# Level Up Your Watercolor Retreat With Artist Nicki Traikos in France

Embark on an exciting journey with artist Nicki Traikos in the countryside of Occitanie, southern France, for a watercolor retreat that will take your skills to the next level. This retreat will help you with your process and develop your approach to watercolor painting. You will know what to paint next and how to paint what you see, growing your skills and confidence as a developing watercolor artist.Throughout the retreat, you will find inspiration in the character of nearby French towns and the enriching experiences that surround you. Sketch the medieval streets and Gothic architecture of Albi, capture the rhythm and beauty of nature in a French botanical garden, and indulge in a wine-tasting experience at a family-owned vineyard estate. Stay at an elegant rural estate, where carefully prepared meals and an inspiring, supportive atmosphere create the perfect setting to dive into your artistic process. Savor authentic French flavors, connect with your fellow artists over a glass of wine, and leave with unforgettable memories. Nicki’s approach for this retreat is focused on making watercolor more enjoyable and approachable, encouraging you to develop your artistic voice and personal style. You will benefit most from this retreat if you have some prior experience, are comfortable with watercolor, and are already familiar with Nicki’s work and teaching style.

## Details

- **Dates:** September 23 - 30, 2026
- **Location:** Teyssode, Occitanie, France
- **Starting Price:** $4,350
- **Category:** [Painting](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/retreats/painting) · [Browse on uptrek.com](https://uptrek.com/retreats/painting)

## Overview

What's includedArt classes, individual tuition, and demonstrations with artist Nicki TraikosArt studio equipped with: tables, chairs, field easels, portable plein-air stools, paper towels, professional studio lights, and glass jars7 nights of accommodation at a gorgeous French countryside estateExclusive 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, and terracesAll meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 7 dinners carefully prepared by a private chefAll diets catered for, including vegetarian, vegan, diabetic, gluten-free, and lactose-freeCoffee, tea, water, and homemade snacks available throughout the dayPlentiful, delicious wine during dinner service every dayWelcome and farewell cocktails and canapésFull-day art trip to Albi, with opportunities for painting and sketching on-locationA visit to the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum during the trip to AlbiHalf-day trip to a French vineyard estate, with a guided tour of the cellar and wine tastingHalf-day art trip to a French botanical garden, with opportunities for sketching and painting on-locationAll entrance ticketsPrivate transportation and chaperone for all trips and planned activitiesRound-trip airport transfers from/to Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS) at prearranged timesAn experienced retreat admin and an UpTrek host available on locationFully staffed venue with drivers, cleaning and maintenance staff, and chef and kitchen staff All local tourist taxes and feesAccess to a private Facebook group with Nicki Traikos and other retreat participants four months before the retreatNot includedAirfareTravel insuranceArt supplies — a detailed list of art materials recommended by Nicki Traikos will be provided five months before the retreatLunch during the full-day trip to AlbiTips — tipping is customary in FranceOther expenses guests might incur on their own

## Program

### Gain Confidence in Your Watercolor Skills
Are you ready to take the next steps in your watercolor journey?Join artist Nicki Traikos for an engaging watercolor retreat in which you will deepen your skills and watercolor practices. Explore botanicals, landscapes, architectural studies, and abstract painting in the sunlit countryside of Occitanie, southern France, where medieval villages and winding vineyards meet endless pockets of inspiration. Capture the experiences with all your senses and translate them into artwork like you haven't before.This retreat will help you take your watercolor journey to the next level with more techniques, more painting, and more practice! Paint with confidence and bring forward your personality and artistic style into your works.Nicki’s approach to learning and teaching, as well as to making art, is making the process of watercolor painting enjoyable, approachable, and unique to your personal style. Her teaching is designed to elevate your skills and make watercolor painting even more fun and enjoyable. Leaning into the right things to practice while being able to guide you in person is invaluable! Having this uninterrupted time to paint alongside fellow talented creatives will help you grow as an artist, gaining confidence and developing your unique voice. You will benefit most from this retreat if you have some prior experience, are comfortable with watercolor, and are already familiar with Nicki’s work and teaching style.The topics covered during your classes with Nicki include: Deepening your watercolor techniques and practices Developing your own artistic voice and style Working on place form, composition, and value Improving your drawing and sketching on-site skills Developing your observation skills and hand-eye coordination Using the landscape, your surroundings, and experiences to guide you in your artistic process Painting more loosely and expressively Working on light, depth, and contrast …and many more! Your classes will be complemented by stimulating art trips meant to inspire and immerse you in the beauty of France. Spend a day in Albi, where red-brick towers rise above the Tarn River, and visit the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum, where bursts of color and unexpected forms fuel your creativity. Explore a close-by French botanical garden and get inspired by the forms, colors, and rhythms of nature. Take a trip to a nearby family-owned vineyard estate and taste the aromatic flavors of authentic French wine in a wine-tasting experience. Your accommodation for the retreat is a charming, restored estate in the countryside, offering the perfect backdrop for the next steps in your watercolor journey. By the end of the retreat, you will return home more confident, with a renewed artistic process 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 Nicki Traikos, your instructor for the retreat. As part of an orientation tour, explore the estate’s charming garden, the historic watchtower, and inviting communal spaces. In the evening, toast to the start of your creative journey with cocktails and bite-sized canapés, followed by a delicious three-course dinner prepared by the private chef and complemented by local French wines.

### Day 2: Art classes at the venue
Enjoy a refreshing breakfast and a warm cup of coffee in the morning before heading into the first workshop of the retreat. Nicki will begin by outlining the supplies that you will be working with throughout the week. Dive right into work as you practice new techniques of in-depth color mixing and brushwork. Learn what your brushes can do and explore new watercolor practices under Nicki’s gentle guidance. You will be working on a French-inspired still-life painting as you deepen your skills, bringing your own personal style into the work. Pause midday for a leisurely lunch, then continue the afternoon with another class. This workshop will be focused on painting loosely and expressively, developing your artistic voice in the process of watercolor painting. Explore abstract painting and gain confidence in mastering composition, depth, and expressive brushwork. Get inspired by your surroundings and bring forward your artistic style and personality!As the day comes to an end, take some time to rest and reset before dinner. Stroll around through the estate gardens, take a quick dip into the pool, or relax in your comfortable accommodation. Join Nicki and your fellow artists for a delightful three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef and accompanied by a glass of fragrant wine.

### Day 3: Art trip to a French botanical garden
Kick off the day with a filling breakfast and a freshly brewed cup of coffee, preparing for an exciting day ahead, full of creation and exploration. During the morning workshop, prepare for your first trip of the retreat. Focus on observation building and becoming more comfortable with drawing through watercolor-based sketching. Work closely with Nicki to develop confidence using a pencil and paintbrush, keeping everything approachable and connected to watercolor from the very first brushstrokes.Enjoy a light lunch, then head into the afternoon with a trip to a nearby French botanical garden for a half-day of slow-looking, on-location sketching. Walk the garden paths and take in the colors and textures of the landscape. Put into practice the techniques from the morning workshop and capture botanical forms, light reflections on water, or tangled stems and leaves. Stay open, keep exploring, and enjoy the process as you translate what inspires you into sketches that feel more and more like your own artistic voice.As you return to the venue, take time to unwind, whether by the pool chatting with fellow artists or simply soaking in the peaceful surroundings. Gather for a well-earned dinner accompanied by a glass of wine, reflecting on a day filled with creativity and inspiration.

### Day 4: Art classes at the venue
Wake up to a wholesome breakfast and step into a creative day in France with watercolor on your mind and inspiration all around you.Focus on floral painting, using references from the botanical garden to express florals in a variety of styles, from sketches, to loose, to abstracted, finding value and depth. Build compositions that feel alive. Trust your eye, and explore how watercolor can shift from delicate suggestion to bold expression. Feel free to embrace water’s movement and use layering and softness to bring atmosphere into your florals, as if the jardin itself is breathing through your brushwork.Pause for lunch and enjoy the shared energy of the retreat, taking in how much your work has evolved through the week. Conversation naturally turns toward growth, personal breakthroughs, and what you want to carry forward in your watercolor practice after France.In the afternoon, work on your finished paintings from the first few days, bringing focus and intention to the work you have already started. Choose the pieces that hold the most promise and develop them with Nicki’s supportive feedback. Strengthen your value choices and clarify focal areas so the finished paintings feel resolved.Nicki encourages openness and exploring, helping you recognize where your style is emerging, where you tend to overwork, and how to make confident decisions that keep your paintings fresh.Unwind with leisure time later in the day, then come together again for dinner with a glass of aromatic wine, savoring the warmth of the group and the momentum you have built. End the evening feeling grounded in your artistic style and excited to keep painting with more expression and more of yourself in every piece.

### Day 5: Trip to a French vineyard & wine tasting
Kick off the morning with a satisfying breakfast, fully present in France and ready to paint!The morning is dedicated to landscapes shaped by the experience around you. Step outside first, sketchbook in hand, and respond directly to the hills, fields, and village views that surround you. Use the landscape itself to guide your choices, starting with loose thumbnail sketches that capture structure and mood, then move into color palette exploration and color mixing rooted in what you see. Next, focus on postcard landscape studies, keeping watercolor simple and approachable while building confidence through repetition and observation. Nicki’s supportive teaching keeps the focus on enjoying the process, staying open, and bringing your personality and eye to every mark as you translate the environment into expressive watercolor.Lunch offers a pause to refuel and share impressions from the morning before shifting into a different rhythm.The afternoon unfolds with a visit to a vineyard and château, where France reveals another layer of inspiration. Walk through the vines, take in the setting, and experience a wine tasting that reflects the place and its character.Return to the venue with time to rest and reflect. Enjoy a shared moment of warmth and connection, closing the day with good food, easy conversation, and a newfound sense of momentum.

### Day 6: Art trip to Albi
Ease into the day with a nourishing breakfast and an excited hum in the air, then set out with Nicki on a full-day trip to Albi that immediately grounds you in the feeling of being in France. The one-hour drive becomes part of the experience as fields, vineyards, and villages slide past the windows, giving space for conversation, observation, and a gentle mental warm-up before opening your sketchbook.The morning centers on sketching and gathering inspiration throughout Albi, with a clear intention to collect reference material that will support architectural studies the following day. Walk through medieval streets and pause often to draw doorways, rooftops, windows, and shifting perspectives that reveal how the city is built and how it breathes. Basilica of Saint Cecilia will rise into view, translating what you see into sketches designed to inform later watercolor work. Stop along the Pont Vieux bridge, watch the Tarn River move beneath you, and capture structural fragments that catch your attention. Nicki guides you to stay open and curious, keeping watercolor simple and approachable even at the sketching stage, while encouraging you to enjoy the process and trust your observations.Enjoy a relaxing lunch before continuing deeper into the afternoon with a visit to the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum. Move through the space with a sketchbook in hand, practicing to strengthen your observation and drawing confidence. After the museum, step outside and possibly paint en plein air, responding to the gardens and surroundings with watercolor marks that feel expressive and personal. Nicki supports you in bringing your personality into the work, using your eye to interpret what inspires you rather than copying what is in front of you.As you return to the venue, savor a flavorful three-course dinner prepared by the private chef, accompanied by a glass of French wine.

### Day 7: Art classes at the venue
Wake up to a relaxed breakfast and a fresh cup of coffee, ready to soak up every last moment in France with brush in hand.In the morning, dive into architectural practice with Nicki, drawing inspiration from the full-day trip and everything you have observed along the way. Explore depth, light, and contrast in watercolor, then push your painted buildings further by using light and shadow to articulate structure, atmosphere, and presence. Nicki keeps watercolors made simple, so you can focus on what matters most, enjoying the process while building confidence and a more expressive approach that feels like you.Share a refreshing lunch together, then step into a more informal afternoon that blends celebration with reflection. Ease into a relaxed wine moment, recharge, and show each other your work in a supportive space guided by Nicki. The day leads into a mini-exhibition where you can clearly see the progress you have made, the tangible outcomes you are taking home, and everyone’s unique perspectives of the same experience. As the evening settles in, enjoy spare time, then come together for a three-course farewell dinner filled with great food and easy conversation. Raise a glass to the paintings you created in France, the inspiration you gathered and the friendships that now feel woven into your watercolor journey.

### Day 8: Departure
After enjoying a satisfying breakfast with Nicki 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

- [Nicki Traikos](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/nicki-traikos) — Artist and Creative Instructor

## Accommodation

### Historic French Estate
Tucked away in the heart of Tarn, Occitanie, your venue for the art retreat with Nicki Traikos 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 Nicki Traikos 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 (female only)
One ensuite attic room is available for shared occupancy. 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
Two standard ensuite rooms are available for shared occupancy. 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 (female only)
Two superior ensuite rooms are available for shared occupancy. 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.

### Single room with shared bathroom (female only)
Two single 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 single room 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.

## Getting There

The art retreat with Nicki Traikos 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), wander through a lush botanical garden, and visit a vineyard estate (both only 30 minutes away).Check-in at the retreat venue starts at 4:00 PM on September 23, 2026. Check-out is after breakfast on September 30, 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:September 23, 2026 — 3:00 PM (leaving from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport, arriving at the retreat venue at 4:00 PM)Departure Transfer:September 30, 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

Reviews from the past UpTrek retreat with Nicki Traikos:"There are not enough words to describe this retreat. Nicki clearly put her heart and soul into this. The instruction was outstanding. She was there for us, making this a very personal experience for each artist. The planning and organization were so smooth, and inspiring, allowing for the creative energy to be exciting and expressed throughout. She brought together a group of like minded, passionate, non - judgmental supportive ladies. More than 10 stars for Nicki, as this experience will be a highlight always.""I loved every moment of this experience. Nicki was an excellent teacher and accommodated everyone’s needs.""Nicki created a very creative teaching environment and was always so helpful individually and as a group. The group was an interesting collection of creative ladies, all with different levels of painting experience. We learned from each other. Great experience overall!!""I had a wonderful time on the retreat. Communication from Uptrek was great, the food was awesome, gorgeous lodgings, and the most fantastic teacher! I would definitely do it again.""This retreat with Nicki Traikos was more amazing than I could have possibly imagined!!! It was a dream come true!!! Nicki is one of the kindest people you will ever know in addition to being an incredible art teacher. I will treasure these memories forever!!! Thank you, UpTrek!!!!""magnificent retreat! From the day we got there everything was wonderful. Nicki’s teaching was amazing. She is an amazing person. Everything down to the last detail was perfect. Will definitely book again.""Truly a ‘pinch-me’ moment from start to finish. The watercolour instruction by Nicki was excellent. There was instant rapport with the other watercolour painters, and staff. I could not have asked for a better experience. I would definitely sign up for another UpTrek retreat."Reviews of the venue from previous retreats at the 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 this retreat available to all levels? The retreat is open to all levels of experience. However, you will benefit the most if you have some prior experience, are comfortable with watercolor, and are familiar with Nicki Traikos’s work and teaching style. You will have the opportunity to deepen and refine your watercolor painting skills in a supportive and welcoming environment.When is the retreat available?The retreat will take place between September 23 - 30, 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 September 23, 2026. Check-out is after breakfast on the last day at 10:00 AM, on September 30, 2026.What supplies do I need for the workshops?A detailed list of materials recommended by artist Nicki Traikos 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 (for the workshop component) are included and available at the venue.What’s the weather like in Teyssode, Occitanie, France, in late September?The weather in Teyssode in late September 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 16 participants.Do I need a visa?Guests from the US, Canada, EU, UK, and/or Schengen member states can enter France for tourism without a visa. If this policy changes, we will inform you promptly. For additional assistance, please reach out to us.Are there any age restrictions?There are no restrictions whatsoever. Please keep in mind that you must be 18 years of age to travel independently.What language is used during the workshops and other activities?The retreat is available in English.Is the retreat available to guests with limited mobility?Unfortunately, the retreat venue and day trips are not well-suited for people with limited mobility. The trips involve plenty of walking on uneven, cobbled streets. Getting around the studio, the accommodation spaces, and the main building where meals are served at the venue also requires a short walk.What happens if I need to cancel?Once the retreat is guaranteed, all payments are final and nonrefundable. Bookings are nonrefundable under any circumstances. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. After your payment is processed, you may purchase insurance through the following link: Purchase insurance. 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/level-up-your-watercolor-artist-nicki-traikos-france#book)** — no deposit required.

See [cancellation policy](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/cancellation-policy) and [travel insurance requirements](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/insurance).

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**Last updated:** 2026-03-10