# Painting the Essence of Occitanie Retreat with Artist Joan Fullerton in France

Join artist Joan Fullerton in the picturesque Dordogne region of Occitanie, France. Paint freely and authentically, build your confidence, and learn how to put more of yourself into your art. Explore your personal aesthetic and find the visual language that best expresses your story and your experience. Learn from your art and rediscover yourself in a calm and supportive environment, surrounded by like-minded artists. Joan’s teaching approach has at its core the upliftment of others, blending playful creation, specific techniques for intuitive painting and abstract compositions, discussions, and collage, as well as exchanging ideas and learning from each other. Practice journaling and collect ephemera during trips to the medieval village of Issigeac, the historic city of Beynac-et-Cazenac, and the nearby Eymet market. Take note of sights, sounds, feelings, and revelations as you explore together with Joan and your fellow artists, later integrating these mementos into your compositions.Stay at a charming French countryside estate, in one of the five fully renovated traditional gîtes, and savor delicious chef-made food paired with fine wines from one of France's most celebrated wine areas. Enjoy a wine and cheese tasting experience, and find inspiration for your series of paintings in the local culture of southwestern France.

## Details

- **Dates:** October 19 - 26, 2026
- **Location:** Eymet, Dordogne, France
- **Starting Price:** $4,500
- **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 Joan Fullerton Art studio equipped with: tables with protective covers, table risers, tape rolls, chairs, easels, plein-air chairs, glass jars, paper towels, disposal bins and trash bags, professional studio lighting, an A4 printer-scanner, porcelain palettes, art boards, scissors, and a projector7 nights of accommodation at a spectacular private estate in southwestern FranceExclusive use of the entire 25-acre estate with a private heated pool, art studio, indoor and outdoor lounge areas, beautiful gardens, terraces, private woodland, and natural pondAll meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners carefully prepared by a private chefAll diets catered for, including vegetarian, vegan, diabetic, gluten-free, and lactose-freeAfternoon snacks, coffee, tea, and water available throughout the dayLocal award-winning wine served with dinnerNon-alcoholic drinks served with lunch and made available during dinner serviceA wine and cheese tasting experience at the venueHalf-day art trip to Issigeac, with painting and sketching opportunities on locationFull-day art trip to Beynac-et-Cazenac featuring a guided visit of the famous Château de Beynac, and with painting and sketching opportunities on location Entrance ticket to the Château de BeynacHalf-day art trip to Eymet market, at your leisure (self-guided)Private transportation for the trips to Issigeac and Beynac-et-CazenacGuide or chaperone for all planned activities (except for the Eymet trip)Round-trip transfers from/to Bergerac train station at prearranged timesAll local tourist taxes and feesFully staffed venue with an experienced retreat admin and UpTrek host, drivers, cleaning and maintenance staff, and chef and kitchen staff Access to a private Facebook group with Joan Fullerton and the other retreat participants four months before the retreatNot includedAirfareTravel insuranceOne lunch during the full-day trip to Beynac-et-CazenacArt materials — a list of art materials recommended by artist Joan Fullerton will be provided five months before the retreat takes placeTips for staff — tipping is customary in France Other expenses guests might incur on their own

## Program

### Painting the Essence of Occitanie
Embark on a transformative journey with artist Joan Fullerton in the charming region of Dordogne, in Occitanie, France. Learn how to intuitively paint and translate your story and experience into visual language. Together with your instructor and 14 like-minded individuals, you will free your creative process from any hesitation or indecisiveness as you playfully create a series of paintings. This retreat is open to all levels of experience, though you’ll benefit most if you already have some familiarity with acrylics and mixed media, as well as Joan Fullerton's work and style of teaching. The classes will be a combination of demonstrations from Joan, creating new paintings almost each session, working with general prompts, group feedback sessions, discussions, note taking, and journaling. Complement your art session with adventures into the heart of Dordogne, visiting picturesque villages for inspiration. Practice your journaling in the historic town of Beynac-et-Cazenac, sketch along the Dordogne River, or capture the medieval Beynac Castle perched high above the valley.Visit Issigeac and wander around its narrow cobbled streets and through its vibrant market, immersing yourself in local French culture. Collect ephemera from Eymet, a quaint little town with another lively market, where you’ll find stalls selling vegetables, flowers, herbs, and handmade soaps. Each trip offers a new palette of colors, shapes, and stories to bring back to the studio and weave into your artwork.Some of the topics covered in your classes with Joan include: Making soul-satisfying artBeing bold in your vulnerabilityLearning new techniques for expressionTrusting your intuitive knowledgeCreating a meaningful ritual for your imaginationHow to utilize contrasts for visual interestHow to integrate local ephemera into your compositionDesigning visual elements into a dynamic abstract compositionHow to induce hints of realism into an abstract composition…and many more! Your home for the week will be an elegant historic estate from the Napoleonic era, set amidst vibrant gardens, secluded woodlands, a natural pond, and a heated pool. Delight in Dordogne’s culinary heritage with daily chef-prepared meals, and savor the local wines through a cheese and wine-tasting experience. Be receptive to an inspiring adventure in a beautiful location, build friendships, and make unforgettable memories!

### Day 1: Arrival
Catch the 3:30 PM shuttle from Bergerac train station to your retreat venue, a stunning 25-acre historic estate in the heart of Dordogne. Upon arrival, settle into your cozy accommodations, take a moment to unwind, and meet Joan Fullerton, your instructor for the week. Start your experience with a guided tour of the estate, showcasing its charming communal spaces, the vast gardens, sunlit terraces, a heated swimming pool, serene woodlands, and a tranquil pond. The day concludes with a warm welcome dinner featuring exquisite French cuisine and fragrant local wine, setting the tone for the inspiring week that’s ahead.

### Day 2: Art classes at the venue
Wake up your senses with a wholesome breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, then join Joan and the group for a quick morning check-in, easing into the rhythm of the day. During the first workshop of the retreat, Joan will introduce and demonstrate her specific painting techniques, aimed at teaching students how to set free and paint more expressively, uncensored, and intuitively. Joan will also reveal the philosophy behind her techniques, immersing you into the realm of intuitive painting and abstraction. You will get a general prompt from Joan and create a painting based on it. The goal of this exercise is to bring your subjective understanding of the world to the forefront. Pause midday for a relaxed lunch, then continue the day with an afternoon workshop. Dive into work and create another painting, using the same materials from the morning. Engage in a group feedback and discussion of the works you have realized so far, sharing your personal interpretation and appreciating the various interpretations of your fellow artists. Exchange ideas, learn from each other, and see all the variations of how human beings communicate visually.As the day comes to an end, enjoy some leisure time to recharge before dinner. Stroll the estate gardens, swim, or reflect on what you have learned about yourself through your art today. Gather with Joan and the group for a delightful three-course dinner prepared by the private chef and paired with a glass of aromatic French wine.

### Day 3: Art trip to Issigeac
Start the day with a filling breakfast and a quick morning check-in with Joan and the group before setting off toward Issigeac. Located only a 30-min drive away from the venue, the ride will carry you past vineyards, stone farmhouses softened by ivy, and open fields shifting in the morning light. Explore the picturesque town of Issigeac, dating back to Roman times, and immerse yourself in local French culture, interacting with your surroundings. Visit the local market, wander on narrow cobbled streets, and get lost in the medieval charm of the village. Joan will guide you on how to journal when exploring a new place, preparing a handout with what to consider for journal entries. Do some journaling, take reference photos, and collect ephemera that you can use later as inspiration. Return to the venue for a refreshing lunch, then continue the afternoon with another art class. Joan will demonstrate how to integrate the observations, feelings, and experiences from your trip into visual language. Create a new painting inspired by the timeless elegance of Issigeac and learn how to incorporate the ephemera you have collected, as Joan will introduce you to collage. If time permits, engage in another short group feedback session, sharing and learning with your fellow artists from today’s adventures.Enjoy some well-deserved spare time in the afternoon to rest and unwind. Indulge in a delicious three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef, and share conversations with Joan and the group over a glass of wine.

### Day 4: Art classes at the venue
Kick off the day with a hearty breakfast and a hot cup of coffee. Join Joan and the group for a quick morning check-in and settle into the rhythm of the day. Today’s workshops are about building your confidence and showing yourself in your art. Take some time to share some things about yourself and your story. Listen to everyone’s experiences in a supportive environment, as you build a sense of community with your art group. Listen to the experiences of your fellow artists in a supportive atmosphere as you develop a bond with one another and foster a sense of community.Departing from this intimate sharing moment, create a symbolic self-portrait, integrating your experience into the composition and learning how to put more of yourself into your art. This exercise is meant to teach you how to have greater appreciation for your point of view. Learn how to validate yourself and value your own experience and story through your art. Break for lunch, then join Joan and the group for another studio session. Continue working on the self-portrait from the morning if you haven’t finalized it yet, and engage in a discussion about personal preferences and aesthetics. Take notes on what kind of paintings you respond to, what paintings evoke your emotions, and what types of paintings you like. Reflect on why you like a particular kind of painting. What do you resonate with and why? Now, it is time to explore your personal aesthetic and discuss how to reach your personal preferences, as well as learn how to understand when a painting is finished. As the class ends, take some leisure time to relax before dinner. In the evening, enjoy a wine and cheese tasting experience at the venue, savoring authentic French flavors. Reflect on the stories and moments you have shared today with your group over a wholesome chef-prepared dinner.

### Day 5: Art trip to Beynac-et-Cazenac
Begin your day with a nourishing breakfast, have your morning daily check-in, then head out with Joan and your fellow artists to the hilltop village of Beynac-et-Cazenac. Located a 1-hour and 30-minute drive from the venue, this medieval village overlooking the Dordogne River has a long history of resistance against the English. It is also known as a movie set for famous historical films such as “The Last Duel” and “Revenge of the Musketeers.”Wander through alleys and terraces, collecting ephemera and journaling. Joan will guide you on different ways of sketching and on how to later use these sketches in your paintings. Visit the imposing hilltop castle Château de Beynac, an austere medieval structure perched atop a limestone plateau, and draw inspiration from its history and impressive architecture. Pause midday for lunch at a nearby restaurant or café, then continue exploring the rest of the town on your own. Interact with your environment, stop to make quick sketches or write in your journal, and take reference photos. Return to the estate in the evening right before dinner. Take some spare time to recharge and use it however you wish. Gather with Joan and the group for another chef-prepared three-course dinner, and share your reflections of the day over a glass of fragrant French wine.

### Day 6: Art trip to local French market
Wake up to the scent of freshly made coffee and fuel up with a satisfying breakfast, followed by a quick morning check-in with Joan and your fellow artists. Take a trip to the nearby Eymet market, located only a 15-minute walk away from the venue. Walk on a winding path through dense woodlands, and reach a vibrant village bustling with people and vendors selling vegetables, flowers, herbs, and handmade soaps. Journal and make quick sketches of whatever piques your interest. Collect ephemera and engage with your surroundings: maybe greet the sellers, browse through the stalls, or taste samples of locally produced foods. You can take this trip at your leisure, at any time you desire!Head back to the venue for a light lunch, then continue the day with another studio workshop. Learn how to integrate some architectural elements inspired by your trips into your pieces. Joan will guide you on how to create a symbolic landscape, a suggestive composition that integrates one real element and leaves the rest to the interpretation of the viewer.As the evening settles in, unwind with some leisure time. Stroll around the estate gardens, take a swim in the pool, or rest in your comfortable room. End the day with a flavorful three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef and accompanied by a glass of local wine.

### Day 7: Art classes at the venue
Enjoy a wholesome breakfast, followed by a quick morning check-in with Joan and the group, before jumping into the last full day at the retreat. Today will be about discussing and addressing any remaining questions you may have for Joan or your fellow artists. Ask any curiosities, share some insights from your artistic journey so far, or share what you have learned about yourself throughout the retreat. Make another quick painting if you feel like it and the time permits, starting from a general prompt given by Joan. Finish up any remaining pieces, refining details and adding final touch-ups. Pause for a relaxed lunch, then continue the afternoon with a mini-exhibition of the artworks you have done throughout the retreat. Celebrate your progress, exchange ideas with your fellow artists, and soak in the creative energy that has surrounded you over the past week. Take some spare time to reset in the late afternoon. Gather with Joan and the group for one last exquisite three-course farewell dinner prepared by the in-house chef. Raise a glass of wine to all the memories you’ve made and the creative breakthroughs you’ve shared. Savor the flavors, the laughter, and the warmth of the company as you bring the retreat to a heartfelt close, taking its inspiration with you back home.

### Day 8: Departure
Enjoy a final breakfast with Joan and your fellow artists before it's time to part ways. Departing at 9:00 AM, you'll head to Gare Bergerac train station, arriving around 9:45 AM. As you make your way back home, you will take with you a heart brimming with inspiration and lasting memories.

## Instructors

- [Joan Fullerton](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/joan-fullerton) — Award-winning educator, abstract-intuitive painter

## Accommodation

### Historic countryside estate
Situated on the tranquil banks of the River Dropt, your home for the retreat with artist Joan Fullerton will be a charming French estate, reserved exclusively for your group. This 25-acre historic property provides the perfect setting for creative inspiration, featuring well-appointed living spaces, a dedicated art studio, a heated pool, gardens, terraces, woodlands, and a peaceful pond.Your classes with Joan will be held indoors in a spacious, well-lit studio measuring approximately 500 sq. ft. (50 sq. m.) and outdoors on the beautiful terraces and gardens. You’ll also have the chance to paint en plein air in the scenic countryside surrounding the estate.The venue has a rich history, dating from the Napoleonic era to its time as a World War I equestrian center. Local craftsmen have renovated it carefully, turning the old stable block into five large gîtes (French villas) that blend modern comforts with classic French charm. These beautifully restored spaces feature exposed brickwork, heating, and high-quality bedding for your comfort.Throughout the retreat, you can relax and connect with fellow artists by the heated pool, on the airy terraces, or during peaceful strolls around the estate’s pond and private woodland, home to a variety of wildlife.

### Shared standard room
Three standard rooms are available for shared occupancy. You will share this room and its private bathroom with another same-gender participant. The shared standard rooms can be outfitted with either a double bed (for guests traveling together) or twin beds. They are spacious, tastefully decorated, and feature private bathrooms with showers or bathtubs. Blackout shutters and sound insulation walls ensure privacy and a quiet, good night's sleep. The windows provide great views of the countryside.

### Shared superior room (female only)
Two superior rooms are available for shared occupancy. You will share this room and its private bathroom with another same-gender participant. The shared superior rooms are spacious, with wide windows overlooking the splendid surroundings, and have private bathrooms with showers. Blackout shutters and sound insulation walls ensure privacy and a quiet, good night's sleep. One room located on the first floor has a private terrace with direct access to the courtyard. They can be outfitted with either a double bed (for guests traveling together) or twin beds.

### Single standard room
Three standard rooms are available for single occupancy. You will be enjoying your own private room, equipped with a comfortable double bed, a private bathroom, and shared access to a fully fitted kitchen. Blackout shutters and sound insulation walls ensure privacy and a quiet, good night's sleep. The common lounge area features floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto a huge lawn. The rooms benefit from superb views of the Dordogne countryside.

### Single superior room
Two superior rooms are available for single occupancy. More spacious than the standard rooms, the superior rooms feature comfortable double beds and private bathrooms. Blackout shutters and sound insulation walls ensure privacy and a quiet, good night's sleep. You will share access to a common lounge area with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto the gardens and a fully fitted shared kitchen.

## Food

Savor the rich flavors of the Dordogne region during your retreat with Joan Fullerton in France. Using the freshest local ingredients, the chef will craft a range of dishes that capture the essence of the region’s culinary heritage.You'll be treated to a variety of culinary experiences, from elegant seasonal canapés to hearty BBQs. Each day will start with delightful breakfasts, followed by delicious lunches, and end with indulgent three-course dinners featuring regional wine. The retreat culminates in a special farewell dinner that celebrates your artistic journey. A wine and cheese-tasting session is also included to enhance the experience.Throughout the day, you'll have access to water, coffee, tea, and a selection of snacks, including seasonal fruits and cakes.Please inform us of any dietary requirements at least one month before the retreat. While we strive to accommodate most needs, we may not be able to cater to severe, life-threatening allergies. We are unable to accommodate dietary changes announced less than a month before the retreat, switch diets during the retreat, or fulfill last-minute requests on-site. The menu will vary based on seasonal ingredient availability.All meals are included, except for one lunch during the full-day trip to Beynac-et-Cazenac.For more details on the food offerings during the retreat, see the section below.

## Getting There

The venue for your art retreat with artist Joan Fullerton is a picturesque countryside estate in southwestern France. Nestled on 25 acres overlooking the banks of the River Dropt in the Dordogne region, the property is surrounded by woodlands, renowned vineyards, and timeless stone houses. Rich in historical significance, the River Dropt region was once a vital trade route where goods like wine and wood were transported by barges. The area offers a window into its medieval past, with landmarks such as the Romanesque Pont du Bretou bridge and the quaint bastide towns dotting the riverbanks.Just a 10-minute walk from the retreat venue, you'll find the charming town of Eymet, offering convenient access to its inviting restaurants, cafés, bakeries, pharmacies, craft shops, artist studios, and local boutiques. Bergerac, the designated pick-up and drop-off location for transfers, is about 16 miles from the venue. As part of the retreat, you'll explore the medieval town of Issigeac, located 15 miles away, as well as the historic town of Beynac-et-Cazenac, approximately 50 miles from the estate.To be transferred to the retreat venue, please arrive at Bergerac train station:We strongly recommend planning more time for long-distance international travel because of the current disruptions in flight schedules. It is best to arrive in France a day before the retreat starts to prevent any inconveniences caused by flight delays, rest after the long travel, and adjust to the new time zone.How to get to Bergerac:The best (quickest and most affordable) option is to fly to Paris or Bordeaux and catch a train to Bergerac from there. It's a very pleasant train ride, either from Paris (3h 40 minutes) or from Bordeaux (1h 15 minutes), during which you can enjoy the beautiful sights of French landscapes, towns, and cities.You can book train tickets to Bergerac from the French National Railway Company, SNCF: https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/Some guests traveling from Europe may also opt to fly to Bergerac Airport directly, then catch a bus or take a taxi to Gare Bergerac train station (15-minute ride).How to get from Bergerac to the retreat venue:Private transfers at prearranged times to and from Gare Bergerac train station are included. The transfer journey to the retreat venue takes approximately 35 minutes. Check-in at the retreat venue starts at 4:00 PM on October 19, 2026. Check-out is after breakfast on October 26, 2026, by 9:00 AM.Arrival transfer: October 19, 2026 — 3:30 PM (leaving from Gare Bergerac train station, arriving at the retreat venue around 4:05 PM)Departure transfer: October 26, 2026 — 9:00 AM (leaving from the retreat venue, arriving at Gare Bergerac train station around 9:45 AM)If your travel arrangements don't work with our pre-set transfer times, please consider the following options:Spend extra days at a hotel in Paris, Bordeaux, or Bergerac pre-/post-retreat, and catch the transfer shuttles from/to Gare Bergerac train station.Grab a taxi to the retreat venue (address: La Palanque, 9 Rte de la Sabliere, 24500 Eymet, France; estimated cost: US$100 per way). Please note that taxi fares may vary.

## Reviews

Reviews of the venue:"This is my second UpTrek retreat, and I had another wonderful time. The venue was beautiful. I loved the accommodations and how they were centrally located around a courtyard space. It felt very communal, while also providing ample space for people to spread out.""The venue was spectacular, in a glorious location and the team couldn’t have been more lovely and helpful.""The evening dinner chef and assistant were amazing. The food was varied and delicious every night. They provided excellent service. The venue's location and ground were beautiful.""I loved everything about the retreat! The location, the food, the people, the excursions, and the instructors. Everything was a dream. I was especially impressed and honored by their ability to accommodate my food requirements. They even packed me lunches for our days away so I would be sure to have something to eat. The grounds are beautiful and full of flowers and whispering trees.""Overwhelming! Beautiful room. The pool much appreciated. Fantastic food! Really helpful staff, Tasha and Marie.""Everything was perfect, done to the last detail.""Tasha and Marie and Katie and Scarlet were such a big part of making the retreat so cozy and inviting .... they were always available and welcoming. This retreat was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had and I will remember it fondly. And lastly .... the food was the best I’ve ever had!!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Thank you!!!!""The venue itself was absolutely remarkable, and the hosts went above and beyond to ensure our every need was met. Tasha was so easy to talk to and had a wealth of local knowledge which was valuable. The grounds and immediate area are beautiful to explore whether on foot or bike. It really was a huge bonus that Eymet was within walking distance for use of ATM and pharmacy. The menu from breakfast, lunch and dinner was truly exceptional, offering a first-class dining experience. The local wines were also delicious - with the wine tasting a highlight. Each and every one of the excursions provided was of exceptional quality and added to my overall experience. I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of these outings, as I’m a history geek and they provided a perfect balance between education and time to sketch on location."

## Frequently Asked Questions

Is this retreat available to all levels? This retreat welcomes all levels of experience, though you’ll benefit most if you already have some familiarity with acrylics and mixed media, as well as Joan Fullerton's work and style of teaching. When is the retreat available?The retreat takes place between October 19 - 26, 2026.Are there any check-in and check-out hours?Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 4:00 PM on October 19, 2026. Check-out is after breakfast on the last day at 9:00 AM, on October 26, 2026.How do I get to the retreat venue?Please plan to arrive at the Gare Bergerac train station. The retreat venue is located approximately a 35-minute drive from Gare Bergerac, the main train station in the area that has a direct connection with Paris. We advise allowing extra time for long-distance international travel. Arriving in France a day before the retreat starts helps mitigate potential issues due to flight delays, allows for rest post-travel, and facilitates adjustment to the new time zone. Private transfers from/to Gare Bergerac train station at prearranged times are included.Please read the Location tab for more information. Please refrain from booking flights until the retreat becomes guaranteed and you are charged for your participation.What’s the weather like in Eymet, France, in October?The weather in Eymet in October is usually mild and cloudy, but pleasant. You can expect average highs of 19°C / 66°F during the day that drop to around 7°C / 45°F at night. However, in recent years, temperatures have varied unpredictably. We recommend you check the weather yourself before your departure and pack accordingly.What should I pack? Please pack appropriate clothing, insect repellent, a raincoat, a swimsuit, sunscreen, a sun hat and sunglasses, a jacket for chilly evenings, comfortable shoes, personal care items, and any personal medication you might need.Can I do laundry while on the retreat?Laundry facilities are available at the retreat venue and you are welcome to use them for free during your stay.What supplies do I need for the workshops?A detailed list of art materials recommended by artist Joan Fullerton will be provided five months before the retreat takes place.Tables with protective covers, table risers, tape rolls, chairs, easels, plein-air chairs, glass jars, paper towels, disposal bins and trash bags, professional studio lighting, an A4 printer-scanner, porcelain palettes, art boards, scissors, and a projector are included and will be available at the venue.Is there a local currency I should acquire before arriving?The currency is the euro. Credit cards are widely accepted in most places. However, it might be a good idea to take out some euros from the ATM at the airport for taxis, small purchases, visiting the market, and tipping. Make sure you notify your bank that you'll be using your card in France.How many people are expected at the retreat?Maximum of 15 participants.I am vegetarian/vegan. Can I book this retreat?Please inform us of any dietary requirements at least one month in advance. We may not be able to accommodate severe, life-threatening allergies. Additionally, we cannot cater to dietary needs announced less than a month before the retreat, switch diets during the retreat, or accommodate last-minute requests made on the spot.Is Wi-Fi available?Yes.Do I need a visa?Guests from the US, Canada, EU, UK, and/or Schengen member states can enter France for tourism without a visa. If this policy changes, we will inform you promptly. For additional assistance, please reach out to us.Are there any age restrictions?There are no restrictions whatsoever. Please keep in mind that you must be 18 years of age to travel independently.What language is used during the workshops and other activities?The retreat is available in English.Can a non-participating guest join me?We do not accommodate non-participants at our retreats. This policy is in place to ensure the creative and immersive nature of our retreats remains intact for all participants.Is the retreat available to guests with limited mobility?Unfortunately, the retreat venue and day trips are not well suited to host people with limited mobility.What happens if I need to cancel?Once the retreat is guaranteed, all payments are final and nonrefundable. Bookings are nonrefundable under any circumstances. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. After your payment is processed, you may purchase insurance through the following link: Purchase insurance. Please review our cancellation policy.Do I need travel insurance?Yes. Since all bookings are nonrefundable, travel insurance is mandatory for all UpTrek travelers. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. We strongly advise that your chosen policy provides cover against lost or delayed baggage, loss of personal belongings, trip cancellation, trip interruption, accidents, illness, injury, medical expenses, death, and emergency repatriation.For your convenience, UpTrek is affiliated with Allianz Travel and is a Registered Travel Retailer under AGA license. Click here to purchase your insurance plan.Please note that UpTrek is not qualified or authorized to answer questions about coverage, benefits, exclusions, or conditions of any Allianz Travel Insurance plan. If you have questions about your plan, please contact Allianz Global Assistance directly at CustomerService@AllianzAssistance.com or by phone at 1-800-284-8300. Be sure to provide the reference code F215276 so Allianz knows you are purchasing protection for an UpTrek trip.We strongly recommend reviewing the terms and conditions of any insurance policy you purchase to fully understand the coverage, benefits, and claims process. We will gladly provide the essential documentation to support refund claims with the insurance provider.Do I have to pay a deposit?No. Once the number of guest reservations reaches the minimum number required for the retreat to become guaranteed, UpTrek charges the guests the cost of the retreat. Guests who reserved will be notified 48 hours in advance that their payment method on file is about to be charged.Will I receive a full refund if the retreat is not guaranteed?UpTrek does not charge the payment method we collect until the retreat becomes guaranteed. Once the retreat is guaranteed, there will be no reimbursement. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements.Will I receive a full refund if the guaranteed retreat is canceled by the artist or by UpTrek?If the retreat is canceled due to force majeure events or circumstances out of UpTrek's and/or the instructor's control, UpTrek will let you know as soon as possible, refund the total cost of the retreat, and help you find another option for your vacation.

## Book This Retreat

👉 **[Reserve your spot on uptrek.com](https://uptrek.com/retreat/painting-the-essence-of-occitanie-retreat-artist-joan-fullerton-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/painting-the-essence-of-occitanie-retreat-artist-joan-fullerton-france
**Last updated:** 2026-03-10