A Day in the Dordogne
What a Day on Our France ARTventure Actually Looks Like
People often ask me what a painting retreat is really like — is it all painting? All sightseeing? Somewhere in between? So here's an honest answer: a typical day with us in the south of France.
Morning
We wake up on the most beautiful property, set in a gorgeous hamlet surrounded by countryside — perfect for an early walk before breakfast, which is laid out with local meats and cheeses, fresh yogurt, fruit and granola, and of course, French breads and pastries. Slow mornings, good coffee, golden light.
The Excursion
Then we all pile into the van for a scenic ride to a nearby landmark. Depending on the day, that might mean the fairytale towers of Chateau des Milandes, the ancient painted caves of Grottes de Cougnac, the deep red stone village of Collonges la Rouge, the clifftop views at Gourdon, the pilgrimage village of Rocamadour, the golden hilltop of Domme paired with a river walk through La Roque Gageac, a lazy afternoon canoeing the Dordogne River, or a wander through the medieval streets of Sarlat.
Lunch
A picnic nearby — with wine, of course, and food that makes you understand why the French take lunch so seriously.
Afternoon
Back at the property, we settle into the studio and paint — inspired by everything we just saw. This is where the trip really becomes yours: your palette, your interpretation of that castle or that cliff or that light on the water.
Evening
Dinner with wine and great conversation to close out the day — and if the timing's right, a swim in the pool while the light goes gold.
Imagine your days measured not in meetings and to-do lists, but in castles and clifftops, in wine and wet paint, in slow mornings and long golden evenings. That's what's waiting for you in the Dordogne this May. Registration is open now for May 13–22, 2027 — and a trip this magical won't stay available for long. Come see for yourself why once you paint in France, nothing else quite compares.
P.S. — I'll also be leading a retreat in Portugal next September, if France doesn't line up with your calendar. More on that soon.