Staying at one of the painting retreats in France is a wonderful way to practice and improve your painting skills and to meet like minded people. But more than that, it’s also a chance to experience the food, sample the wine and immerse yourself in the culture that France is known for, and the opportunity to enjoy life in one of the most visited countries in the world.
Deciding exactly where to stay may be your hardest decision when looking for a suitable painting retreat. Many artists like to be based in Paris, perhaps to get inspiration from its many famous art galleries and museums, such as the Louvre and Musee d’Orsay. The South of France is also understandably popular; the area also attracted Van Gogh, Matisse and Gaugin among others, with the quality of its light. Other popular areas to paint include Brittany, with its rugged coastline and the Dordogne, with its spectacular scenery and unspoiled Medieval villages. Retreats can be found in all sorts of environments, from farmhouses and cottages, to castles and stately homes.
However, there are other considerations when looking at painting retreats in France, and trying to find the perfect one for you. You should also give some thought as to how rural and remote you want to be; having peace and quiet is appealing, but you may want to be within easy reach of a town or city. Size is important too, and you may be more comfortable with a few people attending, or you may thrive in an environment that attracts dozens of artists. And of course, the person leading the retreat is important too, as is your budget, and the cost of attending a painting retreat can vary widely.
Look at what’s included in the cost of your retreat. Some include transportation to museums or local attractions, shared or individual accommodation, painting instruction and demonstrations, other organized activities, and airport transfers. And of course, your meals; it’s definitely a crime to visit France and not sample the food and wine, and many retreats place an emphasis on good food, often featuring regional specialties or locally sourced meat, fish and vegetables. You can of course find painting retreats all over the world, and it isn’t necessary to go all the way to France to find one. But as a country known for its great art and its fine standard of living, for many artists it’s the only place to go.