# Fast and Loose - Expressive Travel Sketchbooks Retreat with Artists Mike Staniford and Debbie Mackinnon in France Join artists Mike Staniford and Debbie Mackinnon for a travel sketchbook retreat in the picturesque Dordogne region of France. Work on location in the villages of Eymet, Issigeac, and Beynac-et-Cazenac, drawing inspiration from quiet alleyways, market scenes, layered textures, and the ever-changing light. Use mixed media, watercolor, and gouache to capture what you see and feel, filling your sketchbook with personal responses to the landscape around you.Stay at a historic estate and spend each day with Mike and Debbie as they guide you through warm-up drawings, fast on-location sketching, creative mark-making, and composition. Build your sketchbook spread by spread, combining drawing and painting in your own way. Mike and Debbie will demonstrate techniques and offer individual feedback, helping you connect the process with play and clarity with expression.Eat together, create together, and close the day with relaxed conversations and time to reflect. You will leave with a sketchbook full of layered pages, new techniques, and momentum to keep going. The retreat welcomes artists of all levels, but you will benefit most if you have some prior drawing and painting experience. ## Details - **Dates:** May 16 - 23, 2026 - **Location:** Eymet, Dordogne, France - **Starting Price:** $4,450 - **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 artists Mike Staniford and Debbie Mackinnon7 nights of accommodation at a spectacular private estate in southwestern FranceExclusive use of the entire 25-acre estate with a private heated pool, art studio, indoor and outdoor lounge areas, beautiful gardens, terraces, private woodland, and natural pondSpacious, well-lit art studioAll meals at the venue carefully prepared by a private chef7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinnersAfternoon snacksCoffee, tea, and water available throughout the dayLocal award-winning wine served with dinnerA wine and cheese tasting experience at the venueArt trip to IssigeacArt trip to the Beynac-et-CazenacArt trip to the Eymet marketPrivate transportation and guide for all planned activitiesRound-trip transfers from/to Bergerac train station at prearranged timesAll local tourist taxes and feesExperienced retreat UpTrek host available throughout the day, fully-staffed venueAccess to a private Facebook group with Mike Staniford, Debbie Mackinnon and the other retreat participants four months before the retreatNot includedAirfareTravel insuranceArt materials — a detailed list of art materials recommended by Mike Staniford and Debbie Mackinnon will be sent to you five months before the retreatOne lunch during the full-day tripTips for staffOther expenses guests might incur on their own ## Program ### Fast and Loose - Expressive Travel Sketchbooks Join artists Mike Staniford and Debbie Mackinnon for a travel sketchbook retreat in the picturesque Dordogne region of southwestern France. Work alongside this renowned art couple as they guide you through the practice of drawing and painting on location. With backgrounds in design, a long history of exhibitions, and a shared love of working en plein air, Mike and Debbie will help you translate the textures, colors, and movement of your surroundings into expressive pages filled with mixed media, watercolor, and gouache. You will benefit most from this retreat if you have some prior drawing and painting experience.Work closely with Mike and Debbie to build sketchbook pages that reflect the way you see and respond to the world around you. Focus on warm-up drawings, layering, loose mark-making, color mixing, and composition. Explore how to combine watercolor, gouache, ink, and dry media as you move between small studies and more developed pages. You will sharpen your drawing foundations while also learning to follow instinct and improvise freely. Daily demonstrations will keep the pace lively and approachable, while one-on-one guidance will help you develop your own rhythm and direction.Visit three inspiring locations throughout the week. Walk and draw in the medieval town of Issigeac. Practice fast sketching at the lively Eymet market, capturing the energy of the crowd and gathering ephemera for collage. Spend a full day in Beynac-et-Cazenac, drawing riverside scenes and stone streets in your own time. Back at the studio, review your work, expand your pages, and prepare for a mini-exhibition to celebrate what you’ve created. Mike and Debbie will help you shape a sketchbook that tells the story of your week—layered, personal, and full of life. The topics covered during your lessons will include:Making your own concertina sketchbookTraveling light with watercolor, gouache, and other mixed media materialsWorking on location to make fast and exciting drawings of placeDrawing and painting ‘on the go’ in cafes, markets, streets, as well as local landscapesWorking some sketches up into more finished works in the studioLooking at limited palettes and how they can improve your sketchesExploring mark making with different materials, including foraged materialsWorking in brown paper sketchbooks, watercolor journals, and homemade booksUsing collage to enliven the workIncluding ephemeral materials to make exciting, lively pages...and many more. Your accommodation will be in an elegant historic estate from the Napoleonic era, set amidst vibrant gardens, secluded woodlands, a natural pond, and a heated pool. Delight in Dordogne’s culinary heritage with daily chef-prepared meals and savor the local wines through a cheese and wine-tasting experience. ### Day 1: Arrival Catch the 3:30 PM shuttle from Bergerac train station to your retreat venue—a stunning 25-acre historic estate in the heart of Dordogne. Upon arrival, settle into your cozy accommodations, take a moment to unwind, and meet Mike and Debbie, your instructors for the week. Start your experience with a guided tour of the estate, showcasing its charming communal spaces, beautifully landscaped gardens, sunlit terraces, a heated swimming pool, serene woodlands, and a tranquil pond. The day concludes with a warm welcome dinner featuring exquisite French cuisine and fine wine, setting the tone for an inspiring and unforgettable week ahead. ### Day 2: Art at the venue Begin the day with a hearty breakfast and coffee in the garden. Settle in with Mike and Debbie and get ready to ease into the rhythm of the week ahead.Start the morning by going through your materials. Mike and Debbie will walk you through what you’ll be using throughout the retreat. Talk together about what you each are keen to explore and achieve in your travel sketchbook. Focus will shift to the importance of warm-up drawings and how they help loosen the hand, sharpen observation, and clear the mind. You’ll begin sketching right away, letting quick marks and gestures set the tone for the rest of your work.After lunch, dive into the full range of materials. Explore the differences between watercolor, gouache, ink, and dry media. Mike and Debbie will demo how each behaves and how to switch between them. Then create a random background in your sketchbook using whatever speaks to you. Layer paint, make textures, scribble, and smudge. Experiment with how the media interact. Let the page unfold without pressure. You’ll discover ways to combine materials and make them your own.Take some time in the late afternoon to unwind. Stroll through the estate’s gardens, reflect by the pond, or relax by the pool, letting the serene atmosphere spark your creativity. As the day draws to a close, enjoy a relaxed dinner featuring delicious, local flavors and French wine. Share what surprised you, what felt good, and what you’re curious to try next. Let the sketchbook stay open and unfinished. ### Day 3: Art trip to Issigeac After a nourishing breakfast, grab your sketchbook and head out with Mike and Debbie for a morning visit to the village of Issigeac. Walk its winding streets and take in the quiet details of half-timbered buildings, stone walls, crooked doorways, and painted shutters. As you explore the village, take time to soak in its unique character, perhaps enjoying a moment at a cozy café near the historic church of Saint-Félicien.Watch a quick demo before beginning your own warm-up sketches. Make fast marks, loose lines, and small drawings as you walk and draw. Let the rhythm of the place guide your page. Focus on responding to the environment rather than overthinking the outcome. Mike and Debbie will offer individual feedback throughout the morning as you move between spots, sketching from street corners, market stalls, or tucked-away courtyards. Capture textures and forms or note anything that could later grow into a more developed piece.After lunch, return to the studio and take your drawings further. Work from the references you gathered in the village. Use a limited palette and start mixing color to support what you saw and felt. Play with composition and perspective through layering, cropping, or combining elements. Mike and Debbie will show examples and offer direction as you shape your sketchbook page into something more refined while still keeping its energy intact.In the evening, gather again for dinner, trade stories, flip through pages, and wind down after a day spent observing, moving, and drawing. ### Day 4: Art at the venue Start the day with a hearty breakfast and coffee before stepping outside with your sketchbook.Walk the grounds with Mike and Debbie and begin drawing from observation. Look around and decide what draws your attention. It might be the shape of a tree, the lines of a stone wall, a doorway, a shadow across a bench, or someone walking through the garden. Focus on what interests you and build on that. Keep it loose. Fill your pages. Layer lines and color if needed. Mike and Debbie will move between you and offer feedback as you go.After lunch, return to the studio and gather everything you’ve explored throughout the week. Use your earlier drawings and exercises as a base to develop work around your chosen theme. Scale up if you're ready. Focus on clarity, composition, and confidence. Mike and Debbie will guide you through sharpening your sketching skills with the upcoming trip to Beynac in mind. Ask questions. Share what’s felt tricky or unclear. Demos will follow the group’s needs. Prepare your travel kit and talk about pacing your sketching day. Go over how to draw in cafes without overthinking it.Regroup in the gardens for a special event: a wine and cheese-tasting experience. As a quintessential part of French culture, you'll try out the delicious varieties that made the Dordogne region famous. Afterward, gather again for a chef-made dinner. ### Day 5: Trip to Beynac-et-Cazenac Kick off the fifth day with a hearty breakfast and coffee before setting out with your sketchbook for a full day in Beynac-et-Cazenac. The village rises above the Dordogne River with narrow cobblestone streets, steep stone paths, flower-filled windows, and the towering Château de Beynac anchoring the scene.Start the morning with warm-up drawings at a café. Use the time to loosen your hand and observe your surroundings without pressure. Mike and Debbie will help you apply everything you’ve practiced so far as you choose where and how to work. Find a view that pulls you in, whether it’s a doorway, a cluster of rooftops, or a winding path, and begin responding to it in your sketchbook.Pause for a light lunch in the village and take in the atmosphere. Notice what stands out in your memory from the morning and let that guide what you focus on next.In the afternoon, continue sketching. If you need help or want to work together, Mike and Debbie will be in the square. Otherwise, wander and explore at your own pace. Stop to draw the river, rooftops, or small architectural details. Stay in motion or settle into one spot. You will decide how to shape the second half of your day.Return to the estate in the early evening and take time to unwind. Share a relaxed dinner with the group and talk through what the day brought to your pages. ### Day 6: Trip to the French market After a leisurely breakfast, walk with the group to the Eymet market. It’s a short fifteen-minute stroll from the venue. Arrive with your sketchbook in hand and dive straight into the rhythm of the morning. A beloved tradition, local French markets offer an authentic peek into this region's countryside life.Draw quickly and without hesitation. Practice capturing people, stalls, and movement in 30 or 60 seconds. Don’t worry about perfection. Focus on the energy of the place. Watch for gestures, shapes, patterns, and color. Let the crowds, the noise, and the changing scenes guide your pages. Mike and Debbie will be nearby to offer prompts and suggestions as you go. Collect small papers, packaging, or textures to use later in your sketchbook. Pick up anything interesting that tells the story of the place.After lunch, spread everything out in the studio and take a good look. Flip through your drawings, sort through ephemera, and reflect on what you’ve gathered. Mike and Debbie will give feedback and encouragement, helping you spot what’s working and what could go further. You will start seeing connections between your pages from earlier in the week and what you’ve created today.Savor a relaxed dinner as you talk through the day, pass sketchbooks around, and enjoy the company of others who are building their own travel journals one page at a time. ### Day 7: Art at the venue Begin your final day with a hearty breakfast, and take a moment to look back at how far your sketchbook has come. Settle into the morning with Mike and Debbie, and get ready to bring everything together.Use the session to finalize your work. Flip through your pages and add the refining touches you’ve been saving for last. Fill in blank spaces. Add color where it’s missing. Strengthen linework or soften edges. Adjust compositions. Add a date, a note, or a texture you forgot. Mike and Debbie will move through the room, offering suggestions and helping you push each spread just a little further.After lunch, prepare your space for a mini-exhibition. Lay your sketchbook open or select pages to share. Look through each other's work and talk about what surprised you, what shifted, and what stayed consistent. Mike and Debbie will offer final thoughts, reflections, and encouragement, celebrating what you’ve created and how it’s evolved over the week.End the day with a warm farewell dinner. Raise a glass to everything recorded, discovered, and felt across the pages. ### Day 8: Departure Enjoy a final breakfast with Mike and Debbie and your fellow artists before it's time to part ways. Departing at 9:00 AM, you'll head to Gare Bergerac train station, arriving around 9:45 AM. As you journey home, you'll carry with you a heart full of inspiration and unforgettable memories. ## Instructors - [Debbie Mackinnon](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/debbie-mackinnon) — Painter, Educator, Nature Enthusiast - [Mike Staniford](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/mike-staniford) — Artist, Educator, Landscape Interpreter ## Accommodation ### Historic countryside estate Situated on the tranquil banks of the River Dropt, your home for the retreat will be a charming French estate, reserved exclusively for your group. This 25-acre historic property provides the perfect setting for creative inspiration, featuring well-appointed living spaces, a dedicated art studio, a heated pool, gardens, terraces, woodlands, and a peaceful pond.Art classes will be held indoors in a spacious, well-lit studio measuring approximately 500 sq. ft. (50 sq. m.) and outdoors on the beautiful terraces and gardens. You’ll also have the chance to paint en plein air in the scenic countryside surrounding the estate.The venue has a rich history, dating from the Napoleonic era to its time as a World War I equestrian center. Local craftsmen have renovated it carefully, turning the old stable block into five large gîtes (French villas) that blend modern comforts with classic French charm. These beautifully restored spaces feature exposed brickwork, heating, and high-quality bedding for your comfort.Throughout the retreat, you can relax and connect with fellow artists by the heated pool, on the airy terraces, or during peaceful strolls around the estate’s pond and private woodland, home to a variety of wildlife. ### Shared standard room You will share this room and its private bathroom with another same-gender participant. The shared standard rooms can be outfitted with either a double bed (for guests traveling together) or twin beds. They are spacious, tastefully decorated, and feature private bathrooms with showers or bathtubs. Blackout shutters and sound insulation walls ensure privacy and a quiet, good night's sleep. The windows provide great views of the countryside. ### Shared superior room (female only) You will share this room and its private bathroom with another same-gender participant. The shared superior rooms are spacious, with wide windows overlooking the splendid surroundings, and have private bathrooms with showers. Blackout shutters and sound insulation walls ensure privacy and a quiet, good night's sleep. One room located on the first floor has a private terrace with direct access to the courtyard. They can be outfitted with either a double bed (for guests traveling together) or twin beds. ### Single standard room Three standard rooms are available for single occupancy. You will be enjoying your own private room, equipped with a comfortable double bed, a private bathroom, and shared access to a fully fitted kitchen. Blackout shutters and sound insulation walls ensure privacy and a quiet, good night's sleep. The common lounge area features floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto a huge lawn. The rooms benefit from superb views of the Dordogne countryside. ### Single superior room Two superior rooms are available for single occupancy. More spacious than the standard rooms, the superior rooms feature comfortable double beds and private bathrooms. Blackout shutters and sound insulation walls ensure privacy and a quiet, good night's sleep. You will share access to a common lounge area with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto the gardens and a fully fitted shared kitchen. ## Food Savor the rich flavors of the Dordogne region during Mike Staniford and Debbie Mackinnon’s art retreat in France. Using the freshest local ingredients, the chef will craft a range of dishes that capture the essence of the region’s culinary heritage.You'll be treated to a variety of culinary experiences, from elegant seasonal canapés to hearty BBQs. Each day will start with delightful breakfasts, followed by delicious lunches, and end with indulgent three-course dinners featuring regional wine. The retreat culminates in a special farewell dinner that celebrates your artistic journey. A wine and cheese-tasting session is also included to enhance the experience.Throughout the day, you'll have access to water, coffee, tea, and a selection of snacks, including seasonal fruits and cakes.Please inform us of any dietary requirements at least one month before the retreat. While we strive to accommodate most needs, we may not be able to cater to severe, life-threatening allergies. We are unable to accommodate dietary changes announced less than a month before the retreat, switch diets during the retreat, or fulfill last-minute requests on-site. The menu will vary based on seasonal ingredient availability.All meals are included, except for one lunch during the full-day trip to Beynac-et-Cazenac.For more details on the food offerings during the retreat, see the section below. ## Getting There The venue for your art retreat with artists Mike Staniford and Debbie Mackinnon is a picturesque countryside estate in southwestern France. Nestled on 25 acres overlooking the banks of the River Dropt in the Dordogne region, the property is surrounded by woodlands, renowned vineyards, and timeless stone houses. Rich in historical significance, the River Dropt region was once a vital trade route where goods like wine and wood were transported by barges. The area offers a window into its medieval past, with landmarks such as the Romanesque Pont du Bretou bridge and the quaint bastide towns dotting the riverbanks.Just a 10-minute walk from the retreat venue, you'll find the charming town of Eymet, offering convenient access to its inviting restaurants, cafés, bakeries, pharmacies, craft shops, artist studios, and local boutiques. Bergerac, the designated pick-up and drop-off location for transfers, is about 16 miles from the venue. As part of the retreat, you'll explore the medieval town of Issigeac, located 15 miles away, as well as the historic town of Beynac-et-Cazenac, approximately 50 miles from the estate.To be transferred to the retreat venue, please arrive at Bergerac train station:We strongly recommend planning more time for long-distance international travel because of the current disruptions in flight schedules. It is best to arrive in France a day before the retreat starts to prevent any inconveniences caused by flight delays, rest after the long travel, and adjust to the new time zone.How to get to Bergerac:The best (quickest and most affordable) option is to fly to Paris or Bordeaux and catch a train to Bergerac from there. It's a very pleasant train ride, either from Paris (3h 40 minutes) or from Bordeaux (1h 15 minutes), during which you can enjoy the beautiful sights of French landscapes, towns, and cities.You can book train tickets to Bergerac from the French National Railway Company, SNCF: https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/Some guests traveling from Europe may also opt to fly to Bergerac Airport directly, then catch a bus or take a taxi to Gare Bergerac train station (15-minute ride).How to get from Bergerac to the retreat venue:Private transfers at prearranged times to and from Gare Bergerac train station are included. The transfer journey to the retreat venue takes approximately 35 minutes. Check-in at the retreat venue starts at 4:00 PM on May 16, 2026. Check-out is after breakfast on May 23, 2026, by 9:00 AM.Arrival transfer: May 16, 2026 — 3:30 PM (leaving from Gare Bergerac train station, arriving at the retreat venue around 4:05 PM)Departure transfer: May 23, 2026 — 9:00 AM (leaving from the retreat venue, arriving at Gare Bergerac train station around 9:45 AM)If your travel arrangements don't work with our pre-set transfer times, please consider the following options:Spend extra days at a hotel in Paris, Bordeaux, or Bergerac pre-/post-retreat, and catch the transfer shuttles from/to Gare Bergerac train station.Grab a taxi to the retreat venue (address: La Palanque, 9 Rte de la Sabliere, 24500 Eymet, France; estimated cost: US$100 per way). Please note that taxi fares may vary. ## Reviews Reviews of the venue:"This is my second UpTrek retreat, and I had another wonderful time. La Palanque was beautiful. I loved the accommodations and how they were centrally located around a courtyard space. It felt very communal, while also providing ample space for people to spread out.""The venue was spectacular, in a glorious location and the team couldn’t have been more lovely and helpful.""The evening dinner chef and assistant were amazing. The food was varied and delicious every night. They provided excellent service. The venue's location and ground were beautiful.""I loved everything about the retreat! The location, the food, the people, the excursions, and the instructors. Everything was a dream. I was especially impressed and honored by their ability to accommodate my food requirements. They even packed me lunches for our days away so I would be sure to have something to eat. The grounds are beautiful and full of flowers and whispering trees.""Overwhelming! Beautiful room. The pool much appreciated. Fantastic food! Really helpful staff, Tasha and Marie.""Everything was perfect, done to the last detail.""Tasha and Marie and Katie and Scarlet were such a big part of making the retreat so cozy and inviting .... they were always available and welcoming. This retreat was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had and I will remember it fondly. And lastly .... the food was the best I’ve ever had!!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Thank you!!!!""The venue itself was absolutely remarkable, and the hosts went above and beyond to ensure our every need was met. Tasha was so easy to talk to and had a wealth of local knowledge which was valuable. The grounds and immediate area are beautiful to explore whether on foot or bike. It really was a huge bonus that Eymet was within walking distance for use of ATM and pharmacy. The menu from breakfast, lunch and dinner was truly exceptional, offering a first-class dining experience. The local wines were also delicious - with the wine tasting a highlight. Each and every one of the excursions provided was of exceptional quality and added to my overall experience. I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of these outings, as I’m a history geek and they provided a perfect balance between education and time to sketch on location." ## Frequently Asked Questions Is this retreat available to all levels? The art retreat welcomes artists of all levels, but you will benefit most from this retreat if you have some prior drawing and painting experience.When is the art retreat available?The art retreat takes place between May 16 - 23, 2026.Are there any check-in and check-out hours?Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 4:00 PM on May 16, 2026. Check-out is after breakfast on the last day at 9:00 AM, on May 23, 2026.How do I get to the retreat venue?Please plan to arrive at the Gare Bergerac train station. The retreat venue is located approximately a 35-minute drive from Gare Bergerac, the main train station in the area that has a direct connection with Paris. We advise allowing extra time for long-distance international travel. Arriving in France a day before the retreat starts helps mitigate potential issues due to flight delays, allows for rest post-travel, and facilitates adjustment to the new time zone. Private transfers from/to Gare Bergerac train station at prearranged times are included. Please read the Location tab for more information. Please refrain from booking flights until the retreat becomes guaranteed and you are charged for your participation.What’s the weather like in Eymet, France, in late May?The weather in Eymet in late May is usually sunny and pleasant. You can expect average highs of 24°C / 75°F during the day that drop to around 11°C / 52°F at night. However, in recent years, temperatures have varied unpredictably. We recommend you check the weather yourself before your departure and pack accordingly.What should I pack? Please pack appropriate clothing, insect repellent, a raincoat, a swimsuit, sunscreen, a sun hat and sunglasses, a jacket for chilly evenings, comfortable shoes, personal care items, and any personal medication you might need.Can I do laundry while on the retreat?Laundry facilities are available at the retreat venue and you are welcome to use them for free during your stay.What art supplies do I need for the retreat?A list of art materials recommended by artists Mike Staniford and Debbie Mackinnon will be provided upon booking, five months before the retreat.Is there a local currency I should acquire before arriving?The currency is the euro. Credit cards are widely accepted in most places. However, it might be a good idea to take out some euros from the ATM at the airport for taxis, small purchases, visiting the market, and tipping. Make sure you notify your bank that you'll be using your card in France.How many people are expected at the retreat?Maximum of 15 participants.I am vegetarian/vegan. Can I book this retreat?Please inform us of any dietary requirements at least one month in advance. We may not be able to accommodate severe, life-threatening allergies. Additionally, we cannot cater to dietary needs announced less than a month before the retreat, switch diets during the retreat, or accommodate last-minute requests made on the spot.Is Wi-Fi available?Yes.Do I need a visa?Guests from the US, Canada, EU, UK, and/or Schengen member states can enter France for tourism without a visa. If this policy changes, we will inform you promptly. For additional assistance, please reach out to us.Are there any age restrictions?There are no restrictions whatsoever. Please keep in mind that you must be 18 years of age to travel independently.What language is used during the art workshop and other activities?The retreat is available in English.Can a non-participating guest join me?We do not accommodate non-participants at our art retreats. This policy is in place to ensure the artistic and immersive nature of our retreats remains intact for all participants.Is the retreat available to guests with limited mobility?Unfortunately, the retreat venue and day trips are not well suited to host people with limited mobility.What happens if I need to cancel?Once the retreat is guaranteed, all payments are final and nonrefundable. Bookings are nonrefundable under any circumstances. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. After your payment is processed, you may purchase insurance through the following link: Purchase insurance. Please review our cancellation policy.Do I need travel insurance?Yes. Since all bookings are nonrefundable, travel insurance is mandatory for all UpTrek travelers. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. We strongly advise that your chosen policy provides cover against lost or delayed baggage, loss of personal belongings, trip cancellation, trip interruption, accidents, illness, injury, medical expenses, death, and emergency repatriation.For your convenience, UpTrek is affiliated with Allianz Travel and is a Registered Travel Retailer under AGA license. Click here to purchase your insurance plan.Please note that UpTrek is not qualified or authorized to answer questions about coverage, benefits, exclusions, or conditions of any Allianz Travel Insurance plan. If you have questions about your plan, please contact Allianz Global Assistance directly at CustomerService@AllianzAssistance.com or by phone at 1-800-284-8300. Be sure to provide the reference code F215276 so Allianz knows you are purchasing protection for an UpTrek trip.We strongly recommend reviewing the terms and conditions of any insurance policy you purchase to fully understand the coverage, benefits, and claims process. We will gladly provide the essential documentation to support refund claims with the insurance provider.Do I have to pay a deposit?No. Once the number of guest reservations reaches the minimum number required for the retreat to become guaranteed, UpTrek charges the guests the cost of the retreat. Guests who reserved will be notified 48 hours in advance that their payment method on file is about to be charged.Will I receive a full refund if the retreat is not guaranteed?UpTrek does not charge the payment method we collect until the retreat becomes guaranteed. Once the retreat is guaranteed, there will be no reimbursement. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements.Will I receive a full refund if the guaranteed retreat is canceled by the artist or by UpTrek?If the retreat is canceled due to force majeure events or circumstances out of UpTrek's and/or the instructor's control, UpTrek will let you know as soon as possible, refund the total cost of the retreat, and help you find another option for your vacation. ## Book This Retreat 👉 **[Reserve your spot on uptrek.com](https://uptrek.com/retreat/fast-loose-expressive-travel-sketchbooks-retreat-artists-mike-staniford-debbie-mackinnon-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/fast-loose-expressive-travel-sketchbooks-retreat-artists-mike-staniford-debbie-mackinnon-france **Last updated:** 2025-10-09