# Expressive Landscapes Retreat with Artist Richard Claremont in France

Discover expressive landscape painting with Richard Claremont on a transformative weeklong retreat in southwestern France. Learn to see a scene the way an artist does, identifying what's worth painting and simplifying it down to its essentials, through demonstrations, tailored feedback, and hands-on practice sessions designed to elevate your painting.

Paint expressive landscapes and florals using oil or acrylics alongside 14 other artists. Richard will help you paint more loosely, develop a strong sense of composition and tonal value, and find a color strategy, and ultimately, a style, that's genuinely your own. The picturesque French countryside will serve as your muse, both in the studio and on location.

The retreat is best suited to participants who already have some experience with landscapes or their preferred medium.

Venture out into the heart of the Dordogne to explore charming villages and historic towns bursting with artistic inspiration. Paint the dramatic hilltop castle Château de Beynac in Beynac-et-Cazenac, and wander the cobbled streets of Issigeac while taking in the surrounding views for your next landscape painting!

Stay at an elegant historic estate from the Napoleonic era, set amidst vibrant gardens, secluded woodlands, a natural pond, and a heated pool, and savor delicious chef-made food paired with fine wines from one of France's most celebrated wine areas. Enjoy a wine and cheese tasting experience, and find inspiration for your artwork in the natural beauty of southwestern France.

## Details

- **Dates:** September 18 - 25, 2027
- **Location:** Eymet, Dordogne, France
- **Starting Price:** $5,050
- **Currency:** USD
- **Status:** open
- **Group Size:** Max. 15 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 Richard Claremont
2. Art studio equipped with: tables, chairs, field easels, a printer-scanner, printer paper, 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. Sketching and painting opportunities on location for all art trips
15. Private transportation for the trips to Issigeac and Beynac-et-Cazenac
16. English-speaking guide or chaperone for all planned trips and activities
17. Round-trip transfers from/to Bergerac train station at prearranged times
18. All local tourist taxes and fees
19. Experienced retreat admin and UpTrek host on location
20. Fully staffed venue with drivers, cleaning and maintenance staff, and chef and kitchen staff
21. Access to a private Facebook group with Richard Claremont 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 Richard Claremont 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

### Expressive Landscapes Retreat
Join a transformative art retreat with artist Richard Claremont in the picturesque French countryside. This weeklong retreat features daily classes with your favorite artist, personalized instruction, hands-on practice sessions (in the studio and on location), and inspiring art trips. Richard's carefully designed course will help you create more confidently, loosen your style, find your unique strengths, and create amazing, expressive landscapes (with a dash of florals).

Richard will teach together with his wife, Kerrie, using oil and acrylics (but you're welcome to bring any medium you're comfortable with). His method aims to develop your natural abilities through tailored feedback, helping you identify your style and strong points. The week begins with learning to see and edit a scene before you ever pick up a brush, then moves through essential techniques like loosening your brushwork, mark-making, and composition. As the days progress, you'll dive into more complex principles, from using tonal values to avoid muddy colors to using color to shape mood and emotion. By the week's end, you'll have found your own signature palette and learned how to recognize when a painting is truly finished.

Beyond the studio, set out on exciting art trips in the heart of the Dordogne. Explore the medieval villages of Beynac-et-Cazenac and Issigeac on two day trips, each doubling as creative fieldwork with time built in for on-location sketching and gathering the visual material that will fuel your studio work. The lovely town of Eymet is just a 15-minute walk away from the venue, should curiosity strike!

The retreat is best suited to participants who are already familiar with landscapes or their preferred medium. Over the week, Richard will help you build on that foundation, loosening your brushwork, sharpening your eye for composition, and developing a color and tonal sensibility that's distinctly your own. By the final day, you'll have a small collection of expressive landscapes, a clearer sense of your personal style, and the confidence to keep painting that way once you're home.

**Some of the topics covered during your classes with Richard include:**

- Learning to see and simplify a scene before you paint it
- Essential exercises for looser, more confident brushwork
- Composition, cropping, and choosing the right format
- Using tonal values to avoid muddy colors and create mood
- Color strategies for mood, emotion, and your own signature palette
- Creating expressive landscapes and florals
- Developing a personal, authentic artistic style
- Knowing when a painting is finished, and avoiding overworking
- …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, all in a welcoming environment where everyone feels comfortable learning and growing together.

### 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. Settle into your elegant room and get introduced to Richard and Kerrie Claremont, along with the rest of your art group.

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
Begin your day with a refreshing breakfast and a coffee check-in with Richard, Kerrie, and the venue hosts, then gather in the studio and prepare for the first class of the retreat.

This morning workshop is about training your eye, not your hand. Richard will explore what makes a scene worth painting in the first place, showing you how artists learn to see beyond the camera. Through practical exercises, you'll discover how to identify compelling subject matter, simplify complex scenes into bold shapes, and edit away unnecessary detail. He'll outline the key elements you'll explore throughout the retreat and walk you through his own painting process, then guide you through a series of drawing exercises designed to loosen your brushwork and encourage more fluid, confident strokes. These warm-ups will help you embrace spontaneity and worry less about perfection, allowing your creativity to flow more freely.

After a leisurely lunch, head back to the studio for an afternoon of hands-on practice. You'll continue refining the brushwork techniques introduced in the morning, building muscle memory and a stronger feel for movement on the canvas, while putting the day's compositional choices into practice on your own work. Richard will offer you personalized feedback throughout the session, making this an ideal time to ask questions and gain deeper insight into your progress.

As the afternoon winds down, take some time to recharge before dinner. Gather with your fellow artists for a delicious three-course dinner prepared by the private chef and paired with local wine.

### Day 3: Art trip to Issigeac
After a filling breakfast, gather your sketchbook and art supplies and head out with Richard and Kerrie for a morning in the village of Issigeac, a short drive from the venue.

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.'

Spend the morning wandering the town, capturing interesting sights through reference photos. Richard will share tips on making on-the-go sketches and choosing the best subject matter. Depict lively urban scenes featuring the locals, immersed in Issigeac's medieval charm.

Return to the venue for a relaxed lunch, then continue the afternoon building on what you observed that morning. You'll study how cropping, framing, and composition can dramatically strengthen an image, using your own photos and sketches from Issigeac as reference. Richard will demonstrate how artists guide the viewer's eye through balance, rhythm, and the interplay of positive and negative space, and how choosing the right format and a strong focal point can transform a good painting into a striking one. Spend the rest of the afternoon applying these principles to your own work.

Take some time to rest and unwind in the late afternoon. Indulge in a delightful three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef and paired with a glass of fragrant wine.

### Day 4: Classes at the venue & wine and cheese tasting
Begin your morning with a refreshing breakfast and then gather over coffee for a check-in with the group.

The first art session of the day centers on value, helping you understand how light and dark interact to create depth and contrast in a painting. Discover the significance of value scales, learn how to simplify complex scenes into light, mid, and dark tones, and practice adjusting these tones to improve your composition and form. You may choose to apply these ideas by painting floral subjects found nearby or take a brief walk around the venue to observe how light falls on different surfaces.

Take a break for lunch before returning to the studio in the afternoon. Continue to refine the work you began earlier, building on the techniques you explored in the morning. If you prefer, revisit your reference photos and use them to capture the vibrant yet serene character of Dordogne in a new painting.

As the class comes to an end, take some time to unwind before dinner. Come together in the evening for an exquisite wine and cheese tasting experience guided by a local sommelier, then enjoy a delicious chef-prepared dinner accompanied by a glass of local wine. Soak in the lovely atmosphere of the evening, sharing stories and impressions from the day.

### Day 5: Classes at the venue
Get ready for the day with a hearty breakfast, then join Richard, Kerrie, and your fellow artists in the studio.

Today, the focus shifts from painting what you see to painting what you feel. Richard will explore how artists use color to shape emotion rather than simply record reality, moving beyond conventional color theory to help you build a strategy that reflects your own instincts. Through demonstrations and guided exercises, you'll experiment with harmonious palettes, expressive color relationships, and the surprising power of restrained neutrals, discovering how a shift in color choices can completely change the character of a painting.

After lunch, spend the afternoon searching for your own unique color combinations. Paint from your reference photos taken in Issigeac or around the venue, putting your new understanding of color and emotion into practice. With Richard's tailored guidance, you'll leave the session with the beginnings of your own signature palette.

Later in the afternoon, enjoy some spare time to relax. Gather with your fellow creatives for a mouthwatering three-course dinner prepared by the private chef and paired with a glass of French wine.

### Day 6: Art trip to Beynac-et-Cazenac
Start the day with a relaxed breakfast, then set out on a full-day trip to Beynac-et-Cazenac, one of the most striking towns in the Dordogne region of France.

This medieval town rises up the hillside above the river, its steep streets and stone houses gathering beneath the Château de Beynac. Thanks to the breathtaking Dordogne River views and the well-preserved medieval architecture, there's inspiration to be found around every corner. Wander the narrow, cobbled alleys, marvel at flower-decked houses, and sketch the unique scenes of the town. Beynac's vistas often graced the silver screen in films like "Revenge of the Musketeers" or Luc Besson's "Jeanne d'Arc".

Later in the morning, make your way down toward the water and find a spot on the riverbank to settle into. This is the chance to slow down and work on something larger, whether that's the river itself, the town reflected in the water, or the Château de Beynac seen from below.

Pause for lunch on your own in the village and take in the setting before the afternoon. Then, visit the imposing Château de Beynac, a medieval fortress perched high above the river. Technique is only part of becoming an artist, and today is as much about recognizing the subjects, colors, and moods that genuinely resonate with you as it is about the castle itself. Explore freely, sketch if you want to, take reference photos, or just soak in the atmosphere. Richard will be around to chat, offer feedback, and talk through how personal style develops naturally through editing, interpretation, and the choices you keep coming back to.

Head back to the venue in the late afternoon and take some time to recharge before dinner. Savor a wholesome chef-prepared dinner and a glass of fragrant wine, sharing stories and impressions from today's trip with the group.

### Day 7: Classes at the venue
Begin your final day with a hearty breakfast and take a moment to appreciate how far your collection of expressive landscapes has come since that first class.

Return to the studio for the morning session. Knowing when a painting is finished is an important skill, and it's often harder than knowing where to start. Richard will share practical strategies for recognizing when a painting is truly finished, helping you avoid the trap of overworking a piece. He'll help you create a checklist of things to look for as you add those final touches, ensuring you're on the right path, highlighting your strengths, and suggesting a plan for how to keep improving once you're home.

After lunch, when you feel like your collection of paintings is ready, come together with your group for a relaxed exhibition, where you'll celebrate your growth and evolution throughout this transformative week. Bask in the support of your artistic peers as you reflect on the progress you've made and the confidence you've gained during your artistic journey in France.

The week closes with a farewell dinner, a last evening together to raise a glass to an adventure full of memories, new friendships, and unforgettable moments!

### Day 8: Departure
Enjoy one last breakfast with Richard, Kerrie, 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.

## Instructors

- [Richard Claremont](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/richard-claremont) — Professional artist and teacher

## Accommodation

### Historic countryside estate
Situated on the tranquil banks of the River Dropt, your home for the retreat with artist Richard Claremont 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 Richard 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 paint 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 Richard Claremont 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 Richard Claremont 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 September 18, 2027. Check-out is after breakfast on September 25, 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: **September 18, 2027 — 3:30 PM** (leaving from Gare Bergerac train station, arriving at the retreat venue around 4:05 PM)
- Departure transfer: **September 25, 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 each way). Please note that taxi fares may vary.

## Reviews

**Reviews from previous UpTrek retreats with artist Richard Claremont:**

- "Outstanding week. The teaching was amazing. Richard and his beautiful wife Kerrie are excellent inspirational teachers with a kind loving approach that allowed all the participants to rise to the occasion and support and encourage each other. All the staff was kind and helpful. What a unique and memorable week! Undoubtedly I shall try and register again."

- "Richard's lessons on how to paint were exceptional. He is a wonderful teacher and has a way of explaining the very complicated method of successful painting. Everyone in the group really benefited from his teaching and you could quickly see improvements in their work even though we were only there for few days. I would definitely recommend this retreat."

- "The teaching was professional. Richard and Kerrie worked hard to give us their best."

- "Everything was excellent particularly Richard’s tuition he has a unique teaching method. The venue was great the food excellent and the resort very comfortable."

- "Richard and Kerri are a DYNAMIC duo and I learned so much! The instruction was incredible, the exercises perfectly orchestrated to build on the skills. I walked away with a very clear path forward on what I plan to implement. HIGHLY recommend the course and would take another one from Richard and Kerri."

**Reviews from 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."

- "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."

- "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?**

The art retreat with artist Richard Claremont is best suited to participants already familiar with painting landscapes, or with their chosen painting medium.

**When is the retreat available?**

The retreat with artist Richard Claremont takes place between September 18 - 25, 2027.

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

Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 4:00 PM on September 18, 2027. Check-out is after breakfast on the last day at 9:00 AM, on September 25, 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/expressive-landscapes-retreat-i-artist-richard-claremont-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 late September?**

The weather in Eymet in late September is usually sunny and pleasant. You can expect average highs of 23°C / 73°F during the day that drop to around 11°C / 52°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 Richard Claremont will be provided five months before the retreat takes place.

Tables, chairs, field easels, a printer-scanner, printer paper, plein-air artist chairs, 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 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/expressive-landscapes-retreat-i-artist-richard-claremont-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/expressive-landscapes-retreat-i-artist-richard-claremont-france
**Last updated:** 2026-08-13