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 art retreat available?

The art retreat takes place May 31 - June 7, 2025.

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

Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 4:00 PM on May 31, 2025. Check-out is after breakfast on the last day at 9:30 AM, on June 7, 2025.

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 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 early June?

The weather in Eymet in early June is usually mild and pleasant. You can expect average highs of 24°C / 75°F during the day that drop to around 12°C / 54°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 art supplies do I need for the retreat?

A list of art materials recommended by artist Richard Claremont will be provided upon booking, five months before the retreat. Studio easels, chairs, tables with protective covers, a whiteboard, plein-air chairs, paper towels, water containers, and appropriate disposal bins for acrylic painting are available at the venue.

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 to be expected on 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.

Can a non-participating guest join me?

We do not accommodate non-participants at our art retreats. This policy is in place to ensure the artistic and immersive nature of our retreats remains intact for all participants.

What language is used during the art workshop and other activities?

The retreat is available in English.

Is the retreat available to guests with limited mobility?

There will be plenty of walking on uneven, cobbled streets during the art trips; the trips may not be suitable to participants with limited mobility.

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 artist 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.

What happens if I need to cancel?

All bookings are nonrefundable under any circumstances. Once payment is made, it is considered final. In the event of cancellation, regardless of the reason, no refunds will be granted.

Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. This insurance should cover any potential losses incurred due to cancellation or no-show, including but not limited to medical emergencies, travel disruptions, or personal circumstances. We are not affiliated with any travel insurance providers. It is your responsibility to secure appropriate insurance coverage that includes trip cancellation and interruption protection. We highly recommend reviewing the terms and conditions of your chosen insurance provider to understand the coverage and claim process.

We will gladly provide the essential documentation to support refund claims with the insurance provider.