# Learn to Sketch The Landscape Retreat with Artist Oliver Pyle in France

Join artist Oliver Pyle for a revitalizing art retreat in the heart of Occitanie, France. Set on a restored medieval estate, this immersive week focuses on the essential skill of sketching—a foundational practice at the core of landscape painting. Open to all levels and working primarily in watercolor (alongside ink, graphite, or any media that helps you capture the moment), you'll follow Oliver’s practical three-step process: Inspire – Sketch – Paint.Oliver will share his 35 years of painting experience, demonstrating tips and techniques for creating landscapes using the watercolour medium. Each morning features practical guidance on composition, observation, and sketchbook building, followed by relaxed afternoon sessions in the studio or sketching en plein air among stone walls, open fields, and winding trails. Rather than rigid instruction, the emphasis is on personal exploration and learning to see with clarity and purpose.Three inspiring trips round out the week: a visit to the historic town of Albi and its Toulouse-Lautrec Museum, an afternoon sketching in a beautiful French botanical garden, and a visit to a local vineyard nestled in the countryside. By the end of the retreat, you’ll have a rich body of work, fresh ideas, and a deeper connection to your artistic practice.

## Details

- **Dates:** May 5 - 12, 2026
- **Location:** Teyssode, Occitanie, France
- **Starting Price:** $4,050
- **Category:** [Painting](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/retreats/painting) · [Browse on uptrek.com](https://uptrek.com/retreats/painting)

## Overview

What's included:Art classes, individual tuition, and demonstrations with artist Oliver Pyle7 nights of accommodation at a French countryside estateExclusive use of the entire 5-acre property with a saltwater pool, hot tub, spacious reconverted barn used as an art studio, indoor workshop space, fruit orchard, private gardens, and terraces7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 7 dinners carefully prepared by a private chefCoffee, tea, water, and homemade snacks available throughout the dayUnlimited wine during dinner service, non-alcoholic beverages served with dinnerWelcome and farewell cocktails and canapésArt trip to Albi, Toulouse-Lautrec Museum visit, and time for painting on-locationArt trip to a French botanical garden with sketching on-locationPrivate transportation and chaperone for all trips and planned activitiesRoundtrip airport transfers from/to Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS) at prearranged timesVenue host available throughout the dayAll entrance ticketsAll local tourist taxes and feesAccess to a private Facebook group with Oliver Pyle and other retreat participants four months before the retreatNot includedAirfare/transportation to ToulouseTravel insuranceArt supplies - a detailed list of art materials recommended by Oliver Pyle will be provided five months before the retreatLunch during the full-day trip to AlbiExtra costs guests might incur on their own

## Program

### Learn to Sketch The Landscape Retreat
When asked to identify the single most important attribute for painting successful watercolor landscapes, Oliver’s response was immediate: “Connect with your subject by making sketches. The genre of landscape painting is built upon the foundational skill of sketching; without it, we would not have the rich heritage of masterpieces that have become the most elegant record we have of our interaction with nature and the countryside. We owe a great deal to the old masters who left us a legacy of sketching—JMW Turner and James Whistler, for example—and this retreat will help you to add this essential element to your own landscape painting process.”During the week, you will have the opportunity to sketch in the beautiful countryside of southern France, developing your work under Oliver’s guidance on location and in the studio. Working primarily in watercolor, you may also use a variety of other media, such as ink, graphite, and whatever else helps to record your experience and observations of the places and moments that inspire you. Painters of all experience levels are welcome—it is a mixed-ability retreat, and Oliver is equally comfortable working with beginners and established artists; the emphasis is firmly on building techniques and expanding your creative vision wherever you are on your artistic journey, rather than a rigid ‘everyone follow me’ style of course. Oliver’s approach to landscape painting is based on a proven three-step process:INSPIRE—SKETCH—PAINT... and you will use this methodology to help familiarize yourself with the landscape, sharpen your observation skills, and develop your own ideas and inspiration to create successful and dynamic paintings. You will also be sketching purely for sketching’s sake—not every sketch needs to become a more considered painting; Oliver will show you how to curate a journal-style sketchbook, a wonderful way of recording your travel experiences.Topics you will cover include:How to make an Inspiration Sketch, an Information Sketch, and an Idea SketchLandscape Looking—understanding how to observe a subject creativelyHow to simplify scenes and subjectsAssessing subjects using a zonal methodBuilding a sketchbook journalDrawing—measurement, comparison, perspectiveThe 30-Minute Watercolor Sketch—working quickly to capture the sense of place and timeUsing a pen-and-wash techniqueThe process of developing a sketch into a finished paintingHow to combine photographs and sketches as reference materialFundamental landscape painting techniques for watercolor, with a particular focus on brush skills, color mixing, creating depth, and managing detail‘Create, don’t ’copy’—using sketching to express this principle in your work...and many more!Throughout the program, which is subject to change based on weather conditions and group requirements, Oliver will share his 35 years of painting experience, demonstrating tips and techniques for creating landscapes using the watercolor medium.Your accommodation for the retreat will be a charming, restored estate in the countryside, offering the perfect environment for creative exploration. Outside of classes, you’ll enjoy wholesome French cuisine, relax by the pool, and connect with your fellow artists in a welcoming, supportive atmosphere.

### 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 Oliver Pyle, your instructor for the retreat, and the rest of your fellow artists. Explore the estate’s charming garden, the historic watchtower, and inviting communal spaces during a welcome tour. In the evening, toast to the start of your creative journey with cocktails and bite-sized canapés, followed by a beautifully prepared three-course dinner, perfectly complemented by local wines.

### Day 2: Art classes at the venue
Wake to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and enjoy breakfast alongside Oliver and your fellow artists, discussing ideas for the day ahead.The morning begins with an introduction to landscape sketching, where Oliver will cover essential materials, approaches, and techniques to help you feel grounded and prepared. You'll explore how to select your tools, plan your composition, and sketch with clarity and confidence. After the introduction, step outside to sketch on the property. With Oliver’s guidance, you’ll begin observing the surrounding landscape and experimenting with ways to translate what you see into your sketchbook.Pause midday to share a leisurely lunch, exchanging insights and recharging for the afternoon.In the afternoon, the focus shifts to improving your drawing technique. Oliver will guide you through exercises on measurement, proportion comparison, and perspective. You’ll practice simplifying what you see into basic shapes and understanding how to build a strong structure within your drawings. These studies continue around the property, allowing you to apply what you’ve learned in different settings and from multiple viewpoints.When the day's painting winds down, take time to relax around the estate, wander garden paths, swim in the saltwater pool, or revisit your sketches. Later, come together around the dinner table to reflect, talk, and share stories over freshly prepared food accompanied by local wine.

### Day 3: Art trip to French jardins
Following a refreshing breakfast, gather your art materials before setting off. A thirty-minute drive will take you through lush scenery toward a vibrant French garden.Spend the morning focused on inspiration and observation. With Oliver’s guidance, use a series of short studies to capture what draws your eye—shapes, colors, light patterns, and the natural flow of the landscape. Sketch among colorful garden beds, terraces with open views, and quiet water features that mirror the sky and trees. Oliver will help you notice contrasts, movement in pathways, and how elements interact across the space. Use your camera to collect reference images that extend your visual memory, paying close attention to how the composition works across different angles and scales.Break for lunch amidst the beauty of your surroundings, taking time to reflect on the morning's work.After returning, the focus turns to simplification. Oliver will show you how to combine your sketches and photographs into clear, useful references for painting. He will then introduce a pen-and-wash approach, where structured ink drawings support light, expressive watercolor layers. Through this method, you’ll explore how to reduce visual complexity while still conveying atmosphere, space, and light in a small, focused study.Later, allow the pace of the day to slow down. Settle into your favorite spot outdoors, revisit your artwork, or share insights casually with fellow artists. When evening arrives, unwind over dinner and local wine.

### Day 4: Art at the venue
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before gathering your brushes for a day of creative exploration.The morning begins with focused studio work. Oliver will guide you through the process of developing your location sketches into more refined visual studies. Learn how to assess what works, identify areas to strengthen, and make thoughtful adjustments to enhance clarity and expression. Alongside this, you'll explore how to curate a sketchbook journal: organizing your drawings, color notes, and written reflections into a cohesive and personal record of your creative process. This journal becomes both a reference and a source of ongoing inspiration.Take time midday to pause, reflecting on new ideas over a relaxed lunch.In the afternoon, return to the studio to begin developing one of your sketches into a larger watercolor painting. Oliver will walk you through each step, from transferring your drawing to watercolor paper to planning your color palette and approach. Work from broad washes toward finer details, learning how to maintain energy and movement in your painting while introducing clarity and structure. Expand on your initial impressions and let your interpretation of the landscape come to life on a larger scale.As the afternoon light softens, set your brushes down and savor quiet time, strolling through the grounds or relaxing poolside. Later, reconnect over dinner, exchanging insights and inspiration from a rewarding day.

### Day 5: Art trip to Albi
Start the day with a wholesome breakfast and fresh coffee before setting out with Oliver for the trip to Albi. Pass through wide stretches of countryside before arriving in the heart of a town shaped by red brick, winding alleys, and sweeping river views.Begin your walk through Albi with your sketchbook and camera at the ready. Oliver will start with a 30-minute watercolor sketch demonstration, showing how to work quickly with strong shapes, simplified color, and confident brushwork. Then, it’s your turn. Find a subject that draws you in, such as a curve in the road, a doorway framed by shadow, or the way light falls on the basilica’s red stone, and create your own 30-minute sketch on location. This exercise builds speed and clarity while encouraging you to trust your observations and respond directly to the scene.Find a quiet café near the water and take a break. Let the sounds and colors of the town settle before returning to your work.In the afternoon, make your way to the gardens of the Palais de la Berbie. There, the focus shifts to making sketches and taking photos on location. Explore the grounds and gather new references, whether it’s the rhythm of a pathway, the contrast of stone and foliage, or the view across the river. Sketch loosely or take detailed photos, whichever helps you preserve the atmosphere and structure of the scene. Oliver will be nearby to offer suggestions on composition and visual storytelling, helping you notice details worth capturing for future paintings.As the light begins to soften across the garden paths, return to the venue. Gather later for dinner, surrounded by your fellow artists.

### Day 6: Art at the venue
Begin the morning with a warm breakfast, then step into the studio where Oliver will be waiting, brushes in hand, ready to guide you through a full day of painting drawn from your own vision.The morning begins with a focused studio painting session. Choose a sketch that still holds energy for you and begin scaling it up into a larger, more developed work. Oliver will show you how to transfer the structure to watercolor paper and prepare your composition for a finished piece. You’ll work gradually, beginning with broad washes before moving into more refined areas of color and detail. Throughout the session, Oliver will be available to offer individual guidance, helping you maintain the spirit of the original while expanding its presence and depth.Take a break midday for lunch, step outside for a breath, then return when you're ready to keep going.The afternoon continues in the studio. Build on the painting you began earlier, adjusting value, layering color, and refining shapes as your work comes into focus. Oliver will be close by, offering coaching as needed, helping you resolve any areas that feel uncertain, and encouraging you to stay connected to your own visual voice. If you prefer a change of setting, feel free to step outside with your sketchbook or a small block and respond quickly to the afternoon light.As the sky cools, set your tools aside or keep working if the momentum is still strong. When the light fades completely, gather for dinner, bringing with you the hum of the studio and the satisfaction of a day spent inside the rhythm of your own painting.

### Day 7: Art classes at the venue
Wake to the soft light of morning and enjoy a peaceful breakfast before stepping into the studio, where Oliver will be ready to guide you through your final full day of painting.The morning will focus on finishing touches. Return to paintings that need final adjustments or refinements. Whether you're resolving specific areas, adjusting color, or strengthening composition, Oliver will be there to support your decisions and help clarify any remaining questions. Bring your work to a satisfying conclusion, adding what’s needed to complete each piece with confidence and care.After lunch, return for the group’s closing exhibition and feedback session. Lay your work out across the tables or place it where the light is best. Take time to look around the room and see how the week has taken shape through each person’s paintings. Oliver will lead a relaxed conversation, offering insights, answering questions, and inviting you to share your own thoughts if you feel moved to. Reflect, acknowledge progress, and gather ideas for what comes next in your painting journey.As evening settles across the garden and the windows darken, gather for one last shared dinner. Let the day close with warm conversation, raised glasses, and the quiet sense that something meaningful has been made.

### Day 8: Departure
After enjoying a satisfying breakfast with Oliver and the art 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

- [Oliver Pyle](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/oliver-pyle) — Watercolor Artist

## Accommodation

### Historic French Estate
Tucked away in the heart of Tarn, Occitanie, your venue for the art retreat with Oliver Pyle is a sprawling countryside estate with a rich history. This lovingly restored farmhouse combines rustic elegance with modern comforts, featuring original wooden beams, stone fireplaces, an imposing watchtower, and terracotta tiles that capture the rural charm of southern France. With no other buildings in sight, you can enjoy uninterrupted views of the rolling hills and a patchwork of lush fields.The 5-acre estate features a main house, a cozy guesthouse, and a repurposed barn transformed into a well-lit art studio. Your classes will take place in the studio or out and about in the gardens of the venue. Beyond your daily classes, enjoy the outdoor amenities present at the estate: a swimming pool, a hot tub, sprawling French gardens, and a fruit orchard.Please note that getting around the accommodation spaces, the studio, and the main building where meals are served requires a short walk. This retreat may not be suitable for participants with low or limited mobility.

### Shared ensuite attic room (female only)
You will share this spacious attic room and its ensuite bathroom with another same-gender participant. 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. This room features twin or double beds (for guests traveling together) and 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
You will share this room and its ensuite bathroom with one other same-gender participant. The shared standard ensuite rooms feature comfortable twin beds (or a double bed for guests traveling together) and 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
You will share this room and its ensuite bathroom with one other same-gender participant. The shared superior rooms feature comfortable twin beds (or a double bed for guests traveling together) and 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.

### Shared bathroom - single room (female only)
You will share the bathroom with another same-gender participant, but you will have this room to yourself. Two single rooms with shared bathrooms are available for single occupancy; the rooms share a spacious bathroom. 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
A single-occupancy 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 ensuite room
Three ensuite rooms are available for single occupancy, each furnished with a comfortable queen-sized bed. Two of the rooms are located on the first floor of the guesthouse and feature WiFi and a TV, as well as a spacious private Italian bathrooms (within the room) equipped with a separate toilet, shower, and two hand basins. The third room is located on the second floor and includes WiFi access, A/C, and a private ensuite bathroom with a toilet, shower, and hand basin. All rooms offer beautiful views of the venue's gardens.

## Food

Indulge in the robust flavors of Occitanie with every meal during your art retreat with Oliver Pyle. 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.

## Getting There

The art retreat with Oliver Pyle takes place in the Occitanie region, in southern France. This area is famed for its stunning countryside landscapes, charming French towns, and fantastic food. Your venue, a sprawling countryside estate, is a gateway to the past, surrounded by villages with centuries-old buildings and cobbled streets. This historic estate is located an hour from Toulouse by car.The tranquility of the countryside, the warm smiles of locals, and the untouched natural beauty provide a serene backdrop for your classes. Explore the architectural marvels of Albi (an hour away from the venue) as well as the quirky village of Castres (30 minutes away).Check-in at the retreat venue starts at 4:00 PM on May 5, 2026. Check-out is after breakfast on May 12, 2026, by 10:00 AM.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, 2026 — 3:00 PM (leaving from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport, arriving at the retreat venue at 4:00 PM)Departure Transfer:May 12, 2026 — 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

Venue reviews from previous retreats:"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 this venue!""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. 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 this retreat available to all levels? The art retreat with Oliver Pyle is suitable for participants of all experience levels.When is the art retreat available?The retreat will take place between May 5 - 12, 2026.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. 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, 2026. Check-out is after breakfast on the last day at 10:00 AM, on May 12, 2026.What art supplies do I need for the art classes?A detailed list of art materials recommended by artist Oliver Pyle will be provided five months before the retreat takes place.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 26°C / 79°F during the day that drop to around 15°C / 59°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 WiFi available?Yes.How many people are to be expected on the art retreat?Maximum of 16 participants.Do I need a visa?Guests from the US, Canada, EU, UK, and/or Schengen member states can enter France for tourism without a visa. If this policy changes, we will inform you promptly. For additional assistance, please reach out to us.Are there any age restrictions?There are no restrictions whatsoever. Please keep in mind that you must be 18 years of age to travel independently.What language is used during the art classes and other activities?The art 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. 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/learn-to-sketch-landscape-retreat-artist-oliver-pyle-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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