Luxury Painting Holidays in France

Unleash your creativity in France

You’ve probably dreamed of bucolic summer holidays in the south of France, your easel standing strong against a gentle breeze, relaxing as you adjust your sun hat and get back to painting your next masterpiece…

So why not take a painting holiday?

Fantastic Week Painting in the South of France

France, with its rich history, diverse landscapes, interesting people, and unparalleled artistic heritage, is ideal place that has long been a muse for artists and creatives.

From the stunning lavender fields of Provence to the enchanting coastal villages of Brittany, France offers endless inspiration for painters.

A painting holiday in France allows you to immerse yourself in the country’s beauty while honing your artistic skills in the company of like-minded individuals.

In this article, we will explore the various regions of France that are ideal for a painting holiday, as well as discuss the types of workshops and accommodations available.

Painting Holiday in Dordogne & Provence, South France

Where to experience a painting holiday in France

Regions for Painting Holidays in France

Provence

The sun-soaked landscapes of Provence, with their vibrant colours and picturesque scenery, have inspired the paintings of countless artists, including Vincent van Gogh and Paul Cézanne.

The region’s rolling hills, olive groves, vineyards, and lavender fields offer a visual feast for you. Key locations to visit for a painting holiday in Provence include Aix-en-Provence, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, and the Luberon Valley.

Are You a Skilled Tutor?

Fancy Running Your Own Painting Holiday?

We are always looking for other fantastic creative tutors who can teach budding artists at our Painting breaks in France.

Want to learn more? Get in touch here.

“Wonderful Experience Not To Be Missed!”

Brittany

Brittany, located in the northwest, boasts a rugged coastline, charming fishing villages, and medieval towns. Its dramatic landscapes, characterized by rocky cliffs, sandy beaches, and striking lighthouses, have attracted creative genii such as Paul Gauguin and Henri Matisse.

Popular painting and drawing destinations in Brittany include Pont-Aven, Dinan, and the Pink Granite Coast.

The Loire Valley

Renowned for its magnificent châteaux, vineyards, and picturesque villages, the Loire Valley wine itself is a UNESCO World Heritage site and local area that offers a stunning backdrop for a budding artist.

The wine region’s lush landscapes and architectural gems have inspired others like Leonardo da Vinci and Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot. Ideal creative locations are in the Loire Valley include Amboise, Chenonceau, and Saumur.

The French Riviera

The French Riviera, or Côte d’Azur, is a Mediterranean paradise characterized by its azure waters, glamorous resorts, and charming hilltop villages.

The region’s empty landscape, unique light and vibrant colours have captivated artists like Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall and other painters. Popular painting holiday destinations on the French Riviera include Nice, Antibes, and Saint-Paul-de-Vence.

An example of a weeks holiday

Types of Painting Workshops and Courses

1. Painting En Plein Air Painting Workshops

Painting En Plein air workshops take place outdoors, allowing for groups of participants to join together in the same experience to paint the French landscapes directly from observation. These workshops often involve excursions to different locations and in groups and are suitable for creatives of all levels.

Instructors provide guidance on composition, brush using, colour, and technique while offering individualized feedback.

2. Studio-Based Courses

Studio-based studio courses offer the artist a more structured approach, with a group of participants working from reference photographs or still life setups.

These studio courses often focus on specific techniques, such as colour mixing, brushwork, or composition, and are suitable for beginners and advanced alike, giving you the studio time to paint and improve.

3. Mixed-Media and Themed Workshops

For those students looking to discover and explore new medium, different artistic media or focus on artwork or specific subjects, mixed-media or themed workshops may be the perfect choice.

These courses can cover a range of topics, such as abstract, portraiture, or collage, and may incorporate materials like pastels, watercolours, or acrylics paint.

Who are our French painting holiday guests?

Beginners and intermediate creative people who want to improve their skills, while enjoying a luxury holiday. You can come as a single, a couple or as a family. Get in touch to arrange what you want.

Beginners or experienced painters

We arrange our holidays to suit each guest, so you are on the best holiday for you. Advanced people will be with other advanced artists, so nobody is held back.

Accommodations for You Painting Holiday in France

1. Art Retreats

   Retreats combine painting workshops with accommodation in a dedicated centre or guesthouse, usually with your tutor. These artist retreats often offer all-inclusive packages, including meals, excursions, and art materials.
   
   Staying at an art retreat allows you to fully immerse yourself in the creative experience and connect with fellow artists in a supportive and inspiring environment.
   

2. Self-Catering

   These art holidays allow you a bit more freedom and scope to do your own thing, as you will be cooking and self catering for yourself, in your own style.

Wonderful Food on Your Painting Holidays in France

France is all about wonderful delicious food. A local restaurant to discover in nearby villages, an intimate dinner together with the tutor and friends, in the dining room. A warm welcome and a refreshing breakfast. Memories created.

We will arrange where the dinner will be (depending on any special diets) and at what place of interest. We always keep it alive and interesting, whether with paint or with delicious food!

Non Painting Partners

It is very common for couples to come on a painting holiday and yet one of them is a non painting partner. One wants to do the painting course so they just want to

2 Day Painting Course – Brilliant for Families too

We can arrange shorter breaks for you, for groups of 5 or more, depending on the room bookings. Alternatively, you can book the entire property and holiday as a family so everyone can get creative.

2023 HOLIDAY DATES

Get in touch to talk through your possible dates. E mail me for details. We arrange dates for your painting holidays, specific to you and your fellow students for 7 nights or more, so we can arrange the best date and time for as many as is optimal. Start the conversation here.