Cathy Nichols Workshop 2026

Cathy Nichols is coming back to Perigord Retreats for her third workshop from the 24th June – 3rd July 2026.

This 10-day all-inclusive creative journey will be in the Dordogne and Lot regions! A place full of exquisite beauty, fascinating history & endless inspiration!

Come create with me in France!

See price information and book your spot

Plein Air & Studio Painting

Delicious Homemade Dinners

Daily Excursions

To Beautiful Locations

Joie de Blooms – with Cathy Nichols

Join Cathy as she leads you through the creation of joyful floral artworks, inspired by the picturesque landscapes and vibrant flowers of the French countryside. Cathy’s warm and engaging teaching style will help you explore layered mixed media painting techniques, expressive color theory, and your own creative flair.

You’ll paint beautiful works of art as you weave words, drawings, flowers, and ephemera from your trip into uniquely expressive pieces. Each session is designed to enhance your creativity, while allowing the natural beauty of Perigord to inspire your colorful painted stories. Cathy will show you not only how to paint flowers, but how to incorporate the colors and shapes of rolling hills, lush gardens and historic French estates into artwork that is uniquely yours.

Not only will you complete 2-3 finished paintings, but you’ll also learn techniques that form the expressive backbone of your artwork. During the retreat, you’ll explore the art of botanical monoprinting, free-painting, and abstract mark-making that underpin the more structured elements of your paintings, such as flowers and landscapes. At the end of our time together, even beginning artists will feel like ‘art alchemists’ who surprise themselves with their one-of-a-kind beautiful artwork.

A Day with Us Looks Like This…

Your day begins with a peaceful breakfast of freshly baked French pastries, homemade yoghurt, and seasonal fruit—best enjoyed in the sunlit conservatory as the day gently unfolds.

Around 9 am, we set off—early enough to enjoy our destinations while they’re still quiet, with the morning light casting everything in a perfect glow.

Spend your morning soaking up the atmosphere of a new place: wander through charming side streets, discover hidden corners, or settle into a quiet spot to sketch and take it all in. When you’re ready for lunch, a beautiful spread awaits—think crisp salads, savoury quiches, homemade cookies, and a glass (or two) of wine, served picnic-style in the shade.

Afternoons are for creativity and rest. Back at the studio, you’ll have dedicated time to paint, unwind by the pool, take a nap, read, sunbathe, or simply enjoy good conversation in a quiet corner.

Evenings are a highlight: a delicious, three-course meal made with local ingredients, prepared by Katel—whose cooking alone is worth the trip. With wine flowing and good company around the table, it’s a chance to relax and connect.

After dinner, the time is yours. Watch the sunset, return to the studio for more painting, take a dip in the hot tub, or explore the nearby paths under the stars.

Our retreats are designed to be flexible, inspiring, and restorative—so you can get exactly what you need out of your time with us.