# Travel Sketchbook Art Retreat with Artist Becca Hall in France

Bring your sketchbook to one of the most beautiful corners of France! Over the course of this inspiring retreat with illustrator Becca Hall, you'll explore travel sketchbooking and visual journaling. Learn to draw freely on location, simplify busy scenes, and build a personal sketchbook that captures the beauty of your surroundings.

Becca will help you let go of the dreaded fear of the blank page and develop a sketchbook style that feels genuinely yours. The retreat is designed for hobbyist and enthusiast artists. Some basic drawing experience or familiarity with a sketchbook is all you need.

Venture out into the heart of Dordogne to sketch in charming villages and historic towns. Explore the dramatic hilltop castle and medieval streets of Beynac-et-Cazenac, wander the winding alleyways of Issigeac, and soak up the lively atmosphere of Eymet's vibrant local market.

Stay at a charming French countryside estate, in one of the five fully renovated traditional gîtes, and savor delicious chef-made food paired with local wines from one of France's most celebrated wine areas. Enjoy a wine and cheese tasting experience, and let the culture of southwestern France fill your pages.

## Details

- **Dates:** June 12 - 19, 2027
- **Location:** Eymet, Dordogne, France
- **Starting Price:** $4,700
- **Currency:** USD
- **Status:** open
- **Group Size:** Max. 15 guests
- **Category:** [Painting](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/retreats/painting) · [Browse on uptrek.com](https://uptrek.com/retreats/painting)

## Overview

**What's included**

1. Art classes, individual tuition, and demonstrations with artist Becca Hall
2. Art studio equipped with: tables, chairs, field easels, a printer-scanner, printer paper, Sennelier fixatives, plein-air artist chairs, water containers, paper towels, professional studio lights
3. 7 nights of accommodation at a spectacular private estate in southwestern France, dating back to the Napoleonic era
4. Exclusive use of the entire 25-acre estate with a private heated pool, art studio, indoor and outdoor lounge areas, beautiful gardens, terraces, private woodland, and natural pond
5. All meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners carefully prepared by a private chef
6. All diets catered for, including vegetarian, vegan, diabetic, gluten-free, and lactose-free
7. Afternoon snacks, coffee, tea, and water available throughout the day
8. Local award-winning wine served with dinner
9. Non-alcoholic drinks served with lunch and made available during dinner service
10. A wine and cheese tasting experience at the venue
11. Half-day art trip to the medieval town of Issigeac
12. Full-day art trip to Beynac-et-Cazenac, with a guided visit of its hilltop castle, Château de Beynac
13. Entrance ticket to Château de Beynac
14. Two half-day trips to the local village of Eymet, once during the local market; self-guided
15. Sketching and painting opportunities on location for all art trips
16. Private transportation for the trips to Issigeac and Beynac-et-Cazenac
17. English-speaking guide or chaperone for all planned trips and activities (except for the Eymet trips)
18. Round-trip transfers from/to Bergerac train station at prearranged times
19. All local tourist taxes and fees
20. Experienced retreat admin and UpTrek host on location
21. Fully staffed venue with drivers, cleaning and maintenance staff, and chef and kitchen staff
22. Access to a private Facebook group with Becca Hall and the other retreat participants four months before the retreat

**Not included**

- Airfare
- Travel insurance
- One lunch during the full-day trip to Beynac-et-Cazenac
- Art materials — a list of art materials recommended by artist Becca Hall will be provided five months before the retreat takes place
- Tips for staff — tipping is customary in France
- Other expenses guests might incur on their own

## Program

### Travel Sketchbook Retreat
Fill your sketchbook with the colors, textures, and lively scenes of the French countryside during this unforgettable retreat with artist Becca Hall. Working with pencils, pastels, watercolor, and portable mixed media materials, you'll build a personal travel sketchbook inspired by the medieval villages, winding markets, and the storied past of Dordogne.

Becca take you through the process step-by-step, starting with the fear of the blank page and building naturally through the week. By the end, you'll have a visual diary of your experience and a sketchbook practice you can carry with you wherever you go.

At its core, this retreat aims to help you let go of perfectionism and learn to draw freely in real environments. Becca will break down the barriers that make drawing on location feel overwhelming, through guided exercises, insightful demonstrations, and plenty of time to draw independently. You'll develop your own visual language and personal style, with dedicated one-on-one guidance throughout. You'll learn to simplify complex scenes into manageable sketches, capture a sense of place through quick drawings and written notes, and use photography as a real tool for your sketchbook practice.

Beyond your daily classes, discover Dordogne through several inspiring art trips. Visit the medieval hilltop village of Beynac-et-Cazenac, explore the winding alleyways of Issigeac, and walk to the nearby Eymet market for a morning of sketching among the stalls, just fifteen minutes from the venue. Each trip will feed directly into your studio sessions back at the venue.

This retreat is best suited to those with some basic drawing experience (or familiarity with sketchbooking). Whether you draw regularly but need a confidence boost, haven't draw in a while, want to get better at sketching on-location, or aim to build a more consistent creative practice, this retreat is for you.

**Some of the topics covered in your classes with Becca include:**

- Letting go of perfectionism and building confidence in your sketchbook practice
- Drawing on location without feeling overwhelmed
- Simplifying busy scenes into manageable sketches
- Capturing a sense of place through small details and visual notes
- Developing a personal sketchbook style and visual language
- Using photography as a tool for sketching, including what to capture and why
- Drawing people, movement, and everyday moments on location
- Creating balanced, natural-feeling sketchbook pages
- Working with a limited, travel-friendly set of materials
- Building a sketchbook habit you can continue at home
- ...and many more.

Your home for the week will be an elegant historic estate from the Napoleonic era, set amidst vibrant gardens, secluded woodlands, a natural pond, and a heated pool. Delight in Dordogne’s culinary heritage with daily chef-prepared meals, and savor the local wines through a wine and cheese tasting experience. Share meals, laughter, and creative conversations with 14 other like-minded artists!

### Day 1: Arrival
Catch the 3:30 PM shuttle from Bergerac train station to your retreat venue, a stunning 25-acre historic estate in the heart of Dordogne. Unwind in your well-appointed room, freshen up, and meet Becca Hall, your instructor for this retreat.

Together with your art group, start your experience with a guided tour of the estate, showcasing its cozy shared spaces, the vast gardens, sunlit terraces, a heated swimming pool, serene woodlands, and a tranquil pond. Lastly, enjoy a warm welcome dinner featuring exquisite French cuisine and fragrant local wine, setting the tone for the inspiring week ahead.

### Day 2: Classes at the venue
Fuel up with a tasty breakfast, then join Becca in the studio for the very first art session of the week. You'll focus on an issue many artists struggle with: getting over the fear of the blank page. Becca will talk about what a sketchbook is actually for, why no two sketchbooks will ever look the same, and why that's the whole beauty of travel journaling.

From there, get your hands moving. Start with loose, washy backgrounds, pick a title for your sketchbook, learn how to set up a page, and test out your materials. Try layering things on top of each other, play with color palette choices, and follow your gut instinct. There's no wrong answer here.

Take a break with some light lunch, then grab your sketchbook and head outside for the afternoon class. You'll spend this session drawing from life, figuring out how to begin when nothing feels obvious. Becca will demo how to start a sketch, including what to put in and what to leave out, and show you how to choose subjects that are small and manageable.

You'll also get a quick intro to reference photography. Sometimes you spot something worth drawing and will want to return to it later, so Becca will walk you through how to take photos that are actually useful later. Try to focus on clear subjects, simple composition, and smart cropping.

Then it's your turn. Becca will give you a few prompts to keep things moving: draw three small sketches instead of one big one, draw something at arm's reach, and draw something you nearly walked past. The goal is learning how to zoom in and crop out distractions so your sketches stay focused and expressive.

Wind down with free time to enjoy the heated pool or explore the gardens before gathering for a three-course dinner paired with wine.

### Day 3: Art trip to Issigeac
After breakfast and a warm drink, grab your sketchbook and hop in the shuttle with Becca for a morning trip to Issigeac.

The 15th-century medieval town stands out from other Bastide towns in the area due to its cylindrical structure, with narrow, winding streets that curl like a snail in its shell. Overflowing with history and historic architecture, Issigeac flaunts spectacular half-timbered houses, like the 'Maison des Têtes' on the corner of the Grand Rue, with some very ancient carved heads on its upper level, or the quirky 'Mushroom house'.

Today's focus is seeing and simplifying on location. You'll learn how to pick one focal point instead of trying to capture everything, how to simplify your sketches, and how to use your artistic license freely. If you want to change a color, move a window, or skip a whole building, go for it. It's your sketchbook!

As you wander the village, Becca will give you prompts to keep your pages filling up. Remember what you learned yesterday about reference photos. Snap anything that grabs your attention, even if you don't have time to sketch it right now.

Head back to the venue for lunch, then join the your group in the studio for a follow-up class. Flip through your sketches and sort through your photos, then develop them into something more. Becca will show you how to draw from one element and build outward, helping you decide what to keep and what to strip away. You'll redraw and rework your morning material using everything you've picked up so far, turning loose impressions into pages you're genuinely proud of.

As the class comes to a close, the late afternoon is yours to enjoy however you like. Take some time to rest and recharge, then join Becca and your group for a delicious three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef and paired with a glass of French wine.

### Day 4: Trip to Eymet & wine and cheese tasting
Get ready for the day with a hearty breakfast, then join your group in the studio.

You'll learn how to build a full sketchbook page rather than just individual drawings. This is where everything starts coming together. Becca will show you how to combine sketches, notes, and small details on a single page, so they all tell a compelling story. You'll work through a hands-on exercise. Becca will walk you through layout, spacing, and how to arrange different elements so the page feels balanced and cohesive.

Pause for lunch, then grab your materials and walk to the nearby town of Eymet (only 15 minutes away). Weather permitting, you'll have another on-location class. Today's focus is collecting small and meaningful details rather than trying to capture full scenes. Look for interesting signs, objects, textures, and little moments. You'll soon have a collection of scenes as a memento of your travels!

Becca will also introduce drawing people as part of a scene. The trick is sketching what someone is doing, not what they look like. This will help you with not getting caught up in faces and features. Add small written notes about what you're observing while you're there, things like sounds, smells, or the color of the light. These notes become part of the page, and you previous exercise will also come into play during your exploration of Eymet.

Wind down with a special evening. Return to the venue for a wine and cheese tasting, savoring the varieties that made the Dordogne region famous. Afterward, sit down together for a chef-prepared dinner full of local flavor and good conversation.

### Day 5: Art trip to Beynac-et-Cazenac
Get ready for today's adventure with delicious breakfast, then head off to Beynac-et-Cazenac. This medieval town hangs atop a cliffside above the Dordogne River, with plenty of winding alleys, ivy-covered rooftops, and fairytale views for your sketchbook.

During this trip, you'll learn how to look at your environment differently. Instead of wandering without direction and feeling overwhelmed, Becca will give you a creative lens to work through. You'll choose between two challenges (or try both!): a single color search, where you hunt for one color everywhere you look, or shape hunting from blobs, where you find familiar shapes hiding in the stonework, shadows, and architecture around you. These prompts are designed to slow you down, sharpen your eye, and spark ideas from unexpected places.

As you explore the village, take photos, make quick sketches, and jot down notes about the atmosphere. What does the light feel like? What sounds are around you? What would you remember about this spot a month from now? Once you're done exploring, find a spot in the village for lunch on your own.

In the afternoon, visit the imposing Château de Beynac, a medieval fortress perched high above the river. Explore freely, sketch if you want to, take reference photos, or just soak in the atmosphere. Becca will be around to chat, offer feedback, or help you work through anything that's been on your mind.

Head back to the estate in the late afternoon and gather with the group to share your work. Flip through each other's pages and reflect on how the day's prompts shaped what you saw and drew. The day ends with another chef-prepared dinner. Trade stories from the trip over a fragrant glass of wine.

### Day 6: Art trip to Eymet market
Enjoy a wholesome breakfast, then join your group for another short walk to Eymet. Today's a market day; the town comes alive with bustling stalls, locals catching up, and the hum of a heated bargain. Local French markets are vibrant, colorful, and a little chaotic, which makes them perfect for today's topic: drawing in busy environments.

Even though everything around you will be clamoring for your attention, the trick is narrowing down your view. Becca will show you how to use frame cards to isolate small compositions from the noise, so instead of trying to draw the whole market, you're picking out one clear scene at a time. She'll give you prompts to keep things moving. Don't overthink it and let the energy of the place do some of the work for you.

Take a well-deserved break with lunch at the venue and continue your art session in the afternoon. You've been collecting reference photos all week and now it's time to actually use them. Becca will walk you through how to choose your strongest images, how to simplify what you see in them, and how to decide what to keep, what to crop further, and what to leave out entirely. Put all this to the test by creating a sketchbook page using one or more of your photos, creating something truly unique to your experiences! Becca will move around the room, giving you one-to-one guidance, helping you edit and simplify.

Unwind with some leisure time in the late afternoon. Join Becca and your fellow artists for a flavorful three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef and accompanied by a glass of local wine.

### Day 7: Classes at the venue
Begin your final day with breakfast and take a moment to appreciate how full your sketchbook has become since that first blank page.

Head into the studio with Becca for a morning session on drawing people, movement, and atmosphere. You'll focus on capturing the feeling of a moment rather than a perfect likeness. Becca will give you prompts to keep things loose. You'll choose what to focus on, whether that's the group around you, a scene from earlier in the week, or something completely from your imagination.

After a relaxed lunch, settle back into the studio for one last session: bringing your sketchbook together. Flip through everything you've made this week and start noticing what you're drawn to. What colors keep popping up? What are your favorite themes to return to? Recognizing these patterns is what will keep your sketchbook practice alive long after you leave. Add in those final details to your sketches, write notes and titles, and refine your final page. Becca will be on-hand to help you finish your pieces.

The retreat ends with a special event. Lay your sketchbooks open for a relaxed mini-exhibition. Look through each other's work, talk about what surprised you, what shifted, and what you'll take home with you. Becca will also offer her own reflections on the week and celebrate how far everyone has come from that nervous first morning.

Gather one last time for a three-course farewell dinner prepared by the in-house chef. Raise a glass of wine to the pages filled, the moments captured, and the week shared together.

### Day 8: Departure
Enjoy one last breakfast with Becca and your fellow artists before it's time to part ways. At 9:00 AM, you'll head to Gare Bergerac train station, arriving around 9:45 AM.

As you make your way back home, you will take with you a wonderful sketchbook of your travels and a heart brimming with inspiration.

## Instructors

- [Becca Hall](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/becca-hall) — Illustrator and Sketchbook Artist

## Accommodation

### Historic countryside estate
Situated on the tranquil banks of the River Dropt, your home for the retreat with artist Becca Hall will be a charming French estate, reserved exclusively for your group. This 25-acre historic property provides the perfect setting for creative inspiration, featuring well-appointed living spaces, a dedicated art studio, a heated pool, gardens, terraces, woodlands, and a peaceful pond.

Your classes with Becca will be held indoors in a spacious, well-lit studio measuring approximately 500 sq. ft. (50 sq. m.) and outdoors on the beautiful terraces and gardens. You’ll also have the chance to sketch en plein air in the scenic countryside surrounding the estate.

The venue has a rich history, dating from the Napoleonic era to its time as a World War I equestrian center. Local craftsmen have renovated it carefully, turning the old stable block into five large gîtes (French villas) that blend modern comforts with classic French charm. These beautifully restored spaces feature exposed brickwork, heating, and high-quality bedding for your comfort.

Throughout the retreat, you can relax and connect with fellow artists by the heated pool, on the airy terraces, or during peaceful strolls around the estate’s pond and private woodland, home to a variety of wildlife.

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

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

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

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

## Food

Savor the rich flavors of the Dordogne region during your retreat with Becca Hall in France. Using the freshest local ingredients, the chef will craft a range of dishes that capture the essence of the region’s culinary heritage.

You'll be treated to a variety of culinary experiences, from elegant seasonal canapés to hearty BBQs. Each day will start with delightful breakfasts, followed by delicious lunches, and end with indulgent three-course dinners featuring regional wine. The retreat culminates in a special farewell dinner that celebrates your artistic journey. A wine and cheese-tasting session is also included to enhance the experience.

Throughout the day, you'll have access to water, coffee, tea, and a selection of snacks, including seasonal fruits and cakes.

Please inform us of any dietary requirements at least one month before the retreat. While we strive to accommodate most needs, we may not be able to cater to severe, life-threatening allergies. We are unable to accommodate dietary changes announced less than a month before the retreat, switch diets during the retreat, or fulfill last-minute requests on-site. The menu will vary based on seasonal ingredient availability.

All meals are included, except for one lunch during the full-day trip to Beynac-et-Cazenac.

For more details on the food offerings during the retreat, see the section below.

## Getting There

The venue for your art retreat with artist Becca Hall is a picturesque countryside estate in southwestern France. Nestled on 25 acres overlooking the banks of the River Dropt in the Dordogne region, the property is surrounded by woodlands, renowned vineyards, and timeless stone houses. Rich in historical significance, the River Dropt region was once a vital trade route where goods like wine and wood were transported by barges. The area offers a window into its medieval past, with landmarks such as the Romanesque Pont du Bretou bridge and the quaint bastide towns dotting the riverbanks.

Just a 10-minute walk from the retreat venue, you'll find the charming town of Eymet, offering convenient access to its inviting restaurants, cafés, bakeries, pharmacies, craft shops, artist studios, and local boutiques. Bergerac, the designated pick-up and drop-off location for transfers, is about 16 miles from the venue. As part of the retreat, you'll explore the medieval town of Issigeac, located 15 miles away, as well as the historic town of Beynac-et-Cazenac, approximately 50 miles from the estate.

**To be transferred to the retreat venue, please arrive at Bergerac train station:**

We strongly recommend planning more time for long-distance international travel because of the current disruptions in flight schedules. It is best to arrive in France a day before the retreat starts to prevent any inconveniences caused by flight delays, rest after the long travel, and adjust to the new time zone.

**How to get to Bergerac:**

The best (quickest and most affordable) option is to fly to Paris or Bordeaux and catch a train to Bergerac from there. It's a very pleasant train ride, either from Paris (3h 40 minutes) or from Bordeaux (1h 15 minutes), during which you can enjoy the beautiful sights of French landscapes, towns, and cities.

You can book train tickets to Bergerac from the French National Railway Company, SNCF: [https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/](https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/)

Some guests traveling from Europe may also opt to fly to Bergerac Airport directly, then catch a bus or take a taxi to Gare Bergerac train station (15-minute ride).

**How to get from Bergerac to the retreat venue:**

Private transfers at prearranged times to and from Gare Bergerac train station are included. The transfer journey to the retreat venue takes approximately 35 minutes. Check-in at the retreat venue starts at 4:00 PM on June 12, 2027. Check-out is after breakfast on June 19, 2027, by 9:00 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.**

- Arrival transfer: **June 12, 2027 — 3:30 PM** (leaving from Gare Bergerac train station, arriving at the retreat venue around 4:05 PM)
- Departure transfer: **June 19, 2027 — 9:00 AM** (leaving from the retreat venue, arriving at Gare Bergerac train station around 9:45 AM)

**If your travel arrangements don't work with our pre-set transfer times, please consider the following options:**

- Spend extra days at a hotel in Paris, Bordeaux, or Bergerac pre-/post-retreat, and catch the transfer shuttles from/to Gare Bergerac train station.
- Grab a taxi to the retreat venue (address: La Palanque, 9 Rte de la Sabliere, 24500 Eymet, France; estimated cost: US$100 per way). Please note that taxi fares may vary.

## Reviews

**Reviews of previous UpTrek retreats at this venue:**

- "This is my second UpTrek retreat, and I had another wonderful time. The venue was beautiful. I loved the accommodations and how they were centrally located around a courtyard space. It felt very communal, while also providing ample space for people to spread out."

- "The venue was spectacular, in a glorious location and the team couldn’t have been more lovely and helpful."

- "The evening dinner chef and assistant were amazing. The food was varied and delicious every night. They provided excellent service. The venue's location and ground were beautiful."

- "I loved everything about the retreat! The location, the food, the people, the excursions, and the instructors. Everything was a dream. I was especially impressed and honored by their ability to accommodate my food requirements. They even packed me lunches for our days away so I would be sure to have something to eat. The grounds are beautiful and full of flowers and whispering trees."

- "Overwhelming! Beautiful room. The pool much appreciated. Fantastic food! Really helpful staff, Tasha and Marie."

- "Everything was perfect, done to the last detail."

- "Tasha and Marie and Katie and Scarlet were such a big part of making the retreat so cozy and inviting .... they were always available and welcoming. This retreat was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had and I will remember it fondly. And lastly .... the food was the best I’ve ever had!!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Thank you!!!!"

- "The venue itself was absolutely remarkable, and the hosts went above and beyond to ensure our every need was met. Tasha was so easy to talk to and had a wealth of local knowledge which was valuable. The grounds and immediate area are beautiful to explore whether on foot or bike. It really was a huge bonus that Eymet was within walking distance for use of ATM and pharmacy. The menu from breakfast, lunch and dinner was truly exceptional, offering a first-class dining experience. The local wines were also delicious - with the wine tasting a highlight. Each and every one of the excursions provided was of exceptional quality and added to my overall experience. I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of these outings, as I’m a history geek and they provided a perfect balance between education and time to sketch on location."

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Is this retreat available to all levels?**

This retreat welcomes all levels of experience, though you’ll benefit most if you already have some prior experience with drawing or sketchbooking, as well as some familiarity with Becca Hall's work and style of teaching.

**When is the retreat available?**

The retreat with artist Becca Hall takes place between June 12 - 19, 2027.

**Are there any check-in and check-out hours?**

Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 4:00 PM on June 12, 2027. Check-out is after breakfast on the last day at 9:00 AM, on June 19, 2027. **Please note that we cannot accommodate early check-ins and late check-out requests, so we kindly ask that you plan your arrival and departure accordingly.**

**How do I get to the retreat venue?**

Please plan to arrive at the Gare Bergerac train station. The retreat venue is located approximately a 35-minute drive from Gare Bergerac, the main train station in the area that has a direct connection with Paris. We advise allowing extra time for long-distance international travel. Arriving in France a day before the retreat starts helps mitigate potential issues due to flight delays, allows for rest post-travel, and facilitates adjustment to the new time zone. Private transfers from/to Gare Bergerac train station at prearranged times are included.

Please read the [Location tab](https://uptrek.com/retreat/travel-sketchbook-art-retreat-artist-becca-hall-france#location) for more information. Please refrain from booking flights until the retreat becomes guaranteed and you are charged for your participation.

**What’s the weather like in Eymet, France, in June?**

The weather in Eymet in June is usually sunny and pleasant. You can expect average highs of 25°C / 77°F during the day that drop to around 12°C / 54°F at night. However, in recent years, temperatures have varied unpredictably. We recommend you check the weather yourself before your departure and pack accordingly.

**What should I pack?**

Please pack appropriate clothing, insect repellent, a raincoat, a swimsuit, sunscreen, a sun hat and sunglasses, a jacket for chilly evenings, comfortable shoes, personal care items, and any personal medication you might need.

**Can I do laundry while on the retreat?**

Laundry facilities are available at the retreat venue and you are welcome to use them for free during your stay.

**What supplies do I need for the workshops?**

A detailed list of art materials recommended by artist Becca Hall will be provided five months before the retreat takes place.

Tables, chairs, field easels, a printer-scanner, printer paper, plein-air artist chairs, Sennelier fixatives, water containers, paper towels, and professional studio lights are included and will be available at the venue. **Students are responsible for bringing their own art supplies, based on the instructor’s recommended list.**

**Is there a local currency I should acquire before arriving?**

The currency is the euro. Credit cards are widely accepted in most places. However, it might be a good idea to take out some euros from the ATM at the airport for taxis, small purchases, visiting the market, and tipping. Make sure you notify your bank that you'll be using your card in France.

**How many people are expected at the retreat?**

Maximum of 15 participants.

**I am vegetarian/vegan. Can I book this retreat?**

Please inform us of any dietary requirements at least one month in advance. We may not be able to accommodate severe, life-threatening allergies. Additionally, we cannot cater to dietary needs announced less than a month before the retreat, switch diets during the retreat, or accommodate last-minute requests made on the spot.

**Is Wi-Fi available?**

Yes.

**Do I need a visa?**

Guests from the US, Canada, EU, UK, and/or Schengen member states can enter France for tourism without a visa. If this policy changes, we will inform you promptly. For additional assistance, please reach out to us.

**Are there any age restrictions?**

There are no restrictions whatsoever. Please keep in mind that you must be 18 years of age to travel independently.

**What language is used during the workshops and other activities?**

The retreat is available in English.

**Can a non-participating guest join me?**

We do not accommodate non-participants at our retreats. This policy is in place to ensure the creative and immersive nature of our retreats remains intact for all participants.

**Is the retreat available to guests with limited mobility?**

Unfortunately, the retreat venue and day trips are not well suited to host people with limited mobility.

**What happens if I need to cancel?**

Once the retreat is guaranteed, all payments are final and nonrefundable. Bookings are nonrefundable under any circumstances. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. After your payment is processed, you may purchase insurance through the following link: [Purchase insurance](https://www.agentmaxonline.com/agentmaxweb/storefront/index.html#/home/?emaillinkcode=ABIYU4TLWGBGTNHC6ZWLRSKAR7AIBWE33AAW7OYIPBPWYZZAHMNGET6NBV6WWVRS2EB7AEOQYOO5E24K3G6NKNN4EK62FALFDXR675FDOJI3PUILIAN7IKMAEL67FVJ7). Please review our [cancellation policy.](https://staging.uptrek.com/cancellation-policy)

**Do I need travel insurance?**

Yes. Since all bookings are nonrefundable, travel insurance is mandatory for all UpTrek travelers. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. We strongly advise that your chosen policy provides cover against lost or delayed baggage, loss of personal belongings, trip cancellation, trip interruption, accidents, illness, injury, medical expenses, death, and emergency repatriation.

For your convenience, UpTrek is affiliated with Allianz Travel and is a Registered Travel Retailer under AGA license. [Click here to purchase your insurance plan.](https://uptrek.com/protect-your-trip)

Please note that UpTrek is not qualified or authorized to answer questions about coverage, benefits, exclusions, or conditions of any Allianz Travel Insurance plan. If you have questions about your plan, please contact Allianz Global Assistance directly at [CustomerService@AllianzAssistance.com](mailto:CustomerService@AllianzAssistance.com) or by phone at 1-800-284-8300. Be sure to provide the **reference code F215276** so Allianz knows you are purchasing protection for an UpTrek trip.

We strongly recommend reviewing the terms and conditions of any insurance policy you purchase to fully understand the coverage, benefits, and claims process. We will gladly provide the essential documentation to support refund claims with the insurance provider.

**Do I have to pay a deposit?**

No. Once the number of guest reservations reaches the minimum number required for the retreat to become guaranteed, UpTrek charges the guests the cost of the retreat. Guests who reserved will be notified 48 hours in advance that their payment method on file is about to be charged.

**Will I receive a full refund if the retreat is not guaranteed?**

UpTrek does not charge the payment method we collect until the retreat becomes guaranteed. Once the retreat is guaranteed, there will be no reimbursement. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements.

**Will I receive a full refund if the guaranteed retreat is canceled by the 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/travel-sketchbook-art-retreat-artist-becca-hall-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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**Canonical URL:** https://uptrek.com/retreat/travel-sketchbook-art-retreat-artist-becca-hall-france
**Last updated:** 2026-06-03