# Telling Your Story through Abstract Art Retreat with Artist Judy Woods in France

Immerse yourself in a transformative art retreat with acclaimed artist Judy Woods, set in the peaceful countryside of Occitanie, southern France. Guided by Judy’s expert instruction and daily hands-on demonstrations, you’ll explore the expressive world of intuitive mixed-media painting. With an emphasis on bringing a personal story into your work (whether biographical or drawn from your experiences during the retreat), you’ll develop your unique visual language and experiment with bold techniques, pushing creative boundaries to develop a meaningful collection of abstract artworks to take home.Your stay unfolds at a charming rural estate, where beautifully prepared meals and a close-knit group of fellow artists create a warm, inspiring atmosphere. Throughout the retreat, you’ll draw inspiration from curated excursions: meander through the medieval streets of Albi, reflect in the quiet beauty of a French garden, and spend an afternoon at a historic winery, soaking in its rich colors and textures. Return home with refined techniques, a renewed artistic perspective, and a vibrant body of work that captures the essence of your creative journey in France.

## Details

- **Dates:** May 21 - 28, 2026
- **Location:** Teyssode, Occitanie, France
- **Starting Price:** $4,100
- **Category:** [Painting](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/retreats/painting) · [Browse on uptrek.com](https://uptrek.com/retreats/painting)

## Overview

What's included:Art classes, tuition, and demonstrations with artist Judy Woods7 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 serviceWelcome and farewell cocktails and canapésArt trip to Albi, Toulouse-Lautrec Museum visit, and time for painting on-locationArt trip to a French botanical garden with time for painting on-locationTrip to a French vineyard estate including wine tastingPrivate 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 Judy Woods and other retreat participants four months before the retreatNot includedAirfare/transportation to ToulouseTravel insuranceArt supplies - a detailed list of art materials recommended by Judy Woods will be provided five months before the retreatLunch during the full-day trip to AlbiExtra costs guests might incur on their own

## Program

### Telling Your Story through Abstract Art
Join artist Judy Woods for an inspiring retreat in the enchanting countryside of Occitanie, southern France. Surrounded by rolling hills, ancient villages, and the region’s golden light, you’ll explore abstract painting in a setting that invites both curiosity and personal reflection. With her warm and intuitive guidance, Judy will help you unlock your artistic voice through a process of exploration, play, and self-expression, encouraging you to bring your own story into the work, whether rooted in personal history or drawn from your experience on the retreat. All experience levels are welcome.Each day, you’ll take part in immersive sessions with Judy, where you’ll experiment with new materials, explore bold techniques, and push the boundaries of your creativity. From wet and dry media to collage and composition, you’ll be invited to take creative risks and shape a visual language that feels deeply personal. Judy’s thoughtful feedback and supportive teaching will help you build confidence, refine your style, and connect more closely with the emotional and narrative layers within your work.Throughout the week, you’ll enjoy three unforgettable art trips that immerse you in the beauty, history, and sensory richness of southern France. Wander the medieval streets of Albi, where sun-warmed stone buildings, Gothic spires, and the evocative Toulouse-Lautrec Museum offer a feast of visual inspiration. Meander through a serene French botanical garden, alive with color, texture, and elegance. Then, spend an indulgent afternoon at a centuries-old vineyard, where you’ll sip local wines amid vine-laced hills, soaking in the atmosphere as you gather imagery and ideas for your next abstract piece.You’ll leave not just with a beautiful body of work shaped by France, but with a renewed spirit and a circle of creative friends to inspire you well beyond the retreat.The topics covered during your lessons will include:Working with collageUnderstanding design for successful resultsFinding your voice and telling your storyThe joy of taking risksPainting more intuitivelyMixing wet and dry mediaIncorporating drawing into the paintingBuilding a painting in layersAchieving harmony with colorLearning to trust your intuition and silence your inner critic...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 Judy Woods, 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
Kick off your day with a bold, feel-good breakfast that gets your brain firing and your creativity buzzing. Grab your coffee and head straight into lively conversation with Judy and your crew of artists. Then take a slow stroll around the venue, soaking up every detail: wild textures, color-drenched skies, or weird shadows that might just become your next masterpiece.The morning will be filled with energy and enthusiasm. Throw your struggles onto the canvas. Literally. Scribble down the blocks holding you back and slap them on a giant shared surface with your group. Suddenly, the mess in your head feels less lonely. With that weight off, you’re free to start. Judy walks you through your materials…and then it’s go time! As Judy quickly teaches you new techniques, you'll start working on a series of four paintings, building depth and rich texture through expert layering to lay the foundations of your artwork.Pause midday for a delicious lunch and take the time to relax, stretch your legs, talk through your ideas, or grab a quiet moment to regroup.The afternoon is where your art gets really personal. With Judy’s guidance you’ll dive deep into your authentic visual language, finding meaningful shapes and motifs to tell your story. Judy will demonstrate how these threads can weave your signature style throughout your work, and you’ll experiment with your own template shapes using a variety of wet and dry media.In the evening, enjoy an unforgettable three-course dinner, glass of local wine in hand, surrounded by new friends who just went on the same creative roller-coaster.

### Day 3: Art trip to Albi
Enjoy a wholesome breakfast with fresh coffee and dive into a lively conversation with Judy about the creative adventure ahead. Bring your sketchbook and camera and get ready to head out toward the medieval town of Albi, where history and art will collide in the best possible way. You will take a scenic one-hour drive through rolling French countryside before arriving in a city bursting with red brick towers, tangled alleys, and sweeping river views that will love to be painted.The moment you arrive, Albi's spirit will captivate you. Its soaring Basilica of Saint Cecilia will rise dramatically above the skyline, carved with jaw-dropping Gothic detail. The Pont Vieux bridge will offer a perfect spot to stop and sketch, with the Tarn River stretching calmly below. Stroll through streets lined with centuries-old homes, each one dripping with flower-filled balconies and bold, paintable storefronts.After taking it all in, you will sit down for a peaceful riverside lunch and recharge while the town’s charm keeps working its way into your imagination. Then you will step inside the Palais de la Berbie, a former fortress now filled with Toulouse Lautrec’s expressive, daring work. His fierce color choices and raw energy will offer plenty of inspiration as you move into the afternoon. Later, you will settle into the palace gardens, where you will take reference photos, sketch, and capture whatever moments speak loudest.As the sun starts to fade and the colors shift once more, you will return to the venue for a beautifully prepared three-course dinner and a glass of wine.

### Day 4: Art trip to French jardins
Start your day with a satisfying breakfast, then grab your sketchbook and in just thirty minutes, you will arrive at a breathtaking French botanical garden bursting with life and color.Step into a wonderland of vibrant blooms, lush greenery, and sparkling water features! You will wander through paths lined with riotous color, stop to sketch reflections dancing in lotus ponds, and zoom in on the delicate structures of tropical plants. As you take reference photos and sketch on the spot, you will sharpen your eye for composition, shapes and line, and the incredible range of colors nature throws at you.After a refreshing and delicious lunch at the venue, you will return for an afternoon of focused painting. Let the impressions of the morning spill onto your page. Judy will demonstrate her process for creating harmony with color and show how she finds the “right” color for the moment. You will get to play, mix, and explore the power of bold contrast and gentle nuance bringing your paintings to life as you integrate shapes and line. Judy will guide you to choose your Color Heroes and help you unlock the palette that reflects your unique style!Later in the day, you will have time to unwind. As evening arrives, you will gather for a well-earned, joy-filled dinner with a glass of wine in hand.

### Day 5: Art classes at the venue
After a hearty breakfast and a strong cup of coffee, gather with the group and dive into a lively check-in to share your progress and fuel your creative fire for the day ahead.Settle into the studio and keep the momentum going as you continue developing your paintings, Judy will kick things off with a round of Blind Contour Drawings that will sharpen your observation skills and loosen up your drawing hand in the best way possible. Learn to work with wet and dry media to build that story into your painting, showing how drawing can add energy, emotion, and narrative into an abstract surface. Then, using reference photos and sparks of inspiration from the local French landscape, you’ll begin drawing your Retreat Story directly into your work, making each piece more personal, more layered, and more you!Following a relaxed and satisfying lunch, you will dive even deeper into the world of abstraction. Judy will guide you through her process of uncovering the essence of a painting, helping you zero in on what truly excites you about your work. Learn how to step back, ask powerful questions, and make your next moves with confidence and clarity.As the afternoon begins to fade, you will have time to slow down and recharge in whatever way feels right. Come evening, everyone will gather once more for a beautifully prepared dinner, complete with a glass of French wine and the joy of a day packed with breakthroughs, laughter, and pure creative magic.

### Day 6: Art at the venue & wine tasting
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast and a coffee check-in with Judy to set the vibe for a full-on creative deep dive.The morning will be all about building your paintings layer by layer, pushing your work further using acrylics, collage, and mixed media. Let the bold textures and earthy colors of the French landscape spark new ideas as you lean into intuition, play, and freedom. Start fresh pieces if you're ready, or take your current ones to the next level. With everything you’ve learned about design and color, you’ll surprise yourself with where your paintings will go. Get ready for big discoveries and unexpected breakthroughs!After a satisfying lunch back at the venue, you’ll head out for a relaxed afternoon at a nearby château winery. Step into the world of French winemaking, where tradition, storytelling, and flavor collide. Walk through sunlit vineyards, learn how the grapes transform from vine to bottle, and hear what really goes into each vintage. Then comes the tasting; raise your glass and sample a variety of locally made wines.Return to the venue in the late afternoon with time to recharge. As evening settles in, gather once more for a thoughtfully prepared three-course dinner and a well-earned glass of wine.

### Day 7: Art classes at the venue
Start your final full day with a relaxed breakfast and a cup of coffee or tea while you chat with the group about the creative celebration ahead.Then join Judy for your last art session, where you will add those final, satisfying touches to your work with her guidance. Learn how to present your paintings for viewing and get the chance to ask any final questions you’ve been saving. Judy will offer one-on-one feedback and help you bring everything together with clarity and confidence.After a satisfying lunch, it’s time to share your work in a joyful mini-exhibition! Walk around, soak in the incredible progress of the group, and celebrate how far you’ve come. This informal show will give everyone a chance to reflect, offer kind feedback, and cheer each other on. Judy will speak to each artist about their series and offer personal next steps to take home. There will be a toast, of course, because this deserves celebration!As the retreat nears its close, you will gather one last time for a beautifully prepared farewell dinner.

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

- [Judy Woods](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/judy-woods) — Abstract artist, painting coach

## Accommodation

### Historic French Estate
Tucked away in the heart of Tarn, Occitanie, your venue for the art retreat with Judy Woods 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 Judy Woods 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: two swimming pools, 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
You will share this room and its ensuite bathroom with one other same-gender participant. The shared superior rooms feature comfortable twin beds (or a double bed for guests traveling together) and ensuite bathrooms. Located on the first and second floors of the main house at the venue, the rooms have large French windows with views of the beautiful garden.

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

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

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

## Food

Indulge in the robust flavors of Occitanie with every meal during your art retreat. 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 Judy Woods takes place in the Occitanie region, in southern France. This area is famed for its stunning countryside landscapes, charming French towns, and fantastic food. Your venue, a sprawling countryside estate, is a gateway to the past, surrounded by villages with centuries-old buildings and cobbled streets. This historic estate is located an hour from Toulouse by car.The tranquility of the countryside, the warm smiles of locals, and the untouched natural beauty provide a serene backdrop for your classes. Explore the architectural marvels of Albi (an hour away from the venue), wander through a lush botanical garden, and visit a vineyard estate (both only 30 minutes away).Check-in at the retreat venue starts at 4:00 PM on May 21, 2026. Check-out is after breakfast on May 28, 2026, by 10:00 AM.To be transferred to the retreat venue, please arrive at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS). We strongly recommend planning more time for long-distance international travel because of the current disruptions in flight schedules. It is best to arrive in France a day before the retreat starts to prevent any inconveniences caused by flight delays, rest after the long travel, and adjust to the new time zone. Please hold off booking your flights and train tickets until the retreat becomes guaranteed and you are charged for your participation.How to get to Toulouse:If you cannot find good connecting flights from your departure airport to Toulouse, we recommend you fly to Paris and fly domestically to Toulouse (local roundtrips starting from US$100, 1 hour and 20 minutes of journey time; fares may vary).How to get from Toulouse to the retreat venue:Private transfers at prearranged times to and from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS) are included. The journey takes approximately one hour.Arrival Transfer:May 21, 2026 — 3:00 PM (leaving from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport, arriving at the retreat venue at 4:00 PM)Departure Transfer:May 28, 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 of previous UpTrek retreats with Judy Woods:"Judy Woods is a great teacher. She brought out the best in everyone's art making. I very much appreciated the tips she introduced to me. My artwork has been enhanced in a way I never would have imagined. Sooooooooo glad I went on this retreat.""I had the most wonderful and inspiring week! We all bonded so quickly. We painted, laughed and cried a lot together, The teaching was excellent, the accommodation just gorgeous and the whole retreat so well planned! I learned a lot... about intuitive abstract painting techniques... but also about myself. It was a truly spiritual and inspirational week and my heart and soul are still full! Thanks again to Judy, Uptrek, and everyone who made this trip so special.""The retreat was in a gorgeous setting with very comfortable accommodations. Judy Woods is an outstanding teacher.""It was a life-changing experience.""Judy was an amazing teacher, and the group got along wonderfully! We created a lot of great art!!"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 Domain d'En Naudet!""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 Domaine d'en Naudet was an excellent venue. 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 Judy Woods is suitable for all experience levels.When is the art retreat available?The retreat will take place between May 21 - 28, 2026.How do I get to the retreat venue?Please plan to arrive at the Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS). The retreat venue is located approximately an hour's drive from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport. We advise allowing extra time for long-distance international travel. Arriving in France a day before the retreat starts helps mitigate potential issues due to flight delays, allows for rest post-travel, and facilitates adjustment to the new time zone. Roundtrip airport transfers from/to Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS) at prearranged times are included. For more information, see the Location tab. Please hold off booking your flights until the retreat becomes guaranteed and you have been charged for your participation.Are there any check-in and check-out hours?Please make your travel arrangements to arrive at the venue after 4:00 PM on May 21, 2026. Check-out is after breakfast on the last day at 10:00 AM, on May 28, 2026.What art supplies do I need for the art classes?A detailed list of art materials recommended by artist Judy Woods will be provided five months before the retreat takes place.What’s the weather like in Teyssode, Occitanie, France, in late May?The weather in Teyssode in late May is usually sunny and pleasant. You can expect average highs of 24°C / 75°F during the day that drop to around 12°C / 54°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/telling-your-story-through-abstract-art-retreat-artist-judy-woods-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:** 2026-04-23