# The Watercolor Feast Retreat with Artist Erin Gleeson in France

Join artist Erin Gleeson for an immersive watercolor retreat in the Loire Valley, France. Surrounded by rolling hills, lush gardens, and the beauty of northern France, explore the intersection of painting and food as you create a vibrant collection of watercolor pieces inspired by seasonal produce, local markets, shared meals, and simple vegetarian cooking demos with Erin and the venue’s chef.The retreat welcomes artists of all levels, with daily classes led by Erin, offering demonstrations, guidance, and playful exercises. Learn to capture the color, texture, and shape of fresh ingredients, botanicals, and still-life arrangements, and translate your cooking experiences into illustrated recipe cards. Create your own “Watercolor Cookbook Journal” filled with recipes and sketches, documenting your culinary and artistic discoveries throughout the retreat. Complement your art classes with exciting trips to a vibrant French market in a nearby Loire Valley town and to an impressive Renaissance country house with spectacular, expansive gardens named Château de Villandry. Get inspired by the Château’s mesmerizing gardens and gather fresh produce and inspiration from the local market. Stay at a historic 19th-century French château with lush gardens, outdoor terraces, a heated pool, and both indoor and outdoor workshop spaces. Enjoy all-vegetarian meals prepared by the venue’s chef, taste local wines in a wine-tasting event with a top Loire Valley sommelier, and connect with fellow creatives over shared meals, watercolor painting, and joyful experiences.

## Details

- **Dates:** October 4 - 11, 2026
- **Location:** Concourson-sur-Layon, France
- **Starting Price:** $4,350
- **Category:** [Painting](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/retreats/painting) · [Browse on uptrek.com](https://uptrek.com/retreats/painting)

## Overview

What's includedArt classes, individual tuition, and demonstrations with artist Erin GleesonSimple cooking demonstrations with Erin and the château’s chefArt studio equipped with: tables, chairs, glass jars, paper towels, seasonal flowers, and fresh fruits 7 nights of accommodation at a stunning private 19th century French château, in the heart of the Loire ValleyExclusive use of the entire property with living quarters, common areas, outdoor workshop spaces, indoor art studio, a heated pool, private gardens, fruit orchard, and terracesAll-vegetarian meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners carefully prepared by a private chef under the supervision of the château’s nutritionistAll diets catered for, including regular, vegan, diabetic, gluten-free, and lactose-freeDelicious welcome and farewell dinners Cheese boards with a selection of fine French cheeses accompanying the three-course dinnersPlentiful local French wine served during dinner serviceA complimentary wine-tasting event at the château before dinner, with the top local sommelier, who has spent six years in the UK working with Gordon Ramsay before moving back to his native LoireTea, coffee, water, and afternoon snacks available throughout the dayFull-day art trip to Château de Villandry, with opportunities for painting and sketching on-location Half-day art trip to a local French marketPrivate transportation and chaperone for all planned trips and activitiesRound-trip transfers to/from Angers (St. Laud) train station at prearranged timesAll local tourist taxes and feesExperienced retreat admin and UpTrek host on locationFully staffed venue with drivers, cleaning and maintenance staff, and chef and kitchen staff Access to a private Facebook group with Erin Gleeson and other retreat participants four months before the retreatNot includedAirfareTravel insuranceArt materials — a full list of art materials recommended by artist Erin Gleeson will be sent five months before the retreat takes placeTips for staff — tipping is customary in France Other expenses guests might incur on their own

## Program

### The Watercolor Feast Retreat
Experience an immersive watercolor art retreat with artist Erin Gleeson in the heart of the Loire Valley, surrounded by rolling hills, endless skies, and the rustle of autumn leaves. Embark on a slow, sensory, creative retreat where the seasonal produce, local markets, gardens, and simple regional dishes of northern France inspire watercolor painting. Spend your time taking art classes with Erin, in which you will learn how watercolor painting and culinary inspiration can be intertwined. Learn how to paint fresh produce, ingredients, botanicals, and florals. Get inspiration from exciting outings to a local French market and to Château de Villandry, a grand Renaissance country house with spectacular, expansive gardens, as well as from simple cooking demos with the venue’s chef.The retreat is open to all levels of experience, though you’ll benefit most if you already have some familiarity with watercolor, as well as with Erin Gleeson's work and style of teaching. All the meals that you will share with Erin and your art group, as well as the cooking demos and simple food prep activities, will be vegetarian.Take part in a captivating experience that combines both cooking and painting, learning how to prepare simple regional food recipes and how to create illustrated recipe cards that capture the colors, textures, and essence of each dish. At the end of the retreat, you will go home with a “Watercolor Cookbook Journal” filled with your travel and culinary experiences. Some of the topics covered in your classes with Erin include: Developing confidence in watercolor techniques (botanical, still-life, loose expressive, and food illustration)Learning to capture the color, shape, and texture of fresh ingredientsObserving and sketching from life: markets, gardens, and natureEnjoying light cooking activities (simple cooking demos) to create still-life subjectsCompleting 15–20 finished pieces documenting the retreat experience Going home with a Watercolor Cookbook Journal filled with recipes and sketches…and many more! Your home for the week will be a historic 19th-century French château. Your art classes will take place both indoors and outdoors, surrounded by blooming gardens, open skies, and the layered charm of the château. Indulge in delicious all-vegetarian meals prepared by a private chef and under the supervision of the château’s nutritionist. Taste authentic French flavors in a wine-tasting event with a top local sommelier native to the Loire Valley, and savor a selection of artisanal French cheeses in delightful cheese platters accompanying each dinner.

### Day 1: Arrival
Arrive at Angers (St. Laud) train station with enough time to catch the 4:00 PM group transfer, arriving at the beautiful château by 5:00 PM. Upon arrival, you will meet artist Erin Gleeson, your instructor for the week, as well as your fellow creatives. After settling into your comfortable room, take part in a lovely orientation tour to get familiar with the impressive estate, including its picturesque gardens, serene woodlands, historic salon, and cozy library.In the evening, join Erin and the group for a special welcome dinner. Indulge in a delicious, three-course meal accompanied by a glass of aromatic French wine and delightful cheese platters.

### Day 2: Classes at the venue
Wake up to the smell of freshly baked bread and enjoy a hearty breakfast paired with a warm cup of coffee. Join Erin and your fellow artists for a quick morning check-in with the venue hosts before jumping into the first workshop of the retreat. The workshop will start with Erin introducing the retreat's overview, structure, and the materials that you will be working with. She will also go over how you will create and add to your very own “Watercolor Cookbook Journal," recording in both written and visual form the flavors, recipes, and ideas from throughout the week. You can use this journal to record the exciting trips you will take together with Erin and the group.Dive into the world of creation and start with some watercolor basics and loose botanical strokes, exploring how the brushstrokes move and spread on your paper. Pause midday for a light lunch in the garden’s shaded terrace, if the weather is favorable, then continue the afternoon with another art class. Under Erin’s gentle guidance, learn how to paint produce and flowers, weaving together watercolor painting with culinary inspiration. Take part in a simple recipe prep activity together with Erin and the group, in which you will prepare a simple and light vegetarian starter or side dish (a salad, for example), learning to combine ingredients and flavors in a fun and playful way. Take some time to rest and reset before dinner. As the evening comes to an end, savor a delightful three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef, together with some of the produce that you prepared earlier during the simple recipe prep activity. Raise a glass of wine, toasting to a riveting first day of creation at the retreat.

### Day 3: Art trip to a French local market
Fuel up with a satisfying breakfast and a freshly brewed cup of coffee before heading into the adventures of the day. Have a brief morning check-in with the venue hosts, then prepare for the first outing of the retreat: a visit to a bustling local French market in a nearby Loire Valley town. Explore the vibrant stalls overflowing with seasonal flowers, fruits, vegetables, herbs, and local produce. Bright bouquets of peonies, roses, and sunflowers sit beside stands of tomatoes, apricots, pumpkins, and figs, offering inspiration for both color and form. Stalls with artisanal bread and cheeses fill the air with mouthwatering smells. Browse around, buy some produce to paint later, or make some quick sketches and notes in your cookbook journal, capturing the aromas, ingredients, and produce around you. Return to the venue for a refreshing lunch, then continue the day with an afternoon art workshop. Paint one ingredient that you have picked from the market, such as a piece of fruit or vegetable. This class will be focused on learning how to make layers of watercolor and create depth in your artworks. Under Erin’s thoughtful guidance, arrange a still life scene together with your fellow artists, using the ingredients that everyone has picked from the market. Translate the scene you have just created onto your own canvas, blending food and art into an immersive creative experience. In the late afternoon, take some leisure time to unwind and relax. As dinner approaches, take part in a farmer’s market tasting experience, an antipasto and cocktail hour, in which Erin will prepare a simple yet delicious vegetarian appetizer inspired by her cookbook series, “The Forest Feast,” to enjoy before dinner. Afterwards, indulge in a flavorful three-course meal prepared by the private chef and paired with a glass of fragrant French wine.

### Day 4: Classes at the venue
Wake up to the soft morning light and enjoy a filling breakfast outside, if the weather is favorable, under the trees' gentle shadow within the venue’s gardens. Join Erin and your fellow creatives for a quick morning check-in with the venue hosts, then ease into the rhythm of the day, allowing the creativity whirl to drift you away. During the morning workshop, take part in a cooking demo with the venue’s chef, preparing a vegetarian regional dish with fresh, seasonal produce and ingredients. Learn how to combine ingredients and local produce into a wholesome and delicious meal, immersing yourself in the soulful experience of preparing food together with Erin and your fellow creatives. Pay attention to the ingredients you are using and the steps you are taking, as later you will translate your cooking experience into a painting one. Pause midday for lunch, and enjoy the meal you have just made, then spend the afternoon back in the art studio. Learn how to create an illustrated recipe card for the meal you have prepared in the morning by painting the ingredients from the recipe and then adding hand lettering to the layout. The scope of this exercise is to blend the experience of cooking with that of watercolor painting, leaving you with a practice that you can also do at home, whenever you try a new recipe or experiment in the kitchen. Take some time to relax and reset in the late afternoon. As the sun sets down and the evening approaches, join Erin and the group for a satisfying three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef paired with a glass of aromatic wine, and reflect on the joyful moments of today.

### Day 5: Art trip to Château de Villandry
Begin the day with a delightful breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, then have a brief morning check-in with the venue hosts. Ease into the pace of the day, preparing yourself for the next exciting adventure: a trip to Château de Villandry, a grand country house in the heart of Villandry, known for its spectacular gardens and avant-garde architecture. Once the home of a noble family close to the French crown, the Château de Villandry has been shaped by centuries of history, culture, and transformations. Today, the gardens of the Château present a meticulous blend of geometry and bloom, a contemporary garden design showcasing seven different gardens. Explore each garden and its beautiful flowers, herbs, and produce. As you get immersed in the nature around you, Erin will do a demo of a garden scene, showing you how to capture your surroundings through watercolor painting. Get inspired by the autumn-ripened Kitchen Garden, filled with all kinds of vegetables and fruit trees, or by the medicinal Herb Garden, where herbs such as rosemary, celery, mint, and oregano blend together in a symphony of aromas. Paint the local nature and produce, gather inspiration in your Watercolor Cookbook Journal, and practice the art of on-site painting. Take a break for lunch, enjoying a refreshing picnic lunch packed from the venue, then continue exploring the gardens of the Château. Paint whatever catches your eye and sparks your creativity, creating beautiful botanicals and landscape paintings. Play with different colors and brushstrokes and make sketches in your journal or write down recipes inspired by the produce and ingredients around you. As the afternoon comes to an end, return to the venue and take some time to rest and unwind before dinner. Join Erin and your fellow artists for a hearty three-course dinner prepared by the private chef and accompanied by a glass of local French wine.

### Day 6: Classes at the venue & wine-tasting event
Start the day with a filling breakfast and a freshly brewed cup of coffee. Join Erin and the group for a quick morning check-in with the venue hosts, then prepare for another day full of creativity and inspiration. During the morning workshop, delve into a composition and styling session centered around florals. Explore how shape, texture, and color interact as you arrange fresh blooms into still-life scenes. Work closely with Erin and your fellow artists as you learn together how to craft floral compositions that feel balanced and expressive. Create a watercolor painting inspired by the still life composition you have just made, capturing the interplay of light, petals, and shadow as they unfold in pigment and water.Pause midday for a relaxed lunch beneath the soft shadow of the shaded terrace, if the weather is favorable, then head into the afternoon with another art workshop. Take some time, if needed, to refine and complete the watercolor still life studies from earlier, and then begin your final piece of the retreat, inspired by your favorite moment of the week. Reflect on all the experiences you have had so far and bring to life the one that has impacted you the most. Erin will be walking around offering guidance, tips, and feedback, helping you shape your final artwork. In the late afternoon, enjoy some spare time to unwind and relax. As the evening approaches, take part in a wine-tasting event before dinner with a top local sommelier who spent six years in the UK working with Gordon Ramsay before moving back to his native Loire. Savor a selection of fine aromatic wines, tasting the authentic flavors of France. Gather with Erin and your fellow artists for a delicious three-course dinner prepared by the private chef, soaking in the lovely conversations and cozy atmosphere.

### Day 7: Classes at the venue
Delight yourself with a hearty breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, then have a brief morning check-in with the venue hosts. Step into your final full day at the retreat, settling into the day’s gentle rhythm and following the swirl of creative energy wherever it takes you. During the morning workshop, continue to work on the final piece that you started the previous day, refining last details and touch-ups. Erin will be walking around, ready to offer you guidance or feedback if needed. After you are satisfied with your final piece, move onto one more activity, in which, under Erin’s thoughtful guidance, you will paint some watercolor elements and place cards for the farewell dinner that you will be indulging in tonight. Take a break for lunch, then join Erin and your fellow artists for the last workshop of the retreat. Building on what you have learned throughout the week, Erin will do a quick demo on how you can print your watercolor artworks on fabric and other textiles, as she does in her own work, offering you resources on how to do this practice at home after the retreat ends. After this insightful demo, gather around with everyone and take part in an informal show-and-tell of your favorite works from this week. Showcase what you have created and share with the group what you have learned throughout this artistic journey. As the afternoon comes to an end, enjoy some leisure time to relax and reset before dinner. Savor a delightful farewell three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef, paired with a glass of fine local wine, and reflect on the week’s creative discoveries and joyful moments. Immerse yourself in the lovely atmosphere, filled with flowing conversations and laughter, and toast to the beautiful memories you have made together with Erin and your fellow artists.

### Day 8: Departure
Enjoy a final breakfast with Erin and your fellow artists before it's time to part ways. Exchange any last contacts, then get ready for your 8:00 AM transfer to Angers (St. Laud) train station. You will arrive at the train station at around 9:00 AM. As you make your way back home, take with you a heart brimming with inspiration and lasting memories.

## Instructors

- [Erin Gleeson](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/erin-gleeson) — Artist, illustrator, author, photographer ("The Forest Feast" Cookbook Series)

## Accommodation

### Historic French Château
Your home for the retreat with artist Erin Gleeson will be a 19th-century château nestled in the romantic Loire countryside. You'll have the unique opportunity to stay at a magnificent estate and step back into history, surrounded by the lush greenery of its vineyards.The estate has three beautifully restored buildings: the main 19th-century château, a rustic coach house, and a cozy farm cottage. Each building exudes elegance and comfort, featuring ornate ceilings, period woodwork, and tiled floors, all while preserving their original charm. The rooms at this stunning venue can be shared or single, and they are distributed across these three buildings.Indulge in the unique indoor amenities that include a large library brimming with books, a period salon for intimate gatherings, and a games room equipped with a pool table, all found in the main château. The coach house and the farm cottage have their own common rooms as well. Outdoors, you'll find manicured French gardens, a heated swimming pool, and airy terraces. These peaceful spots are perfect for inspiring chats with fellow artists or taking in the fairytale atmosphere.Your classes will take place outdoors, on the covered deck, or on the shaded pergolas. Indoors, a spacious, bright studio awaits; it is located in the central courtyard and benefits from plenty of natural light.Please note that the retreat is not suitable for participants with limited mobility - the upper floor rooms are only accessible via stairs, and the art trips will involve plenty of walking on uneven, cobbled streets. As the venue is located in the French countryside, expect some insects during your stay. Since the venue is not equipped with window screens (to preserve its original architecture), some insects may come into your room if you leave the windows open.

### Shared room with shared bathroom (female only)
One double room with a shared bathroom is available for shared occupancy. You will share this room with another same-gender participant. The room also shares its shower bathroom with one other single occupancy room, meaning that three retreat participants will be sharing the spacious bathroom.Located in the farm cottage on the second floor, the room features two comfortable twin beds with delicate woodwork and beautiful beams supporting the high domed ceiling. Participants staying at the farm cottage also have shared access to the living room and a fully-equipped kitchen, as well as a charming terrace.

### Shared standard ensuite room
Three standard ensuite rooms are available for shared occupancy. Each room is shared between two same-gender participants. Two of the rooms are located in the coach house (on the first and second floor), while the other one is located on the top floor of the château.The rooms feature private ensuite shower bathrooms, comfortable twin beds, and tall French windows with gorgeous views of the courtyard. Participants staying in these rooms will also have access to the shared spaces of the coach house, and respectively, the château, as well as the outdoor terrace.

### Shared superior ensuite room (female only)
One superior ensuite room is available for shared occupancy. You will share this room with another same-gender participant.Located on the second floor of the château, the room features an ensuite shower bathroom and two comfortable double-sized beds, as well as access to shared living room and the dining areas of the château. The room has tall French windows overlooking the beautiful gardens of the venue and a shared outdoor terrace.

### Single room with shared bathroom
One room with a shared bathroom is available for single occupancy. You will have this room all to yourself and share the shower bathroom with two other retreat participants.Located in the farm cottage on the second floor, this room shares a large bathroom with another double occupancy room down the hall; three guests will be sharing the spacious shower bathroom in the farm cottage. The room itself is furnished with a comfortable double bed and features original wooden beams and charming decorations. Participants staying at the farm cottage also have shared access to the living room and a fully-equipped kitchen, as well as a charming terrace.

### Single standard ensuite room
Two standard ensuite rooms are available for single occupancy. These rooms are located on the second floor of the coach house. They are spacious and feature double beds and ensuite bathrooms, as well as access to the shared spaces of the coach house, such as a living room, a dining area, and an outdoor terrace.

### Single superior ensuite room
One superior ensuite room is available for single occupancy. Located on the second floor of the château, this bright room offers a spacious double bed for your comfort. Tall windows frame picturesque views of the enchanting French gardens below. Ensuiring convenience and privacy, this room features an ensuite bathroom and access to the shared spaces of the château, such as the living room, the library, the dininga area, and the outdoor terrace.

### Single deluxe suite
Two single deluxe suites are available for single occupancy. Located on the second and top floor of the château, these rooms feature a double- or king-sized bed. They have ensuite bathrooms with a tub and a separate shower and feature access to the shared spaces of the château, such as the living room, the library, the dininga area, and the outdoor terrace.

## Food

No trip to France is complete without a tour of its culinary heritage. During your retreat with Erin Gleeson, you'll be treated to an authentic gastronomic journey that will delight your senses.Each morning, wake up to a delicious breakfast buffet brimming with freshly baked bread, croissants, a variety of local cheeses, eggs, and the essential cup of tea or coffee. During lunch, enjoy a light two-course meal featuring creamy soups, fresh salads, sandwiches, baked tarts, or other French staples. Dinner is a three-course feast, perfectly complemented by aromatic local French wine.Moreover, you'll learn why the Loire Valley is one of France's most celebrated wine regions with a unique wine-tasting event. The experience will be led by a top local sommelier who refined his skills working alongside none other than chef Gordon Ramsay before returning to his native Loire.Your retreat includes all vegetarian meals, afternoon snacks, artisanal cheese platters, wine during dinner service, and a selection of tea, coffee, and water available throughout the day. During your full-day trip to Château de Villandry, you'll enjoy a packed lunch prepared by the private chef at the venue. All meals will be prepared under the supervision of the venue's nutritionist.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.For more details on the food offerings during the retreat, see the section below.

## Getting There

The art retreat with artist Erin Gleeson will take place in the heart of France's picturesque Loire Valley. This stunning region will provide ample inspiration for your paintings, thanks to its magnificent châteaux (castles), sprawling vineyards, historic towns, and scenic landscapes. The Loire Valley is one of France's foremost wine regions, and its lush valleys have earned it the title of "The Garden of France".During your retreat, you'll visit Château de Villandry, a Renaissance-era castle famous for its architecture and expansive gardens, found 50 miles away from the retreat venue. Saumur, the birthplace of Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel, is a mere 15 miles from the venue, boasting a magnificent château and a vibrant local culture. Just 25 miles away, you'll find Angers, the transfer pick-up/drop-off point.Check-in at the retreat venue starts at 4:00 PM on October 4, 2026, and check-out is after breakfast on October 11, 2026, by 8:00 AM. Please note that we cannot accommodate early check-ins and late check-out requests, so we kindly ask that you plan your arrival and departure accordingly.We strongly recommend planning more time for long-distance international travel. It is best to arrive in France a day before the retreat starts to prevent any inconveniences caused by potential flight delays, rest after the long travel, and adjust to the new time zone.Please refrain from booking flights until the retreat has been guaranteed and you have been charged for your participation.To be transferred to the retreat venue, please arrive at the Angers (St. Laud) train station.How to get to Angers (St. Laud) train station:The best (quickest and most affordable) option is to fly to Paris and catch a train to Angers (St. Laud) train station from Gare Montparnasse Paris. It's a very pleasant, direct train journey (1 hour, 40 minutes).Please keep in mind that the journey from the Paris (CDG) Airport to Gare Montparnasse Paris train station takes 1 hour by train.Another convenient option is to fly to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Airport and take a direct TGV train from the airport terminal (Roissy–CDG 2 TGV) to Angers (St. Laud) train station. This is a comfortable and straightforward journey that takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes on average, with no need to transfer into the city.Please note that while this route may be slightly more expensive than taking the train from Gare Montparnasse, it avoids the need to travel across Paris with luggage and may save time depending on your arrival.You can book train tickets to Angers (St. Laud) train station from one of the following:https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/https://www.thetrainline.com/en/train-times/paris-to-angers-st-laudhttps://www.omio.com/trainsHow to get from Angers (St. Laud) train station to the retreat venue:Private transfers at prearranged times to and from Angers (St. Laud) train station are included. The transfer journey to the retreat venue takes approximately one hour.Arrival transfer: October 4, 2026 ⁠— 4:00 PM (leaving from Angers (St. Laud) train station, arriving at the retreat venue around 5:00 PM)Departure transfer: October 11, 2026 — 8:00 AM (leaving from the retreat venue, arriving at Angers (St. Laud) train station around 9:00 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 Paris or Angers before and/or after the retreat, and catch the transfer shuttles from/to Angers (St. Laud) train stationGrab a taxi to the retreat venue (address: Château de la Vigne, La Croix Patron, 49700 Concourson-sur-Layon, France, approximately 160 EUR/170 USD per way from Angers. Please note that taxi fares may vary.)

## Reviews

Reviews of the venue:"The venue exceeded my expectations. From the quietude and beauty of the property to May's wonderful meals, everything was wonderful. Guy, May, and Roger have my highest recommendation as hosts. And my thanks to *you*, Ana (UpTrek), for so seamlessly facilitating all the details. I felt very comfortable going into the trip because of all the prep beforehand.""Perfect. Great food, fab hosts, great learning opportunities in an ideal location.""From the arrival to departure my needs were met and my learning was vast. I have to mention the fun had by me and the relationships we made. I would go to this retreat again in a heartbeat! Food was wonderful and May, Guy, and Roger were the best.""Well planned and executed. Everyone helped/supported/encouraged everyone else.""Gracious hosts, delicious food, comfortable accommodations, friendly participants, fun field trips, and fabulous art instruction.""I know it sounds dramatic but this trip was everything I hoped it would be and so much more. To begin with, the venue was lovely. May and Guy were fantastic hosts and May is an incredible chef. The meals were outstanding as was their hospitality. Thank you for helping to make everything up front go smoothly. I’m back to reality now but have wonderful memories 😊""May and Guy were great hosts. I have never been so looked after dietary wise thanks to May’s excellent cooking skills. Also thank you to you Ana, you have always been very responsive and friendly thereby making it an easier journey for us all."

## Frequently Asked Questions

Is this retreat available to all levels? This retreat is open to all levels of experience, though you’ll benefit most if you already have some familiarity with watercolor, as well as with Erin Gleeson's work and style of teaching. When is the retreat available?The retreat takes place between October 4 - 11, 2026.Are there any check-in and check-out hours?Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 4:00 PM on October 4, 2026. Check-out is after breakfast on the last day at 8:00 AM, on October 11, 2026. Please note that we cannot accommodate early check-ins and late check-out requests, so we kindly ask that you plan your arrival and departure accordingly.Is Wi-Fi available?Yes.I am vegetarian/vegan. Can I book this retreat?Yes, this is an all-vegetarian 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.How do I get to the retreat venue?Round-trip train station transfers from/to Angers (St. Laud) train station at prearranged times are included. The arrival transfer on the first day of the retreat leaves at 4:00 PM from Angers (St. Laud) train station, and the departure transfer on the last day leaves for Angers (St. Laud) train station at 8:00 AM, arriving at the train station a little before 9:00 AM. The retreat venue is located an hour's drive from Angers (St. Laud) train station. The TGV train journey from Paris to Angers takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.For more information, please read the Location tab. Please hold off booking any flights or trains until the retreat becomes guaranteed and you have been charged for your participation.What should I pack? Please pack appropriate clothing, sunscreen, a swimsuit, insect repellent, a cardigan for chilly evenings, comfortable shoes, a sun hat and sunglasses, 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 Erin Gleeson will be provided five months before the retreat takes place.Tables, chairs, glass jars, paper towels, seasonal flowers, and fresh fruits are included and will be available at the venue.What’s the weather like in Doué-en-Anjou in early October?The weather in early October in Doué-en-Anjou, the closest town to the retreat venue, is usually mild and pleasant. You can expect average highs of 18°C / 64°F during the day that drop to around 9°C / 48°F at night. In recent years, however, temperatures have varied unpredictably. It is a good idea to check the weather yourself before your departure to the retreat and to pack accordingly.How many people are to be expected at the retreat?Maximum 16 participants.Do I need a visa?Guests traveling from the US, Canada, EU, UK, and/or Schengen member states may enter France for tourist purposes without a visa. If this policy changes, we will inform you promptly. For additional assistance, please reach out to us.What language is used during the retreat and other activities?The retreat is available in English.Are there any age restrictions?The retreat is open to anyone aged over 18.Is the retreat available to guests with limited mobility?There will be plenty of walking on uneven, cobbled streets during the trips; the trips may not be suitable to participants with low or limited mobility.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.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 cancelled 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/the-watercolor-feast-retreat-artist-erin-gleeson-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:** 2026-04-30