Is the art 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 with artist Richard Claremont takes place between May 21 - 28, 2025.

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

Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 4:00 PM on May 21, 2025. Check-out is after breakfast on the last day, May 28, 2025.

Is Wi-Fi available?

Yes.

I am vegetarian/vegan. Can I book this retreat?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, and all other diets are catered to if announced in advance. Please note that we may be unable to accommodate severe, life-threatening allergies.

How do I get to the retreat venue?

Roundtrip 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. Please hold off booking any flights or trains until the retreat becomes guaranteed and you have been charged for your participation.

What should I pack?

Please pack appropriate clothing, sunscreen, a swimsuit, insect repellent, a cardigan for chilly evenings, comfortable shoes, a sun hat and sunglasses, personal care items, and any personal medication you might need.

Can I do laundry while on the retreat?

Laundry facilities are available at the retreat venue and you are welcome to use them for free during your stay.

What art supplies do I need for the workshops?

A detailed list of art materials recommended by artist Richard Claremont will be provided upon booking, five months before the retreat begins. Easels, paper towels, water containers, and appropriate disposal bins are available at the venue.

What’s the weather like in Doué-en-Anjou in May?

The weather in May in Doué-en-Anjou, the closest town to Château de la Vigne, is usually mild 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 art retreat and to pack accordingly.

How many people are to be expected at the retreat?

Maximum 14 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 art retreat and other activities?

The retreat is available in English.

Are there any age restrictions?

The art retreat is open to anyone aged over 18.

Is the art 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 artist'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.