.png)
If you’ve ever felt that quiet nudge in your soul telling you to go on a retreat, take this as your sign – because I finally did, and it was beyond incredible.
It started with a simple decision.
In 2022, I joined a watercolor painting class, finally acting on a secret dream of mine – painting and traveling the world. I had no idea this one small step would change everything.
As I dabbled with watercolors, something clicked. The colors seemed to come alive under my brush, blending, flowing, taking on a life of their own. I fell in love with the process. I knew then that I wanted to take it seriously – not just as a hobby, but as something bigger.
Then, one day in class, my professor made an announcement: She was retiring.
But before she did, she’d be hosting an art retreat in the South of France.
A chance to paint in France? To immerse myself in art, surrounded by beauty and history? I wasn’t about to pass this up.
Fast forward to summer.
I found myself in St. Antonin-Noble Val, a medieval French town straight out of a painting. And for seven days, I did nothing but create, explore, and soak in every moment.
La Roane: An Artist’s Escape
Let me introduce you to La Roane, the place where our retreat unfolded.
It wasn’t just a retreat center – it was a hidden oasis, tucked away in the countryside, where creativity and peace flowed effortlessly.
- Walking trails weaving through lush greenery
- Gardens so dreamy, they felt straight out of a Monet painting
- Llamas casually roaming the property (yes, llamas!)
- Endless poppy fields bursting with color
It. was. perfect.
And if that wasn’t enough, every day we were spoiled by an in-house chef who prepared the most incredible vegetarian meals.
Who knew beets and chickpeas could taste this good?
A few standouts from our meals:
🥗 Sesame seed rice, roasted beets, and chickpeas
🍽 Chickpea fritters with fresh salad & hummus
🍝 Pasta salad bursting with herbs and fresh veggies
🍙 Vegan sushi rolls with wild grain rice
🥧 And the winner? Timballo – pure magic in a dish.
Between the food, the studio sessions, and the plein air painting sessions (painting landscapes outside, just as the French Impressionists did), I felt completely alive – as if every part of me was finally in sync.
It wasn’t just about painting. It was about slowing down, reconnecting, and finding beauty in the simplest things.
This experience changed me. It healed me in ways I never expected. It ignited a hunger for growth, a desire to experiment with new techniques, and most importantly, a determination to keep following my passion, no matter what.
And that was only the beginning.
Hiking to St. Antonin Noble-Val
One of the most unforgettable experiences was our hike along an ancient pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela.
The trail wove through rolling hills and thick forests, leading us to St. Antonin-Noble Val’s Sunday market – a vibrant, bustling scene filled with colors, scents, and life.
The market was packed with vendors selling everything from artisan jewelry and handmade beeswax wraps (which I regret not buying – I ended up ordering them off Amazon later) to fresh pastries, cheeses, and beautifully woven baskets.
As someone who loves collecting small pieces from my travels, I couldn’t resist picking up a few treasures – dainty bracelets, an amethyst necklace, and the most beautiful set of earrings.
And just when I thought the day couldn’t get better…
Our host and in-house chef, Enzo, surprised us with a picnic by the Aveyron River.
We sat under the trees, sharing food, laughter, and quiet moments, watching the sunlight dance across the water.
It felt surreal.
That perfect blend of adventure, culture, art, and connection – it’s what made this retreat so special.
Exploring Bruniquel and Montricoux
Then came Bruniquel and Montricoux – two small French towns that stole my heart.
Bruniquel felt like a step back in time.
- Cobblestone streets winding through medieval buildings
- Not a single tourist in sight – just stillness and history
- Everywhere I turned, another picture-perfect corner, another muse for a painting
It was quiet, peaceful, almost untouched. I could have spent days sketching its streets and ancient doorways.
Then there was Montricoux, a completely different energy – bustling, vibrant, filled with art.
We wandered through the market, picking up handmade sweets and ducking into tiny cafés. The rain started falling just as we arrived, but instead of ruining the day, it made it even more beautiful.
The drizzle gave the town an ethereal glow, the streets slick with reflections, the air crisp and fresh.
And then came the highlight – Musée Marcel-Lenoir.
This small museum was dedicated to the work of Marcel-Lenoir, and his paintings were breathtaking. Each one told a story, rich with emotion and movement.
I stood there, lost in the brushstrokes, realizing just how much art inspires art.
A Journey That Stays With Me
As I look back, I can’t help but feel overwhelming gratitude.
This retreat wasn’t just about learning new techniques or painting in beautiful places.
It was about:
🎨 Finding inspiration in every detail – small towns, rivers, hidden alleyways.
🌿 Slowing down and appreciating the rhythm of a place.
👩 Connecting with other artists who understood the pull of creativity.
💛 Realizing that saying "yes" to adventure can change everything.
Every time I flip through my photos and videos, I’m back there – standing in a poppy field, paintbrush in hand, capturing the magic of France on paper.
And just like that… the journey continues.
These paintings? They hold more than just color and light. They hold memories, lessons, and pieces of my heart.
This was just the beginning.
To anyone out there dreaming of an art retreat – go.
Take the leap. Pack your brushes. Say yes. You never know how much it might change you.
.png)