An Oil Painting Retreat in France

Learn the Classical Foundations

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

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

May 4-11, 2027


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

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

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

  • 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

If you want to live the Château Life

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

  • Enjoy the Château common rooms and 15 ha 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 w.c. or shower.

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

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

Learn more and reserve your spot on the Manor & Makers website

If you have further questions please email me and I’ll be happy to talk with you CONTACT

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

  • All meals served at 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

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