# The Art of Seeing - Landscape Art Retreat with Artist Sandi Hester in France Discover the art of seeing with Sandi Hester on an inspiring weeklong landscape painting retreat in southern France. Explore a new compositional idea each day, learn how to use value to lead the eye, break out of familiar painting habits, and discover how to edit what you see to find the painting within the scene. Enjoy daily demonstrations and exercises from Sandi, as well as plenty of guidance and lots of plein-air painting sessions. The retreat is designed for painters who already have some experience under their brush and are ready to deepen their skills, refine their eye, and take their work to the next level. Two trips will pull you out into the surrounding French landscape. The first is a full-day art trip to Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val and the Jardins de Quercy, with time for sketching and painting. The second is a half-day trip to Cahors, where you’ll see Pont Valentré and board a boat for a tour along the Lot River. Your home for the week is a historic French estate, set on 75 acres of private land in the rolling countryside of Lot-et-Garonne, France. With a dedicated air-conditioned art studio in a restored barn, a heated pool, a hot tub, manicured gardens, and full access to the common areas across the property, this estate offers the perfect haven for your creative practice. Each day, enjoy delicious and hearty meals prepared by a private chef, indulge in a wine tasting experience at the venue, and bond with a lovely group of fellow like-minded artists. ## Details - **Dates:** October 11 - 18, 2027 - **Location:** Sainte Alauzie, Lot-et-Garonne, France - **Starting Price:** $4,850 - **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 Sandi Hester 2. Art studio equipped with: tables, chairs, paper towels, glass jars, easels, artist stools, professional studio lights, and appropriate disposal bins 3. 7 nights of accommodation at a French countryside estate 4. Exclusive use of the entire property, including living quarters, common areas, the dedicated art workshop spaces, access to the heated swimming pool, outdoor terraces, and gardens 5. All meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners carefully prepared by a private chef using fresh, locally sourced ingredients 6. All diets catered for, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free 7. Water, coffee, tea, soft drinks, and snacks available throughout the day 8. Delicious wine served during dinner service every day 9. A wine tasting experience at the venue 10. Full-day art trip to Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val and Jardins de Quercy, with opportunities for painting and sketching on location 11. Lunch and coffee at a local restaurant during your trip to Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val 12. Entrance ticket to Jardins de Quercy 13. Half-day trip to the town of Cahors, with a visit to Pont Valentré, a riverboat tour along the Lot River, and sketching opportunities 14. Private transportation and English-speaking guide for all planned trips and activities 15. Private round-trip transfers from/to Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS) at prearranged times 16. Dedicated UpTrek retreat coordinator 17. Fully staffed venue, with an experienced host, drivers, cleaning and maintenance staff, and chef and kitchen staff available on location 18. All local tourist taxes and fees 19. Access to a private Facebook group with artist Sandi Hester and the other retreat participants four months before the retreat takes place **Not included** - Airfare - Travel insurance - Art materials — a list of art materials recommended by artist Sandi Hester 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 ### The Art of Seeing - Landscape Art Retreat Join artist Sandi Hester for an inspiring landscape painting retreat in the breathtaking French countryside. Let the warm light, rolling fields, and serene nature around you become the starting point for stronger, more personal paintings. Under Sandi’s guidance, you’ll take a deep dive into composition and value. You’ll look at why certain compositions work better than others, how value leads the eye and tells the viewer what matters, and how to adjust both rather than simply copying what’s in front of you. Each day, Sandi will introduce a new compositional idea, show how other artists have used it, and give you a fresh compositional plan to try as you paint from the landscape. Her exercises and challenges will help you slow down and really look at what you’re seeing. Then you’ll decide what to keep, what to emphasize, and what to leave out. This retreat is designed for painters who already have some experience under their brush and are ready to deepen their skills, refine their eye, and take their work to the next level. Sandi mainly works with acrylics, watercolor, gouache, and oil pastels, but you’re encouraged to bring the materials you’re most comfortable with. Beyond the studio, venture out on two trips that will take you into the wider French countryside. A full-day trip will bring you to Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, a medieval town built into the gorges of the Aveyron, followed by an afternoon at Jardins de Quercy, a stunning French botanical garden. Another half-day trip to Cahors will give you a chance to visit Pont Valentré and board a riverboat for a tour along the Lot River. **During your classes with Sandi, you will cover:** - Understanding composition and value - Exploring a new compositional approach each day - Using value to lead the eye - Breaking out of habits and patterns - Learning to really look - Editing what you see - Finding the painting within the scene - Developing a more personal approach - Plenty of plein-air painting with individual guidance - …and more! Stay on a private estate set across 75 acres of fields, forests, and manicured gardens in the heart of Lot-et-Garonne. Work in a light-filled converted barn studio, a smaller studio with garden access, or the piano room in the main house. The grounds include two ponds, a heated pool, walking trails, terraces, and a variety of outdoor seating areas perfect for sketching or quiet reflection. Between sessions, unwind in spacious ensuite rooms and comfortable shared spaces with views in every direction and enjoy daily chef-prepared meals and a delightful wine tasting experience on the venue grounds. ### Day 1: Arrival Get transferred from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS) at 3:00 PM, arriving at the venue by 4:00 PM. Settle into your room, then join artist Sandi Hester, your instructor for the week, and your fellow creatives for an orientation tour, exploring the gardens, the lovely terraces, the creative studio, and communal spaces. Over a fabulous welcoming dinner, enjoy a relaxed conversation about the week ahead while savoring local flavors and a glass of regional wine. ### Day 2: Art classes at the venue Wake up to a hearty breakfast and a steaming cup of coffee, fueling your anticipation for the first full day at the retreat. Begin the day with an introductory class on composition and value. Sandi will explain what makes a composition work and why some arrangements succeed more than others, sharing examples from other artists’ work. Step outside into the venue's expansive gardens for a plein-air demo led by Sandi. Afterwards, apply the new skills and techniques you've learned from her to your own work. Take a moment to enjoy a refreshing lunch and a well-earned break before heading back outside to paint from the landscape, letting value guide your choices rather than simply copying what you see. As the class comes to an end, take some time to rest and recharge. Wander the estate grounds, take a swim in the heated pool, walk through the gardens, or unwind in your room. Gather with Sandi and your fellow artists for a delightful three-course dinner prepared by the private chef, paired with fragrant local wine and lovely conversation. ### Day 3: Trip to Cahors with a riverboat tour Greet the day with a delicious breakfast and a fresh cup of coffee. Dive into a morning class built around a new compositional idea. Sandi will guide you through a compositional plan to try on the venue grounds. Step outside and let the beauty of the surrounding countryside inspire you. Use your artist's eye to plan the composition for your next landscape painting, putting into practice what Sandi has taught you. After a leisurely lunch, head out on a half-day trip to Cahors, the medieval capital of the Lot department. Sketch and try out the day’s compositional idea if inspired, or snap some photos that capture the charm and beauty of the town. Visit Pont Valentré, a 14th-century fortified stone bridge that has stood for over 700 years, then board a riverboat for a tour along the Lot River, gathering references, composition ideas, and quick sketches for later studio work. Return to the venue in the late afternoon and take some time to relax before dinner. Gather with Sandi and the group for a chef-prepared three-course dinner, paired with a glass of aromatic wine and lively conversation about today’s adventures. ### Day 4: Art classes at the venue & wine tasting Begin the day with a peaceful breakfast and a warm cup of coffee shared with Sandi and the group. Go over the day’s plans, set your goals for the day, ask any questions, and ease into the morning together. Head to the studio to explore a new compositional idea, then head outside to put it in practice, taking part in another plein-air painting session in the venue's gardens. Play with the morning light as it shifts across the rolling hills and towering trees, paying attention to value and focusing on really looking at what’s in front of you. Enjoy a tasty lunch before settling into the afternoon session. Sandi will do a demo on how to edit what you see: what to leave out, what to emphasize, and what to change to make a stronger painting. Sandi will be there to guide you, offering personalized tips and additional support where needed. Spend the late afternoon however it suits you. Walk through the gardens, swim in the heated pool, take a nap in the shade, or work a little extra in the studio. Take part in a delightful wine tasting experience on the venue grounds, tasting authentic French flavors, before gathering for a wholesome three-course dinner prepared by the private chef. ### Day 5: Art trip to Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val and Jardins de Quercy Wake up to a satisfying breakfast and a fresh cup of coffee, then get ready for what today has in store for you. Set out for Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, a medieval town tucked into the gorges of the Aveyron, with cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, riverside views, and a market that has run for centuries. Stroll along the riverbank, sketch anything that piques your interest, or capture reference photos of the intricate medieval architecture to inspire your studio work later. Observe how people move about the street or relax at a café. Then join Sandi for a quick demo on finding the painting within the scene, which means picking out the parts that excite you instead of trying to capture everything. Take a break for lunch and enjoy a delicious meal and coffee at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Jardins de Quercy, a stunning French botanical garden blending traditional French gardening with contemporary design. Walk through the plant collections, take photographs, collect references, and look for different composition ideas along the shapes, values, and colors of the garden. Make quick sketches if you feel inspired. Return to the venue in the late afternoon and take some time to rest and unwind before dinner. Join Sandi and your fellow creatives for a delicious three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef and paired with a glass of fine local wine and stories from the day’s trip. ### Day 6: Art classes at the venue Kick off the morning with a warm breakfast and a fresh cup of coffee, then head back to the studio for the morning class. Start the session by reflecting on your progress so far. Then join Sandi to explore a new compositional idea, followed by an outdoor demonstration. With Sandi’s feedback, challenge yourself to make your own choices about composition and value, treating the scene as a starting point rather than something to reproduce. Pause for a light lunch to recharge before continuing your afternoon of painting. Keep painting outdoors as you work toward a more personal approach, deciding what you want each piece to say. Sandi will be there to guide you and offer support if needed. Spend the late afternoon by the pool, in the gardens, on a walk through the surrounding countryside, or back in the studio for a little extra work. End the evening with a flavorful three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef and paired with a glass of French wine. ### Day 7: Art classes at the venue Savor a delicious breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, then head into the last day of creation on the retreat. Spend the morning refining your paintings with one more round of individual guidance, bringing together the composition, value, and editing ideas you’ve explored throughout the week. After a nourishing lunch, the afternoon class offers a unique opportunity for more individual mentoring. Sandi will once again be available to review your work, provide feedback, and offer her insights to help you refine your vision. Later, take part in a mini-exhibition where you can present your work to the group, appreciate the diverse styles of your fellow artists, exchange feedback and ideas, and find inspiration in the varied artistic approaches within the group. As the celebration comes to an end, take some time to recharge in the late afternoon. Come together one last time for a generous farewell dinner, accompanied by lively conversation, a glass of wine, a few last photographs, and a closing toast to the work you have brought to life and the friendships you have built. ### Day 8: Departure Enjoy breakfast with Sandi and your fellow artists, and get ready for your transfer to Toulouse-Blagnac Airport, Toulouse (TLS). Check-out is at 10:00 AM, and you'll arrive at the airport at around 11:30 AM. ## Instructors - [Sandi Hester](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/sandi-hester) — Artist ## Accommodation ### Historic French Estate Your retreat venue is a historic estate, set on 75 acres of private land in the rolling countryside of Lot-et-Garonne, France. Encircled by beautifully landscaped gardens, with every window offering panoramic views of the surrounding fields and woodlands, it provides an inspiring and peaceful setting for your art classes. The surrounding Lot-et-Garonne region is a picturesque blend of vineyards, medieval villages, and open countryside. Designed for both comfort and creativity, the estate offers a wide range of facilities, including a heated swimming pool, hot tub, tennis court, antique Steinway grand piano, and a home office. Savor chef-made meals on the two outdoor dining terraces, an outdoor bar, a large seating area, and a wood-fired pizza oven. The estate gardens cover five acres, featuring vegetable and herb gardens, woodlands, and two tranquil ponds, all providing picturesque spots to sit, reflect, sketch, or paint. Your art classes with Sandi can take place in three dedicated creative spaces, including a studio within the grange/barn next to the main house and a large 1,615 sq. ft. (150 sq. m.) open-plan studio. This spacious, well-lit space is fully equipped with tables and chairs for up to 24 participants. During warmer weather, sessions can also be held in the piano room inside the main house or in a smaller studio opening into the gorgeous estate gardens. The main house and its adjacent buildings feature a selection of spacious ensuite bedrooms, each blending historic character with modern amenities. All rooms have Wi-Fi access, and communal areas include both Summer and Winter salons, a fully equipped guest kitchen, a separate professional kitchen, and a cinema room for evening relaxation. ### Shared standard ensuite room (Grange) Two standard ensuite rooms are available for shared occupancy. Each room and its ensuite bathroom will be shared between two same-gender participants. Located on the first floor of the grange, the rooms are furnished with twin beds, ensuite shower bathrooms, and benefit from Wi-Fi access and air conditioning. Both rooms have doors that lead directly outside and include a private seating area. ### Shared superior ensuite room (Chateau) Three superior ensuite rooms are available for shared occupancy. Each room and its ensuite bathroom will be shared between two same-gender participants. Located in the main château, each room offers twin beds, a seating area, Wi-Fi access, and air conditioning. One room is located on the second floor of the château, while the two other rooms are located on the third floor in the loft. These comfortable rooms provide easy access to the château’s common areas. Each room has access to an ensuite bathroom (with a shower and tub), shared with the other guest staying in the room. ### Single standard ensuite room (Grange) Two standard ensuite rooms are available for single occupancy. Located in the grange on the second floor, these rooms feature a comfortable super king-sized bed, an ensuite bathroom with either a bathtub or a shower and bathtub, a private seating area, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. Decorated in a traditional style, the rooms blend rustic French charm with modern elegance and comfort, creating the perfect space to relax in. ### Single standard ensuite room (Chateau) Two standard ensuite rooms are available for single occupancy. Located on the second floor of the main château, the rooms feature comfortable super king-sized beds, ensuite bathrooms with a shower and a tub, a private seating area, Wi-Fi, and air conditioning. These spacious rooms also benefit from plenty of natural light, with big windows facing the venue's stunning gardens. The rooms also provide easy access to the château’s common areas and feature access to a patio. ### Single superior ensuite room (Chateau) One superior ensuite room is available for single occupancy. Located on the second floor of the main château, the room features a soft super king-sized bed, an ensuite bathroom with a double sink, a bathtub, and a separate shower, a private seating area, Wi-Fi, and air conditioning. Bathed in natural light from large windows overlooking the venue’s beautiful gardens, this generously sized room also offers access to the château’s shared spaces and patio. ### Single deluxe ensuite room (Chateau) One deluxe ensuite room is available for single occupancy. Located on the second floor of the main château, this 375 sq. ft. (35 sq. m.) suite is outfitted with a comfortable super king-sized bed, two separate dressing areas, and two private ensuite bathrooms, one with a shower and one with a bathtub. The room also features access to Wi-Fi and air conditioning. Large, bright windows fill the room with plenty of natural light, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere perfect for your stay. ## Food During your retreat with artist Sandi Hester, you’ll enjoy thoughtfully prepared meals that highlight fresh, locally sourced ingredients, offering a balance of hearty and lighter options. The menu features a mix of regional specialties and familiar dishes, designed to be both satisfying and well-rounded. Mornings begin with a generous breakfast spread, including a variety of teas, coffee, and both dairy and non-dairy milk. Fresh fruit, croissants, bread with butter, granola, Greek yogurt, and berries are available, along with biscuits, cakes, chips, and nuts for a quick snack. Lunch is presented buffet-style, featuring a rotating selection of seasonal dishes. For dinner, you can enjoy a selection of canapés before a main course and dessert. During your full-day trip to Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, indulge in a delicious lunch at local, family-run restaurant, tasting authentic French cuisine. You'll enjoy delicious local wine served during dinner service every day and, additionally, take part in a delightful wine tasting experience at the venue. Tea, coffee, water, soft drinks, and snacks are available throughout the day, whether you choose to enjoy them in the dining area or outdoors, surrounded by the estate’s natural beauty. The retreat includes all meals. The exact menu may vary based on the availability of seasonal ingredients. 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. ## Getting There Surrounded by rolling hills and set within 75 acres of private land, your venue for the retreat with Sandi Hester offers a peaceful haven with landscaped gardens, woodlands, and open countryside views. Located in the Lot region of southwestern France, it sits just outside Castelnau-Montratier-Sainte-Alauzie, a village known for its historic market square and 13th-century church. Toulouse is approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes away and will serve as your pick-up/drop-off point for transfers. Your retreat includes a full-day trip to Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, a medieval town with cobbled streets, riverside views, and antique shops, where you’ll have time to sketch, explore, and enjoy lunch at a family-run restaurant, followed by a visit to the stunning botanical garden Jardins de Quercy. Another half-day trip will take you to Cahors for a guided boat tour along the Lot River, passing city landmarks, medieval towers, and the 14th-century Pont Valentré. Check-in at the retreat venue starts at 4:00 PM on October 11, 2027. Check-out is after breakfast on October 18, 2027, by 10:00 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.** **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 and 10 minutes. **Arrival Transfer:** **October 11, 2027** — **3:00 PM** (leaving from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport, arriving at the retreat venue at 4:00 PM) **Departure Transfer:** **October 18, 2027** — **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: Le Rodier, 46170 Castelnau-Montratier, France, estimated cost of US$250 per way). Please note that taxi fares may vary. ## Reviews **Reviews from previous UpTrek retreats at this venue:** - "This was such an incredible retreat! Stunning views and the grounds were beautiful. Hannah was the perfect host and I really appreciated how she joined us on excursions and the like. She really made the whole thing even more incredible! The house staff was super friendly and engaging - the chefs were manifique and overall I was super impressed, felt safe and enjoyed the experience immensely." - "This retreat was a once in a lifetime trip. The facility was magical, the staff amazing, and food was outstanding." - "This venue is fabulous. It's a beautiful chateau in a lovely setting. The food was exceptional and the entire staff ran everything perfectly. Hannah is a delightful person. Everything ran so smoothly and she is very skilled in organizing every aspect of the event. The entire week was perfect. I would recommend highly- 5 stars. I'd love the opportunity to return one day. Thank you for providing such a wonderful retreat through Uptrek." - "Estate was extraordinary. Chef and food excellent. Hannah and staff amazing- above and beyond great." - "This retreat far exceeded my expectations. The venue, staff, and hostess were so wonderful!" - "Hannah and the rest of the staff were wonderful. Every issue and question was addressed immediately. Such care and kindness from everyone. I was impressed by all the attention to details and Hannah's efforts to keep us all on track and informed. The venue was beautiful, and I wish we had had more time to take advantage of all the amenities. The studio where we painted was a great space. The meals were wonderful." ## Frequently Asked Questions **Is this retreat available to all levels?** The retreat with artist Sandi Hester is designed for painters who already have some experience under their brush and are ready to deepen their skills, refine their eye, and take their work to the next level. **When is the retreat available?** The retreat with artist Sandi Hester in Lot-et-Garonne, France, will take place between October 11 - 18, 2027. **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 and 10 minutes away by car 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. Round-trip airport transfers from/to Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS) at prearranged times are included. For more information, see the [Location tab](https://uptrek.com/retreat/the-art-of-seeing-landscape-art-retreat-artist-sandi-hester-france#location). 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 the venue after 4:00 PM on October 11, 2027. Check-out is after breakfast on the last day at 10:00 AM, on October 18, 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.** **What supplies do I need for the workshops?** A detailed list of art materials recommended by artist Sandi Hester will be provided five months before the retreat takes place. Tables, chairs, paper towels, glass jars, easels, artist stools, professional studio lights, and appropriate disposal bins 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.** **What’s the weather like in Lot-et-Garonne, France, in mid-October?** The weather in Lot-et-Garonne in mid-October is usually sunny and pleasant. You can expect average highs of 20°C / 68°F during the day that drop to around 9°C / 48°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 evenings, 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. 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. **Is Wi-Fi available?** Yes. **How many people are to be expected on the 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 workshops and other activities?** The 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. **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 canceled 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/the-art-of-seeing-landscape-art-retreat-artist-sandi-hester-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). --- **Canonical URL:** https://uptrek.com/retreat/the-art-of-seeing-landscape-art-retreat-artist-sandi-hester-france **Last updated:** 2026-11-05