# Joyful Painting - Paint What You Love Retreat with Artist Laura Raborn in France

Embark on a transformative painting retreat with visual artist Laura Raborn in the heart of the Loire Valley, France. Using simple methods, this enriching retreat will interrupt the tendency to overthink and allow you to break free from your inner critic. Paint loosely and freely, without pressure or stress, surrounded by rolling hills, endless skies, and the smell of freshly blossomed flowers.

Enjoy daily classes with Laura, demonstrations, and a range of drawing and painting exercises. You will begin with breaking down your beautiful surroundings into large, basic shapes, without detail and without worry about getting it “right.” Like large pieces of a puzzle, you will initially create abstract compositions that use the landscape, the architecture, and the surrounding natural elements to explore color, line, shape, light, and shadow.

Practice loose gestural sketches, using a viewfinder, and learn measuring tricks to develop a clear understanding of how to capture the scenes realistically in paint. Finally, apply value lessons, learning to truly see and mimic form, with color mixing, brushwork, edges, and angles. There is always a shape to every value plane, and once you learn how to see, you can mimic three-dimensional forms, and your paintings come alive.

Complement your art classes with exciting trips to a vibrant local French market 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 both indoor and outdoor workshop spaces. Indulge in delicious meals prepared by a private chef under the supervision of the château's nutritionist, and savor authentic French flavors in a wine-tasting event with a top local Loire Valley sommelier. Connect with fellow creatives over shared meals, painting, and unforgettable memories.

## Details

- **Dates:** September 22 - 29, 2027
- **Location:** Concourson-sur-Layon, France
- **Starting Price:** $4,300
- **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 Laura Raborn
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, and paper towels
3. Fresh flowers, fruits, and vegetables as reference materials for the workshop component
4. 7 nights of accommodation at a stunning private 19th century French château, in the heart of the Loire Valley
5. 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
6. All meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners carefully prepared by a private chef under the supervision of the château’s nutritionist
7. All diets catered for, including vegetarian, vegan, diabetic, gluten-free, and lactose-free
8. Delicious welcome and farewell dinners
9. Cheese boards with a selection of fine French cheeses accompanying the three-course dinners
10. Plentiful, local French wine served during dinner service every day
11. 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
12. Tea, coffee, water, and afternoon snacks available throughout the day
13. Full-day art trip to Château de Villandry, with opportunities for painting and sketching on location
14. Half-day art trip to a local French market, 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 Laura Raborn 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 Laura Raborn 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

### Joyful Painting - Paint What You Love
Join visual artist Laura Raborn on an inspiring art retreat focused on drawing and painting as a way of looking closely and seeing clearly. Set in the heart of the Loire Valley, surrounded by rolling hills, endless skies, and the smell of freshly blossomed flowers, you will experience how the joy of observing and creating helps you see in a new way and live in the present moment.

Enjoy daily classes, demonstrations, and playful exercises as Laura will guide you on how to observe and identify basic geometric shapes in everything you see. This will include landscapes, architecture, botanicals, people, food, and anything else in your path that lights up your senses.

You will learn how to see the variations in color by creating color studies as an invaluable tool to guide you during each project. Once you train your eye to see the subtle shifts in color, you will be able to best choose which paint to use on each part of your drawing. You will also create value studies to see the subtle shifts in light and dark and how to best capture those important shapes in your drawings and paintings. The retreat is open to all levels of experience, though you’ll benefit most if you already have some prior painting experience.

Strengthen your on-location sketching skills by taking exciting trips to a bustling local French market and the spectacular gardens of Château de Villandry, a grand country house known for its extraordinary contemporary garden design. Get inspired by the seasonal flowers, fruits, and vegetables at the local market, as well as by Château de Villandry's seven remarkable gardens, from the ripened Kitchen Garden to the fragrant Herb Garden.

By the end of the retreat, you will have a sketchbook full of notes, studies, and a group of paintings that capture your time in France and inspire future work.

**The topics covered during your classes with Laura include:**

- Building a travel sketchbook full of place-based reflections and memories
- Learning how to use and how to improve your use of a viewfinder
- Learning how to check measurements and angles early in the process so your painting gets off to a great start
- Learning to see and capture the foundational shapes in everything you see
- Learning how to block in basic shapes
- Building confidence and calming your inner critic
- Practicing color mixing and choices by understanding hue, saturation, and color harmony
- Learning to see shifts in light and dark by creating and using value scales
- Learning quick studies that capture atmosphere and emotion
- Learning how to self-critique, using your inner critic to improve work rather than harshly criticizing
- Learning how to troubleshoot by identifying when something seems off and learning how to make corrections
- Carrying home a tool that can assist in future art making and compositions
- ...and many more!

Your home for the week will be a historic 19th-century French château. Your art classes will take place both indoors and outdoors, surrounded by blooming gardens, open skies, and the layered charm of the château. 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 artist Laura Raborn, 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 Laura 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. Laura will walk you through what's ahead, talking about the materials and techniques you will use, the skills you will learn, what to expect, and why this region has such a pull for painters.

### Day 2: Classes at the venue
Wake up to the smell of freshly baked bread and enjoy a hearty breakfast paired with a warm cup of coffee. Join Laura and your fellow artists for a quick morning check-in with the venue hosts before jumping into the first workshop of the retreat.

The workshop will begin with a fun icebreaker activity to loosen up and tap into your creative energy: blind contour sketches! Then, you will move onto some painting introductions, learning how to pull paint, block-in with paint, work from a sketch versus work from a reference photo, and color-block exercises. Under Laura's gentle guidance, you will learn how to see basic shapes in everything and how to check angles and proportions through comparisons.

Pause midday for a relaxed lunch in the garden’s shaded terrace, if the weather is favorable, then continue the afternoon with another art class.

During this class, you will continue building on the work from the morning. Step outside into the garden if you feel like sketching outdoors, or continue painting in the studio. Develop your viewfinder practice, capturing the foundational shapes in everything that you see. Continue practicing your painting skills as well with a fun shape block-in exercise using black and white photocopies.

As the workshop comes to an end, take some time to rest and reset before dinner. Savor a delightful three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef and paired with a glass of fragrant French wine. Raise a glass and toast to a riveting first day of creation at the retreat, sharing impressions and getting to know your fellow artists.

### Day 3: Art trip to a local French market
Fuel up with a satisfying breakfast and a freshly brewed cup of coffee before heading into the adventures of the day. Have a brief morning check-in with the venue hosts, then prepare for the first adventure of the retreat: a visit to a bustling local French market.

Explore the vibrant stalls overflowing with seasonal flowers, fruits, vegetables, herbs, and local produce. Take in all the different colors of bright flower bouquets, stands of tomatoes, apricots, and figs, or the stalls filled with artisanal bread and cheeses. Do some sketching on location, such as a block-in of a market stall, a fruit or vegetable, or a person, using a viewfinder to zoom on and out between details and the larger scene. Laura will also teach you about value and how to use the four-value scale.

On your way back to the venue, take part in an optional creative writing exercise, reflecting on the morning's trip and your creative discoveries. Once you return to the venue, enjoy a refreshing lunch, and then continue the day with another afternoon art workshop. During this class, you will do 8-minute limited-brushstroke paintings, each paired with a poem that reflects its meaning. The poem-pairing draws on renowned Catalan painter Joan Miró's technique of accompanying small gesture paintings with poetry. You will also do some quick monochromatic value studies, building on the value lesson from the morning.

In the late afternoon, take some leisure time to unwind and relax. Indulge in a flavorful three-course dinner prepared by the private chef and paired with a glass of aromatic French wine.

### Day 4: Classes at the venue
Wake up to the soft morning light and enjoy a filling breakfast outside, if the weather is favorable, under the trees' gentle shadow within the venue’s gardens. Join Laura and your fellow creatives for a quick morning check-in with the venue hosts, then prepare for another day filled with creativity and inspiration.

Step outside into the venue's vast gardens and explore the grounds with your sketchbook in hand, doing playful warm-up exercises such as continuous-line sketches. Practice your on-site sketching skills with a value scale and by zooming in and out on details. Towards the end of the class, take some time to discuss and select a few favorite sketches or photos from throughout the week that you will be using for the afternoon workshop.

Take a break for lunch and enjoy a nourishing meal, then head into the afternoon class, which will be dedicated to creating a personal painting duo. Start by blocking in the same image on two pieces of paper, building value scales, and slowly developing your pair of paintings. Then, work on color mixing, hue, saturation, and all the good stuff that goes into learning about color! Laura will be there to offer guidance and support if needed.

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

### Day 5: Art trip to Château de Villandry
Begin the day with a delightful breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, then have a brief morning check-in with the venue hosts. Ease into the pace of the day, preparing yourself for the second adventure of the retreat: a 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 practice your on-the-go sketching skills by participating in a botanical drawing lesson.

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.

Enjoy a leisurely picnic lunch packed from the venue. Spend the rest of the afternoon continuing to explore the Château’s gardens, making quick sketches inspired by the nature around you.

As the afternoon comes to an end, return to the venue and take some time to rest and unwind in the late afternoon. If time permits, join Laura and your fellow artists in the studio for a quick series of 8-minute gesture paintings using four reference photos and sketches from the day. Gather around the dinner table for a hearty three-course meal prepared by the private chef and accompanied by a glass of local French wine.

### Day 6: Classes at the venue & wine-tasting event
Start the day with a filling breakfast and a freshly brewed cup of coffee. Join Laura and the group for a quick morning check-in with the venue hosts, then step into the studio for another day of creation.

During the morning workshop, step outside into the venue's beautiful gardens and continue your sketchbook practice with the viewfinder and by blocking in basic shapes. Laura will offer tips and tricks on how to capture whatever catches your eye.

Pause midday for a refreshing lunch beneath the soft shadow of the shaded terrace, if the weather is favorable, then head into the studio for more painting time. Review the sketches and studies you have done so far, discussing with Laura and the group what's working best in preparation for your final paintings. Then, using all the lessons so far, block in two new paintings that you will continue tomorrow.

Enjoy some spare time to reset and recharge in the late afternoon. As the evening approaches, take part in a wine-tasting event before dinner with a top local sommelier who spent six years in the UK working with Gordon Ramsay before moving back to his native Loire. Savor a selection of fine aromatic wines, tasting the authentic flavors of France. Gather with Laura and the group for a delicious three-course dinner prepared by the private chef, soaking in the lovely conversations and cozy atmosphere.

### Day 7: Classes at the venue
Delight yourself with a hearty breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, then have a brief morning check-in with the venue hosts. Step into your final full day at the retreat, settling into the day’s gentle rhythm and following the swirl of creative energy wherever it takes you.

During the morning session, continue working on your paintings from yesterday. Add color, playing with hue, contrasts, shadow, and light. You can choose to work either inside or outside, and Laura will be there to help and offer support if needed, helping you bring your pieces to their final stage.

Take a break for lunch, then join Laura and your fellow artists for an open Q&A on any topics that have not been covered yet. This is your chance to ask any remaining questions and develop your final paintings. Laura will happily do any specific drawing or painting demos you ask for! End the class with a group discussion and final recap of your creative journey throughout the week, sharing your highs and lows with the group, favorite lessons, and most satisfying techniques and paintings.

Enjoy some leisure time to unwind and reset before dinner. Savor a delightful farewell three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef and paired with a glass of fine local wine. Reflect on the week’s creative discoveries and joyful moments. Immerse yourself in the lovely atmosphere, filled with flowing conversations and laughter, and toast to the beautiful memories you have made together with Laura and your fellow artists.

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

- [Laura Raborn](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/laura-raborn) — Figurative painter and art educator

## Accommodation

### Historic French Château
Your home for the retreat with artist Laura Raborn 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 Laura Raborn, 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 Laura Raborn 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, as well as a vibrant local French market. 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 September 22, 2027, and check-out is after breakfast on September 29, 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: **September 22, 2027 ⁠— 4:00 PM** (leaving from Angers (St. Laud) train station, arriving at the retreat venue around 5:00 PM)
- Departure transfer: **September 29, 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 retreats led by artist Laura Raborn:**

- "Laura is really skilled at incorporating the beautiful environment to help students learn. She is able to cater to artists of all levels and is willing to spend as much time with someone as needed for them to grasp the concepts. She encourages creativity and individual style and allowed independent painting as well.”

- "I just returned from a painting retreat with Laura. I have to say I enjoyed every minute. She is an incredible artist, a fantastic teacher, and a joy to be around."

- "I would recommend this retreat to anyone. I very much enjoyed three key takeaways – blind contour drawings, blocking, and value. I knew I understood value to a certain extent, but something finally clicked. And I have never had anyone explain sketching - via blocking - so well. I was practicing all the way home! My seat neighbor even commented how much he liked my sketch!”

**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, though you’ll benefit most if you already have some prior painting experience.

**When is the retreat available?**

The retreat with artist Laura Raborn takes place between September 22 - 29, 2027.

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

Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 4:00 PM on September 22, 2027. Check-out is after breakfast on the last day at 8:00 AM, on September 29, 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/joyful-painting-paint-what-you-love-retreat-artist-laura-raborn-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, any personal medication you might need, and an apron for the art workshops.

**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 Laura Raborn 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, and paper towels are included and will be available at the venue. Fresh flowers, fruits, and vegetables as reference materials will be provided for the workshop component. **Students are responsible for bringing their own art supplies, based on the instructors' recommended list.**

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

The weather in mid-September in Doué-en-Anjou, the closest town to the retreat venue, is usually sunny and pleasant. You can expect average highs of 20°C / 68°F during the day that drop to around 10°C / 50°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/joyful-painting-paint-what-you-love-retreat-artist-laura-raborn-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/joyful-painting-paint-what-you-love-retreat-artist-laura-raborn-france
**Last updated:** 2026-09-03