18th to 25th July &
5th to 12th September, 2026
Cordes-sur-Ciel, South West France
Your week in France
Prepare to explore, paint, and unwind in one of the most beautiful corners of France. This retreat combines tutored art sessions with inspiring visits, delicious meals, and time to relax and unwind.
You will stay at the elegant private estate of St Jean, just outside the medieval village of Cordes-sur-Ciel, surrounded by vineyards and sunflower fields. The house offers the perfect balance of comfort and character, with space to create and space to rest.
Guests return home with a portfolio of sketches and paintings, but also with memories of mornings in French markets, afternoons by the pool, and evenings over good food and wine. The retreat is designed to be both creative and restorative, offering time set aside just for you.
What to expect
Each retreat is designed with a gentle rhythm with a balance of guided sessions and time to explore at your own pace. There will be tutored painting sessions, opportunities to work independently, and space simply to rest and take in the surroundings. Guests are free to join activities as they wish, from a wine tasting to a restorative sound bath, with a massage also included during the week. It is an unhurried experience, creative, restorative, and deeply rooted in the pace of French countryside life.
Who's it for?
Inspire Creative Retreats are for anyone drawn to art, nature, and meaningful time away. You do not need to be an artist; all experience levels are welcome, with gentle guidance offered throughout. This is an encouraging space to develop your practice or try something new, with a focus on process rather than perfection. The week offers time to slow down, explore nearby villages, share relaxed dinners, and enjoy the rhythm of creative days in beautiful surroundings, whether you come with friends or travel solo. All materials are provided, so you can simply arrive, settle in, and allow the setting to inspire you.
What's included?
Accomodation
Seven nights’ accommodation in a private room at the St Jean estate
Amenities
Use of the pool, tennis courts, and gardens on the grounds of St Jean
Art Sessions
Art tuition at the venue, plus sketching sessions on outings
Food & Drink
Brunch and dinner at St Jean, with local wine included
Art materials
All materials needed for your sessions, including sketchpad, watercolours, paints, brushes and pencils
Excursions
Excursions including winetasting and visits to local villages and markets
Learn & paint with local artists
New for 2026, each retreat includes time with local artists. An invitation to experience the Tarn through the eyes of those who live and create there.
This year, guests will include Véronique Azam, an established painter based in Cordes-sur-Ciel whose evocative landscapes capture the subtle shifts of light, tone, and atmosphere that define the region. Her work is rooted in feeling rather than form, a poetic interpretation of place.
During the retreat, Véronique will guide guests in creating their own landscape paintings to take home, offering a gentle introduction to her process and a chance to explore the connection between art and the environment.
Activities, Excursions
& at the Retreat
Guided Art Sessions
Soundbathing & Massage
Amenities
Local Towns & Villages
Wine Tasting
More About the Accomodation
The St Jean estate is a secluded estate just below the village of Cordes-sur-Ciel that truly values the retreat experience. The house combines the character of traditional French architecture with modern comfort, offering spacious en-suite bedrooms, a swimming pool, tennis courts, and gardens to enjoy. Guests gather for meals al fresco on the terraces or in the dining room, and seasonal food and local wine make every meal part of the experience. Its peaceful setting makes it an ideal base for painting, relaxing, and exploring the surrounding area.
Your Travel & Arrival
Cordes-sur-Ciel is around an hour from Toulouse, making it simple to reach from the UK and other destinations. There are direct flights from Edinburgh, London and other major cities. Trains run throughout the day from Toulouse to Cordes Vindrac station. Shuttles will be arranged from Cordes Vindrac on the day of arrivals and departures. We can also recommend the best rate transfer if guests prefer to make their own way.
Food & Wine
Meals at St Jean are an important part of the retreat. Brunch and dinner are mostly prepared using seasonal produce, often sourced from local markets or prepared by local chefs. Dishes are served with wines from the Gaillac region, one of the oldest wine regions in France. Guests gather at the long dining table or outside on the terrace, making each meal both relaxed and memorable. Daily brunch and dinner are included, with nights available for guests to explore the local cuisine as they please.
Pricing
£3,200
Sample itinerary
Saturday
Arrival at St Jean, welcome apéro and light supper
Time to settle into your room, explore the estate.
Sunday
Morning visit to a local market,
Scene sketching over coffee and croissants, with time along the River Aveyron before dinner at St Jean.
Monday
Sketching in Cordes-sur-Ciel, taking in its medieval streets and sweeping views, followed by an evening meal at the St Jean.
Tuesday
Painting sessions at St Jean exploring new approaches, with the afternoon free for swimming, tennis, or a quiet walk before your meal.
Wednesday
A special visit to a local vineyard for wine tasting and plein-air sketching, followed by a relaxed barbecue at St Jean.
Thursday
A trip to Albi with visits to the Cathedral, plus time to sketch and explore its winding streets and cafés.
Friday
A final day at the villa to complete your work with guidance from your tutor, or revisit favourite views before a farewell dinner.
Saturday
Brunch together before departure.
Please note the itinerary stands to change for 2026
How to Book
Secure your space for 2026
1Secure your space
Pay a £500 deposit per person to reserve your spot. This deposit is non-refundable but counts toward your total balance.
2Arrange your payment
We’ll send you an invoice for the remaining balance. Payment plans are available, though most guests prefer to pay in two instalments before the final due date (we’ll confirm the exact schedule with you).
3Confirm the details
Once your balance is settled, we’ll confirm everything on both sides. After that, all you need to do is pack your bags and enjoy your retreat.
About Cordes-sur-Ciel
Cordes-sur-Ciel is one of France’s most celebrated bastide towns, perched high above the Tarn valley. Famous for its medieval streets, summer festivals, and the way it seems to float above the morning mist, it has long inspired artists and writers. From chocolate shops and galleries to sweeping views across the countryside, there is always something to discover.
Any questions?
If you have any questions or would like to join us in 2026, please use the form below to contact us.
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