work. Ellen will encourage you to view your surroundings through an artistic perspective, guiding you in sketching thumbnails loosely and quickly. This relaxed method will help you capture the essence of the landscapes, florals, and still-life scenes around you. Ellen's calm and supportive guidance will allow you to experiment openly, reminding you that mistakes are simply part of the creative journey. As the day comes to an end, enjoy some leisure time before dinner. Take a quick dip in the pool, wander the estate grounds, or socialize with your fellow creatives. Indulge in a delicious three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef, paired with a glass of fragrant French wine. ### Day 3: Art trip to Castres Kick off the day with a filling breakfast and a freshly brewed cup of coffee before setting out on a half-day trip to Castres, a charming town nicknamed the "Little Venice of Languedoc," for a morning of painting in the open air. Once there, settle into your chosen spot along the banks of the River Agout, where pastel-hued, half-timbered houses lean out over the water and their reflections shimmer on the surface below. Ellen will guide you in building on the techniques from the day before, diving deeper into composition and color mixing while sharing her approach to layering a watercolor painting correctly on location. Take your time and don't rush the process, letting each brushstroke lead you to the next as the morning light plays across the old town's timeworn facades. After a relaxing lunch back at the venue, bring the morning to life on the page. Whether you want to capture the shimmer of the river beneath those leaning houses or the sun-warmed stonework of the arcades, Ellen will guide you in translating a lived experience into a watercolor painting that feels as vivid as the day itself. Draw on what you observed along the river, adding final touches to your current piece while building approaches you will carry into future work. As the afternoon winds down, take time to unwind by the pool or chat with your fellow artists in the garden. Gather for a three-course dinner prepared by your private chef and paired with local wine. ### Day 4: Classes at the venue Begin the day with a refreshing breakfast, then check in with Ellen and your fellow artists. The day begins in the venue's gardens, where Ellen will lead you in exploring the textures, warmth, and color of the Occitanie landscape right on your doorstep. Focus on developing a fluid and expressive style as you find the balance between detail and looseness in your work. Ellen will demonstrate how to capture the golden quality of southern French light, a defining feature of watercolor painting in this part of the world, and guide you through color mixing and brush techniques that bring vibrancy and depth to the page. After a delicious lunch, you'll reconvene in the studio or out on the terraces for a hands-on practice session. With the upcoming art trips in mind, Ellen will share her approach to painting on location, teaching you how to quickly capture the essence of a scene and organize your materials for a day out. By the end of the afternoon, you'll feel confident and ready to take your sketchbook anywhere Occitanie sends you. As the class comes to an end, take some time to unwind in the late afternoon. Join Ellen and your fellow artists for a freshly chef-prepared dinner, enjoying the lovely company of your group and sipping a glass of aromatic French wine. ### Day 5: Art trip to Albi Fuel up with a hearty breakfast and a freshly brewed cup of coffee, followed by a morning check-in with Ellen and your fellow artists to discuss the day ahead. Then gather your art supplies and prepare for a full-day trip to the medieval city of Albi, about an hour's drive away. The road winds past open fields, vineyards, and scattered villages, giving you time to take in the scenery and ease into the rhythm of the day. Once in Albi, explore the city's narrow streets and iconic landmarks with your sketchbook in hand. Use this time to sketch what inspires you, capture textures and architectural details, or take reference photos for later. Watch the towering Cathédrale Sainte-Cécile rise above the skyline, its sculpted red-brick facade full of details waiting to be translated onto paper. Pause at the Pont Vieux, where the Tarn River flows beneath you, and sketch the fragments that speak to you most, drawing inspiration from a city that has barely changed in centuries. Find a restaurant or café in the old town and enjoy a relaxed lunch in one of the most beautiful cities in the south of France. Then continue the day with a visit to the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum, housed in the 13th-century Palais de la Berbie, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once the palace of Albi's bishop. Inside, the artworks of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, an Albi native, fill the galleries with the kind of bold color and unexpected composition that will change how you see your own work. After the museum, head into the vast gardens of the Palais de la Berbie with their sweeping views over the Tarn River and the surrounding countryside. Sketch if you feel inspired, capturing the lush flora and layered landscape onto your page. Practice the techniques you have been building throughout the week and create a composition rooted in everything Albi has offered you over the course of the day. Return to the venue in the late afternoon and enjoy some time to rest and recharge before gathering for a three-course dinner prepared by your private chef and paired with delicious local wine, swapping stories from a day spent painting one of Occitanie's most extraordinary cities. ### Day 6: Art trip to Lisle-sur-Tarn Enjoy a wholesome breakfast over coffee, then check in with Ellen and your fellow artists to talk through goals and the day's exciting schedule. Gather your art supplies and head out on a half-day trip to Lisle-sur-Tarn, a beautifully preserved 13th-century bastide town a short drive away. Built around a vast central square surrounded by brick and half-timbered houses, the town has retained its original medieval charm. Under Ellen's guidance, set up along the square or down by the broad arc of the Tarn River and work directly from what you see, snapping reference photos, experimenting with the techniques you have been building all week. Keep your sketchbook handy and let your creativity do the rest! Return to the venue for a delicious lunch, then reconvene with Ellen for an afternoon class where you will leverage all the fresh inspiration gathered in Lisle-sur-Tarn. Work on transforming your photos and on-location sketches into expressive watercolor paintings. Ellen will show you how to plan your composition with intention, guiding you through the process of turning your observations into finished pieces that carry the energy of the morning with them. Experiment with color, layering, and the balance between detail and looseness that makes watercolor so alive. Take some time in the late afternoon to unwind by the pool or stroll through the gardens. Gather for a three-course dinner prepared by your private chef and paired with wine, sharing your progress and chatting late into the evening with the creative community you have built over the course of the retreat. ### Day 7: Classes at the venue Your final day at the retreat begins with a delicious breakfast, followed by a coffee check-in to reflect on your artistic journey with Ellen and your fellow artists. In your last art class, you'll dive into perfecting the landscapes, florals, and still-life paintings you’ve been working on throughout the retreat. Ellen will guide you as you apply finishing touches and refine your pieces, offering any remaining advice to help you showcase your personal artistic growth. This is an ideal time to ask any final questions and receive personalized feedback. After enjoying a tasty lunch, get ready for a special event: the mini-exhibition. Though participation is optional, this informal gallery setting is a wonderful opportunity to present your work, exchange feedback with your peers, and celebrate the progress you’ve made during your time in France. As the evening approaches, enjoy some spare time to relax before dinner. Come together one more time for a generous three-course farewell dinner, prepared by the in-house chef and paired with a glass of fragrant local wine. Raise a glass to the art you have brought to life, the friendships you have forged, and the unforgettable memories you have made! ### Day 8: Departure After enjoying a satisfying breakfast with Ellen 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 - [Ellen Crimi-Trent](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/ellen-crimi-trent) — Artist and Designer ## Accommodation ### Historic French Estate Tucked away in the heart of Tarn, Occitanie, your venue for the art retreat with Ellen Crimi-Trent 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 indoor workshop space. Your classes with Ellen will take place in the indoor workshop space 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 (a saltwater pool and a hot tub), sprawling French gardens, and a fruit orchard. Please note that getting around the accommodation spaces, the workshop space, 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 (female only) Three 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 large French windows with views of the beautiful garden. ### Single room with shared bathroom (female only) 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 - adjacent bathroom One room with 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. ## Food Indulge in the robust flavors of Occitanie with every meal during your art retreat. 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 art retreat with Ellen Crimi-Trent 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, located one hour away from the venue, wander through the quaint little town of Castres, with its vibrant brocantes and local French markets, and visit the village of Lisle-sur-Tarn. Check-in at the retreat venue starts at 4:00 PM on May 5, 2027. Check-out is after breakfast on May 12, 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:** **May 5, 2027** — **3:00 PM** (leaving from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport, arriving at the retreat venue at 4:00 PM) **Departure Transfer:** **May 12, 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 Ellen Crimi-Trent:** - "I loved meeting great women and meeting Ellen in person. Her demos were great and she was really inspiring." - "Ellen Crimi-Trent’s instruction was amazing & the studio facilities were superb! I highly recommend this experience to anyone who has an interest to participate in one of the retreats offered by Uptrek. Every detail for this retreat was executed to perfection. Staff on site were friendly, caring & provided exemplary group & individual support. Each day was planned to make all of us feel special. Thank you Uptrek for the amazing experience!" - "Great retreat! Ellen was very encouraging, patient and explained techniques well. Just the right amount of instruction, so I didn’t feel overwhelmed. And the day excursions to sketch and shop were a nice change of pace. I’d definitely go on another watercolor retreat that Ellen was teaching!" - "Ellen’s teaching was excellent. She paced things really well. I found it really helpful that she had us practice skills, or elements, before launching into a larger piece. For instance, we worked on skies, then a house with perspective and shadows, before working on our landscape. She was organized and thoughtful about her teaching, and her fun sense of humor set the tone for a fun week of painting and learning." - "Ellen was a wonderful teacher as always and the overall experience of the Watercolor classes, the transportation, the guide and driver and the towns that we visited were the highlights of the week for me." - "I felt I received quality instruction from Ellen and she genuinely wanted to teach us something new every day. I brought every thing home! New techniques now in my abilities. I would definitely sign up for Ellen again." **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 it!" - "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 venue was excellent. 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 the retreat available to all levels?** The art retreat with Ellen Crimi-Trent is open to all levels of art experience. **When is the retreat available?** The retreat with artist Ellen Crimi-Trent will take place between May 5 - 12, 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. Roundtrip airport transfers from/to Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS) at prearranged times are included. For more information, see the [Location tab](https://uptrek.com/retreat/exploring-french-countryside-watercolor-retreat-artist-ellen-crimi-trent-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 May 5, 2027. Check-out is after breakfast on the last day at 10:00 AM, on May 12, 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 Ellen Crimi-Trent will be provided five months before the retreat takes place. Tables, chairs, field easels, portable plein-air stools, paper towels, professional studio lights, and glass jars are included and will be available at the venue. **Students are responsible for bringing their own art supplies, based on the instructor’s recommended list.** **What’s the weather like in Teyssode, Occitanie, France, in May?** The weather in Teyssode in May is usually sunny and pleasant. You can expect average highs of 23°C / 73°F during the day that drop to around 11°C / 52°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 17 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/exploring-french-countryside-watercolor-retreat-artist-ellen-crimi-trent-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/exploring-french-countryside-watercolor-retreat-artist-ellen-crimi-trent-france **Last updated:** 2026-06-01