# Paint Your Watercolor Fairytale Retreat with Artist Sara Tepes in France

Dive into the world of whimsical watercolor painting in the Dordogne region of France. Over the course of this magical retreat with artist Sara Tepes, you will explore color mixing, palette creation, plein air techniques, and sketchbook composition, all while drawing inspiration from one of the most picturesque corners of the French countryside.

Sara’s teaching centers on exploration and self-expression, helping you develop your unique artistic voice and learn to channel everything around you into cohesive, character-filled artwork.

The retreat welcomes all levels, though you will get the most out of it if you are already comfortable with watercolor.

Venture out into the heart of Dordogne to discover charming villages and historic towns bursting with artistic inspiration. Sketch the dramatic hilltop castle Château de Beynac in Beynac-et-Cazenac, wander the cobbled streets of Issigeac, and soak up the lively atmosphere of Eymet's vibrant local market.

Stay at a charming French countryside estate, in one of the five fully renovated traditional gîtes, and savor delicious chef-made food paired with fine wines from one of France's most celebrated wine areas. Enjoy a wine and cheese tasting experience, and find inspiration for your series of paintings in the local culture of southwestern France.

## Details

- **Dates:** May 15 - 22, 2027
- **Location:** Eymet, Dordogne, France
- **Starting Price:** $4,850
- **Currency:** USD
- **Status:** open
- **Group Size:** Max. 15 guests
- **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 Sara Tepes
2. Art studio equipped with: tables, chairs, field easels, a printer-scanner, printer paper, plein-air artist chairs, water containers, paper towels, professional studio lights
3. 7 nights of accommodation at a spectacular private estate in southwestern France
4. Exclusive use of the entire 25-acre estate with a private heated pool, art studio, indoor and outdoor lounge areas, beautiful gardens, terraces, private woodland, and natural pond
5. All meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners carefully prepared by a private chef
6. All diets catered for, including vegetarian, vegan, diabetic, gluten-free, and lactose-free
7. Afternoon snacks, coffee, tea, and water available throughout the day
8. Local award-winning wine served with dinner
9. Non-alcoholic drinks served with lunch and made available during dinner service
10. A wine and cheese tasting experience at the venue
11. Half-day art trip to the medieval town of Issigeac
12. Full-day art trip to Beynac-et-Cazenac, with a visit of the hilltop castle Château de Beynac
13. Market visit during your trip to Beynac-et-Cazenac
14. Entrance ticket to the Château de Beynac castle
15. Half-day art trip to Eymet market (self-guided)
16. Sketching and painting opportunities on location for all art trips
17. Private transportation for the trips to Issigeac and Beynac-et-Cazenac
18. English-speaking guide or chaperone for all planned trips and activities (except for the Eymet trip)
19. Round-trip transfers from/to Bergerac train station at prearranged times
20. All local tourist taxes and fees
21. Experienced retreat admin and UpTrek host on location
22. Fully staffed venue with drivers, cleaning and maintenance staff, and chef and kitchen staff
23. Access to a private Facebook group with Sara Tepes and the other retreat participants four months before the retreat

**Not included**

- Airfare
- Travel insurance
- One lunch during the full-day trip to Beynac-et-Cazenac
- Art materials — a list of art materials recommended by artist Sara Tepes will be provided five months before the retreat takes place
- Tips for staff — tipping is customary in France
- Other expenses guests might incur on their own

## Program

### Paint Your Watercolor Fairytale
Paint your way through the French countryside with Sara Tepes as your guide. Work in watercolor and drawing media, including colored pencils and graphite, building a body of artwork inspired by the golden stone villages, medieval castles, rolling vineyards, and vibrant weekly markets of Dordogne. Sara will introduce you to her creative process from day one, and each session will build naturally on the one before, guiding you from color theory and palette creation through plein-air painting and reference photography to a final sketchbook spread that captures the heart of your week.

Sara’s teaching style is rooted in exploration over perfection. Rather than following rigid steps, you will learn to find and develop your own artistic voice, channeling inspiration from the world around you and from your favorite writers, poets, photographers, and artists into themed artwork full of life and character. Interactive exercises will keep your energy playful and engaging, with plenty of room to experiment and make discoveries at your own pace!

Throughout the week, you will cover color mixing and how to choose intentional palettes, composition and layout for watercolor pieces, plein-air painting in your own style and rhythm, and how to bring energy and character to your work through varied approaches and thoughtful layering. You will also learn how to take strong reference photos on location, a skill that will serve your art practice long after the retreat is over.

The week is split between focused studio sessions and creative outings into Dordogne. Explore the medieval villages of Beynac-et-Cazenac and Issigeac on day trips, and walk to the nearby Eymet market for a morning of sketching and browsing just steps from the estate. Each outing doubles as creative fieldwork, with time built in for on-location sketching and gathering the visual material that will power your studio work.

Bring at least a basic comfort level with watercolor, and come ready to play! Sara will offer one-on-one guidance throughout the week, meeting you wherever you are in your creative journey and helping you push your work in new directions. By the final day, you will have a collection of finished watercolor pieces and a cohesive sketchbook spread to take home, along with sharper color instincts and a stronger sense of your own artistic voice.

**Some of the topics covered in your classes with Sara include:**

- Exploring inspiration from the beautiful environment, your favorite writers, poets, photographers, and artists
- Channeling these external sources of inspiration to create cohesive and themed artworks
- Discovering and developing your unique artistic voice and style
- Understanding plein-air watercolor techniques in your own style and rhythm
- Mixing colors and selecting harmonious color palettes
- Learning composition and layout for your watercolor pieces
- …and many more!

Your home for the week will be an elegant historic estate from the Napoleonic era, set amidst vibrant gardens, secluded woodlands, a natural pond, and a heated pool. Delight in Dordogne’s culinary heritage with daily chef-prepared meals, and savor the local wines through a wine and cheese tasting experience. Share meals, laughter, and creative conversations with 14 other like-minded artists, all in a welcoming environment where everyone feels comfortable learning and growing together.

### Day 1: Arrival
Catch the 3:30 PM shuttle from Bergerac train station to your retreat venue, a stunning 25-acre historic estate in the heart of Dordogne. Upon arrival, settle into your cozy accommodations, take a moment to unwind, and meet the lovely Sara Tepes, your instructor for the week.

Start your experience with a guided tour of the estate, showcasing its charming communal spaces, the vast gardens, sunlit terraces, a heated swimming pool, serene woodlands, and a tranquil pond. The day concludes with a warm welcome dinner featuring exquisite French cuisine and fragrant local wine, setting the tone for the inspiring week that’s ahead.

### Day 2: Classes at the venue
Enjoy a wholesome breakfast and a cup of freshly brewed coffee, then join Sara and the group outdoors for a relaxed picnic-style opening session. Share what you hope to get out of the week and any areas you would like to focus on, while Sara walks you through her teaching approach and the creative goals that will shape your sessions.

Head into the studio to warm up with a hands-on color exercise. Mix watercolors freely and build a set of color palettes and swatches that will set the foundation for the work ahead.

Pause for a relaxed lunch, then regroup with Sara for an afternoon session on reference photography. Learn how to capture the textures, light, colors, and small details you will want to paint from later in the week, then put the technique into practice with a walk around the estate grounds.

Wind down with free time to enjoy the heated pool or explore the gardens before gathering for a three-course dinner paired with wine.

### Day 3: Art trip to Beynac-et-Cazenac
Enjoy a filling breakfast, then set off with Sara and the group for a full-day trip to the hilltop village of Beynac-et-Cazenac. Located about an hour and a half from the estate, this medieval village perches above the Dordogne River and has served as a filming location for historical epics.

Wander through its narrow alleys and stone terraces at your own pace, exploring the weekly market and photographing whatever catches your eye. If inspiration strikes, set up your watercolors and make a few on-location sketches with Sara nearby to offer tips and feedback.

Pause for lunch at a local restaurant, then visit the imposing Château de Beynac, a medieval fortress set on a limestone plateau high above the river. Explore the castle grounds and sketch from the dramatic vantage points overlooking the valley below.

Return to the venue in the late afternoon and enjoy some spare time to recharge before dinner. Gather with Sara and the group for another chef-prepared three-course dinner, sharing reflections of the day over a delicious meal paired with a glass of fragrant French wine.

### Day 4: Classes at the venue & wine and cheese tasting
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast, then head into the studio for a deep dive into color theory. Through interactive exercises that feel more like play than homework, you will learn how to mix watercolors with intention and build harmonious palettes that bring energy and emotion to your work.

After lunch, take your new color knowledge outdoors. Set up in the estate’s gardens and apply what you learned in the morning to plein-air painting, choosing whatever subject inspires you most, from rolling landscapes and wildflowers to garden walls and stone facades. Sara will move between easels offering one-on-one feedback, helping you translate the morning’s theory into expressive brushwork.

Enjoy some leisure time to unwind and recharge before dinner. In the evening, indulge in a wine and cheese tasting experience at the venue, savoring authentic French flavors. Reflect on the stories and moments you have shared today with your group over a wholesome chef-prepared dinner.

### Day 5: Art trip to Issigeac
Wake up to a wholesome breakfast, then head out for a half-day trip to the medieval town of Issigeac, a 30-minute drive through vineyards and stone farmhouses.

Wander through the town’s honey-colored lanes and charming timber-framed buildings, dive into the lively local market, and soak up the rich textures of this beautifully preserved village. Get ready for a fun and creative color hunt with Sara! Choose a single color as your anchor and set off on a vibrant adventure, capturing quick photos and thumbnail sketches of anything that sparks your eye. Build a unique palette inspired by your chosen hue as you explore every corner.

After a delicious lunch back at the estate, bring your colorful discoveries into the studio. Using your color hunt references as your creative launchpad, craft a dynamic sketchbook spread centered entirely around the palette you gathered in Issigeac. With Sara’s guidance on composition and layout, you’ll turn your lively inspiration into a stunning, cohesive page.

As the class comes to a close, the late afternoon is yours to enjoy however you like. Take some time to rest and recharge, then join Sara and your group for a delicious three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef and paired with a glass of French wine.

### Day 6: Art trip to Eymet market
Enjoy a wholesome breakfast, then walk to the nearby Eymet market, just 15 minutes away along a winding woodland path. Browse the vibrant stalls of local vendors selling fresh produce, flowers, herbs, and handmade goods, and take your time gathering visual references and sketching anything that sparks your interest. Bring your sketchbook and watercolors if you feel inspired!

Return to the venue for lunch, then settle into the studio for an afternoon of creative assembly. Lay out all the inspiration you have gathered throughout the week, from market sketches and color walk palettes to plein-air studies and reference photos, and organize everything into a cohesive sketchbook composition. Sara will help you think through layout and visual storytelling, making sure each element finds its right place on the page.

Unwind with some leisure time in the late afternoon. Join Sara and your fellow artists for a flavorful three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef and accompanied by a glass of local wine.

### Day 7: Classes at the venue
Fuel up with a delicious breakfast, then head into the studio for your final morning session.

Pick up where you left off on your sketchbook composition from the day before and bring it to life in full watercolor, refining your color choices and adding the finishing details that will make each page sing. If inspired, feel free to begin a quick new piece or work on something completely different!

After a relaxed lunch, head outdoors with Sara and the group for a celebratory picnic on the estate grounds. Share your finished work in a mini-exhibition and take a moment to reflect on the incredible progress you’ve made. Enjoy exchanging feedback and encouragement with your fellow artists as you celebrate the creativity and growth you’ve experienced together.

Gather once more with Sara and your fellow artists for a three-course farewell dinner prepared by the in-house chef. Raise a glass of wine to the memories shared, the growth experienced, and the creative journey completed together.

### Day 8: Departure
Enjoy a final breakfast with Sara and your fellow artists before it's time to part ways. Departing at 9:00 AM, you'll head to Gare Bergerac train station, arriving around 9:45 AM.

As you make your way back home, you will take with you a heart brimming with inspiration and lasting memories.

## Instructors

- [Sara Tepes](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/sara-tepes) — Artist, Illustrator & Graphic Designer

## Accommodation

### Historic countryside estate
Situated on the tranquil banks of the River Dropt, your home for the retreat with artist Sara Tepes will be a charming French estate, reserved exclusively for your group. This 25-acre historic property provides the perfect setting for creative inspiration, featuring well-appointed living spaces, a dedicated art studio, a heated pool, gardens, terraces, woodlands, and a peaceful pond.

Your classes with Sara will be held indoors in a spacious, well-lit studio measuring approximately 500 sq. ft. (50 sq. m.) and outdoors on the beautiful terraces and gardens. You’ll also have the chance to paint en plein air in the scenic countryside surrounding the estate.

The venue has a rich history, dating from the Napoleonic era to its time as a World War I equestrian center. Local craftsmen have renovated it carefully, turning the old stable block into five large gîtes (French villas) that blend modern comforts with classic French charm. These beautifully restored spaces feature exposed brickwork, heating, and high-quality bedding for your comfort.

Throughout the retreat, you can relax and connect with fellow artists by the heated pool, on the airy terraces, or during peaceful strolls around the estate’s pond and private woodland, home to a variety of wildlife.

### Shared standard room (female only)
Three standard rooms are available for shared occupancy. You will share this room and its private bathroom with another same-gender participant. The shared standard rooms can be outfitted with either a double bed or twin beds, on request. They are spacious, tastefully decorated, and feature private bathrooms with showers or bathtubs. Blackout shutters and sound insulation walls ensure privacy and a quiet, good night's sleep. The windows provide great views of the countryside.

### Shared superior room
Two superior rooms are available for shared occupancy. You will share this room and its private bathroom with another same-gender participant. The shared superior rooms are spacious, with wide windows overlooking the splendid surroundings, and have private bathrooms with showers. Blackout shutters and sound insulation walls ensure privacy and a quiet, good night's sleep. One room located on the first floor has a private terrace with direct access to the courtyard. They can be outfitted with either a double bed or twin beds, on request.

### Single standard room
Three standard rooms are available for single occupancy. You will be enjoying your own private room, equipped with a comfortable double bed, a private bathroom, and shared access to a fully fitted kitchen. Blackout shutters and sound insulation walls ensure privacy and a quiet, good night's sleep. The common lounge area features floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto a huge lawn. The rooms benefit from superb views of the Dordogne countryside.

### Single superior room
Two superior rooms are available for single occupancy. More spacious than the standard rooms, the superior rooms feature comfortable double beds and private bathrooms. Blackout shutters and sound insulation walls ensure privacy and a quiet, good night's sleep. You will share access to a common lounge area with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto the gardens and a fully fitted shared kitchen.

## Food

Savor the rich flavors of the Dordogne region during your retreat with Sara Tepes in France. Using the freshest local ingredients, the chef will craft a range of dishes that capture the essence of the region’s culinary heritage.

You'll be treated to a variety of culinary experiences, from elegant seasonal canapés to hearty BBQs. Each day will start with delightful breakfasts, followed by delicious lunches, and end with indulgent three-course dinners featuring regional wine. The retreat culminates in a special farewell dinner that celebrates your artistic journey. A wine and cheese-tasting session is also included to enhance the experience.

Throughout the day, you'll have access to water, coffee, tea, and a selection of snacks, including seasonal fruits and cakes.

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. The menu will vary based on seasonal ingredient availability.

All meals are included, except for one lunch during the full-day trip to Beynac-et-Cazenac.

For more details on the food offerings during the retreat, see the section below.

## Getting There

The venue for your art retreat with artist Sara Tepes is a picturesque countryside estate in southwestern France. Nestled on 25 acres overlooking the banks of the River Dropt in the Dordogne region, the property is surrounded by woodlands, renowned vineyards, and timeless stone houses. Rich in historical significance, the River Dropt region was once a vital trade route where goods like wine and wood were transported by barges. The area offers a window into its medieval past, with landmarks such as the Romanesque Pont du Bretou bridge and the quaint bastide towns dotting the riverbanks.

Just a 10-minute walk from the retreat venue, you'll find the charming town of Eymet, offering convenient access to its inviting restaurants, cafés, bakeries, pharmacies, craft shops, artist studios, and local boutiques. Bergerac, the designated pick-up and drop-off location for transfers, is about 16 miles from the venue. As part of the retreat, you'll explore the medieval town of Issigeac, located 15 miles away, as well as the historic town of Beynac-et-Cazenac, approximately 50 miles from the estate.

**To be transferred to the retreat venue, please arrive at Bergerac train station:**

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.

**How to get to Bergerac:**

The best (quickest and most affordable) option is to fly to Paris or Bordeaux and catch a train to Bergerac from there. It's a very pleasant train ride, either from Paris (3h 40 minutes) or from Bordeaux (1h 15 minutes), during which you can enjoy the beautiful sights of French landscapes, towns, and cities.

You can book train tickets to Bergerac from the French National Railway Company, SNCF: [https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/](https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/)

Some guests traveling from Europe may also opt to fly to Bergerac Airport directly, then catch a bus or take a taxi to Gare Bergerac train station (15-minute ride).

**How to get from Bergerac to the retreat venue:**

Private transfers at prearranged times to and from Gare Bergerac train station are included. The transfer journey to the retreat venue takes approximately 35 minutes. Check-in at the retreat venue starts at 4:00 PM on May 15, 2027. Check-out is after breakfast on May 22, 2027, by 9:00 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.**

- Arrival transfer: **May 15, 2027 — 3:30 PM** (leaving from Gare Bergerac train station, arriving at the retreat venue around 4:05 PM)
- Departure transfer: **May 22, 2027 — 9:00 AM** (leaving from the retreat venue, arriving at Gare Bergerac train station around 9:45 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, Bordeaux, or Bergerac pre-/post-retreat, and catch the transfer shuttles from/to Gare Bergerac train station.
- Grab a taxi to the retreat venue (address: La Palanque, 9 Rte de la Sabliere, 24500 Eymet, France; estimated cost: US$100 per way). Please note that taxi fares may vary.

## Reviews

**Reviews of previous UpTrek retreats at this venue:**

- "This is my second UpTrek retreat, and I had another wonderful time. The venue was beautiful. I loved the accommodations and how they were centrally located around a courtyard space. It felt very communal, while also providing ample space for people to spread out."

- "The venue was spectacular, in a glorious location and the team couldn’t have been more lovely and helpful."

- "The evening dinner chef and assistant were amazing. The food was varied and delicious every night. They provided excellent service. The venue's location and ground were beautiful."

- "I loved everything about the retreat! The location, the food, the people, the excursions, and the instructors. Everything was a dream. I was especially impressed and honored by their ability to accommodate my food requirements. They even packed me lunches for our days away so I would be sure to have something to eat. The grounds are beautiful and full of flowers and whispering trees."

- "Overwhelming! Beautiful room. The pool much appreciated. Fantastic food! Really helpful staff, Tasha and Marie."

- "Everything was perfect, done to the last detail."

- "Tasha and Marie and Katie and Scarlet were such a big part of making the retreat so cozy and inviting .... they were always available and welcoming. This retreat was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had and I will remember it fondly. And lastly .... the food was the best I’ve ever had!!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Thank you!!!!"

- "The venue itself was absolutely remarkable, and the hosts went above and beyond to ensure our every need was met. Tasha was so easy to talk to and had a wealth of local knowledge which was valuable. The grounds and immediate area are beautiful to explore whether on foot or bike. It really was a huge bonus that Eymet was within walking distance for use of ATM and pharmacy. The menu from breakfast, lunch and dinner was truly exceptional, offering a first-class dining experience. The local wines were also delicious - with the wine tasting a highlight. Each and every one of the excursions provided was of exceptional quality and added to my overall experience. I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of these outings, as I’m a history geek and they provided a perfect balance between education and time to sketch on location."

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Is this retreat available to all levels?**

This retreat welcomes all levels of experience, though you’ll benefit most if you already have some prior experience with watercolor, as well as some familiarity with Sara Tepes's work and style of teaching.

**When is the retreat available?**

The retreat with artist Sara Tepes takes place between May 15 - 22, 2027.

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

Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 4:00 PM on May 15, 2027. Check-out is after breakfast on the last day at 9:00 AM, on May 22, 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.**

**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](https://uptrek.com/retreat/paint-your-watercolor-fairytale-retreat-artist-sara-tepes-france#location) 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 May?**

The weather in Eymet in May is usually sunny and pleasant. You can expect average highs of 24°C / 75°F during the day that drop to around 11°C / 52°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 supplies do I need for the workshops?**

A detailed list of art materials recommended by artist Sara Tepes will be provided five months before the retreat takes place.

Tables, chairs, field easels, a printer-scanner, printer paper, plein-air artist chairs, water containers, paper towels, and professional studio lights 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.**

**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 expected at 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.

**What language is used during the workshops and other activities?**

The retreat is available in English.

**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.

**Is the retreat available to guests with limited mobility?**

Unfortunately, the retreat venue and day trips are not well suited to host people with limited mobility.

**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://www.agentmaxonline.com/agentmaxweb/storefront/index.html#/home/?emaillinkcode=ABIYU4TLWGBGTNHC6ZWLRSKAR7AIBWE33AAW7OYIPBPWYZZAHMNGET6NBV6WWVRS2EB7AEOQYOO5E24K3G6NKNN4EK62FALFDXR675FDOJI3PUILIAN7IKMAEL67FVJ7). Please review our [cancellation policy.](https://staging.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 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.

## Book This Retreat

👉 **[Reserve your spot on uptrek.com](https://uptrek.com/retreat/paint-your-watercolor-fairytale-retreat-artist-sara-tepes-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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