• September 2027

    Cordes-sur-Ciel, South West France

  • Your week in France

    Explore, paint and unwind in one of the most beautiful corners of France. Our September 2027 reatreat will combine tutored art sessions with inspiring visits, delicious meals, and time to relax and unwind.

    You will stay at one of our hand picked private estates, just outside the medieval village of Cordes-sur-Ciel by the beautiful countryside of South West France. The setting 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.

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  • What to expect

    Each retreat is designed with a gentle rhythm, balancing guided art sessions and time to explore at your own pace. There will be opportunities to paint with guidance, work independently, and simply rest and take in the surroundings.

    Guests can enjoy a range of activities and excursions throughout teh week, from exploring local villages to discovering the food and wine of the region. It is an unhurried experiene, 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, or simply 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, share relaxed dinners, and enjoy the rhythm of creative days in beautiful places, whether you come with friends or travel solo. All materials are provided, so you can simply arrive, settle in, and allow the surroundings to inspire you.

  • What's included?

    Accomodation

    Seven nights’ accommodation in a private double room

    Amenities

    Use of the swimming pool, gardens and shared spaces throughout the estate

    Art Sessions

    Guided painting sessions at the venue, with opportunities for sketching during excursions

    Food & Drink

    Brunch and dinners, with local wine included

    Art materials

    Materials for your creative sessions, including sketchpad, watercolours, paints, brushes and pencils

    Excursions

    Visits to local villages, markets and winetasting at a vineyard in the region

  • Learn & paint with local artists

    An invitation to experience the Tarn through the eyes of those who live and create there.

    Our retreats also offers the opportunity to learn from local artists, drawing inspiration from the landscapes, light and character of the region. Through guided sessions, guests can explore different techniques, develop their own creative approach and create paintings to take home.

    Further details of our guest artist for September 2027 will be announced soon.

  • Activities & Excursions

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    Guided Art Sessions

    Explore your creativity through guided art sessions, with opportunities to develop your skills, discover new techniques and draw inspiration from the beautiful surroundings. Whether you are a beginner or have more experience in artist practice, the sessions offer a relaxed and encouraging space to create at your own pace.

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    Soundbathing & Massage

    Take time to unwind with restorative experiences designed to encourage relaxation and wellbeing. From the calming atmosphere of a sound bath to moments of quiet reflection and personal relaxation, these experiences offer a chance to slow down and enjoy time for yourself during your week in France.

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    Wine Tasting

    Discover the wines and flavours of the Gaillac region, one of France's oldest wine-producing areas. Explore local traditions, sample regional varieties and enjoy the opportunity to learn more about the vineyards and winemakers that make this corner of South West France so special.

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    Local Towns & Villages

    Explore the medieval villages, lively markets and beautiful countryside of the Tarn. From the winding streets of Cordes-sur-Ciel to charming neighbouring towns, excursions offer opportunities to discover local culture, enjoy leisurely cafés and find inspiration in the landscapes and architecture of the region.

  • More About the Accomodation

    Our September 2027 retreat is planned to take place at La Borie Grande, a private estate in the countryside near Cordes-sur-Ciel. Combining the character of traditional French architecture with modern comfort, the estate offers spacious bedrooms, a swimming pool and gardens to enjoy. It is a welcoming space where guests can enjoy meals together, relax by the pool or simply take in the surroundings. Its peaceful setting makes it an ideal base for painting, unwinding and exploring the beautiful Tarn region.

    Your Travel & Arrival

    Cordes-sur-Ciel is around an hour from Toulouse, making it easy to reach from the UK and other destinations. Direct flights are available from Edinburgh, London and many other major cities. Trains run regularly from Toulouse to Cordes-Vindrac station, where transfers can be arranged for arrivals and departures. We can also recommend local transfer options for guests who prefer to make their own way.

    Food & Wine

    Dining is an important part of the retreat, offering time to come together and enjoy the flavours of South West France. Select meals are included throughout the week, with arrangements designed around the day's creative sessions and excursions. With an emphasis on seasonal produce, local ingredients and wines from the Gaillac region, guests can enjoy relaxed meals together, whether at the estate or exploring the local area. Food and wine are an important part of the experience, bringing people together throughout the week.

  • A Week of Creativity & Exploration

    Our September 2027 itinerary is currently being finalised, with a balance of guided art sessions, local excursions and time to relax. From painting in the beautiful Tarn countryside to discovering nearby villages, markets and local traditions, each day will offer something different while allowing plenty of time to unwind and enjoy the surroundings.

    The full itinerary will be announced soon.

  • How to Book

    Secure your space for 2026

    1

    Secure your space

    Pay a £500 deposit per person to reserve your space. This deposit is non-refundable but counts toward your total balance.

    2

    Arrange your payment

    We will send you an invoice for the remaining balance. Payment plans are available, with the final payment schedule confirmed at the time of booking.

    3

    Confirm the details

    Once your balance is settled, we will confirm everything you need to prepare for the retreat. 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.

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  • Any questions?

    If you have any questions or would like to join us in September 2027, please use the form below to contact us.

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