CREATIVE RETREAT IN THE SOUTH OF FRANCE

View of the Vercors mountains

REGISTRATION IS OPEN

One spot opened up for June 3-10, 2024

3 spots remaining for September 29 - October 6, 2024

(as of 5/13/24)

In 2024, give yourself the gift of creativity, discovery, and tranquility.

A time to nurture yourself, slow down and soak in the environment with all of your senses.

Catherine has designed this retreat to share with you her love of her native France and her love of art.  She wants you to feel welcome, comfortable and relaxed. Focused on creativity and art expression, this gathering will give each attendee the opportunity to participate in a supportive and encouraging environment.  She has selected a beautiful and calm location where you will feel inspired to explore art making but also take time to unwind, read a book outside, or lounge by the pool. 

WHERE: We will stay in a magnificent 19th century estate, entirely renovated with exquisite taste, surrounded by mature trees, splendid views, and a heated swimming pool.  Walking distance from the nearby village, it is nestled in a charming rural area between the Vercors mountains and the valley of the Rhône in southeastern France.  In an atmosphere that is both refined and relaxed, you will enjoy authentic and generous cuisine based on local products.  Meals are prepared on site by the owners using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Vegetarian options are available.

Registration fee: 3400.00 US Dollars

Email BEYOUARTSTUDIO@GMAIL.COM to request a spot.

Group size: 9 persons (8 participants + 1 organizer)

Spouses, partners, significant others, and/or family members are not allowed to join the participant at the retreat unless they pay for their own registration and agree to participate in all activities listed in the itinerary.

Age requirement: 21 and over

Testimonials

Catherine has woven together the most memorable and unique art experience! The collage process is exciting and challenging for experienced and new artists. The venue at La Grande Maison was beyond perfection! – beautifully decorated rooms, amazing meals, art workshop, wine tasting, cooking demonstrations and movie night. Local tours of nearby ancient villages immersed the group in the local history and culture. The eight artists who attended our retreat were incroyable! ~ Carole

Attending this art retreat was a transformative experience for me. The serene surroundings, inspiring instructor, and supportive staff at La Grande Maison helped me to tap into my creativity and allowed me to create artwork that exceeded my own expectations. It was truly an exceptional retreat that I will cherish forever. ~ Leslie

The art retreat was a unique opportunity to experience creative expression, relaxation and exploration. The beauty of Provence and the French style available everywhere. I felt like I was really living there the whole time. One week was just not enough. ~ Nancy N.

The retreat was so special and a remarkable experience. Words can’t really express how beautiful it was. The location, the food, the staff, the laughter, their willingness to please our endless requests for this or that. All the day excursions were planned well and tied into everything we were doing and learning. The morning classes suspended me into another reality where l could be free and tap into my creativity. You are an excellent teacher and l love your teaching style. I have learned so much from you and the other students in class. ~ Jo

Photos by Catherine Cruz and La Grande Maison

Included with your registration:

  • Five mornings of creative workshops led by French-American artist, Catherine Cruz, including all art supplies to create beautiful patterns on paper, assemble intuitive and abstract collages and learn about mixed media techniques. Some knowledge of art is encouraged but not required as she will guide you and allow you to meet the projects wherever you are in your art practice.

  • Seven-nights accommodation in the room category of your choice based on availability – Monday evening to Monday morning

  • Seven breakfasts, five lunches, and six dinners prepared and served on site, including non alcoholic beverages - water, tea, coffee + one glass of wine with dinner

  • One group dinner at a restaurant at a nearby historic village

  • One cooking demonstration by the owner of the guesthouse

  • One wine tasting

  • Visit of two local historic sites

  • Excursion to the city of Valence for the Saturday morning market, lunch on your own, and afternoon shopping

  • Transportation by taxi to all local excursions on the itinerary

  • Exclusive use of the property for our group including lounge, dining room, 12-seat movie theater, garden, pool and patios

 

Not included with your registration:

  • Airfare, including any baggage fees

  • Transportation from/to the airport (Paris, Lyon or Marseille)

  • Taxi from/to train station to our event location

  • Additional transportation other than what is included in the itinerary

  • Insurance of any kind (cancellation, medical, etc.)

  • Meals, snacks and alcoholic beverages outside of those listed on the retreat itinerary

  • Tips, shopping, travel necessities

  • Shipping of your artwork and any souvenirs

  • Room service and daily maid service

  • Customized dietary requirements may be subject to an additional fee

Accommodations

Two single occupancy bedrooms (queen) with private bathroom - based on availability, first two registrants get priority.

Two shared suites which include two private bedrooms: one room has a queen bed and the other room has 2 twin beds. The suites have one shared bathroom.

One shared 2-level apartment with two private bedrooms (queen beds) and bathroom upstairs, and shared kitchen, living room and second bathroom downstairs.

 

No need to bring any art supplies, everything will be provided.

You can relax

Everything is planned for you so you can enjoy when you arrive

Peace of mind

Spend time with like-minded creatives

 

Registration is open for the Sept/Oct 2024 retreat

Email BEYOUARTSTUDIO@GMAIL.COM and request a spot.

Include your full name, email and phone number.

Deposit required: 1,000.00 USD

FORM OF PAYMENT ACCEPTED: cash, check,Venmo, PayPal (we cannot accept credit cards).

CANCELLATION POLICY: once registered, your payments are non refundable. For this reason, we require that you purchase cancellation insurance from your local travel/insurance company.