This is a painting retreat. We will all paint together during the day and have discussions, critiques, and mini-lessons mixed throughout the week.

If ever there was a place to hold a plein-air painting retreat, Marouatte Castle would top the list.  A genuine fortified medieval castle in one of the most beautiful regions of France.  With majestic towers and battlements amid its 270 acres of grounds, the castle is a feast for the eyes everywhere you look, both inside and out.  Live for a week inside a picture! The living quarters and eleven bedrooms are richly decorated with period antiques and art throughout, keeping with the castle’s majestic ambiance while providing warm comfort and modern amenities. ​

Located in the Perigord Vert region of the Dordogne, picturesque villages and towns, castles and rivers, vineyards and walnut orchards abound. Lots to see, paint, and photograph everywhere you look!

Possible day adventures:
You will see the city of Perigueux with its medieval pedestrian quarter boasting one of the most picturesque cathedrals in France and Roman ruins dating from 100 AD, only a 35-minute drive from the castle. Market day in the town of Riberac, painting in the town of Brantome with its Abbey founded by Charlemagne, the castles of Bourdeilles, Mareuil, Puyguilhem, and Chateau de Villebois- Lavelette, the river Dronne with the cliffs it has carved out along its banks. Finally, the caves of Grotte de Villars with Neolithic paintings dating from 19,000 BC.   

Food!  The Perigord is famous for its food, duck, Foies Gras, walnuts, and truffles are specialties. Wine from Bergerac is also exquisite. In addition, All dietary needs are catered for by the castle's resident chef. Meals are all included, most served at the castle with several lunches in picnic style or in local restaurants. At Marouatte, a Happy stomach means happy artists!

The castle itself affords many painting and photographic opportunities to inspire creativity right there on the grounds. Time will be available to take full advantage of what the castle offers. Your host and owner of the castle is a collector of antique stained glass, medieval tiles, Gothic wood and stonework, and a wide array of period architectural antiques that have been added to enhance the medieval ambiance.​ Each day, trips will be scheduled to take you to picturesque sites in the region.

Fee and Accommodations:

The castle offers several types of accommodations. Rooms are offered on a first-come-first-served basis and can be secured with a deposit of $1000 for a single participant or $1500 for an artist and guest. This deposit is required regardless of room chosen.

Single Artist Participant: Fees range from $3,399US to $3,700 depending on room type.

Artist AND Non-artist companion (must share a room with the artist): Fees range from $5,339 to $5,700 for both.

Included in your fee:

• Accommodations for 6 nights/7 days at Marouatte Castle

• Meals including beer, soda, and wine*

• 24-hour use of art studio

• Excursions to nearby villages

• All transportation after arrival at Angouleme train station

• For painters: Lori is always available for instruction, and you are welcome to set up and paint alongside her. Full use of the castle grounds, pool, pickball, and tennis courts.

• For non-participating guests (must share a room with a painter): Full use of the castle grounds, pool, pickball, and tennis courts, and excursions to nearby villages.

Not included in your fee:

• Airfare to France*

• Train/transportation from your arrival city to Angouleme Train Station.

• Trip insurance

• Paints and supplies

• Personal items

• Optional museum, cave tour, or entry fees on excursions.

You will be asked to choose your first, second, and third preference for accommodations during checkout.

Descriptions of rooms as I have been given from the owner:

Rooms 1-7 are $3700 for single participant or $5700 for non-painter and artist sharing.

1. Queen Mother 1: King size 4 poster bed, ensuite bathroom.

2. Queen Mother 2: same as 1

3. Garden Tower 1st Floor. King-size bed, ensuite bathroom

4. Pugin Bedroom, King size bed, ensuite bathroom

5. Chez Lorraine ground floor: King-size bed ensuite bathroom

6. Chez Lorraine 1st floor: Queen bed, ensuite bathroom. (Actually 2 queen beds in that room)

7. Chez Lorraine Annex. Queen bed, ensuite bathroom.

Rooms 8-10 are $3499 for single participant or $5499 for non-painter and artist sharing.

8. Gothic Bedroom. Queen bed, private, share bathroom across hall with Renaissance bedroom

9. Renaissance Bedroom. Queen bed, private, share bathroom across hall with Gothic bedroom

10. Garden Tower ground floor. Queen bed, small but ensuite bathroom

Rooms 11-12 are $3399 for single participant or $5399 for non-painter and artist sharing.

11. Maidens Tower ground floor. King-size bed, sink in room, bathroom one floor below

12. Green Room. Queen Bed, private bathroom next to it.

Click the button below to begin. Balances will be due no later than July 1, 2025.

This retreat is full with a waiting list. Use the button below to add your name.