# Visual Journaling Retreat with Artist Helen C. Stark in France Join artist Helen C. Stark for an inspiring visual journaling retreat in the heart of the Loire Valley, France. Surrounded by rolling hills, blooming gardens, and endless skies, explore the art of capturing your experiences in a sketchbook using watercolor, gouache, pencils, and pastels. Through still life, botanical sketching, life drawing, and painting landscapes with playful marks, you’ll create a layered visual journal that reflects the colors, textures, and impressions of your week in France. The retreat welcomes artists of all levels, with daily classes led by Helen, offering demonstrations, guidance, and playful exercises. The creative and collaborative exercises, combined with en plein air sketching sessions, are designed to build confidence in your drawing skills and strengthen your on-the-go sketching skills. At the end of each day, enjoy a daily allocated time to get into your own mindspace and journal, capturing the highlights of each day in visual form. Complement your art classes with exciting trips to a vibrant local French market, the medieval town of Saumur, and an impressive Renaissance country house with spectacular, expansive gardens named Château de Villandry. Get inspired by the Château de Villandry’s mesmerizing gardens and the intricate architecture of Château de Saumur, and gather fresh produce and inspiration from the local market. Stay at a historic 19th-century French estate with lush gardens, outdoor terraces, a heated pool, and both indoor and outdoor workshop spaces. Enjoy delicious French cuisine-inspired meals prepared by the venue’s chef, and taste local wines in a wine-tasting event with a top Loire Valley sommelier. Connect with fellow creatives over shared meals, visual journaling, and joyful experiences. ## Details - **Dates:** May 23 - 30, 2027 - **Location:** Concourson-sur-Layon, France - **Starting Price:** $4,350 - **Currency:** USD - **Status:** open - **Group Size:** Max. 16 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 Helen C. Stark 2. Art studio equipped with: tables, chairs, easels, professional studio lights, projector, printer-scanner, glass jars, paper towels, fresh fruits, flowers, and items from the local market 3. 7 nights of accommodation at a stunning private 19th century French château, in the heart of the Loire Valley 4. Exclusive use of the entire property with living quarters, common areas, outdoor workshop spaces, indoor art studio, a heated pool, private gardens, fruit orchard, and terraces 5. All meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners carefully prepared by a private chef under the supervision of the château’s nutritionist 6. All diets catered for, including vegetarian, vegan, diabetic, gluten-free, and lactose-free 7. Delicious welcome and farewell dinners 8. Cheese boards with a selection of fine French cheeses accompanying the three-course dinners 9. Plentiful local French wine served during dinner service 10. A complimentary wine-tasting event at the château before dinner, with the top local sommelier, who has spent six years in the UK working with Gordon Ramsay before moving back to his native Loire 11. Tea, coffee, water, and afternoon snacks available throughout the day 12. Full-day art trip to Château de Villandry, with opportunities for painting and sketching on-location 13. Half-day art trip to Saumur, with a visit to Château de Saumur and opportunities for painting and sketching on-location 14. Half-day art trip to a local French market 15. Private transportation and chaperone for all planned trips and activities 16. Round-trip transfers to/from Angers (St. Laud) train station at prearranged times 17. All local tourist taxes and fees 18. Experienced retreat admin and UpTrek host on location 19. Fully staffed venue with drivers, cleaning and maintenance staff, and chef and kitchen staff 20. Access to a private Facebook group with Helen C. Stark and other retreat participants four months before the retreat **Not included** - Airfare - Travel insurance - Art materials — a full list of art materials recommended by artist Helen C. Stark will be sent five months before the retreat takes place - Tips for staff — tipping is customary in France - Other expenses guests might incur on their own ## Program ### Visual Journaling Retreat Embark on an inspiring visual journaling art retreat with artist Helen C. Stark in the heart of the Loire Valley, surrounded by rolling hills, endless skies, and the smell of freshly blossomed flowers. Learn how to capture your experience through the practice of visual journaling, experimenting with mediums such as watercolor, gouache, pencils, and pastels. The retreat is open to all levels of experience, though you’ll benefit most if you already have some familiarity with the mediums, as well as with Helen C. Stark's work and style of teaching. Discover the playfulness of layout and composition, combined with still-life drawing, mark-making, plein air sketching, life drawing, and botanical sketching. Spend your time taking art classes with Helen, in which you will learn to work in a sketchbook spread, complement colors, and work with layers, as well as paint still-life scenes inspired by everyday objects. Engage in fun, playful exercises, such as a collaborative life drawing exercise or a collaborative still-life arrangement, which will build confidence in your drawing skills. Strengthen your on-the-go sketching skills by taking exciting trips to a local French market, the medieval town of Saumur, and the spectacular gardens of Château de Villandry, a grand Renaissance country house. Get inspired by the fresh produce and flowers at the local market, sketch the intricate Gothic architecture of Château de Saumur, and explore the lush gardens of Château de Villandry. Each day will end with a daily allocated time to journal in your sketchbook, reflecting on your experiences and capturing the moments, impressions, and colors that stayed with you from each day. **Some of the topics covered in your classes with Helen include:** - Learning elements of visual journaling - Developing lettering and calligraphy skills, drawing inspiration from antique signage and paper ephemera - Understanding composition and layout in a sketchbook spread - Learning color theory - Finding inspiration in everyday objects and translating it into a still-life piece - Working on layering of materials - Experimenting with playful mark-making - Choosing your subject and understanding what draws you to a scene - Practicing plein air and on-location drawing (with limited materials) - Understanding the works of Matisse, Van Gogh, and Cézanne - Simplifying landscape drawing techniques - Gaining confidence in life drawing - Recording your day in your sketchbook - …and many more! Your home for the week will be a historic 19th-century French château. Your art classes will take place both indoors and outdoors, surrounded by blooming gardens, open skies, and the layered charm of the château. Indulge in delicious meals prepared by a private chef and under the supervision of the château’s nutritionist. Taste authentic French flavors in a wine-tasting event with a top local sommelier native to the Loire Valley, and savor a selection of artisanal French cheeses in delightful cheese platters accompanying each dinner. ### Day 1: Arrival Arrive at Angers (St. Laud) train station with enough time to catch the 4:00 PM group transfer, arriving at the beautiful château by 5:00 PM. Upon arrival, you will meet artist Helen C. Stark, your instructor for the week, as well as your fellow creatives. After settling into your comfortable room, take part in a lovely orientation tour to get familiar with the impressive estate, including its picturesque gardens, serene woodlands, historic salon, and cozy library. In the evening, join Helen and the group for a special welcome dinner. Indulge in a delicious, three-course meal accompanied by a glass of aromatic French wine and delightful cheese platters. ### Day 2: Classes at the venue Wake up to the smell of freshly baked bread and enjoy a hearty breakfast paired with a warm cup of coffee. Join Helen and your fellow artists for a quick morning check-in with the venue hosts before jumping into the first workshop of the retreat. The workshop will start with a brief introduction to visual journaling, discussing the benefits of journaling (words) and sketching (illustration). Learn how the visual aspect and the journaling part can intertwine and how, through this practice, you can record your days in a deeply meaningful way. With a booklet carefully designed by Helen, look at examples of layout and composition, preparing you to work in your sketchbook. Begin your visual journals by sketching vignettes outdoors in the venue’s expansive gardens. Pause midday for a leisurely lunch in the garden’s shaded terrace, if the weather is favorable, then continue the afternoon with another art class. In the afternoon, Helen will give you an introduction to color and layering theory. First, swatch the materials you’ve brought. Then engage in a playful color hunt exercise outside, in the venue’s beautiful gardens. Get to know the venue by finding interesting color combinations in your surroundings and sketching elements in the landscape that take your fancy. After that, join a discussion on color layering. Helen will also demonstrate some on-the-go sketching techniques, preparing you for the exciting trips that are to come. As the workshop comes to an end, enjoy a daily allocated time to do some journaling in your sketchbook, taking time to reflect and create a deeply personal record of the day. Take some time to rest and reset before dinner. Savor a delightful three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef and paired with a glass of fragrant French wine. Raise a glass and toast to a riveting first day of creation at the retreat, sharing reflections, stories, and getting to know your fellow artists. ### Day 3: Art trip to a French local market Fuel up with a satisfying breakfast and a freshly brewed cup of coffee before heading into the adventures of the day. Have a brief morning check-in with the venue hosts, then prepare for the first trip of the retreat: a visit to a bustling local French market. Explore the vibrant stalls overflowing with seasonal flowers, fruits, vegetables, herbs, and local produce. Take in all the different colors of bright flower bouquets, stands of tomatoes, apricots, and figs, or the stalls filled with artisanal bread and cheeses. Browse around and pick up some colorful fruit, such as lemons or clementines, to paint later back at the studio and transform into a still-life piece. Together with Helen and the group, find a spot to sketch en plein air as Helen demonstrates practical on-the-go sketching methods and shows you drawing techniques on how to simplify landscapes and line work. Build confidence in your on-the-go sketching skills and in choosing a subject as the focal point of your sketchbook piece. Return to the venue for a refreshing lunch, then continue the day with another afternoon art workshop. Helen will give you an introduction to still life, teaching you about the works of Van Gogh, Matisse, and Cézanne. Focus on still life and color theory, and learn to create your own still-life piece using the objects you picked from the market as props. As you create your still-life painting, engage in playful exercises and creative experimentation, preparing to put your new techniques into practice during tomorrow’s inspiring trip to the medieval town of Saumur. As the workshop comes to an end, dive into another journaling session, reflecting on your experiences and creating a heartfelt record of the day in your sketchbook. Capture impressions, fragments of conversations, and colors that stayed with you. In the late afternoon, take some leisure time to unwind and relax. Indulge in a flavorful three-course dinner prepared by the private chef and paired with a glass of aromatic French wine. ### Day 4: Art trip to Saumur Wake up to the soft morning light and enjoy a filling breakfast outside, if the weather is favorable, under the trees' gentle shadow within the venue’s gardens. Join Helen and your fellow creatives for a quick morning check-in with the venue hosts, then prepare to head out to Saumur, a fairytale medieval town in the heart of the Loire Valley. As you walk along this riverside town shaped by pale limestone, iron balconies, and steep rooftops, stop by the impressive Château de Saumur, a fortified castle that is now turned into a museum, and do some en plein air sketching, capturing the Château’s majestic shapes and Gothic-style architecture. Further strengthen your on-the-go sketching skills, gaining confidence in your drawing abilities and subject-related decision-making. Focus on layering colors, starting with a base layer and then building on it with more materials. Return to the venue for a relaxed lunch, then spend the rest of the afternoon back in the art studio. This afternoon workshop will be focused on landscape painting at the venue, with plenty of time left to finish any earlier works from previous days that need polishing and refining. Join Helen and your fellow artists for a group feedback session to discuss your works, the inspiration behind them, and what you have learned so far in your artistic journey on the retreat. As the class comes to an end, enjoy your daily allocated time to do some journaling and capture the highlights of the day in your sketchbook. Take some time to relax and reset in the late afternoon, then gather with Helen and the group for a satisfying three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef. Enjoy a glass of fragrant wine and reflect on the joyful moments of today. ### Day 5: Classes at the venue & wine-tasting event Start the day with a filling breakfast and a freshly brewed cup of coffee. Join Helen and the group for a quick morning check-in with the venue hosts, then prepare for another day full of creativity and inspiration. During the morning workshop, delve into a lettering session, using reference material such as antique typography on historic packaging and hand-painted signs as inspiration. We will also look at modern calligraphy and will especially draw inspiration from French school handwriting. Practice in your booklet, then create your own lettering sketches and handwritten calligraphy in your visual journal spreads with your own distinctive style. Pause midday for a refreshing lunch beneath the soft shadow of the shaded terrace, if the weather is favorable, then head into the afternoon with another art workshop. The focus of this workshop will be a collaborative life drawing exercise, in which you will draw each other. Share this fun and playful experience with your fellow creatives, learning from each other and exchanging ideas. Develop your drawing skills even further, gaining confidence in exaggerating shapes and embracing bold and playful shapes and figures. Before the class ends, enjoy a daily allocated time to journal and create a colorful record of the day, translating your experiences into both written and visual form. In the late afternoon, enjoy some spare time to unwind and relax. As the evening approaches, take part in a wine-tasting event before dinner with a top local sommelier who spent six years in the UK working with Gordon Ramsay before moving back to his native Loire. Savor a selection of fine aromatic wines, tasting the authentic flavors of France. Gather with Helen and the group for a delicious three-course dinner prepared by the private chef, soaking in the lovely conversations and cozy atmosphere. ### Day 6: Art trip to Château de Villandry Begin the day with a delightful breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, then have a brief morning check-in with the venue hosts. Ease into the pace of the day, preparing yourself for the next exciting adventure: a trip to Château de Villandry, a grand country house in the heart of Villandry, known for its spectacular gardens and avant-garde architecture. Once the home of a noble family close to the French crown, the Château de Villandry has been shaped by centuries of history, culture, and transformations. Today, the gardens of the Château present a meticulous blend of geometry and bloom, a contemporary garden design showcasing seven different gardens. Immerse yourself in the surrounding nature and practice your on-the-go drawing skills by participating in a botanical sketching session. Get inspired by the ripened Kitchen Garden, filled with all kinds of vegetables and fruit trees, or by the medicinal Herb Garden, where herbs such as rosemary, celery, mint, and oregano blend together in a symphony of aromas. Enjoy a leisurely picnic lunch packed from the venue and engage in a fun drawing exercise in which you will draw each other having the picnic lunch. Put into practice what you have learned in yesterday’s collaborative life drawing exercise, playing with bold shapes and confident, expressive lines. Spend the rest of the afternoon continuing to explore the Château’s gardens, making botanical drawings and landscape illustrations inspired by the nature around you. As the afternoon comes to an end, return to the venue and take some time to rest and unwind before dinner. Join Helen and your fellow artists for a hearty three-course dinner prepared by the private chef and accompanied by a glass of local French wine. ### Day 7: Classes at the venue Delight yourself with a hearty breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, then have a brief morning check-in with the venue hosts. Step into your final full day at the retreat, settling into the day’s gentle rhythm and following the swirl of creative energy wherever it takes you. Begin with an introduction to creating a weekly visual journal. Helen will guide you in creating an illustrated journal that captures the experiences of your week in France. You will have dedicated time to reflect on an overarching idea for the week and select one or two illustrations per day from the work you have created so far during the retreat. As you develop your visual journal, engage in a discussion about how the insights and lessons from this experience will continue to support and inspire you after the retreat ends. Take a break for lunch, then join Helen and your fellow artists for the final workshop of the retreat. Create freely, drawing whatever inspires you or sparks your creativity, while using the process as a way to relax and fully immerse yourself in your art. As you complete your last spread, gather with Helen and the group for a celebratory mini-exhibition showcasing your favorite spreads from the week. In smaller groups, present your works, discuss the ideas behind them, and exchange feedback with your fellow creatives! At the end of the day, enjoy your daily allocated time to reflect and journal, crafting another vivid record of your creative adventure. Take some leisure time to unwind and reset before dinner. Savor a delightful farewell three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef and paired with a glass of fine local wine. Reflect on the week’s creative discoveries and joyful moments. Immerse yourself in the lovely atmosphere, filled with flowing conversations and laughter, and toast to the beautiful memories you have made together with Helen and your fellow artists. ### Day 8: Departure Enjoy a final breakfast with Helen and your fellow artists before it's time to part ways. Exchange any last contacts, then get ready for your 8:00 AM transfer to Angers (St. Laud) train station. You will arrive at the train station at around 9:00 AM. As you make your way back home, take with you a heart brimming with inspiration and lasting memories. ## Instructors - [Helen C. Stark](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/helen-c.-stark) — Artist, illustrator, and visual journaler ## Accommodation ### Historic French Château Your home for the retreat with artist Helen C. Stark will be a 19th-century château nestled in the romantic Loire countryside. You'll have the unique opportunity to stay at a magnificent estate and step back into history, surrounded by the lush greenery of its vineyards. The estate has three beautifully restored buildings: the main 19th-century château, a rustic coach house, and a cozy farm cottage. Each building exudes elegance and comfort, featuring ornate ceilings, period woodwork, and tiled floors, all while preserving their original charm. The rooms at this stunning venue can be shared or single, and they are distributed across these three buildings. Indulge in the unique indoor amenities that include a large library brimming with books, a period salon for intimate gatherings, and a games room equipped with a pool table, all found in the main château. The coach house and the farm cottage have their own common rooms as well. Outdoors, you'll find manicured French gardens, a heated swimming pool, and airy terraces. These peaceful spots are perfect for inspiring chats with fellow artists or taking in the fairytale atmosphere. Your classes will take place outdoors, on the covered deck, or on the shaded pergolas. Indoors, a spacious, bright studio awaits; it is located in the central courtyard and benefits from plenty of natural light. Please note that the retreat is not suitable for participants with limited mobility - the upper floor rooms are only accessible via stairs, and the art trips will involve plenty of walking on uneven, cobbled streets. As the venue is located in the French countryside, expect some insects during your stay. Since the venue is not equipped with window screens (to preserve its original architecture), some insects may come into your room if you leave the windows open. ### Shared room with shared bathroom One double room with a shared bathroom is available for shared occupancy. You will share this room with another same-gender participant. The room also shares its shower bathroom with one other single occupancy room, meaning that three retreat participants will be sharing the spacious bathroom. Located in the farm cottage on the second floor, the room features two comfortable twin beds with delicate woodwork and beautiful beams supporting the high domed ceiling. Participants staying at the farm cottage also have shared access to the living room and a fully-equipped kitchen, as well as a charming terrace. ### Shared standard ensuite room Three standard ensuite rooms are available for shared occupancy. Each room is shared between two same-gender participants. Two of the rooms are located in the coach house (on the first and second floor), while the other one is located on the second floor of the château. The rooms feature private ensuite shower bathrooms, comfortable twin beds, and tall French windows with gorgeous views of the courtyard. Participants staying in these rooms will also have access to the shared spaces of the coach house, and respectively, the château, as well as the outdoor terrace. ### Shared superior ensuite room One superior ensuite room is available for shared occupancy. You will share this room with another same-gender participant. Located on the top floor of the château, the room features an ensuite shower bathroom and two comfortable double-sized beds, as well as access to shared living room and the dining areas of the château. The room has tall French windows overlooking the beautiful gardens of the venue and a shared outdoor terrace. ### Single room with shared bathroom One room with a shared bathroom is available for single occupancy. You will have this room all to yourself and share the shower bathroom with two other retreat participants. Located in the farm cottage on the second floor, this room shares a large bathroom with another double occupancy room down the hall; three guests will be sharing the spacious shower bathroom in the farm cottage. The room itself is furnished with a comfortable double bed and features original wooden beams and charming decorations. Participants staying at the farm cottage also have shared access to the living room and a fully-equipped kitchen, as well as a charming terrace. ### Single standard ensuite room Two standard ensuite rooms are available for single occupancy. These rooms are located on the second floor of the coach house. They are spacious and feature double beds and ensuite bathrooms, as well as access to the shared spaces of the coach house, such as a living room, a dining area, and an outdoor terrace. ### Single superior ensuite room One superior ensuite room is available for single occupancy. Located on the second floor of the château, this bright room offers a spacious double bed for your comfort. Tall windows frame picturesque views of the enchanting French gardens below. Ensuiring convenience and privacy, this room features an ensuite bathroom and access to the shared spaces of the château, such as the living room, the library, the dininga area, and the outdoor terrace. ### Single deluxe suite Two single deluxe suites are available for single occupancy. Located on the second and top floor of the château, these rooms feature a double- or king-sized bed. They have ensuite bathrooms with a tub and a separate shower and feature access to the shared spaces of the château, such as the living room, the library, the dininga area, and the outdoor terrace. ## Food No trip to France is complete without a tour of its culinary heritage. During your retreat with Helen C. Stark, you'll be treated to an authentic gastronomic journey that will delight your senses. Each morning, wake up to a delicious breakfast buffet brimming with freshly baked bread, croissants, a variety of local cheeses, eggs, and the essential cup of tea or coffee. During lunch, enjoy a light two-course meal featuring creamy soups, fresh salads, sandwiches, baked tarts, or other French staples. Dinner is a three-course feast, perfectly complemented by aromatic local French wine. Moreover, you'll learn why the Loire Valley is one of France's most celebrated wine regions with a unique wine-tasting event. The experience will be led by a top local sommelier who refined his skills working alongside none other than chef Gordon Ramsay before returning to his native Loire. Your retreat includes all meals, afternoon snacks, artisanal cheese platters, wine during dinner service, and a selection of tea, coffee, and water available throughout the day. During your full-day trip to Château de Villandry, you'll enjoy a packed lunch prepared by the private chef at the venue. All meals will be prepared under the supervision of the venue's nutritionist. 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. For more details on the food offerings during the retreat, see the section below. ## Getting There The art retreat with artist Helen C. Stark will take place in the heart of France's picturesque Loire Valley. This stunning region will provide ample inspiration for your paintings, thanks to its magnificent châteaux (castles), sprawling vineyards, historic towns, and scenic landscapes. The Loire Valley is one of France's foremost wine regions, and its lush valleys have earned it the title of "The Garden of France". During your retreat, you'll visit Château de Villandry, a Renaissance-era castle famous for its architecture and expansive gardens, found 50 miles away from the retreat venue. Saumur, the birthplace of Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel, is a mere 15 miles from the venue, boasting a magnificent château and a vibrant local culture. Just 25 miles away, you'll find Angers, the transfer pick-up/drop-off point. Check-in at the retreat venue starts at 4:00 PM on May 23, 2027, and check-out is after breakfast on May 30, 2027, by 8:00 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.** **We strongly recommend planning more time for long-distance international travel. It is best to arrive in France a day before the retreat starts to prevent any inconveniences caused by potential flight delays, rest after the long travel, and adjust to the new time zone.** Please refrain from booking flights until the retreat has been guaranteed and you have been charged for your participation. To be transferred to the retreat venue, please arrive at the Angers (St. Laud) train station. **How to get to Angers (St. Laud) train station:** The best (quickest and most affordable) option is to fly to Paris and catch a train to Angers (St. Laud) train station from Gare Montparnasse Paris. It's a very pleasant, direct train journey (1 hour, 40 minutes). Please keep in mind that the journey from the Paris (CDG) Airport to Gare Montparnasse Paris train station takes 1 hour by train. Another convenient option is to fly to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Airport and take a direct TGV train from the airport terminal (Roissy–CDG 2 TGV) to Angers (St. Laud) train station. This is a comfortable and straightforward journey that takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes on average, with no need to transfer into the city. Please note that while this route may be slightly more expensive than taking the train from Gare Montparnasse, it avoids the need to travel across Paris with luggage and may save time depending on your arrival. **You can book train tickets to Angers (St. Laud) train station from one of the following:** - [https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/](https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/) - [https://www.thetrainline.com/en/train-times/paris-to-angers-st-laud](https://www.thetrainline.com/en/train-times/paris-to-angers-st-laud) - [https://www.omio.com/trains](https://www.omio.com/trains) **How to get from Angers (St. Laud) train station to the retreat venue:** Private transfers at prearranged times to and from Angers (St. Laud) train station are included. The transfer journey to the retreat venue takes approximately one hour. - Arrival transfer: **May 23, 2027 ⁠— 4:00 PM** (leaving from Angers (St. Laud) train station, arriving at the retreat venue around 5:00 PM) - Departure transfer: **May 30, 2027 — 8:00 AM** (leaving from the retreat venue, arriving at Angers (St. Laud) train station around 9:00 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 Paris or Angers before and/or after the retreat, and catch the transfer shuttles from/to Angers (St. Laud) train station - Grab a taxi to the retreat venue (address: Château de la Vigne, La Croix Patron, 49700 Concourson-sur-Layon, France, approximately 160 EUR/170 USD per way from Angers. Please note that taxi fares may vary.) ## Reviews **Reviews of the venue:** - "The venue exceeded my expectations. From the quietude and beauty of the property to May's wonderful meals, everything was wonderful. Guy, May, and Roger have my highest recommendation as hosts. And my thanks to \*you\*, Ana (UpTrek), for so seamlessly facilitating all the details. I felt very comfortable going into the trip because of all the prep beforehand." - "Perfect. Great food, fab hosts, great learning opportunities in an ideal location." - "From the arrival to departure my needs were met and my learning was vast. I have to mention the fun had by me and the relationships we made. I would go to this retreat again in a heartbeat! Food was wonderful and May, Guy, and Roger were the best." - "Well planned and executed. Everyone helped/supported/encouraged everyone else." - "Gracious hosts, delicious food, comfortable accommodations, friendly participants, fun field trips, and fabulous art instruction." - "I know it sounds dramatic but this trip was everything I hoped it would be and so much more. To begin with, the venue was lovely. May and Guy were fantastic hosts and May is an incredible chef. The meals were outstanding as was their hospitality. Thank you for helping to make everything up front go smoothly. I’m back to reality now but have wonderful memories 😊" - "May and Guy were great hosts. I have never been so looked after dietary wise thanks to May’s excellent cooking skills. Also thank you to you Ana, you have always been very responsive and friendly thereby making it an easier journey for us all." ## Frequently Asked Questions **Is this retreat available to all levels?** This retreat is open to all levels of experience, though you’ll benefit most if you already have some familiarity with the mediums, as well as with Helen C. Stark's work and style of teaching. **When is the retreat available?** The retreat takes place between May 23 - 30, 2027. **Are there any check-in and check-out hours?** Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 4:00 PM on May 23, 2027. Check-out is after breakfast on the last day at 8:00 AM, on May 30, 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.** **Is Wi-Fi available?** Yes. **I am vegetarian/vegan. Can I book this retreat?** Yes, but 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. **How do I get to the retreat venue?** Round-trip 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](https://uptrek.com/retreat/visual-journaling-retreat-artist-helen-stark-france#location). 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 supplies do I need for the workshops?** A detailed list of art materials recommended by artist Helen C. Stark will be provided five months before the retreat takes place. Tables, chairs, easels, professional studio lights, projector, printer-scanner, glass jars, paper towels, fresh fruits, flowers, and items from the local market are included and will be available at the venue. **What’s the weather like in Doué-en-Anjou in late May?** The weather in late May in Doué-en-Anjou, the closest town to the retreat venue, is usually sunny 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 retreat and to pack accordingly. **How many people are to be expected at the retreat?** Maximum 16 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 retreat and other activities?** The retreat is available in English. **Are there any age restrictions?** The retreat is open to anyone aged over 18. **Is the retreat available to guests with limited mobility?** There will be plenty of walking on uneven, cobbled streets during the trips; the trips may not be suitable to participants with low or limited mobility. **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. **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 cancelled 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/visual-journaling-retreat-artist-helen-stark-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/visual-journaling-retreat-artist-helen-stark-france **Last updated:** 2026-05-30