Betty Franks Retreat 02 – 11 September 2026 FULLY BOOKED
Betty is teaming up with us for the third time in a year.
Taking the beauty of nature and her favorite objects, she works with paints, mark-making tools, and an intuitive spirit to create abstract fields of flowers. Come along on an unforgettable adventure with Betty, where you’ll blend the history, culture, and vibrant colors of Southern France into artwork that will spark joy in your creative process for years to come.
Whether you’re a beginner and just starting your art journey or an advanced artist looking to loosen up and explore abstract expression, this art retreat is for you. And, with the class size of 8 to 12 students, you’ll relish the daily attention you’ll receive.
Instruction & Studio Painting
Delicious Homemade Dinners
Daily Excursions
To Beautiful Locations
10 Days of Painting, Exploration & Creative Renewal
Escape to the sun-kissed south of France for a transformative 10-day art retreat designed to inspire, refresh, and reconnect you with your creative spirit. Set in a charming French village surrounded by vineyards, stone paths, and golden light, this retreat blends immersive art-making with rich cultural experiences and plenty of relaxation.
Quick Summary — What’s Included
A snapshot of everything you’ll experience:
- 10 days / 9 nights in a beautiful French property
- Guided painting sessions + open studio time
- Abstract + intuitive art instruction for all levels
- Creative excursions to villages, markets, and scenic spots
- Meals included (fresh, local, delicious)
- Inspiring French countryside setting
- Small, supportive group of women artists
- All the planning handled for you — just arrive and enjoy
What You Can Expect
Daily Painting & Creative Workshops
Enjoy guided art sessions rooted in expressive, intuitive, and abstract techniques. You’ll explore color, layering, mark-making, movement, and creative looseness. There will be demos and plenty of studio time to help you build a body of work inspired by France.
A Supportive, Encouraging Environment
This retreat is open to all levels — from beginners to seasoned artists. You’ll be welcomed into a warm, uplifting community where creativity flows easily.
Beautiful French Setting
Our location in the south of France offers endless inspiration:
• Medieval villages
• Flower-filled markets
• Stone streets and vineyard views
• Quiet landscapes perfect for sketching and wandering
Local Experiences & Excursions
Carefully curated outings will deepen your connection to the region and spark new ideas for your artwork. Expect visits to markets, scenic locations, castles, and charming villages where you’ll soak up the local colors and charm.
Cozy, Charming Accommodations
Stay in a lovely French property with comfortable rooms, peaceful outdoor spaces, and an atmosphere that feels like a gentle exhale.
Delicious Homemade Meals
Freshly prepared meals are served daily, blending French flavors with nourishing, wholesome dishes so you can paint and explore with energy.
Creative Breakthroughs & Lasting Memories
You’ll return home with:
• New techniques
• A stack of artwork
• A renewed creative spark
• Beautiful memories and friendships
Who This Retreat Is Perfect For
- Women craving time to paint, rest, and reconnect
- Artists or beginners who want to loosen up with guided instructions
- Ladies inspired by travel, beauty, food, and meaningful experiences
- Creatives ready for a soul-nourishing getaway
Let Everything Be Taken Care Of
From meals and lodging to workshops and excursions, all the details are handled. Your only job is to show up, breathe deeply, and create.
Join Me in France
If you’re ready for an unforgettable journey filled with art, inspiration, beauty, and connection, this retreat is for you.
A Day out Looks Like this:
You’ll start your day with a breakfast of freshly baked French pastries, homemade yoghurt, or fresh fruit, which you can enjoy in the conservatory as you watch the sun rise. We’ll head out around 9 am when the places we visit are quiet and the weather is perfect.
You can spend a morning exploring a new place by walking around the side streets to get a feel for the local atmosphere or by sitting in a quiet spot to do some sketching. There’s always a beautiful picnic lunch of fresh salads, quiches, homemade cookies, and much more waiting in the shade when you’re ready to eat (wine, of course!).
Then, in the afternoons, we generally head back to the studio for some creative time as well as some time to use the pool, nap or find a quiet spot for reading, sunbathing, painting or chatting.
In the evening, we put on a homemade, locally sourced 3-course meal complete with wine. Katel really is the star of the show; you won’t be disappointed with her cooking!
After dinner, you’re free to head back to the studio to paint, enjoy the sunset or use the hot tub. There are plenty of little walks to go on, lots of nature to experience or time to catch up with family and friends.
We design our workshops so that everyone gets what they want out of their time with us.
Some Excursion Locations
Excursions may include but are not limited to the following
Rocamadour
Part of the Camino Trail. Historical & religious significance. Breathtaking village perched on a cliff.
Sarlat
One of the most well preserved medieval towns in France. Amazing market with local produce.
Beynac Castle
Home of Richard the Lionheart, perfect for a picnic by the river and plein air painting in the shade.
Saint Cirq Lapopie
One of the most beautiful villages in France. Incredibly picturesque. Perfect for shopping & painting.
Bio:
Betty Franks was born in Toronto, Canada, and raised in San Jose, California. She is a self-taught abstract artist who started painting when she turned 50. Although it seems late in life to take up painting, the timing was just right for her. After a long career in customer service management, she was ready to unleash her creative side.
