# Travel Sketchbooking Mixed Media Retreat with Artist Katie Moody in France

Join artist Katie Moody in the Loire Valley region of France, for a travel sketchbook retreat open to all levels. Explore mixed media, gouache, watercolor, and brush pens as you learn to loosen up, embrace imperfection, and reconnect with the playful side of making art. Katie will guide you through daily sessions designed to help you move past hesitation and fill your sketchbook with bold marks, layered textures, and spontaneous discoveries. Experiment with color, shapes, perspective, and storytelling while building pages that reflect your personal journey through France.

Complement your art classes with inspiring trips to the historic town of Saumur and the spectacular gardens of Château de Villandry. Sketch the Loire River views and medieval architecture of Saumur with your sketchbook in hand, and paint your way through the Château's remarkable Renaissance gardens!

Stay at a historic 19th-century French château with blooming gardens and both indoor and outdoor workshop spaces. Indulge in delicious meals prepared by a private chef under the supervision of the château's nutritionist, and savor authentic French flavors in a wine-tasting event with a top local Loire Valley sommelier.

## Details

- **Dates:** June 11 - 18, 2027
- **Location:** Concourson-sur-Layon, France
- **Starting Price:** $4,350
- **Currency:** USD
- **Status:** open
- **Group Size:** Max. 16 students
- **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 Katie Moody
2. Art studio equipped with: fruits to serve as reference materials, tables, chairs, easels, studio sink, professional studio lights, projector, printer/scanner, Bluetooth speaker, plein-air chairs, plein-air tables, glass jars, and paper towels
3. 7 nights of accommodation at a stunning private 19th century French château, in the heart of the Loire Valley
4. Exclusive use of the entire property with living quarters, common areas, outdoor workshop spaces, indoor art studio, a heated pool, private gardens, fruit orchard, and terraces
5. All meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners carefully prepared by a private chef under the supervision of the château’s nutritionist
6. All diets catered for, including vegetarian, vegan, diabetic, gluten-free, and lactose-free
7. Delicious welcome and farewell dinners
8. Cheese boards with a selection of fine French cheeses accompanying several three-course dinners
9. Plentiful, local French wine served during dinner service every day
10. A 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 Loire
11. Tea, coffee, water, and afternoon snacks available throughout the day
12. Full-day art trip to Château de Villandry, with opportunities for painting and sketching on location
13. Half-day art trip to Saumur, with a visit to Château de Saumur and opportunities for painting and sketching on-location
14. Private transportation and chaperone for all planned trips and activities
15. Round-trip transfers to/from Angers (St. Laud) train station at prearranged times
16. All local tourist taxes and fees
17. A dedicated UpTrek retreat coordinator available throughout the whole retreat
18. Fully staffed venue with lovely hosts, drivers, cleaning and maintenance staff, and chef and kitchen staff
19. Access to a private Facebook group with Katie Moody and other retreat participants four months before the retreat takes place

**Not included**

- Airfare
- Travel insurance
- Art materials — a full list of art materials recommended by artist Katie Moody will be sent five months before the retreat takes place
- Tips for staff — tipping is customary in France
- Other expenses guests might incur on their own

## Program

### Mixed Media Travel Sketchbooking Retreat
Join artist Katie Moody at a French château in the Loire Valley, where medieval villages, winding vineyards, and Renaissance gardens offer endless inspiration for your sketchbook. This retreat is built around travel sketchbooking and a playful, low-pressure approach to mixed media, helping you loosen your grip on perfectionism and find a way of working that feels genuinely free. Katie will guide you through gouache, watercolor, and brush pens as you learn to capture the details and fleeting moments that make a place worth drawing.

Across the week you'll explore color, texture, layering, and mark-making in sessions that take place both in the château's studio and outdoors in its gardens. Two art trips bring the Loire Valley directly into your pages: a half-day in Saumur, where pale tuffeau limestone, iron balconies, and the château rising above the river give you endlessly sketchable streets to explore alongside reference photos, postcards, and found fragments to tuck into future pages, and a full day at Château de Villandry, where the extraordinary Renaissance gardens are the setting for a dedicated session on perspective and architectural drawing.

**Some of the topics you'll cover include:**

- Finding play and joy in the sketchbooks
- Breaking down complicated scenes
- Elements of perspective
- Layout & composition
- Line vs shape
- How to combine different subjects on a page
- Loosening up
- Drawing architecture
- Painting botanicals
- ...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 venue. Indulge in delicious 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 artisanal French cheese boards on selected evenings.

### 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 Katie Moody, your instructor for the week, as well as your fellow creatives. After settling into your comfortable room, take part in an orientation tour to get familiar with the impressive estate, including its picturesque gardens, serene woodlands, historic salon, and cozy library.

In the evening, join Katie 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
Gather over breakfast and coffee, then head to the studio for the very first class of the retreat.

Katie will introduce the tools and techniques that will carry you through the week. The morning is playful and deliberately loose: explore how different materials behave when layered, flip through Katie's own sketchbooks to see how she captures movement and texture, and start building your first pages with bold marks, washes, and brush pen lines. There are no right answers when sketching, and Katie's first session is designed to make that feel true.

After lunch, take your sketchbook outside into the château's gardens. Katie will demonstrate how to simplify a scene, reducing an archway, a pergola, a cluster of roses, into shapes and gestural strokes without chasing every detail. Spend the afternoon working directly from what surrounds you, letting the light and color of the Loire Valley guide your choices.

Free time before dinner gives you space to add a last layer to your pages or simply let the day settle in. A chef-prepared dinner and local wine close the evening.

### Day 3: Art trip to Saumur
Start the day with a wholesome breakfast and fresh coffee before setting out with Katie for the trip to Saumur.

This riverside town is famously built from limestone, with iron balconies, steep rooftops, and narrow streets that open onto views of the Loire. Katie will guide you through a morning of short studies focused on observation and inspiration: sketching the Château de Saumur's fortified walls and Gothic towers rising above the river, the play of light on pale stone facades, rooftops stacking up the hillside. She'll introduce some perspective basics to help you make sense of the streets and buildings in front of you, showing how to find the lines that hold a scene together without getting bogged down in technical detail.

As you explore Saumur, collect reference photos, textures, and ephemera while taking notes on local colors and patterns.

Return to the château for lunch, then spend the afternoon in the studio with Katie, working from your morning's sketches and photos and layering up the warmth and depth of the stone, the light, and the river. Free time follows before a three-course dinner with wine.

### Day 4: Classes at the venue
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before gathering your materials for a day of creative exploration.

The morning begins with a class on color and layering. You'll start by building textured grounds: loose washes and blocks of color that give your pages life before any detail goes in. Katie will show you how to let watercolour and other mediums work together, how to add marks and layers without overworking things, and how to use what you gathered in Saumur as a jumping-off point for new pages. This class will also prepare you for the upcoming trip to Château de Villandry.

After the morning class, take a well-deserved break, reflecting on new ideas over a relaxed lunch.

After lunch, the afternoon turns to botanicals. The château's gardens are full of good material, and Katie will guide you through working from leaves, blossoms, and climbing stems in a loose and gestural way, keeping the focus on the expressiveness of the plant rather than getting every detail right. You'll see how a botanical subject can anchor a whole page and sit comfortably alongside the more architectural work from earlier in the week.

As the class comes to an end, take some time to rest and unwind in the late afternoon. Join Katie and your fellow artists for a satisfying three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef. Indulge in a glass of fragrant wine and reflect on the joyful moments of today.

### Day 5: Art trip to Château de Villandry
After breakfast, head out to Château de Villandry, a Renaissance castle built in 1536 and celebrated for its six spectacular gardens.

Ornamental parterres, a still water garden reflecting the sky, and box-hedged terraces descend in levels toward the valley, with the château rising behind it all. It's a place designed to be looked at from every angle, which makes it a perfect setting for the day's focus: perspective.

Katie will show how to work quickly on location with strong shapes, simplified color, and confident marks. Then she'll walk you through how to read perspective in a scene like this: finding the lines that hold a garden path or a château facade together, locating the horizon, and using depth in a way that keeps your pages feeling loose and alive. Find a subject that draws you in, whether that's the geometric patterns of the ornamental garden, the way light falls across the terraces, or the château itself, and spend the morning working through your own sketches, moving between viewpoints and seeing how the composition shifts.

Refuel with a leisurely picnic lunch packed from the venue, then spend the afternoon exploring the rest of the Château's grounds. Katie will be on hand for suggestions on composition, helping you spot the details most worth capturing for your studio work back at the venue.

Return to the venue in time for a three-course dinner with local wine, swapping sketchbook pages and stories from a day spent drawing through some of the most extraordinary gardens in France.

### Day 6: Classes at the venue & wine-tasting event
Begin the morning with a warm breakfast, then step into the studio for the morning class.

This class brings together all of the techniques you've learned so far. Katie will guide you through building spreads that bring several subjects onto a single page, weaving together architecture, botanicals, and the color palettes and marks you've been collecting all week. The aim is pages that feel full without feeling crowded, and confident without feeling stiff.

Take a break midday for lunch, step outside for a breath, then return when you're ready to keep going.

After lunch, another studio session with Katie before the evening's special event. As the day winds down, gather at the château for a wine-tasting hosted by the estate's sommelier, a Loire native who spent six years in London working with Gordon Ramsay before returning home. Dinner follows, with more local wine and plenty to talk about.

### Day 7: Classes at the venue
Wake to the soft light of morning and enjoy a peaceful breakfast before stepping into the studio, where Katie will be ready to guide you through your final full day of painting.

The morning will focus on finishing the sketchbook spreads you began earlier in the week and preparing them for the afternoon. Katie will guide you as you refine existing pages, add fresh layers, and bring together textures and marks from previous sessions. Use mixed media, gouache, watercolor, and brush pens to create cohesion across your work while keeping the energy loose and spontaneous. As you work, Katie will be available for one-to-one demos and tailored guidance if you have any lingering questions.

After lunch, you will look through the sketches you’ve gathered during the retreat and spend time with Katie discussing your progress. She will share feedback and ideas to carry forward before you prepare for a joyful mini-exhibition of your work. Walk around, take in the pages created by everyone, and celebrate the discoveries made along the way.

Enjoy some leisure time to unwind and reset before dinner. Savor a delightful farewell three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef and paired with a glass of fine local wine. Reflect on the week’s creative discoveries and joyful moments!

### Day 8: Departure
Enjoy a final breakfast with Katie 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

- [Katie Moody](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/katie-moody) — Mixed-media sketchbook artist & educator

## Accommodation

### Historic French Château
Your home for the retreat with artist Katie Moody 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
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 second 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
One superior ensuite room is available for shared occupancy. You will share this room with another same-gender participant.

Located on the top 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 Katie Moody, 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 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.

For more details on the food offerings during the retreat, see the section below. The menu may vary based on the availability of seasonal ingredients.

## Getting There

The retreat with artist Katie Moody 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 June 11, 2027, and check-out is after breakfast on June 18, 2027, 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.sncf-connect.com/en-en/)
- [https://www.thetrainline.com/en/train-times/paris-to-angers-st-laud](https://www.thetrainline.com/en/train-times/paris-to-angers-st-laud)
- [https://www.omio.com/trains](https://www.omio.com/trains)

**How 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: **June 11, 2027 ⁠— 4:00 PM** (leaving from Angers (St. Laud) train station, arriving at the retreat venue around 5:00 PM)
- Departure transfer: **June 18, 2027 — 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 station
- Grab 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 from previous UpTrek retreats led by artist Katie Moody:**

- "Katie was an excellent instructor and a delightful person as well. I would definitely recommend an art retreat with Katie."

- "I have no words to express how amazing this experience was. Katie is not only an amazing teacher, but a wonderful person. She dedicated time for each one of us and answered all of our questions. I would definitely love to participate in another one of these experiences with Katie."

- "Everything was magical! I think the combination of the beautiful venue (with warm & charming hosts), generous & wonderful instructor, and enthusiastic & lively attendees made this art retreat the best one I've attended!"

- "The retreat was beyond my expectations. I have met Katie before so I knew that we would get fantastic lessons. She went above and beyond in this trip by giving us goody bags filled with materials. She was always on hand with help and advice. I find her really encouraging to try new things and create art without perfectionism. There was a great group of people who attended this trip. It was such a lovely community and I was so lucky to spend the week with them and get to know them."

**Testimonials from past workshops with artist Katie Moody:**

- "Katie was an incredible teacher—part artist, part wizard, part gentle fairy godmother with the power to disarm even the most anxious perfectionist (hi, it’s me). She didn’t just teach—she saw us, asked about our creative meltdowns, and then magically reframed everything so it felt fun again."

- "Katie is an amazing teacher and I have learned so much from her art retreat! Her lessons are a reflection of her: thoughtful, open-hearted and playful. I highly recommend any opportunity to learn from her in person!"

- "Katie puts everyone at ease with her friendly, patient manner. Katie was very supportive and enthusiastic about everyone's art and made everyone feel welcome and seen, beginners and long time artists alike. I would wholeheartedly recommend a retreat."

- "I thoroughly recommend going to a retreat run by Katie! Katie’s retreat gave me the skills to tackle complex landscapes in my sketchbook. I came away feeling inspired and less daunted to use my sketchbook out and about."

**Reviews of previous UpTrek retreats at this 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?**

The art retreat with Katie Moody is suitable for participants of all experience levels.

**When is the retreat available?**

The retreat with artist Katie Moody takes place between June 11 - 18, 2027.

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

Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 4:00 PM on June 11, 2027. Check-out is after breakfast on the last day at 8:00 AM, on June 18, 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.**

**Is Wi-Fi available?**

Yes.

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

Yes. However, 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](https://uptrek.com/retreat/travel-sketchbooking-mixed-media-retreat-artist-katie-moody-france#location). 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 Katie Moody will be provided five months before the retreat takes place.

Tables, chairs, easels, studio sink, professional studio lights, projector, printer/scanner, Bluetooth speaker, plein-air chairs, plein-air tables, glass jars, paper towels, fruits as reference materials are included and will be available at the venue. **Students are responsible for bringing their own art supplies, based on the instructors' recommended list.**

**What’s the weather like in Doué-en-Anjou in June?**

The weather in June in Doué-en-Anjou, the closest town to the retreat venue, is usually sunny and pleasant. You can expect average highs of 26°C / 79°F during the day that drop to around 12°C / 54°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](https://uptrek.com/protect-your-trip). Please review our [cancellation policy.](https://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 cancelled by the instructors or by UpTrek?**

If the retreat is canceled due to force majeure events or circumstances out of UpTrek's and/or the instructors' 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-sketchbooking-mixed-media-retreat-artist-katie-moody-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-sketchbooking-mixed-media-retreat-artist-katie-moody-france
**Last updated:** 2026-07-01