Botanical Art Retreat in France with Uptrek June 2027

Botanical Drawing Art Retreat with Artists Wendy Hollender and Veronica Fannin in France

Location: Concourson-sur-Layon, France
Dates: June 2-9, 2027

Accommodations, Itinerary, & Registration Managed by Uptrek

Embark on an immersive botanical drawing art retreat with artists Wendy Hollender and Veronica Fannin in the heart of the Loire Valley, surrounded by rolling hills, endless skies, and the smell of freshly blossomed flowers. Learn how to capture the natural world through the practice of botanical drawing, experimenting with techniques that bring plants and flowers to life on the page.

The retreat is open to all levels of experience, though you’ll benefit most if you already have some familiarity with the mediums, as well as with Wendy’s and Veronica’s work and style of teaching. Discover the foundations of botanical drawing, from understanding plant structures to developing an eye for light, texture, and detail. Your classes with Wendy and Veronica will combine studio sessions with outdoor plein air sketching, journaling, and on-location drawing. Engage in guided, hands-on exercises that will build confidence in your drawing skills and deepen your connection to the natural world.

Strengthen your on-the-go sketching skills by taking exciting trips to a bustling local French market and the spectacular gardens of Château de Villandry, a grand country house known for its extraordinary contemporary garden design. Get inspired by the seasonal flowers, fruits, and vegetables at the local market and pick up a colorful find to paint back at the studio. Practice your botanical drawing skills across Château de Villandry’s seven remarkable gardens, from the ripened Kitchen Garden to the fragrant Herb Garden.

Lesson topics may include include:
•Learning the fundamentals of botanical drawing
•Developing observational skills as the basis for drawing plants and flowers
•Creating detailed botanical drawings and sketchbook pages of flowering plants, fruits, and vegetables
•Identifying and understanding plant structures and their importance in creating realistic drawings
•Learning journaling techniques
•Practicing drawing en plein air and sketching on location
•Using observational drawing and journaling as a way to record place and experience
…and many more!

Your home for the week will be a historic 19th-century French château. Your art classes will take place both indoors and outdoors, surrounded by blooming gardens, open skies, and the layered charm of the château. Indulge in delicious meals prepared by a private chef and under the supervision of the château’s nutritionist. Taste authentic French flavors in a wine-tasting event with a top local sommelier native to the Loire Valley, and savor a selection of artisanal French cheeses in delightful cheese platters accompanying each dinner. The instructors focus on teaching, and Uptrek handles the rest, from lodging and dining to activities and… ​See more details

A Few FAQs From UpTrek

Can a non-participating guest join me?
We do not accommodate non-participants at our retreats. This policy is in place to ensure the creative and immersive nature of our retreats remains intact for all participants.

What happens if I need to cancel?
Once the retreat is guaranteed, all payments are final and nonrefundable. Bookings are nonrefundable under any circumstances. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. After your payment is processed, you may purchase insurance through the following link: Purchase insurance. Please review our cancellation policy.

Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. Since all bookings are nonrefundable, travel insurance is mandatory for all UpTrek travelers. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. We strongly advise that your chosen policy provides cover against lost or delayed baggage, loss of personal belongings, trip cancellation, trip interruption, accidents, illness, injury, medical expenses, death, and emergency repatriation.

Questions? Email contact@uptrek.com