Mixed Media Art Retreat with Artist Jeanne Oliver in France
Embark on an extraordinary art retreat with artist Jeanne Oliver in Occitanie, France. Whether you're a beginner or you're looking to level up your skills, you'll benefit from Jeanne's insightful demonstrations, daily classes, individual feedback, encouragement, and invaluable advice. Dive into the world of mixed media as you create a stitched sketchbook, study abstract landscapes, still life, and florals, and learn to look at your environment through an artistic lens.
The retreat will take place at the charming Domaine d'En Naudet estate, where you'll savor exquisite local cuisine, enjoy premium amenities, and form connections with 15 other fellow artists. Set your creativity loose, fill your sketchbook with lifelong memories, and experience authentic French culture.
What's included:
- Art classes, individual tuition, and demonstrations with artist Jeanne Oliver
- Portable field easels, water containers, paper towels, portable chairs, artboards, and professional studio lights
- 7 nights of accommodation at Domaine d'En Naudet
- Exclusive use of the entire 5-acre property with a saltwater pool, hot tub, spacious reconverted barn used as an art studio, indoor workshop space, fruit orchard, private gardens, and terraces
- 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 7 dinners carefully prepared by a private chef
- Coffee, tea, water, and homemade snacks available throughout the day
- Unlimited wine during dinner service
- Welcome and farewell cocktails and canapés
- Art trip to Albi, Toulouse-Lautrec Museum visit, and time for painting on-location
- Art trip to a French botanical garden with time for painting on-location
- Trip to a French vineyard estate including wine tasting
- Private transportation and chaperone for all trips and planned activities
- Roundtrip airport transfers from/to Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS) at prearranged times
- Venue host available throughout the day
- All local tourist taxes and fees
- Access to a private Facebook group with Jeanne Oliver and other retreat participants four months before the retreat
Not included
- Airfare/transportation to Toulouse
- Travel insurance
- Art supplies - a detailed list of art materials recommended by Jeanne Oliver will be provided five months before the retreat
- Lunch during the full-day trip to Albi
- Extra costs guests might incur on their own
Book this retreat
8 days
Max. 16 guests
Available in English
Graphite, charcoal, watercolors, gouache
Landscapes, florals, and still life
All prices are in US dollars
Guaranteed Retreat
Mixed Media Art Retreat with Artist Jeanne Oliver in France$4,200 per guest
Join artist Jeanne Oliver for an unforgettable art retreat taking place in romantic Occitanie, southern France. The weeklong adventure features inspiring daily classes with Jeanne, plenty of one-to-one feedback, demonstrations, hands-on practice sessions, and the chance to free your creative spirit. Using mixed media (graphite, charcoal, watercolor, gouache, dyes, and many more), you'll craft a gorgeous stitched sketchbook filled with tranquil scenes of the French countryside. All levels of art experience are welcome, from complete beginners to intermediates looking to reinvent their creative process.
In addition to your daily classes, you'll visit three gorgeous locations in Occitanie: a magnificent French garden, the medieval town of Albi, and a majestic château vineyard. Jeanne's insightful classes are ideal for anyone looking to break free of their inner critic and connect to their surroundings more deeply. You'll study abstract landscapes along with still life and florals. Most importantly, you'll form lifelong friendships with 15 other artists, with whom you'll grow, learn, laugh, and explore beautiful France.
The topics covered during your lessons will include:
- Creating a stitched sketchbook
- Learning to see the lines and forms in your surroundings
- Quickly capturing still-life, landscapes, and florals with contour sketching
- Working with simple tools (graphite and charcoal)
- Layering watercolor and gouache
- Simple and effective color mixing
- Basic composition principles
- Preparing your art materials for an on-location session
- Creating natural dyes, inks, and making linocut prints
- How to become more experimental in your art
- ...and many more.
Domaine d'En Naudet, your retreat venue, is a beautifully restored countryside estate. This peaceful setting is an artist's haven, providing the perfect backdrop for your creative sessions. Beyond your daily classes with Jeanne, you'll delight in chef-made French cuisine every day, relax by the pool, and bond with your supportive art group.
The retreat is open to all levels of experience. Please be mindful that the art trips are not well-suited for participants with low or limited mobility, as they involve plenty of walking on uneven, cobbled streets.
Day 1: Arrival
Day 2: Art classes at the venue
Day 3: Art trip to French jardins
Day 4: Art classes at the venue
Day 5: Art trip to Albi
Day 6: Art at the venue & wine tasting
Day 7: Art classes at the venue
Day 8: Departure
Jeanne Oliver
Artist, teacher, author, and art business consultant
Jeanne Oliver is a multi-disciplinary artist based in Colorado, where she lives with her partner and three children. Her art style is diverse and eclectic, combining mixed media in unexpected ways. Jeanne’s work reflects a blend of texture, color, and storytelling, inviting viewers into a relatable and emotive visual narrative.
As an educator, Jeanne has a straightforward and encouraging teaching style. She firmly believes in the creative potential within each person and has dedicated herself to nurturing this potential through her workshops, both in the U.S. and internationally. Jeanne has founded an art school that serves over 70,000 members globally, offering a range of courses that aim to make art accessible to everyone. Through her online courses and the Creatively Made Business curriculum, Jeanne emphasizes the importance of engaging with one's creativity as a means to enrich life. Her mission is to provide a space where individuals can explore and develop their artistic skills, highlighting that creativity is essential, especially in today’s fast-paced world.
Check out her website at jeanneoliver.com, or follow her on Instagram @jeanneoliver.
Indulge in the robust flavors of Occitanie with every meal at Domaine d'En Naudet. 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 full-day 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.
For further details on the culinary experience awaiting you at Domaine d'En Naudet, please see the information below.
Breakfast optionsBreakfast consisting of fresh French croissants and baguettes, butter, jams, homemade cake, fresh fruits, orange juice, coffee, and tea
Lunch optionsLight lunches consisting of mixed salads, soups, potatoes, rice, pastas, vegetables, chicken confit, quiche, or cassoulet
Dinner optionsThree-course dinners consisting of salads, soups, French Bouillabaisse, steaks, Ratatouille, Occitan Stew, pastas, grilled or baked vegetables, pie, and desserts
DrinksWater, coffee, and tea available all day; unlimited wine served with dinner
Regular / Vegetarian / Vegan / Diabetic / Gluten-Free / Lactose-Free mealsPlease inform us of your dietary requirements in advance. We may be unable to cater to severe, life-threatening allergies.
Please get in touch in advance to discuss your specific dietary requirements. Please be mindful that we may not be able to accommodate severe, life-threatening allergies. All meals are included, except for one lunch during the trip to Albi.
The art retreat with Jeanne Oliver 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, Domaine d'En Naudet, 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 (an hour away from the venue), wander through a lush botanical garden, and visit a vineyard estate (both only 30 minutes away).
Check-in at the retreat venue starts at 4:00 PM on May 15, 2025. Check-out is after breakfast on May 22, 2025, by 10:00 AM.
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:
May 15, 2025 — 3:00 PM (leaving from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport, arriving at the retreat venue at 4:00 PM)
Departure Transfer:
May 22, 2025 — 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.
Roundtrip airport transfers from/to Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS) at prearranged times are included. Please hold off booking your flights until the retreat becomes guaranteed
Is this retreat available to all levels?
The art retreat with artist Jeanne Oliver is open to all levels of experience.
When is the art retreat available?
The retreat will take place between May 15 - 22, 2025.
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. 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 Domaine d'En Naudet after 4:00 PM on May 15, 2025. Check-out is after breakfast on the last day at 10:00 AM, on May 22, 2025.
What art supplies do I need for the art classes?
A detailed list of art materials recommended by artist Jeanne Oliver will be provided five months before the retreat takes place. Water containers, portable field easels, artboards, portable plein-air chairs, paper towels, tables, and chairs are available at the retreat venue.
What’s the weather like in Teyssode, Occitanie, France, in May?
The weather in Teyssode in May is usually sunny and pleasant. You can expect average highs of 23°C / 73°F during the day that drop to around 12°C / 54°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 evening, 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 WiFi available?
Yes.
How many people are to be expected on the art retreat?
Maximum of 16 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 art classes and other activities?
The art 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.
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.
Domaine d'En Naudet reviews from previous retreats:
- "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 Domain d'En Naudet!"
- "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 Domaine d'en Naudet was an excellent venue. 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."
Book this retreat
- One guest
- Two guests
- Three guests
Reservation is nonrefundable. Your payment method will be charged within 48 hours.
Booking information
All prices are in US dollars
This retreat is guaranteed.
All 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 booking, your payment method will be charged within 48 hours.
After booking, your payment method will be charged within 48 hours.
With guaranteed retreats:
- there is no cancellation
- there are no changes in itinerary, schedule, instructor, venue or dates
- it is deemed medically safe by local, state or European authorities
- the minimum group size has been met
If the retreat is canceled due to force majeure events or circumstances out of our 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.
Do you have pre-booking questions? Please contact us.