# Animals, Objects, and Storytelling in Soft Pastels Retreat with Artist Kerri Dixon in France Step into the soft, velvety world of pastel painting on an animal and nature painting retreat with artist Kerri Dixon in the Loire Valley, France. During this inspiring week, Kerri will walk you through her step-by-step pastel process from the ground up, demonstrating how to build lifelike texture, value, and light, as well as capture the soul of an animal through the interplay between light and shadow. You will gain hands-on experience and enjoy daily classes, demonstrations, and plenty of guidance from Kerri. By the end of the retreat, you will create a beautiful pastel painting of an animal incorporating still life objects. The retreat is open to all levels of experience. Complement your art classes with exciting trips to the medieval riverside town of Saumur and the spectacular gardens of Château de Villandry, a grand country house celebrated for its extraordinary contemporary garden design. Stay at a historic 19th-century French château with blooming gardens and charming indoor workshop space. 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. Connect with fellow creatives over shared meals, luminous portraits, and unforgettable memories. ## Details - **Dates:** October 1 - 8, 2027 - **Location:** Concourson-sur-Layon, France - **Starting Price:** $4,200 - **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 Kerri Dixon 2. Art studio equipped with: tables, chairs, easels, studio sink, professional studio lights, projector, printer/scanner, Bluetooth speaker, plein-air chairs, plein-air tables, glass jars, paper towels, and rock salt 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 the 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. Entrance to the expansive gardens of Château de Villandry 14. Half-day art trip to Saumur, with opportunities for painting and sketching on location 15. Private transportation and chaperone for all planned trips and activities 16. Round-trip transfers to/from Angers (St. Laud) train station at prearranged times 17. All local tourist taxes and fees 18. A dedicated UpTrek retreat coordinator available throughout the whole retreat 19. Fully staffed venue with lovely hosts, drivers, cleaning and maintenance staff, and chef and kitchen staff 20. Access to a private Facebook group with Kerri Dixon 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 Kerri Dixon 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 ### Animals, Objects, and Storytelling in Soft Pastels Explore the delicate beauty of soft pastel painting on an inspiring retreat with artist Kerri Dixon in the picturesque Loire Valley of France. During this retreat, Kerri will walk you through her step-by-step pastel process from the ground up, helping you master the unique properties of pastel sticks and pencils and create captivating, realistic animal and nature paintings. Enjoy daily classes, demonstrations, and hands-on experience with Kerri's pastel techniques, learning how to experiment with additives for background effects and how to select and compose reference images for balanced, story-driven paintings. She will demonstrate her approach to building lifelike texture, value, and light, teaching you how to capture the soul of an animal through the interplay between light and shadow. By the end of the retreat, you will create a beautiful pastel painting of an animal incorporating still life objects. The retreat is open to all levels of experience. Beyond the studio, explore the Loire Valley on art trips that will fuel your creativity. Take a half-day trip to the medieval riverside town of Saumur, where you will visit the impressive Château de Saumur and spend a full day at Château de Villandry, a grand country house known for its extraordinary contemporary garden design. **Some of the topics covered during your classes with Kerri include:** - Creating captivating animal and nature paintings using soft pastel sticks and pencils - Understanding the properties of pastels and papers - Experimenting with additives to create background effects - Understanding how value and texture contribute to realistic paintings - Understanding the principles of composition - Learning how to select reference images and create balanced compositions - Learning how to use Procreate and other tools to assist with composition - Completing an animal portrait incorporating still life painting - Learning Kerri’s step-by-step pastel process - …and many more! Your home for the week will be a historic 19th-century French château. Your classes will take place indoors, in the château's well-lit studio. 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 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 lovely artist Kerri Dixon, 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 Kerri 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 Enjoy a hearty breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, then gather in the studio for your first art class of the retreat. Kerri will begin with a back-to-basics introduction, discussing the materials that you'll be working with throughout the week and what makes realism unique, as well as composition fundamentals and how to take good reference photos. Then, she will move on to a demo of how to create effects for the background of a painting. Experiment with different additives to create background effects that will be the basis for tomorrow's painting. After a leisurely lunch, return to the studio for another art session. This class will be dedicated to small animal eye studies. Kerri will demonstrate how to create a captivating eye, capturing the soul of the animal and telling a story through reflections of light and shadow. Follow along with Kerri's demo and work on your own animal eye study, creating your first finished painting of the week. As the class comes to an end, enjoy some spare time to unwind before dinner. Gather with Kerri and your fellow artists for a delightful three-course dinner prepared by the private chef and accompanied by a cheese board of fine French cheeses and a glass of local wine, sharing first impressions from the first full day at the retreat. ### Day 3: Art trip to Saumur Kick off the day with a wholesome breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, then gather your art supplies and get ready for the first adventure of the retreat: a half-day trip to the medieval town of Saumur. As you walk along this riverside town shaped by pale limestone, iron balconies, and steep rooftops, stop by the impressive Château de Saumur, a fortified castle that is now turned into a museum. Sketch if you feel inspired, or take reference photos, capturing the rustic charm of Saumur. Head back to the venue for a satisfying lunch, then dive into an afternoon of painting. Create backgrounds in watercolor using the knowledge and skills you have gained from earlier experiments. Discuss what makes a good composition, and, under Kerri's gentle guidance, decide on a reference image from this morning's trip or your own animal reference from home that will transform into your next painting. You will start with a sketch of the reference image, then transfer it to your watercolored pastel paper and build your drawing up with layers of pastel pencils. Kerri will also do a demo on how to make use of Procreate and other tools to help create line art, color studies, and balanced compositions. If you don't have an iPad, don't worry! Kerri will offer you hers and guide you on how to use it for photo editing and compositions. In the late afternoon, take some time to reset before dinner. Sit down to a tasteful three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef and paired with a glass of fragrant wine and French cheeses, sharing sketches from a morning spent painting in the Loire Valley. ### Day 4: Classes at the venue Fuel up with a delicious breakfast and a fresh cup of coffee, then join Kerri in the studio for another day full of painting and inspiration. Continue working on your painting from the previous day, adding any last details and final touch-ups and bringing your artistic vision to life. Kerri will be there to offer guidance or extra support if needed. After a delicious lunch, return to the studio for an afternoon focused on combining still life with animal painting. Get inspiration from the references gathered throughout the week, either from the trips or from around the venue, and create a balanced composition as the groundwork for your next pastel painting: an animal portrait incorporating still life objects. Take some time to recharge before gathering for a wholesome three-course dinner prepared by the private chef and paired with a glass of local French wine and a board of fine French cheeses. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and lively conversations, and share impressions from another day full of painting. ### Day 5: Art trip to Château de Villandry After a generous breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, gather your painting supplies and head out for a full-day 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. Immerse yourself in the surrounding nature and explore the Renaissance château and its seven meticulously designed gardens. Sketch if you feel inspired or take reference photos of the stunning nature that surrounds you. Take a break for lunch and enjoy a packed picnic meal from the venue, then continue the afternoon by further exploring the gardens of Château de Villandry. Get inspired by the 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. Return to the venue as the sun dips and take some time to unwind in the late afternoon. Gather with Kerri and your fellow artists for a chef-prepared dinner accompanied by a glass of local wine and a board of delightful French cheeses. ### Day 6: Classes at the venue & wine-tasting event Savor a warm breakfast and a fresh cup of coffee, then head into the studio for another day of painting, settling into the gentle rhythm of the day. The morning will start with a demo from Kerri of her step-by-step painting process with pastel sticks and pencils. During this session, you will continue working on your still life and animal piece, building up colors and putting into practice all the techniques you have learned so far. After a relaxed lunch, continue working on your painting from the morning. Play with color, light, and shadow, creating a realistic painting that combines animals with still life. As the afternoon winds down, enjoy some leisure time before dinner. Join Kerri and your fellow artists for a complimentary wine-tasting event at the château, led by a top local sommelier who spent six years working alongside chef Gordon Ramsay before returning to his native Loire. Sit down to a nourishing three-course dinner prepared by the private chef and paired with a glass of the Loire Valley’s celebrated regional wine and some local French cheeses, trading insights and impressions from the day. ### Day 7: Classes at the venue Settle in with a filling breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, ready to make every brushstroke count on your final full day. Spend the morning finishing your animal and still life painting, refining details, and adding final touches. If you finish quickly and time allows, you may start a new piece, perhaps a pastel flower painting inspired by your trip to Château de Villandry. Kerri will be there to guide you and help you bring your paintings to their final state. After a leisurely lunch, gather with Kerri and your fellow artists for a celebratory mini-exhibition and closing circle. Display your finished pieces side by side and take in the range of approaches and subjects. Exchange insights and feedback with the group and celebrate the progress you have made throughout the week. As evening falls, take some time to freshen up before dinner, then gather for one last farewell dinner prepared by the in-house chef and paired with aromatic wine, raising a glass to the artistic discoveries made and unforgettable memories! ### Day 8: Departure Enjoy a final breakfast with Kerri 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 - [Kerri Dixon](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/kerri-dixon) — Wildlife & Nature Artist and Art Educator ## Accommodation ### Historic French Château Your home for the retreat with artist Kerri Dixon 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 Kerri Dixon, 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 Kerri Dixon 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 1, 2027, and check-out is after breakfast on October 8, 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: **October 1, 2027 ⁠— 4:00 PM** (leaving from Angers (St. Laud) train station, arriving at the retreat venue around 5:00 PM) - Departure transfer: **October 8, 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 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 retreat is open to all levels of experience. **When is the retreat available?** The retreat with artist Kerri Dixon takes place between October 1 - 8, 2027. **Are there any check-in and check-out hours?** Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 4:00 PM on October 1, 2027. Check-out is after breakfast on the last day at 8:00 AM, on October 8, 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/animals-objects-and-storytelling-in-soft-pastels-retreat-artist-kerri-dixon-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 Kerri Dixon 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, and rock salt 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. If you don't have an iPad, don't worry, you can still join the retreat and Kerri will give you her iPad to use.** **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 sunny and pleasant. You can expect average highs of 19°C / 66°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](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 instructor 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/animals-objects-and-storytelling-in-soft-pastels-retreat-artist-kerri-dixon-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). --- **Canonical URL:** https://uptrek.com/retreat/animals-objects-and-storytelling-in-soft-pastels-retreat-artist-kerri-dixon-france **Last updated:** 2026-09-22