Laura Pollak Chateau Retreat
21 – 30 September 2027
Live the Dream
Join WAITLIST
Envision yourself painting in the South of France for 10 Days and 9 nights!
Nestled in the hills of southern France between Toulouse and Bordeaux, we will be the artists in residence at a medieval family chateau and farmhouse with plenty of country comforts, in the peaceful countryside.
The Perigord team will tend to our every need, so we can soak in the beauty and concentrate on painting.
Let’s make the dream come true together. Join me on this amazing adventure to explore and paint the quaint towns and countryside of France in Soft Pastel.
Laura Pollak
Laura is an acclaimed Pastel Artist specializing in Landscape and Abstract painting. She has taught workshops around the world, most recently in Italy.
Pollak has developed a teaching style geared towards the individual needs of each artist with plenty of individual attention.
Daily Painting Sessions
Delicious Gourmet Dinners
Daily Excursions
To Beautiful Locations
During the retreat you will
Our day begins with a fresh, leisurely breakfast. Afterward, we will either gather in the studio or venture out to a scenic plein air location.
I will demonstrate a painting technique or concept, followed by practical exercises for you to apply to your own work.
Your senses will be awakened with abundant visual inspiration, and there will be no shortage of beautiful scenes to capture.
I’ll create a small, quick painting for anyone who wishes to observe, or you may wander off to choose your own site to explore.
Then I will make the rounds, offering individual guidance and support as you develop your unique creation. My goal is to provide advice when you seek it, or simply give you the space to follow your own artistic path.
No matter your skill level—beginner, intermediate, or advanced—you’ll feel right at home. Instruction will be tailored to your needs, encouraging you to take your art to the next level and gain a sense of confidence and fulfillment.
In the evening, we’ll gather for a freshly prepared dinner and regional wines. Together, we’ll reflect on the day’s experiences, share what we’ve learned, and anticipate the excitement of the next day’s adventure.
Example Itinerary:
Flights – You can fly into Paris or Toulouse and get the train to our local station from there.
Day 1: Transfers from the local train station in the early afternoon. Welcome snacks & evening meal at the Chateau.
Day 2: Visit to Chateau des Milandes, picnic lunch with an amazing view and some sketching. Dinner at the chateau.
Day 3: Visit to Saint Cirq Lapopie, picnic lunch, sketching. Dinner at the chateau.
Day 4: Visit to Sarlat market. Afternoon in the studio, Restaurant in the evening.
Day 5: Visit to Rocamadour, sketching outdoors or in the studio in the afternoon. Dinner at the chateau.
Day 6: Guided tour of a fortified watermill, picnic lunch, sketching outdoors or in the studio in the afternoon. Dinner at the Chateau.
Day 7: Day painting in the studio/outside at the chateau. Restaurant dinner.
Day 8: Painting/exploring the panoramic landscape at Domme. Afternoon in the studio.
Day 9: Visit to a local site/sketching/packing/farewell evening.
Day 10: Transfers to the local train station in the morning.
There are equally lots of other activities we can organise depending on your group. More plein air painting, more studio time, more guided excursions.
The Accommodation
What’s included
Excursions
Daily trips to tailored locations chosen by the artist and their group. Opportunities to explore, shop, paint plein air or gather inspiration for studio work.
Tuition
Every day you will receive group and one-to-one tuition outside or in the studio in the form of demonstrations and individual feedback.
Food
Fresh baked goods, fresh fruit salads & continental style breakfasts every day. Locally produced, freshly cooked lunches and evening meals. We will visit a couple of restaurants at your own expense.
Accommodation
9 Nights lodging on the Chateau domaine with use of the swimming pool, tennis courts and grounds.
Farmhouse Suite
€4420
This is a bedroom in the farmhouse on the Chateau domaine with it’s own ensuite bathroom.
Chateau Suite
€4720
This is a bedroom in the chateau with its own ensuite bathroom
Couple’s Suite
€7020
This room is a for a couple with their own ensuite bathroom.