# Immersive Sketchbook Retreat with Artists Jennifer Orkin Lewis and Gayle Kabaker in France **Find Your Visual Voice: A Painting Retreat in France** Join Jennifer Orkin Lewis and Gayle Kabaker for an immersive painting retreat in the sunlit countryside of southern France — a week designed to help you build a vibrant, personal sketchbook practice that will stay with you long after you return home. Over the course of this immersive retreat, you'll build a lasting sketchbook practice, learning how to capture vivid memories and emotions on the page. With daily classes, live demonstrations, and personalized feedback from your two experienced instructors, you'll grow as an artist while getting inspired by French culture. Artists of all levels and ages are warmly welcomed! Whether you have been painting for decades or are opening a fresh sketchbook for the very first time, you will leave with pages full of original work and the confidence to keep filling them. Enjoy optional daily yoga, venture out on a trip to the riverside town of Castres for on-location sketching, spend a half-day trip browsing the vibrant Gaillac French market and monthly brocante market with your sketchbook in hand, and explore the UNESCO-listed city of Albi with a visit to the world-famous Toulouse-Lautrec Museum. Stay at an elegant countryside estate, where delicious chef-prepared meals cater to all dietary needs. Immerse yourself in a week that will nurture you and your creative process. Enjoy a warm, inspiring atmosphere that creates the perfect setting to dive into your creative process. You'll create, connect, and find inspiration in one of the most captivating destinations in the world and share it all with a supportive group of 16 fellow artists. The friendships that form in a week spent with other like-minded people have a way of lasting well beyond the week itself. Together, you'll explore letting go of perfection and leaning into intuition and play. You'll be encouraged to respond to what you see rather than reproduce it, letting the colors, light, and energy of France move through your hand and onto the page in your own unique way. This is about finding your visual voice, not achieving a perfect likeness. You'll be encouraged to follow what feels fun and freeing, whether that leads you toward abstraction, loose figurative work, or something in between. Work in your sketchbook or on paper, experimenting and trying new approaches. This is a space to loosen up, enjoy the process, and, most importantly, have fun! ## Details - **Dates:** June 1 - 8, 2027 - **Location:** Teyssode, Occitanie, France - **Starting Price:** $4,950 - **Currency:** USD - **Status:** open - **Group Size:** Max. 17 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 artists Gayle Kabaker and Jennifer Orkin Lewis 2. Art studio equipped with: tables, chairs, field easels, portable plein-air stools, paper towels, professional studio lights, and glass jars 3. Live model for a painting session at the retreat venue 4. Five guided morning sessions of moderate flow and stretch or gentle vinyasa yoga 5. 7 nights of accommodation at a gorgeous French countryside estate 6. Exclusive use of the entire 5-acre property with a saltwater pool, hot tub, spacious reconverted barn used as a workshop space, fruit orchard, private gardens, terraces, and a rustic watchtower 7. All meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 7 dinners carefully prepared by a private chef 8. Vegan, vegetarian, and pescatarian meal options available, catering to all dietary needs, including gluten-free 9. Coffee, tea, water, and homemade snacks available throughout the day 10. Plentiful, delicious wine and non-alcoholic beverages served during dinner service every day 11. Welcome and farewell dinners, with cocktails and canapés 12. Art trip to Albi, with opportunities for painting and sketching on location and a visit to the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum 13. Entrance ticket to the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum 14. Half-day art trip to the Gaillac French market and the monthly brocante market, with opportunities for painting and sketching on location 15. Half-day art trip to Castres, with opportunities for painting and sketching on location 16. Private transportation and chaperone for all trips and planned activities 17. Round-trip airport transfers from/to Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS) at prearranged times 18. A dedicated UpTrek retreat coordinator available throughout the whole retreat 19. Fully staffed venue with drivers, cleaning and maintenance staff, and chef and kitchen staff 20. All local tourist taxes and fees 21. Access to a private Facebook group with Gayle Kabaker, Jennifer Orkin Lewis and other retreat participants four months before the retreat takes place **Not included** - Airfare - Travel insurance - Art supplies — a detailed list of art materials recommended by Jennifer Orkin Lewis and Gayle Kabaker will be provided five months before the retreat - One lunch during the full-day trip to Albi - Tips — tipping is customary in France - Other expenses guests might incur on their own ## Program ### Immersive Sketchbook Retreat Join an art retreat like no other with artists Jennifer Orkin Lewis and Gayle Kabaker, set in the sunlit countryside of Occitanie, southern France, where medieval villages and winding vineyards meet endless pockets of inspiration. Alongside a supportive community of 16 like-minded artists, you'll unlock the secrets of acrylic gouache and let your creativity flourish in a safe, nurturing environment. The retreat welcomes participants of all experience levels. Your instructors will lead daily demonstrations, share a wide range of techniques, offer personalised feedback, and above all, champion your self-expression every step of the way. During one of the sessions, paint from a live model on the château grounds. Beyond the studio, venture into the heart of the region on three unforgettable trips. Head out on a trip to the riverside town of Castres, where centuries-old houses lean over the Agout River and narrow streets open onto sun-drenched squares perfect for on-location sketching. Spend time at the Gaillac French market and monthly brocante market, wandering through stalls piled high with local produce, antiques, handmade ceramics, and bundles of dried lavender while gathering reference material and quick sketches. Set out on a life-changing trip to Albi, a UNESCO World Heritage city famous for its towering red-brick cathedral and the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum, where you will see the original works of one of France's most celebrated Post-Impressionist painters before sketching the city's bridges and medieval rooftops from the terraced gardens above the Tarn. Throughout the retreat you'll enjoy a mix of classes at the venue, in the studio and the lush gardens, as well as a series of inspiring art trips. Five guided morning yoga sessions will ease you into the mornings, and you'll get to indulge in 5:00 PM happy hours, continuing to create with a drink in hand as the light shifts over the French countryside! **Together with Gayle and Jennifer, you'll cover topics such as:** - Introduction to acrylic gouache - How to layout a sketchbook page - various methods and ideas - Color exploration - learn how to mix colors and find color palettes that you love - How to let your creativity wander and not pick at details - Creating expressive artwork from reference photos - Depicting amazing landscapes or painting the subtle details of still life - Lessons based on specific desires from the group, such as painting faces and figures, painting water, and painting on a dark background - ...and so much more! Stay at a charming, restored estate in the French countryside, offering the perfect environment for creative exploration. Enjoy elegant accommodation and modern amenities, such as a saltwater pool and a hot tub, lush gardens, sunlit terraces, a fruit orchard, and a spacious art studio. By the end of the retreat, you will return home more confident, with a renewed artistic voice and cherished memories! ### Day 1: Arrival Arrive at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport and join the 3:00 PM transfer to your retreat venue. After settling into your room, take a moment to unwind and absorb the tranquil surroundings. Meet your fellow artists and get acquainted with Jennifer Orkin Lewis and Gayle Kabaker, your instructors for the week. As part of an orientation tour, explore the estate’s charming garden, the historic watchtower, and inviting communal spaces. In the evening, toast to the start of your creative journey with cocktails and bite-sized canapés, followed by a delicious three-course dinner prepared by the private chef and complemented by local French wines. ### Day 2: Classes at the venue Start your second day at the retreat with an optional yoga class in the early morning. Fuel up with a wholesome breakfast of fresh French croissants, baguettes, homemade cake, and seasonal fruit, then gather in the workshop for your first morning class. Jennifer and Gayle will kick things off with introductions and an overview of acrylic gouache, then dive straight into a hands-on exploration of color mixing. Discover how to find palettes that speak to you and experiment with layering and opacity as you get comfortable with a medium that is endlessly forgiving and wonderfully vibrant. After a satisfying lunch, dive deeper into sketchbook layout and composition. Gayle and Jennifer will demonstrate various methods for organizing a page, from loose and intuitive spreads to more structured approaches, and you will put these ideas into practice with exercises designed to loosen up your hand and your thinking. At 5:00 PM, happy hour begins. Keep painting with a glass of wine or a cold drink beside you as the late-afternoon sun pours into the workshop. Gather for a three-course dinner prepared by your private chef and paired with regional French wine, swapping stories and first impressions after a full day of creative discovery. ### Day 3: Art trip to Castres Before the nourishing breakfast, soak in the morning with a quick guided yoga session. Pack your sketchbook and paints for a half-day trip to the riverside town of Castres. Wander along the banks of the Agout River, where centuries-old tannery houses painted in bright pastels lean over the water and reflect in the current below. Sketch the stone bridges and the shaded arcades of the old town, then find a café table on the sun-drenched Place Jean Jaurès and paint the bustling terraces around you. Jennifer and Gayle will be right there with you, offering tips on capturing what inspires you as the energy of a French town coming alive in the morning. Return to the venue for lunch, then spend the afternoon in the workshop translating your Castres sketches into more developed pages. Work from your reference photos and on-location studies, building color and detail with guidance from both instructors. At 5:00 PM, happy hour kicks in. Keep your brush moving while you enjoy a drink and the easy company of your fellow artists. Wind down with a three-course dinner prepared by your private chef and paired with flavorful wine. ### Day 4: Art trip to Gaillac market Start the day with another refreshing yoga class, then enjoy breakfast with your group. Over a cup of coffee, check in with each other's progress and learn more about the plans for the day. Gather your art supplies and prepare to set off to Gaillac, a historic town on the Tarn River known for its Roman roots and deep ties to winemaking. Walk through stalls piled high with fresh produce, fragrant bread, local cheeses like Roquefort, and bottles of Gaillac AOC wine, a favorite of locals and connoisseurs alike. Sample flavors, gather inspiration, or take reference photos of whatever piques your interest. If you feel drawn to capture the moment, sketch directly on location, noting colors, patterns, and details to use later. Each month, there is a vibrant brocante market, featuring antiques and vintage treasures. Among the market stalls, you may find antique furniture pieces, vintage home décor, textiles, jewelry, and many other pieces that hold their own stories, perfect for bringing them back as inspiration or keepsakes. Return to the venue for lunch, then head into an afternoon session. It's time for another hands-on workshop as you continue developing your sketches from the morning. As always, Gayle and Jennifer will be there in case you need extra help, giving you tips to make your paintings truly shine. At 5:00 PM, it is happy hour once again. Paint and sip as the shadows lengthen across the garden, then gather for a three-course dinner prepared by your private chef and paired with local wine, with the warmth of your fellow artists finding their creative rhythm together. ### Day 5: Classes at the venue Ground yourself with another yoga session in the early morning, then refuel with some tasty breakfast. Over a relaxed check-in, find out more about the plans for the day. Today brings one of the most memorable sessions of the retreat. A live model will pose at the château, and you will spend the morning drawing and painting directly from life. Jennifer and Gayle will guide you through observing proportion and gesture. Take a break during lunch, then return to your classes in the afternoon. Set up your materials in the verdant gardens of the venue for an insightful class about on-location painting. Inspired by the unique architecture of the venue, the surrounding landscape, and the blooming plants, you'll depict the likeness of the old tower in your sketchbook. Practice your ability to transpose what you see onto paper. Jennifer and Gayle will help you paint more loosely and avoid getting bogged down in details. At 5:00 PM, happy hour returns. Keep working on your pieces with a drink in hand, swapping feedback and ideas with the artists beside you. Gather for a three-course dinner prepared by your private chef and paired with regional wine, celebrating a day spent entirely immersed in your creative practice. ### Day 6: Art trip to Albi Wake up your senses with a filling breakfast and a freshly brewed cup of coffee, then gather your supplies for a full-day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Albi. Arrive to find the towering red-brick Cathédrale Sainte-Cécile rising above the Tarn River, one of the most striking pieces of Gothic architecture in all of France. Visit the world-famous Toulouse-Lautrec Museum, housed in the medieval Palais de la Berbie, where you will see an extraordinary collection of paintings and lithographs by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in the city where he was born. Enjoy lunch on your own at one of Albi’s inviting restaurants or cafés, savoring the local flavors and ambiance before continuing your exploration and sketching in the city’s enchanting streets. Then, climb to the terraced gardens of the Palais de la Berbie, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views over the Tarn River and the surrounding countryside. In the late afternoon, return to the venue, where the creative energy continues. Settle in for a relaxed sketching session, with Jennifer and Gayle on hand to offer fresh inspiration as you unwind with a convivial happy hour. The evening culminates in a sumptuous three-course dinner, expertly prepared by your private chef and paired with delicious wine. ### Day 7: Classes at the venue Your final day of the retreat starts with another relaxing yoga session, followed by a delightful breakfast. Today's classes bring a unique challenge: a full-day painting marathon in the studio. As guided by Gayle and Jennifer, you'll try to paint as many pieces as possible in a loose and expressive way. This fast-paced exercise will help you push your limits, focusing less on painting everything perfectly and just letting your creativity flow. The painting marathon will continue after a lunch break. Return to the studio to complete the challenge, which will last until the evening. As a final exercise, you'll have the chance to present your work during a relaxed mini-exhibition with your group. Discuss your amazing progress, and give and receive constructive feedback from your peers. As the sun dips, come together one last time for a special farewell dinner featuring delicious wine. Raise a glass and toast to a week full of creative discoveries, cherished memories, and new friendships. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and immortalize the moment with one last sketch of the beautiful farewell dinner. ### Day 8: Departure After enjoying a satisfying breakfast your fellow artists, it's time to bid farewell and exchange any last contact details. Prepare for your transfer to Toulouse-Blagnac Airport, scheduled for 10:00 AM, with an estimated arrival time of 11:00 AM. ## Instructors - [Jennifer Orkin Lewis](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/jennifer-orkin-lewis) — Artist, Illustrator, Author, Teacher - [Gayle Kabaker](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/gayle-kabaker) — Illustrator, Writer, Visual storyteller ## Accommodation ### Historic French Estate Tucked away in the heart of Tarn, Occitanie, your venue for the art retreat with Gayle Kabaker and Jennifer Orkin Lewis is a sprawling countryside estate with a rich history. This lovingly restored farmhouse combines rustic elegance with modern comforts, featuring original wooden beams, stone fireplaces, an imposing watchtower, and terracotta tiles that capture the rural charm of southern France. With no other buildings in sight, you can enjoy uninterrupted views of the rolling hills and a patchwork of lush fields. The 5-acre estate features a main house, a cozy guesthouse, and a repurposed barn transformed into a well-lit indoor workshop space. Your classes with Jennifer and Gayle will take place in the indoor workshop space or out and about in the gardens of the venue. Beyond your daily classes, enjoy the outdoor amenities present at the estate: two swimming pools (a saltwater pool and a hot tub), sprawling French gardens, and a fruit orchard. Please note that getting around the accommodation spaces, the workshop space, and the main building where meals are served requires a short walk. This retreat may not be suitable for participants with low or limited mobility. ### Shared twin room with shared bathroom (female only) One twin room with a shared bathroom is available for shared occupancy. You will share the room and its bathroom with another same-gender participant. The bathroom is also shared with another single-occupancy room. The room can be outfitted with a comfortable double bed or twin beds, as requested, and is beautifully decorated in a charming French manner. The room is located on the second floor in the main house at the retreat venue. ### Shared ensuite attic room One ensuite attic room is available for shared occupancy. This spacious attic room and its ensuite bathroom will be shared between two same-gender participants. The attic is a large space measuring 900 sq. ft. (85 sq. m.) located on the third floor of the main house, with two distinct sleeping areas separated by curtains. The room can be outfitted with either twin beds or one double bed, on request, and it features an ensuite shower bathroom. The attic has beautiful wooden beams crossing the ceiling, giving the space a cozy and romantic look. ### Shared standard ensuite room Two standard ensuite rooms are available for shared occupancy. Each room and its ensuite bathroom will be shared between two same-gender participants. The shared standard ensuite rooms can be outfitted with either twin beds or one comfortable double bed, on request, and they feature ensuite bathrooms. Located in the main house at the venue, on the second floor, the rooms are decorated in a beautiful French style and offer gorgeous views over the surrounding countryside. ### Shared superior ensuite room Three superior ensuite rooms are available for shared occupancy. Each room and its ensuite bathroom will be shared between two same-gender participants. The shared superior rooms can be outfitted with either twin beds or one comfortable double bed, on request, and they feature ensuite bathrooms. Located on the first and second floors of the main house at the venue, the rooms have large French windows with views of the beautiful garden. ### Single room - shared bathroom One room with a shared bathroom is available for single occupancy. You will share the bathroom with another shared-occupancy room, but you will have the room all to yourself. The room features a comfortable double bed and is beautifully decorated in a charming French manner. It is located on the second floor in the main house at the retreat venue. ### Single superior ensuite room Two superior ensuite rooms are available for single occupancy, each furnished with a comfortable queen-sized bed. The rooms are located on the first floor of the guesthouse and feature Wi-Fi and a TV, as well as a spacious private Italian bathrooms (within the room) equipped with a separate toilet, shower, and two hand basins. Both rooms offer beautiful views of the venue's gardens. ## Food Indulge in the robust flavors of Occitanie with every meal during your art retreat. The private chef crafts traditional southern French cuisine, featuring regional specialties like the beloved cassoulet, brimming with savory meats and beans, and the ocean's bounty in a classic bouillabaisse. Wine enthusiasts will appreciate the area's renowned crisp white wines, served during dinner. Your culinary journey begins with welcome cocktails and appetizing canapés and concludes with a memorable farewell dinner. Enjoy delicious meals and stay refreshed with available water, coffee, and tea throughout the day. All meals are included, except for one lunch during the trip to Albi. Dietary needs can be catered to if announced in advance. However, please keep in mind that we may be unable to accommodate severe, life-threatening allergies. Vegan, vegetarian, and pescatarian meal options are available, catering to all dietary needs, including gluten-free. For further details on the culinary experience awaiting you at the art retreat, please see the information below. The exact menu may vary based on the availability of seasonal ingredients. ## Getting There The art retreat with Gayle Kabaker and Jennifer Orkin Lewis takes place in the Occitanie region, in southern France. This area is famed for its stunning countryside landscapes, charming French towns, and fantastic food. Your venue, a sprawling countryside estate, is a gateway to the past, surrounded by villages with centuries-old buildings and cobbled streets. This historic estate is located an hour from Toulouse by car. The tranquility of the countryside, the warm smiles of locals, and the untouched natural beauty provide a serene backdrop for your classes. Explore the architectural marvels of Albi (located one hour away from the venue), wander through the quaint little town of Gaillac, with its vibrant brocantes and local French markets, discover the historic town of Castres. Check-in at the retreat venue starts at 4:00 PM on June 1, 2027. Check-out is after breakfast on June 8, 2027, by 10:00 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.** **To be transferred to the retreat venue, please arrive at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS).** 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. Please hold off booking your flights and train tickets until the retreat becomes guaranteed and you are charged for your participation. **How to get to Toulouse:** If you cannot find good connecting flights from your departure airport to Toulouse, we recommend you fly to Paris and fly domestically to Toulouse (local roundtrips starting from US$100, 1 hour and 20 minutes of journey time; fares may vary). **How to get from Toulouse to the retreat venue:** Private transfers at prearranged times to and from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS) are included. The journey takes approximately one hour. **Arrival Transfer:** **June 1, 2027** — **3:00 PM** (leaving from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport, arriving at the retreat venue at 4:00 PM) **Departure Transfer:** **June 8, 2027** — **10:00 AM** (leaving from the retreat venue, arriving at Toulouse Blagnac Airport at 11:00 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 Toulouse pre/post-retreat and catch the transfer shuttles from/to Toulouse-Blagnac Airport. - Grab a taxi to the retreat venue (address: Domaine d'En Naudet, 81220 Teyssode, France; estimated cost of US$200 per way). Please note that taxi fares may vary. ## Reviews **Reviews from previous UpTrek retreats with Gayle Kabaker and Jennifer Orkin Lewis:** - **"**Gayle and Jennifer and UpTrek put together a memorable retreat! The instructors are a perfect team. The activities and demos they plan are well thoughtout and provide so much information from their many years as successful, professional artists. The participants are given the space to learn and experiment with new techniques and also have time to relax in a beautiful environment. I would sign up for another trip with Gayle and Jennifer and Uptrek again in a heartbeat. Thanks so much for a memorable experience." - "Loved it, so amazing! Beautiful venue, great people, excellent teachers!!" - "It was perfect and amazing and delightful. Exceeded all of my expectations!!" - "Jennifer & Gayle created the vibe for great group interaction & support. I had a wonderful time and the pace worked for me....lessons, painting time, trip to the beach, demonstrations, exploring the gardens & socializing!" - "Everything was exceptional. The location, hospitality, instruction, and others who participated in the retreat. I will recommend the lodgings (accommodations, staff, and food) to others, I will recommend the UpTrek organization, and I will recommend Jen and Gayle as art instructors to others. It was a magical week." - "I thoroughly enjoyed this retreat! Jennifer and Gayle are wonderful teachers. They are down to earth and so much fun! Great for all levels. Uptrek’s organization and professionalism is outstanding. Feel confident in booking a retreat with them. The service, warmth and kindness of the staff at the venue went above & beyond our expectations. Many memories and friendships were made!" **Reviews from previous UpTrek retreats at this venue:** - "The venue was just what I was hoping for -- I love the rural area. It was very clean, hosts were professional and pleasant. Food by all three caterers was wholesome." - "Beautiful location. Our hosts were wonderful, lovely, and accommodating. I highly recommend it!" - "UpTrek: all transfers, tours & venues were great. It was perfectly charming and Sophie & Nicolas (the hosts) were absolutely wonderful & really adapted to all of our requests beyond what I expected! The week was made fabulous by our great group of women, the snacks, wine & the bond we all formed. We learned from each other & have formed lasting friendships!" - "I had a perfect week in France. The venue was beautiful and Sophie and Nicolas (the hosts) did everything in their power to make our stay comfortable. The trips were perfectly timed and provided much inspiration for our paintings. I thoroughly enjoyed the company of my fellow painters and would definitely use your company for travel again." - "The venue was so beautiful and comfortable. I was happy with my room and the circumstances that allowed me a comfortable single room. EVERYTHING we asked for was provided by the following day or meal! I enjoyed the pool and the outdoor dining and painting. Such care was given to us by our lovely kind hosts." - "Stunning venue; delicious food and wine; wonderful hosts. Lots of painting time. Interesting day trips. I definitely want to do another retreat!" - "I had a wonderful time! I also loved getting to know the fun, encouraging women who were with me on this retreat. The setting was gorgeous - like a postcard!" - "The food, the hosts, the accommodations, and the views were wonderful. The field trips were enjoyable and educational. I would take another trip with UpTrek." - "The trip organization and warm, professional service from Uptrek, and the amazing service, delicious food, and high quality from the venue, Domaine d'En Naudet. And the other retreat participants were truly lovely! From the start, UpTrek provided prompt, careful service that was carried right through to our arrival at the retreat. Communication is key, especially when travel is just getting going again, and Andra (the retreat coordinator) was always ready with a response. I really appreciated the sensible, yet friendly approach, as well as the clear policies that were upfront from the start. Meeting Ted (CEO of UpTrek) and Andra put faces to the business - this human touch adds value and reassurance. Sophie and Nicolas (the venue hosts) were charming, attentive hosts who looked after many needs. They served us tasty treats throughout the day, they kept us shaded and they helped find solutions when required. I wish we had 48 hours in which to enjoy each day even more. The venue was excellent. The setting was magical. I was very comfortable and there was plenty of space for a group of this size. The rooms were very clean and the use of laundry facilities was much appreciated. It was lovely to feel at ease to use the pool, the hot tub, the fridge, the common areas, and the grounds - after being cooped up for over two years, this was a wonderful physical release. Having access to a well-lit space for us to enjoy Sketchbook Night Club each night was the icing on the cake: we were able to keep making art, have some laughs and get to know one another better. I would highly recommend each component and hope to have the opportunity to travel this way again. This retreat was truly like a dream come true. I loved it. I thank each of you from the heart." ## Frequently Asked Questions **Is the retreat available to all levels?** The art retreat with artists Jennifer Orkin Lewis and Gayle Kabaker is open to all levels of art experience. **When is the retreat available?** The retreat will take place between June 1 - 8, 2027. **How do I get to the retreat venue?** Please plan to arrive at the Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS). The retreat venue is located approximately an hour's drive from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport. 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. Roundtrip airport transfers from/to Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS) at prearranged times are included. For more information, see the [Location tab](https://uptrek.com/retreat/immersive-sketchbook-retreat-artists-jennifer-orkin-lewis-gayle-kabaker-france#location). Please hold off booking your flights until the retreat becomes guaranteed and you have been charged for your participation. **Are there any check-in and check-out hours?** Please make your travel arrangements to arrive at the venue after 4:00 PM on June 1, 2027. Check-out is after breakfast on the last day at 10:00 AM, on June 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.** **What supplies do I need for the workshops?** A detailed list of art materials recommended by artists Jennifer Orkin Lewis and Gayle Kabaker will be provided five months before the retreat takes place. Tables, chairs, field easels, portable plein-air stools, paper towels, professional studio lights, and glass jars 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.** **What’s the weather like in Teyssode, Occitanie, France, in June?** The weather in Teyssode in June is usually sunny and pleasant. You can expect average highs of 25°C / 77°F during the day that drop to around 13°C / 55°F at night. However, in recent years, temperatures have become harder to predict accurately, and averages may vary. Please check the weather a week before traveling and pack accordingly. **What should I pack?** Please pack appropriate clothing, a swimsuit, sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable shoes, a cardigan for chilly evenings, a waterproof raincoat, a water bottle, 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. **I am vegetarian/vegan. Can I book this retreat?** Yes. All diets are catered for if announced in advance. Please note, however, that we cannot accommodate severe, life-threatening allergies. **Is Wi-Fi available?** Yes. **How many people are to be expected on the retreat?** Maximum of 17 participants. **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. **Is the retreat available to guests with limited mobility?** Unfortunately, the retreat venue and day trips are not well-suited for people with limited mobility. The trips involve plenty of walking on uneven, cobbled streets. Getting around the studio, the accommodation spaces, and the main building where meals are served at the venue also requires a short walk. **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 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 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/immersive-sketchbook-retreat-artists-jennifer-orkin-lewis-gayle-kabaker-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/immersive-sketchbook-retreat-artists-jennifer-orkin-lewis-gayle-kabaker-france **Last updated:** 2026-06-11