# Sketchbook Exploration Art Retreat with Artist Emma Carlisle in France

Join artists Emma Carlisle for an inspiring retreat set in the peaceful countryside of Occitanie, southern France. Designed for artists of all experience levels, this immersive experience invites you to explore creative expression under Emma’s thoughtful guidance. Discover the joy of mark-making, embrace each stage of your artistic journey, and learn to quiet your inner critic as you build creative confidence and reconnect with your passion for making art.Stay at a tranquil countryside estate where you'll share nourishing meals and connect with a small group of fellow artists. Throughout the week, you'll sketch in serene French gardens, observe trees and flowers around the venue, and paint among the vines during a visit to a nearby vineyard.Enjoy a half-day trip to the vibrant Gaillac market, where you'll sketch on location in the morning bustle. The following day, head to the Castres market for another morning of observational drawing. A full-day trip to Albi will take you through winding streets and red brick architecture, with time to sketch on location and visit the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum. Return home with a sketchbook full of layered washes, expressive lines, atmospheric studies, and the personal story of your week in France.

## Details

- **Dates:** June 10 - 17, 2026
- **Location:** Teyssode, Occitanie, France
- **Starting Price:** $4,550
- **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 Emma Carlisle7 nights of accommodation at a French countryside estateExclusive use of the entire 5-acre property with a saltwater pool, hot tub, spacious reconverted barn used as an art studio, indoor workshop space, fruit orchard, private gardens, and terraces7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 7 dinners carefully prepared by a private chefCoffee, tea, water, and homemade snacks available throughout the dayUnlimited wine during dinner service, non-alcoholic beverages served with dinnerWelcome and farewell cocktails and canapésArt trip to Albi, Toulouse-Lautrec Museum visit, and time for sketching on-locationArt trip to the local market in Gaillac and time for sketching on-locationArt trip to the antique markets in Castres and time for sketching on-locationPrivate transportation and chaperone for all trips and planned activitiesRoundtrip airport transfers from/to Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS) at prearranged timesVenue host available throughout the dayAll local tourist taxes and feesAccess to a private Facebook group with Emma Carlisle and other retreat participants four months before the retreatNot includedAirfare/transportation to ToulouseTravel insuranceArt supplies - a detailed list of art materials recommended by Emma Carlisle will be provided five months before the retreatLunch during the full-day trip to AlbiExtra costs guests might incur on their own

## Program

### Travel Sketchbook Retreat
Join artist Emma Carlisle for a warm and inspiring art retreat set in the peaceful countryside of Occitanie, in southern France. Over the course of the week, you’ll take part in daily creative sessions and receive thoughtful, encouraging guidance from Emma, all designed to nurture your travel sketchbooking skills and support your personal growth as an artist. Open to all experience levels, this retreat offers a beautiful opportunity to slow down, reconnect with your creative voice, and explore expressive sketchbooking using mixed media like pencils, crayons, pens, markers, gouache, and more.Each day is a chance to turn your sketchbook into something deeply personal. With Emma’s guidance, you’ll explore how to capture what you see and what you feel. Through techniques like layering, mark-making, and playful use of color, you’ll develop pages that reflect your own way of seeing the world. Focus on expression, memory, and finding joy in the process. One-on-one time with Emma provides you with space to ask questions, receive feedback, and grow in confidence, regardless of your experience level.At the Gaillac and Castres markets, you’ll be surrounded by movement, color, and detail. Practice quick sketching, observe daily life, and gather textures and impressions. The full-day visit to Albi brings a different kind of inspiration. You’ll take in the city’s dramatic architecture, explore its atmosphere through your pages, and visit the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum, where art and history meet. Each outing gives you something real and immediate to respond to, helping you fill your sketchbook with honest, expressive work.By the end of the retreat, you’ll have created a collection of sketches and mixed-media artworks that hold the essence of your experience in France, along with a renewed sense of joy and confidence in your creative journey.The topics covered during your lessons will include:Gaining more confidence in your image-makingGrowing outside of your sketchbookLayering techniquesAdapting on-the-goWorking with different paper formats (such as concertinas)CompositionHarnessing the joy of painting, letting your creativity looseFinding inspiration in the world around youDeveloping your own style/finding your own approach to image makingExperimenting with different materialsLearning to work with mishaps and finding opportunities in themEmbracing your journey at every point of it...and many more.Your accommodation for the retreat will be a charming, restored estate in the countryside, offering the perfect environment for creative exploration. Outside of classes, you’ll enjoy wholesome French cuisine, relax by the pool, and connect with your fellow artists in a welcoming, supportive atmosphere.

### Day 1: Arrival
Arrive at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport and join the 3:00 PM transfer to your retreat venue. After settling into your room, take a moment to unwind and absorb the tranquil surroundings. Meet your fellow artists and get acquainted with Emma, 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 beautifully prepared three-course dinner, perfectly complemented by local wines.

### Day 2: Art classes at the venue
Wake up to the scent of fresh coffee and share a nourishing breakfast with Emma and your fellow artists, discussing your plans for the day.The morning workshop starts with an introduction to the basics of keeping a travel sketchbook. Learn the fundamentals of capturing the essence of your surroundings, as guided by Emma's demonstration on mixed media (pencils, crayons, pens, markers, and gouache). Try out some mark-making exercises, filling your sketchbooks with dynamic strokes and unique patterns. This warm-up will help your explore ways to express what you see and feel in a new environment, further shaping your own artistic style.Pause for a relaxed group lunch, a time to recharge and reflect before heading into the afternoon.You'll spend the afternoon class experimenting freely with your sketchbook. Practice the morning's techniques and prepare for an outdoors sketching session. Emma will give you invaluable tips about working on-location, fun sketchbook challenges, and tailored feedback to refine your approach.Later, unwind at your own pace. Wander the garden paths, take a dip in the saltwater pool, or review your sketchbook pages. In the evening, gather around the table for a three-course dinner paired with local wine.

### Day 3: Art trip to the Gaillac market
After breakfast, gear up for the first trip of the retreat - the lively market of the tranquil town of Gaillac, found on the banks of the serene Tarn river.Gaillac is known for its picturesque setting, heritage architecture, lengthy history dating back to Roman times, and, most importantly, its rich winemaking tradition. A hidden gem in Occitanie, its wines are beloved by locals and connoisseurs alike (especially the Gaillac AOC). Visit the local market and browse the stalls filled to the brim with delicious fruits, fresh vegetables, regional specialties like Roquefort cheese, homey bread and patisserie, all locally made. Sample and taste to your heart's content and use the wide variety of wares as inspiration for your sketchbook.Get transferred back to the venue in time for lunch, followed by an afternoon workshop with Emma. Grab your sketchbook and have fun trying out different tools like pencils, crayons, pens, markers, and gouache. Emma will share fun sketchbook challenges to help spark your creativity and keep things playful. Later, relax by the pool, stroll through the gardens, or enjoy quiet time with your fellow artists. As evening settles in, gather for a well-earned dinner with local wine, reflecting on a full day of discovery.

### Day 4: Trip to the Castres market
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before heading out for a half-day trip to the vintage market in the medieval town of Castres.Wander the narrow streets lined with brocantes—French vintage shops—and keep your eyes open for worn postcards, patterned linens, quirky antiques, and curious odds and ends that hold their stories. Sketch on the spot, gather bits and pieces for your sketchbook, snap reference photos, or simply go shopping for a souvenir. Emma will guide everyone to draw and paint in their sketchbook together or explore and sketch on their own if they wish.Return to the venue for lunch, then continue your art in the afternoon, with time to look over your sketches from Castres and experiment with mixed media like pencils, crayons, pens, markers, and gouache to develop a deeper, more expressive approach as you scale up your ideas.As the evening light softens, wind down with dinner shared among the group.

### Day 5: Art at the venue
Start the morning with a hearty breakfast before settling into the studio with Emma and your materials.You'll spend the entire day at the venue, practicing your art skills during two separate art classes. In the morning, look at how printmaking techniques can feed into your drawing practice. Emma will be available for tailored feedback and advice if you ever need an extra hand.Refuel with a delightful lunch, then reconvene in the studio. The afternoon session will focus on furthering your skills whilst also looking at composition and playful image-making. Using sketches and reference photos from your travels, explore how to combine imagery and experiment with new layouts. Emma will encourage you to bring together various elements—sketches, memories, and photos—through mixed media, blending techniques, and building confidence in your creative process. This is a time for experimentation, where you’ll learn to piece together images that reflect both your journey and your evolving artistic style.The day ends with some spare time; dip in the pool, chat to your fellow artists, or continue working on your sketchbook if you're feeling inspired. The day wraps up with another mouthwatering dinner prepared by the private chef, paired with a glass of local wine.

### Day 6: Art trip to Albi
Start the day with a wholesome breakfast and fresh coffee before joining Emma and the group for the trip to Albi. Drive through quiet countryside and arrive in a town rich with textures, from red brick facades to winding streets and riverside views.Taken straight out of a postcard, Albi is rife with inspiring scenes and vistas for your sketchbook. The town's character is etched into its grand architecture and lively streets. The soaring Basilica of Saint Cecilia dominates the skyline with its intricate Gothic details, while the Pont Vieux bridge offers a perfect vantage point for sketching the Tarn River’s gentle curves. Stroll past centuries-old homes, where flower-filled balconies and colorful storefronts create a tapestry of textures and hues.Pause for a peaceful lunch at a riverside café, a moment to rest and take in the atmosphere before continuing the day's work.Enjoy a peaceful lunch at a riverside café on your own before stepping into the Palais de la Berbie, a former fortress turned museum. Inside, the Toulouse Lautrec collection offers a glimpse into the artist’s expressive style and innovative use of color. Spend the afternoon freely sketching or taking photos in the blooming palace garden. Emma will be available for guidance, with occasional demos to help you further develop your creative approach, blending sketches, photos, and impressions from the day.Return to the venue as the sun begins to set. Close the day with a warm three-course dinner and a glass of wine, a relaxed end to a day filled with creativity and discovery.

### Day 7: Art classes at the venue
Kick off the final full day with a nourishing breakfast and before joining Emma in the studio.The morning kicks off with a wrap-up session, where Emma will share a demo and guide everyone in setting clear goals for the day. You’ll then have time to explore the nearby area and gather final inspiration or reference materials. Individual check-in sessions with Emma will be available, providing you with one-on-one time to discuss your artistic growth, address any remaining questions, and refine your approach with mixed media like pencils, crayons, pens, markers, and gouache.After a satisfying lunch, the afternoon will be dedicated to going over any remaining one-on-one sessions, followed by a mini-exhibition. Showcase your sketchbook from the retreat, exchanging feedback and celebrating the diversity of styles and interpretations that emerged over the course of the week. Reflect on the insights and skills you’ll take forward, setting intentions for how you’ll continue your creative practice beyond the retreat.As evening arrives, come together one last time over a shared farewell dinner, raising a glass to a week filled with art, connection, and inspiration.

### Day 8: Departure
After enjoying a satisfying breakfast with Emma and the art group, it's time to bid farewell and exchange any last contact details. Prepare for your transfer to Toulouse-Blagnac Airport, scheduled for 10:00 AM, with an estimated arrival time of 11:00 AM.

## Instructors

- [Emma Carlisle](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/emma-carlisle) — Artist and picture book maker

## Accommodation

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

### Shared ensuite attic room (female only)
You will share this spacious attic room and its ensuite bathroom with another same-gender participant. The attic is a large space measuring 900 sq. ft. (85 sq. m.) located on the third floor of the main house, with two distinct sleeping areas separated by curtains. This room features twin or double beds (for guests traveling together) and an ensuite shower bathroom. The attic has beautiful wooden beams crossing the ceiling, giving the space a cozy and romantic look.

### Shared standard ensuite room (female only)
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)
You will share this room and its ensuite bathroom with one other same-gender participant. The shared superior rooms feature comfortable twin beds (or a double bed for guests traveling together) and ensuite bathrooms. Located on the first and second floors of the main house at the venue, the rooms have large French windows with views of the beautiful garden.

### Shared bathroom - single room
You will share the bathroom with another same-gender participant, but you will have this room to yourself. Two single rooms with shared bathrooms are available for single occupancy; the rooms share a spacious bathroom. These rooms feature comfortable double beds and are beautifully decorated in a charming French manner. The two rooms and their shared bathroom are located on the second floor in the main house at the retreat venue.

### Single room - adjacent bathroom
A single-occupancy room is located on the second floor of the guesthouse. It is furnished with a double bed and offers Wi-Fi access. The private shower room, located adjacent to the bedroom, is equipped with a toilet, shower, and hand basin. The room also features beautiful views of the surrounding garden.

### Single ensuite room
Three ensuite rooms are available for single occupancy, each furnished with a comfortable queen-sized bed. Two of the rooms are located on the first floor of the guesthouse and feature WiFi and a TV, as well as a spacious private Italian bathrooms (within the room) equipped with a separate toilet, shower, and two hand basins. The third room is located on the second floor and includes WiFi access, A/C, and a private ensuite bathroom with a toilet, shower, and hand basin. All rooms offer beautiful views of the venue's gardens.

## Food

Indulge in the robust flavors of Occitanie with every meal during your art retreat with Emma Carlisle. 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 Emma Carlisle 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), browse the quirky French market of Gaillac (40 minutes away), as well as the bustling antique market in Castres (30 minutes away).Check-in at the retreat venue starts at 4:00 PM on June 10, 2026. Check-out is after breakfast on June 17, 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:June 10, 2026 — 3:00 PM (leaving from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport, arriving at the retreat venue at 4:00 PM)Departure Transfer:June 17, 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 previous UpTrek retreats with artist Emma Carlisle: "Emma was excellent!! She really adapts to everyone’s individual needs and what I especially love about her teaching is how encouraging she is, regardless of my capabilities. She’s really a very special teacher.""Emma and Lucy were sooooo incredibly sweet and helpful. I loved Emma's gentle style of teaching and commitment to sketching. She really takes her role seriously.""Emma's style of teaching provides an overview of how she approaches techniques while giving students the opportunity, time and space to practice in their own artistic style. The group itself was supportive, positive, energetic, and made me smile everyday.""Emma is amazing! So inspiring, a great teacher and just a wonderful person, very nice to hang out with and fully be yourself :) She is so good with mixed media and talks so passionate about materials and play which gets everyone excited to start drawing more. Because of her i found my joy back into drawing and filled loads of sketchbooks. Her advice is always very personal and tailored to everyone's needs and level.""Emma Carlisle really supported us and shared her knowledge and experience throughout the week, even giving 1 to 1 feedback tailored to each of us, and providing inspiration, tutoring and materials daily. I had a lot of fun trying new materials and techniques that I feel have helped me grow artistically. Lucy Salmon was also on hand sharing her amazing sketchbooks and skills with us all and helped facilitate the workshops. I felt that Emma and Lucy really gave so much encouragement and advice about progressing our art and how to develop our skills. Not to mention the great fun we had every day with the planned activities and sketching time. I had high expectations of the retreat and felt that they were all met and exceeded in every aspect. Thank you for an unforgettable retreat.""Emma Carlisle is a very supportive, attentive tutor who is also able to adapt to the different needs of all participants. Her workshops were inspiring, enlightening, and comprehensive. At the same time, she gives plenty of space for individual approaches and personal creative expression." "Emma and Harriet are both magic and I was grateful to have met and been in their company for a week.""The opportunity to study with and work alongside Emma and Harriet were the key motivators in booking the retreat, and they exceeded my expectations.""Absolutely love Emma!!! She’s the sweetest and coolest person ever, a joy to be with and I can’t thank her enough!""Emma and Harriet are a wonderful team. They make their students feel at ease and are so generous with their knowledge, time and attention. Always making sure we’re ok and we’re making the most of our time. They made such an effort to source materials and things for us to try. Cannot recommend them enough!""Emma and Harriet created such a wonderful environment to play and grow that made everyone feel welcome and comfortable. Can’t say enough good things about them."Venue reviews from previous retreats:"The venue was just what I was hoping for -- I love the rural area. It was very clean, hosts were professional and pleasant. Food by all three caterers was wholesome.""Beautiful location. Our hosts were wonderful, lovely, and accommodating. I highly recommend this venue!""UpTrek: all transfers, tours & venues were great. It was perfectly charming and Sophie & Nicolas (the hosts) were absolutely wonderful & really adapted to all of our requests beyond what I expected! The week was made fabulous by our great group of women, the snacks, wine & the bond we all formed. We learned from each other & have formed lasting friendships!""I had a perfect week in France. The venue was beautiful and Sophie and Nicolas (the hosts) did everything in their power to make our stay comfortable. The trips were perfectly timed and provided much inspiration for our paintings. I thoroughly enjoyed the company of my fellow painters and would definitely use your company for travel again.""The venue was so beautiful and comfortable. I was happy with my room and the circumstances that allowed me a comfortable single room. EVERYTHING we asked for was provided by the following day or meal! I enjoyed the pool and the outdoor dining and painting. Such care was given to us by our lovely kind hosts.""Stunning venue; delicious food and wine; wonderful hosts. Lots of painting time. Interesting day trips. I definitely want to do another retreat!""I had a wonderful time! I also loved getting to know the fun, encouraging women who were with me on this retreat. The setting was gorgeous - like a postcard!""The food, the hosts, the accommodations, and the views were wonderful. The field trips were enjoyable and educational. I would take another trip with UpTrek." "The trip organization and warm, professional service from Uptrek, and the amazing service, delicious food, and high quality from the venue. And the other retreat participants were truly lovely! From the start, UpTrek provided prompt, careful service that was carried right through to our arrival at the retreat. Communication is key, especially when travel is just getting going again, and Andra (the retreat coordinator) was always ready with a response. I really appreciated the sensible, yet friendly approach, as well as the clear policies that were upfront from the start. Meeting Ted (CEO of UpTrek) and Andra put faces to the business - this human touch adds value and reassurance. Sophie and Nicolas (the venue hosts) were charming, attentive hosts who looked after many needs. They served us tasty treats throughout the day, they kept us shaded and they helped find solutions when required. I wish we had 48 hours in which to enjoy each day even more. The venue was excellent. The setting was magical. I was very comfortable and there was plenty of space for a group of this size. The rooms were very clean and the use of laundry facilities was much appreciated. It was lovely to feel at ease to use the pool, the hot tub, the fridge, the common areas, and the grounds - after being cooped up for over two years, this was a wonderful physical release. Having access to a well-lit space for us to enjoy Sketchbook Night Club each night was the icing on the cake: we were able to keep making art, have some laughs and get to know one another better. I would highly recommend each component and hope to have the opportunity to travel this way again. This retreat was truly like a dream come true. I loved it. I thank each of you from the heart."

## Frequently Asked Questions

Is this retreat available to all levels? The art retreat with artist Emma Carlisle is suitable for all experience levels.When is the art retreat available?The retreat will take place between June 10 - 17, 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 June 10, 2026. Check-out is after breakfast on the last day at 10:00 AM, on June 17, 2026.What art supplies do I need for the art classes?A detailed list of art materials recommended by artist Emma Carlisle will be provided five months before the retreat takes place.What’s the weather like in Teyssode, Occitanie, France, in June?The weather in Teyssode in June is usually sunny and pleasant. You can expect average highs of 26°C / 79°F during the day that drop to around 13°C / 55°F at night. However, in recent years, temperatures have become harder to predict accurately, and averages may vary. Please check the weather a week before traveling and pack accordingly.What should I pack? Please pack appropriate clothing, a swimsuit, sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable shoes, a cardigan for chilly evenings, a waterproof raincoat, a water bottle, personal care items, and any personal medication you might need.Can I do laundry while on the retreat?Laundry facilities are available at the retreat venue and you are welcome to use them for free during your stay.I am vegetarian/vegan. Can I book this retreat?Yes. All diets are catered for if announced in advance. Please note, however, that we cannot accommodate severe, life-threatening allergies.Is WiFi available?Yes.How many people are to be expected on the art retreat?Maximum of 16 participants.Do I need a visa?Guests from the US, Canada, EU, UK, and/or Schengen member states can enter France for tourism without a visa. If this policy changes, we will inform you promptly. For additional assistance, please reach out to us.Are there any age restrictions?There are no restrictions whatsoever. Please keep in mind that you must be 18 years of age to travel independently.What language is used during the art classes and other activities?The art retreat is available in English.Is the retreat available to guests with limited mobility?Unfortunately, the retreat venue and day trips are not well-suited for people with limited mobility. The trips involve plenty of walking on uneven, cobbled streets. Getting around the studio, the accommodation spaces, and the main building where meals are served at the venue also requires a short walk.What happens if I need to cancel?Once the retreat is guaranteed, all payments are final and nonrefundable. Bookings are nonrefundable under any circumstances. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. After your payment is processed, you may purchase insurance through the following link: Purchase insurance. Please review our cancellation policy.Do I need travel insurance?Yes. Since all bookings are nonrefundable, travel insurance is mandatory for all UpTrek travelers. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. We strongly advise that your chosen policy provides cover against lost or delayed baggage, loss of personal belongings, trip cancellation, trip interruption, accidents, illness, injury, medical expenses, death, and emergency repatriation.For your convenience, UpTrek is affiliated with Allianz Travel and is a Registered Travel Retailer under AGA license. Click here to purchase your insurance plan.Please note that UpTrek is not qualified or authorized to answer questions about coverage, benefits, exclusions, or conditions of any Allianz Travel Insurance plan. If you have questions about your plan, please contact Allianz Global Assistance directly at CustomerService@AllianzAssistance.com or by phone at 1-800-284-8300. Be sure to provide the reference code F215276 so Allianz knows you are purchasing protection for an UpTrek trip.We strongly recommend reviewing the terms and conditions of any insurance policy you purchase to fully understand the coverage, benefits, and claims process. We will gladly provide the essential documentation to support refund claims with the insurance provider.Do I have to pay a deposit?No. Once the number of guest reservations reaches the minimum number required for the retreat to become guaranteed, UpTrek charges the guests the cost of the retreat. Guests who reserved will be notified 48 hours in advance that their payment method on file is about to be charged.Will I receive a full refund if the retreat is not guaranteed?UpTrek does not charge the payment method we collect until the retreat becomes guaranteed. Once the retreat is guaranteed, there will be no reimbursement. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements.Will I receive a full refund if the guaranteed retreat is canceled by the artist or by UpTrek?If the retreat is canceled due to force majeure events or circumstances out of UpTrek's and/or the instructor's control, UpTrek will let you know as soon as possible, refund the total cost of the retreat, and help you find another option for your vacation.

## Book This Retreat

👉 **[Reserve your spot on uptrek.com](https://uptrek.com/retreat/sketchbook-exploration-art-retreat-with-artist-emma-carlisle-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:** 2026-01-08