# Loose Style in Watercolor Retreat with Artist Michael Solovyev in France Paint landscapes and portraits on a loose-style watercolor retreat with artist Michael Solovyev in the sunlit countryside of Occitanie, southern France. You’ll work through materials handling, color mixing, painting planning, and the technical tricks Michael has gathered across a career of exhibiting and teaching worldwide, then carry every bit of it outdoors into the rivers, red-brick towns, vineyards, and open fields of the region. Michael teaches by painting beside you and offering plenty of guidance and feedback. The retreat welcomes all levels of experience, though you’ll benefit most if you already have some familiarity with watercolors, as well as with Michael's work and style of teaching. Throughout the retreat, draw inspiration from exciting trips into the heart of Occitanie. Visit the medieval city of Albi, with its renowned Toulouse-Lautrec Museum, explore the picturesque town of Castres, and discover the authentic flavors of France in a wine tasting experience at a nearby family-owned château winery. Stay at an elegant countryside estate, where delicious chef-prepared meals and an inspiring, supportive atmosphere create the perfect setting to dive into your creative process. Savor the tastes and aromas of southern France, connect with 16 other fellow artists, and leave with memories to last a lifetime! ## Details - **Dates:** October 12 - 19, 2027 - **Location:** Teyssode, Occitanie, France - **Starting Price:** $4,400 - **Currency:** USD - **Status:** open - **Group Size:** Max. 17 students - **Category:** [Painting](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/retreats/painting) · [Browse on uptrek.com](https://uptrek.com/retreats/painting) ## Overview **What's included** 1. Art classes, individual tuition, and demonstrations with artist Michael Solovyev 2. Art studio equipped with: tables, chairs, field easels, portable plein-air stools, paper towels, professional studio lights, glass jars, and hair dryers 3. 7 nights of accommodation at a gorgeous French countryside estate 4. Exclusive use of the entire 5-acre property with a saltwater pool, hot tub, spacious reconverted barn used as a workshop space, fruit orchard, private gardens, terraces, and a rustic watchtower 5. All meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 7 dinners carefully prepared by a private chef 6. All diets catered for, including vegetarian, vegan, diabetic, gluten-free, and lactose-free 7. Coffee, tea, water, and homemade snacks available throughout the day 8. Plentiful, delicious wine and non-alcoholic beverages served during dinner service every day 9. Welcome and farewell dinners, with cocktails and canapés 10. Full-day art trip to Albi, with opportunities for painting and sketching on location and a visit to the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum 11. Entrance ticket to the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum 12. Half-day art trip to Castres, with opportunities for painting and sketching on location 13. Half-day trip to a French vineyard estate, with a guided tour of the cellar and wine tasting 14. Private transportation and chaperone for all planned trips and activities 15. Round-trip airport transfers from/to Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS) at prearranged times 16. A dedicated UpTrek retreat coordinator available throughout the whole retreat 17. Fully staffed venue with drivers, cleaning and maintenance staff, and chef and kitchen staff 18. All local tourist taxes and fees 19. Access to a private Facebook group with Michael Solovyev and other retreat participants four months before the retreat takes place **Not included** - Airfare - Travel insurance - Art supplies — a detailed list of art materials recommended by Michael Solovyev will be provided five months before the retreat - One lunch during the full-day trip to Albi - Tips — tipping is customary in France - Other expenses guests might incur on their own ## Program ### Loose Style in Watercolor Retreat Discover what watercolor can do when you stop fighting it, on a loose-style painting retreat with artist Michael Solovyev in Occitanie, southern France. Michael calls watercolor the only medium on the planet where the artist is not solely responsible for the result, because the water does so much of the work. Across the retreat, you'll learn to paint in partnership with it, chasing light rather than detail, and Michael will meet you exactly where you are in your journey. By the end of the retreat, you will leave with finished watercolor pieces of landscapes and cityscapes, from the orchards and open fields around the venue to the medieval streets of Albi, with a couple of sessions set aside for portrait painting. Michael will bring hands-on guidance throughout, offering practical techniques for improving your paintings and helping you master the art of watercolors. The retreat welcomes all levels of experience, though you’ll benefit most if you already have some familiarity with watercolors, as well as with Michael's work and style of teaching. Beyond the studio, venture into the heart of Occitanie with exciting trips to nearby towns and villages. 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 the quaint little town of Castres, drawing inspiration from its cobbled streets and winding canals. Take a trip to a nearby family-owned vineyard estate and taste the authentic flavors of France in a wine-tasting experience. **Some topics covered in your classes with Michael include:** - Getting to know your materials, from paper and brushes to how much water a wash really needs - Mixing color for loose, transparent watercolor - Learning Michael’s technical tricks for keeping the medium under control without tightening up - Building a plan for a painting before you commit the first wash - Working from reference photos in the studio - Strengthening your on-location painting skills - How to handle watercolor outdoors, where sun and shade change everything - Exploring portrait painting - How to turn a mistake into a strength - ... and many more! Stay at a charming, restored estate in the French countryside, offering the perfect environment for creative exploration. Enjoy elegant accommodation and modern amenities, such as a saltwater pool and a hot tub, lush gardens, sunlit terraces, a fruit orchard, and a spacious art studio. Indulge in delicious chef-prepared meals, and connect with 16 other like-minded artists. By the end of the retreat, you will return home more confident, with a renewed artistic voice and cherished memories! ### Day 1: Arrival Arrive at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport and join the 3:00 PM transfer to your retreat venue. After settling into your room, take a moment to unwind and absorb the tranquil surroundings. Meet your fellow artists and get acquainted with the artist Michael Solovyev, your instructor for the week. As part of an orientation tour, explore the estate’s charming garden, the historic watchtower, and inviting communal spaces. In the evening, toast to the start of your creative journey with cocktails and bite-sized canapés, followed by a delicious three-course dinner prepared by the private chef and complemented by local French wines. ### Day 2: Classes at the venue Start your morning with a delightful breakfast and a cup of freshly brewed coffee. Join a brief check-in with Michael and the venue hosts, then get ready for the first class of the retreat. Spend the morning in the spacious, reconverted barn used as an art studio, and get familiar with your materials. Michael will open the class with an introduction to loose-style watercolor. The morning will cover plenty of ground, from choosing and handling your materials to mixing color for transparent washes and the technical tricks Michael relies on to keep watercolor loose without losing control of it. After a refreshing lunch, head back into the studio for your first painting, worked up from a reference photo. Michael will demonstrate first, then paint alongside you, offering feedback and support while you work and introducing new material at the exact moment you need it. You’ll also build a plan for the painting before you commit, deciding what stays white, which wash goes down first, where you commit hard, and where to leave things open. As the day comes to an end, enjoy some leisure time before dinner. Take a quick dip in the pool, wander the estate grounds, or socialize with your fellow creatives. Indulge in a delicious three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef, paired with a glass of fragrant French wine. ### Day 3: Art trip to Castres Begin the morning with a wholesome breakfast and a fresh cup of coffee, followed by a brief check-in with Michael and the venue hosts. Gather your art supplies and prepare to set off to Castres, a picturesque town on the banks of the Agout River. Wander past the colorful half-timbered houses that lean over the water and the cobblestone streets that open into inviting squares, gathering reference photos as you go. Michael will show you what to look for in a photo you actually want to paint from, and if the inspiration strikes you, stop right there and do some sketching on location. Return to the venue for a filling lunch, then settle into the afternoon studio session for a landscape demonstration. Michael will paint a full landscape in front of you, talking through every decision as he makes it, before you take on your own work with his feedback close at hand. As the day winds down, return to the venue and enjoy some leisure time to recharge before dinner. Join Michael and your fellow artists for a flavorful three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef and accompanied by a glass of French wine. Enjoy the lovely atmosphere and share insights from the morning’s adventure. ### Day 4: Classes at the venue Kick off your day with a hearty breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, then join a quick morning check-in with Michael and the venue hosts. Settle into the gentle rhythm of the day, allowing the whirl of creativity to sweep you away. In the morning, watch Michael demonstrate a loose watercolor portrait from start to finish, following how he builds a likeness out of light rather than line. Portraits stay indoors, where the light holds steady and the paper behaves itself. Take a break for lunch and enjoy a relaxed meal, then continue the day with another art session. Take on your own portrait with Michael circling the room, offering feedback and support as you paint and experiment with washes and layers. As the class comes to an end, take some time to unwind in the late afternoon. Join Michael and your fellow artists for a freshly chef-prepared dinner, enjoying the lovely company of your group and sipping a glass of aromatic French wine. ### Day 5: Art trip to Albi Wake up your senses with a filling breakfast and a freshly brewed cup of coffee, followed by a brief morning check-in with Michael and the venue hosts. Then, gather your art supplies and prepare for another exciting adventure: a trip to the medieval city of Albi, located a 1-hour drive away. The road winds past open fields, farmlands, vineyards, and scattered villages, giving you time to talk, take in the scenery, and ease into the rhythm of the day. Once in Albi, find yourself a shaded spot and paint on location. Take in the Basilica of Saint Cecilia with its towering red brick and sculpted stone, and pause at the Pont Vieux to capture the Tarn River running beneath you. Michael will move between everyone as you work, offering feedback and guidance on the spot and helping you decide what to leave out, which in loose watercolor matters every bit as much as what goes in. For lunch, find a nice restaurant or café and enjoy a relaxed meal in the beautiful city of Albi. Then, continue the day with a visit to the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum, where the artworks of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, an Albi native, are exhibited. The museum is a 13th-century building known as the Palais de la Berbie. Initially the palace of Albi Cathedral’s bishop, the museum is categorized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After the museum visit, explore the vast and stunning gardens of Palais de la Berbie. Sketch if you feel inspired, capturing the lush flora and nature of Palais de la Berbie onto your paper. Practice the techniques you have learned and strengthen your on-location painting skills, with Michael right by your side, offering extra support if needed. Return to the venue in the late afternoon, and enjoy some time for yourself to rest and recharge before dinner. Join Michael and your fellow artists for a delightful three-course dinner prepared by the private chef and accompanied by a glass of wine. ### Day 6: Trip to a French vineyard & wine tasting Ease into the day with a relaxed breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, followed by quick morning check-in with Michael and the venue hosts. Then, prepare for another day full of inspiration and creativity, allowing the peaceful rhythm of the morning to ground you. Step outside into the venue's stunning gardens and join Michael for a full plein-air session. Find a shaded space to paint in the gardens, since direct sun on watercolor is a huge problem for the way paper takes water. Michael will work through composition and light with you as you paint the orchards and open fields. Pause midday for a light lunch, then continue the day with an exciting adventure to a nearby family-owned château winery. Spend the afternoon walking through sunlit vines and enjoy a guided tour of the vineyard and estate cellar, with a tasting of locally made aromatic wines. Make conversation with your fellow artists and immerse yourself in an intimate evening of connection, walking through the vineyards and sipping wine. As the visit to the château comes to an end, return to the venue and spend your spare time resting before dinner. Indulge in a three-course dinner prepared by the private chef and soak in the lively atmosphere and shared laughter. ### Day 7: Classes at the venue Start the day with a satisfying breakfast and a comforting morning coffee, followed by a quick morning check-in with Michael and the venue hosts. Ease into the peaceful rhythm of the day, soaking in the last day of workshops at the retreat. Join Michael and your fellow artists in the venue's expansive gardens and enjoy a plein-air painting session. Put everything together, from planning a painting before the first wash to the technical tricks that hold a loose watercolor in one piece, and use the morning for finishing touches on the pieces that matter most to you. Pause midday for a leisurely lunch, then take part in a group discussion with Michael and the group, exchanging feedback and ideas. Michael will work through paintings in front of the room, offering hands-on guidance and practical techniques on how to improve your paintings and turn mistakes into strengths, a valuable skill that you can use long after the retreat ends. The class will end with a celebratory mini-exhibition, showcasing your creations from throughout the week. Take a moment to appreciate how far everyone has come and celebrate the work you have made together. As the evening approaches, enjoy some spare time to relax before dinner. Come together one more time for a generous three-course farewell dinner, prepared by the in-house chef and paired with a glass of fragrant local wine. Raise a glass to the art you have brought to life, the friendships you have forged, and the unforgettable memories you have made! ### Day 8: Departure After enjoying a satisfying breakfast with Michael 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 - [Michael Solovyev](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/michael-solovyev) — Watercolor Artist ## Accommodation ### Historic French Estate Tucked away in the heart of Tarn, Occitanie, your venue for the art retreat with Michael Solovyev 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 Michael will take place in the indoor workshop space or out and about in the gardens of the venue. Beyond your daily classes, enjoy the outdoor amenities present at the estate: two swimming pools (a saltwater pool and a hot tub), sprawling French gardens, and a fruit orchard. Please note that getting around the accommodation spaces, the workshop space, and the main building where meals are served requires a short walk. This retreat may not be suitable for participants with low or limited mobility. ### Shared ensuite attic room One ensuite attic room is available for shared occupancy. This spacious attic room and its ensuite bathroom will be shared between two same-gender participants. The attic is a large space measuring 900 sq. ft. (85 sq. m.) located on the third floor of the main house, with two distinct sleeping areas separated by curtains. The room can be outfitted with either twin beds or one double bed, on request, and it features an ensuite shower bathroom. The attic has beautiful wooden beams crossing the ceiling, giving the space a cozy and romantic look. ### Shared standard ensuite room Two standard ensuite rooms are available for shared occupancy. Each room and its ensuite bathroom will be shared between two same-gender participants. The shared standard ensuite rooms can be outfitted with either twin beds or one comfortable double bed, on request, and they feature ensuite bathrooms. Located in the main house at the venue, on the second floor, the rooms are decorated in a beautiful French style and offer gorgeous views over the surrounding countryside. ### Shared superior ensuite room Three superior ensuite rooms are available for shared occupancy. Each room and its ensuite bathroom will be shared between two same-gender participants. The shared superior rooms can be outfitted with either twin beds or one comfortable double bed, on request, and they feature ensuite bathrooms. Located on the first and second floors of the main house at the venue, the rooms have large French windows with views of the beautiful garden. ### Single room with shared bathroom Two rooms with shared bathrooms are available for single occupancy. You will share the bathroom with another same-gender participant, but you will have the room all to yourself. These rooms feature comfortable double beds and are beautifully decorated in a charming French manner. The two rooms and their shared bathroom are located on the second floor in the main house at the retreat venue. ### Single room - private adjacent bathroom One room with a private, adjacent bathroom is available for single occupancy. The room is located on the second floor of the guesthouse. It is furnished with a double bed and offers Wi-Fi access. The private shower room, located adjacent to the bedroom, is equipped with a toilet, shower, and hand basin. The room also features beautiful views of the surrounding garden. ### Single standard ensuite room Two standard ensuite rooms are available for single occupancy, each furnished with a comfortable queen-sized bed. The rooms are located on the first floor of the guesthouse and feature Wi-Fi and a TV, as well as a spacious private Italian bathrooms (within the room) equipped with a separate toilet, shower, and two hand basins. Both rooms offer beautiful views of the venue's gardens. ## Food Indulge in the robust flavors of Occitanie with every meal during your art retreat. The private chef crafts traditional southern French cuisine, featuring regional specialties like the beloved cassoulet, brimming with savory meats and beans, and the ocean's bounty in a classic bouillabaisse. Wine enthusiasts will appreciate the area's renowned crisp white wines, served during dinner. Your culinary journey begins with welcome cocktails and appetizing canapés and concludes with a memorable farewell dinner. Enjoy delicious meals and stay refreshed with available water, coffee, and tea throughout the day. All meals are included, except for one lunch during the full-day trip to Albi. Dietary needs can be catered to if announced in advance. However, please keep in mind that we may be unable to accommodate severe, life-threatening allergies. For further details on the culinary experience awaiting you at the art retreat, please see the information below. The exact menu may vary based on the availability of seasonal ingredients. ## Getting There The art retreat with Michael Solovyev takes place in the Occitanie region, in southern France. This area is famed for its stunning countryside landscapes, charming French towns, and fantastic food. Your venue, a sprawling countryside estate, is a gateway to the past, surrounded by villages with centuries-old buildings and cobbled streets. This historic estate is located an hour from Toulouse by car. The tranquility of the countryside, the warm smiles of locals, and the untouched natural beauty provide a serene backdrop for your classes. Explore the architectural marvels of Albi (located one hour away from the venue), wander through the quaint little town of Castres, and visit a vineyard estate (both located 30-40 minutes away). Check-in at the retreat venue starts at 4:00 PM on October 12, 2027. Check-out is after breakfast on October 19, 2027, by 10:00 AM. **Please note that we cannot accommodate early check-ins and late check-out requests, so we kindly ask that you plan your arrival and departure accordingly.** **To be transferred to the retreat venue, please arrive at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS).** We strongly recommend planning more time for long-distance international travel because of the current disruptions in flight schedules. It is best to arrive in France a day before the retreat starts to prevent any inconveniences caused by flight delays, rest after the long travel, and adjust to the new time zone. Please hold off booking your flights and train tickets until the retreat becomes guaranteed and you are charged for your participation. **How to get to Toulouse:** If you cannot find good connecting flights from your departure airport to Toulouse, we recommend you fly to Paris and fly domestically to Toulouse (local roundtrips starting from US$100, 1 hour and 20 minutes of journey time; fares may vary). **How to get from Toulouse to the retreat venue:** Private transfers at prearranged times to and from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS) are included. The journey takes approximately one hour. **Arrival Transfer:** **October 12, 2027** — **3:00 PM** (leaving from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport, arriving at the retreat venue at 4:00 PM) **Departure Transfer:** **October 19, 2027** — **10:00 AM** (leaving from the retreat venue, arriving at Toulouse Blagnac Airport at 11:00 AM) **If your travel arrangements don't work with our pre-set transfer times, please consider the following options:** - Spend extra days at a hotel in Toulouse pre/post-retreat and catch the transfer shuttles from/to Toulouse-Blagnac Airport. - Grab a taxi to the retreat venue (address: Domaine d'En Naudet, 81220 Teyssode, France; estimated cost of US$200 per way). Please note that taxi fares may vary. ## Reviews **Reviews from previous UpTrek retreats at this venue:** - "The venue was just what I was hoping for -- I love the rural area. It was very clean, hosts were professional and pleasant. Food by all three caterers was wholesome." - "Beautiful location. Our hosts were wonderful, lovely, and accommodating. I highly recommend it!" - "UpTrek: all transfers, tours & venues were great. It was perfectly charming and Sophie & Nicolas (the hosts) were absolutely wonderful & really adapted to all of our requests beyond what I expected! The week was made fabulous by our great group of women, the snacks, wine & the bond we all formed. We learned from each other & have formed lasting friendships!" - "I had a perfect week in France. The venue was beautiful and Sophie and Nicolas (the hosts) did everything in their power to make our stay comfortable. The trips were perfectly timed and provided much inspiration for our paintings. I thoroughly enjoyed the company of my fellow painters and would definitely use your company for travel again." - "The venue was so beautiful and comfortable. I was happy with my room and the circumstances that allowed me a comfortable single room. EVERYTHING we asked for was provided by the following day or meal! I enjoyed the pool and the outdoor dining and painting. Such care was given to us by our lovely kind hosts." - "Stunning venue; delicious food and wine; wonderful hosts. Lots of painting time. Interesting day trips. I definitely want to do another retreat!" - "I had a wonderful time! I also loved getting to know the fun, encouraging women who were with me on this retreat. The setting was gorgeous - like a postcard!" - "The food, the hosts, the accommodations, and the views were wonderful. The field trips were enjoyable and educational. I would take another trip with UpTrek." - "The trip organization and warm, professional service from Uptrek, and the amazing service, delicious food, and high quality from the venue, Domaine d'En Naudet. And the other retreat participants were truly lovely! From the start, UpTrek provided prompt, careful service that was carried right through to our arrival at the retreat. Communication is key, especially when travel is just getting going again, and Andra (the retreat coordinator) was always ready with a response. I really appreciated the sensible, yet friendly approach, as well as the clear policies that were upfront from the start. Meeting Ted (CEO of UpTrek) and Andra put faces to the business - this human touch adds value and reassurance. Sophie and Nicolas (the venue hosts) were charming, attentive hosts who looked after many needs. They served us tasty treats throughout the day, they kept us shaded and they helped find solutions when required. I wish we had 48 hours in which to enjoy each day even more. The venue was excellent. The setting was magical. I was very comfortable and there was plenty of space for a group of this size. The rooms were very clean and the use of laundry facilities was much appreciated. It was lovely to feel at ease to use the pool, the hot tub, the fridge, the common areas, and the grounds - after being cooped up for over two years, this was a wonderful physical release. Having access to a well-lit space for us to enjoy Sketchbook Night Club each night was the icing on the cake: we were able to keep making art, have some laughs and get to know one another better. I would highly recommend each component and hope to have the opportunity to travel this way again. This retreat was truly like a dream come true. I loved it. I thank each of you from the heart." ## Frequently Asked Questions **Is the retreat available to all levels?** The retreat welcomes all levels of experience, though you’ll benefit most if you already have some familiarity with watercolors, as well as with Michael Solovyev's work and style of teaching. **When is the retreat available?** The retreat with artist Michael Solovyev will take place between October 12 - 19, 2027. **How do I get to the retreat venue?** Please plan to arrive at the Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS). The retreat venue is located approximately an hour's drive from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport. We advise allowing extra time for long-distance international travel. Arriving in France a day before the retreat starts helps mitigate potential issues due to flight delays, allows for rest post-travel, and facilitates adjustment to the new time zone. Roundtrip airport transfers from/to Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS) at prearranged times are included. For more information, see the [Location tab](https://uptrek.com/retreat/loose-style-in-watercolor-retreat-artist-michael-solovyev-france#location). Please hold off booking your flights until the retreat becomes guaranteed and you have been charged for your participation. **Are there any check-in and check-out hours?** Please make your travel arrangements to arrive at the venue after 4:00 PM on October 12, 2027. Check-out is after breakfast on the last day at 10:00 AM, on October 19, 2027. **Please note that we cannot accommodate early check-ins and late check-out requests, so we kindly ask that you plan your arrival and departure accordingly.** **What supplies do I need for the workshops?** A detailed list of art materials recommended by artist Michael Solovyev will be provided five months before the retreat takes place. Tables, chairs, field easels, portable plein-air stools, paper towels, professional studio lights, glass jars, and hair dryers are included and will be available at the venue. **Students are responsible for bringing their own art supplies, based on the instructor’s recommended list.** **What’s the weather like in Teyssode, Occitanie, France, in October?** The weather in Teyssode in October is usually sunny and pleasant. You can expect average highs of 21°C / 70°F during the day that drop to around 9°C / 48°F at night. However, in recent years, temperatures have become harder to predict accurately, and averages may vary. Please check the weather a week before traveling and pack accordingly. **What should I pack?** Please pack appropriate clothing, a swimsuit, sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable shoes, a cardigan for chilly evenings, a waterproof raincoat, a water bottle, personal care items, and any personal medication you might need. **Can I do laundry while on the retreat?** Laundry facilities are available at the retreat venue and you are welcome to use them for free during your stay. **I am vegetarian/vegan. Can I book this retreat?** Yes. All diets are catered for if announced in advance. Please note, however, that we cannot accommodate severe, life-threatening allergies. **Is Wi-Fi available?** Yes. **How many people are to be expected on the retreat?** Maximum of 17 participants. **Do I need a visa?** Guests from the US, Canada, EU, UK, and/or Schengen member states can enter France for tourism without a visa. If this policy changes, we will inform you promptly. For additional assistance, please reach out to us. **Are there any age restrictions?** There are no restrictions whatsoever. Please keep in mind that you must be 18 years of age to travel independently. **What language is used during the workshops and other activities?** The retreat is available in English. **Is the retreat available to guests with limited mobility?** Unfortunately, the retreat venue and day trips are not well-suited for people with limited mobility. The trips involve plenty of walking on uneven, cobbled streets. Getting around the studio, the accommodation spaces, and the main building where meals are served at the venue also requires a short walk. **What happens if I need to cancel?** Once the retreat is guaranteed, all payments are final and nonrefundable. Bookings are nonrefundable under any circumstances. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. After your payment is processed, you may purchase insurance through the following link: [Purchase insurance](https://uptrek.com/protect-your-trip). Please review our [cancellation policy.](https://uptrek.com/cancellation-policy) **Do I need travel insurance?** Yes. Since all bookings are nonrefundable, travel insurance is mandatory for all UpTrek travelers. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. We strongly advise that your chosen policy provides cover against lost or delayed baggage, loss of personal belongings, trip cancellation, trip interruption, accidents, illness, injury, medical expenses, death, and emergency repatriation. For your convenience, UpTrek is affiliated with Allianz Travel and is a Registered Travel Retailer under AGA license. [Click here to purchase your insurance plan.](https://uptrek.com/protect-your-trip) Please note that UpTrek is not qualified or authorized to answer questions about coverage, benefits, exclusions, or conditions of any Allianz Travel Insurance plan. If you have questions about your plan, please contact Allianz Global Assistance directly at [CustomerService@AllianzAssistance.com](mailto:CustomerService@AllianzAssistance.com) or by phone at 1-800-284-8300. Be sure to provide the **reference code F215276** so Allianz knows you are purchasing protection for an UpTrek trip. We strongly recommend reviewing the terms and conditions of any insurance policy you purchase to fully understand the coverage, benefits, and claims process. We will gladly provide the essential documentation to support refund claims with the insurance provider. **Do I have to pay a deposit?** No. Once the number of guest reservations reaches the minimum number required for the retreat to become guaranteed, UpTrek charges the guests the cost of the retreat. Guests who reserved will be notified 48 hours in advance that their payment method on file is about to be charged. **Will I receive a full refund if the retreat is not guaranteed?** UpTrek does not charge the payment method we collect until the retreat becomes guaranteed. Once the retreat is guaranteed, there will be no reimbursement. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. **Will I receive a full refund if the guaranteed retreat is canceled by the instructor or by UpTrek?** If the retreat is canceled due to force majeure events or circumstances out of UpTrek's and/or the instructor's control, UpTrek will let you know as soon as possible, refund the total cost of the retreat, and help you find another option for your vacation. ## Book This Retreat 👉 **[Reserve your spot on uptrek.com](https://uptrek.com/retreat/loose-style-in-watercolor-retreat-artist-michael-solovyev-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/loose-style-in-watercolor-retreat-artist-michael-solovyev-france **Last updated:** 2026-09-15