Event poster for 'Light & Movement,' an oil painting workshop with Alanna Peters, featuring an illustration of a castle or mansion at the top.

THE ART OF LIGHT
From Grisaille to Impressionism
A Painting Journey in a French Château

May 4-11, 2027

COME PAINT, LEARN AND LIVE ART
Immerse yourself in a week long oil painting experience where history, beauty, and creativity come together.

Location: Château de Saint-Germain-des -Prés, 150 rue du Château, Dordogne, 24160 France

Reserve your spot
A woman taking a selfie in an art classroom with other women painting and practicing watercolor techniques. The table is filled with art supplies, canvases, and paint tubes.

This Oil Painting Retreat in France Is For You If...

  • You have some painting experience (all levels welcome) and want to learn classical techniques.

  • Explore classical French paintings techniques both technically and historically.

  • You want to learn grisaille, glazing, and alla prima, not just how to, but why it works, and leave with the foundations to keep developing long after you get home.

  • You enjoy structured daily lessons, demonstrations, and critique in a small group.

  • You want to balance studio time with painting “plein air “ in the Dordogne landscape.

  • You want to spend a week expanding your creativity in an encouraging and fun environment.

  • You want to explore a little part of France with me.

Group of diverse people enjoying a meal and conversation at an outdoor table during daylight, with colorful flowers and drinks.


If you love authentic French Cuisine

  • Champagne reception on evening of arrival!

  • Continental breakfast with pastries fresh from the boulangerie just steps away.

  • Meals at the Château, inspired by the cuisine of the famous Perigord.

  • Two Chefs trained at Le Cordon Bleu will welcome you into their kitchen.

  • House wines with meals, local terroir. 

  • Non-alcoholic beverages of your choice. 

  • Tea & coffee all day, plus snacks and aperitif too!

  • Other premium wines available for purchase from our cave.

Castle with a round tower, multiple peaked roofs, and windows, surrounded by greenery and trees.

If you want to live the Château Life

  • Accommodation provided by Manor & Maker (French SAS), subject to their T&Cs.

  • Enjoy the 16th Century Château common rooms and 15 hectars of grounds during your 7-night stay.

  • Bedrooms are generously sized, with a small seating area.

  • Mix of en-suite and shared facilities - max 2 bedrooms share toilet or shower.

  • Rooms are first-come, first-served by reservation date.

  • Stay with a small group of like-minded people - limit of 8 guests.

Reserve your spot and more information on Manor and Makers Website

What's Not Included

  • Art supplies - please bring your favourite paints, brushes and other tools or have them shipped to the Château (I’ll provide a list).

  • Transportation from your hometown to the pickup point, including airfare, train connections, or car rental.

  • Baggage, accident, cancellation, nor travel insurance ('cancel for any reason' strongly recommended to protect your investment).

  • Personal expenses, such as passport and visa expenses. telephone calls.

  • Meals not served at the Château.

  • Alcoholic beverages not served at meals at the Château.

  • Any extra tours or excursions off the property, should you choose to roam.

  • Shipping completed artworks home (there is a post office close to the Château).

  • and any other items not specifically noted as included.

What's Included

  • 5 days of tailored instruction by internationally exhibiting artist Alanna Peters.

  • 7 nights accommodation at Château de Saint-Germain-des-Pres.

  • Transportation from the pickup point (local train station) to the Château.

  • Most meals prepared by professional chefs (arrival & departure days managed by hosts, and we may opt for a restaurant evening).

  • Wines, beers, & ciders served with supper at the Château.

  • All non-alcoholic beverages throughout your stay.

  • Market excursion to enjoy an authentic French experience.

  • Day excursion to local site(s), including transportation and entry fees.

  • 4 canvases, plus easels and workstations in the studio, some art supplies will be provided.

  • Access to Château common areas, grounds, and studio for free time.

Gallery