Painting in Dordogne: What to Expect
Every year, you tell yourself this is the year you take your painting seriously. Seven nights in the Dordogne, working alongside award-winning artist Jacintha Krish at a private French château, is the moment to do it. Leave with three finished acrylic pieces, a sharper technique, and the kind of clarity about your own practice that is very hard to find at home.
The château itself is part of what makes this painting retreat in France different. Château de Saint-Germain-des-Prés is a genuine 16th-century home in the northern Dordogne, with the warmth of a building that has spent centuries welcoming people through its doors. Meals are prepared by Le Cordon Bleu-trained Chefs using the produce and flavours of the region. A market excursion, an afternoon in one of the Dordogne's classified medieval villages, and 15 hectares of grounds to wander between sessions: the week is structured enough to be productive and spacious enough to breathe.
What the Week Includes
This Acrylic Painting Retreat in the Dordogne Is For You If...
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You paint regularly but feel like you have hit a ceiling
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You want structured instruction, not an open studio weekend
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You are ready to finish three real paintings in a week, in France, with people who take it as seriously as you do
Jacintha has spent her career helping artists like you find out what they are actually capable of.
Authentic French Cuisine
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Champagne reception on evening of arrival!
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Continental breakfast with pastries fresh from the boulangerie just steps away.
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Meals at the Château, inspired by the cuisine of the famous Perigord
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Two Chefs trained at Le Cordon Bleu will welcome you into their kitchen
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House wines with meals, local terroir
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Non-alcoholic beverages of your choice.
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Tea & coffee all day, plus snacks and aperitif too!
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Other premium wines available for purchase from our cave
Live the Château Life
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Enjoy the Château common rooms and 15 ha of grounds during your 7-night stay.
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Bedrooms are generously sized, with a small seating area.
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Mix of en-suite and shared facilities - max 2 bedrooms share w.c. or shower.
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Rooms are first-come, first-served by reservation date.
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Stay with a small group of like-minded people - limit of 8 guests.
A Day-by-Day Overview
Please note: We might adjust this itinerary due to the usual reasons - weather, group direction, or unplanned opportunities!
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Arrival
Enjoy a champagne reception with your fellow artists as you get to to know your hosts and the Château de Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Savour your first supper prepared by your Le Cordon Bleu-trained Chefs, highlighting the delicious cuisine of this famous gastronomic area of France.
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Foundations
Explore contemporary Impressionism through discussions, live demos, and hands-on sessions, starting with a delightful 12” x 12” floral painting on the first day. Immerse yourself in creativity and elevate your artistic journey in this picturesque setting.
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Progression
Wrap up your initial masterpiece and seamlessly transition to the next phase by concluding your small canvas project. Progress organically to a slightly larger canvas for your second piece, allowing your creativity and skills to evolve naturally.
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Market Day
Experience authentic France with an outing to a farmer's market in our local town. Discover how to find the best produce, and taste the delights of the famous Perigord gastronomic region.
Carry on with your studio work in the afternoon, or take some "me time" to relax and enjoy your surroundings.
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Quick and Loose
Complete your second artwork with satisfaction, and then witness a two-hour demonstration where Jacintha will tackle demo #3. Stay engaged, as your turn to shine is on the horizon!
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Nature
Embark on your third painting adventure, followed by a leisurely walkabout for a touch of exploration and inspiration. Conclude your third painting with a sense of accomplishment. Optional studio time for independent work, with Jacintha on hand to offer guidance and support as needed.
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Exposition
Discover the delights of the Dordogne with an outing to explore a "Prettiest Village in France" or another château - or both!
Gather with your fellow artists in the evening for an exposition to share your week's accomplishments, then prepare your works for a safe journey home.
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Au'revoir
Head home feeling relaxed, and with a deeper understanding of your artistic practice.
Meet Your Hosts
Meet Jacintha
Art has been my life's constant companion. Beginning with art school and further studies at Algonquin University and the Ottawa School Of Art, I balanced a career in office management and accounting with my identity as an artist and art instructor. Painting is the very essence of my being.
Vivid splashes of color define my canvases, capturing the world around me. Guided by intuition, I paint what resonates with my soul. After traversing business landscapes across Ottawa, Calgary, China, and Europe, I've returned to Toronto to fully embrace teaching and painting.
My journey's chapters span continents, infusing my art with diverse experiences. From art shows to teaching, my involvement remains constant. Invitations lead me to share my skills (and win some awards!) in Toronto's cultural and art circles, where I also participate in solo and juried exhibitions.
Now deeply embedded in Toronto's art community, I find immense satisfaction as part of its vibrant mosaic. My works, sold through Saatchi Art International and Artfinder, have found homes worldwide.
Join me in exploring life's canvas, where every stroke tells a story and art is the language of the heart.
Meet Sara & Stephen
We are Sara & Stephen Cole, Canadians who dreamt of moving to France. We're excited to share our dream, our home, the Château de Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
The tower of the Château is from the 16th century, and features a broad spiral stone staircase. Built by a noble family nearly 500 years ago, the 'blazon' or crest of the family still shows on the tower.
We created “Manor and Maker” to reflect the two sides of our adventure. One, to live as château owners with all the ups and downs and two, to pursue our passions as makers, creating art in all its forms. We invite others to come together, united by their passions, to share in this adventure.
We will be available on-site to ensure you have a comfortable stay.
Welcome to Manor & Maker.
Testimonials for Jacintha and Manor & Maker
Jacintha set a very open and fun tone right from the start. Her teaching method is very effective - she does a demo for part of the session, then allows students to paint (while giving feedback). I love that she wants all of us to compose our own painting, rather than copy hers. She gave us several techniques I know l'll use to improve my painting in future. -- A.
Definitely exceeded my expectations. Allowed me to enjoy the finer things in life that I don't always have time to do. It was a great experience. - R.S.
A really great package of painting, food, excursions. Everything was very relaxed. Well organized, yet with lots of choice and everyone was very accommodating. A wonderful package. - D.D.
Start Your Painting Retreat Today!
Reserve your spot by completing the deposit payment below. Completing your deposit is your agreement to the Terms & Conditions.
Single Occupancy
€3495
Private room.
En-suite or shared bath (max 2 rooms per bath).
Double Occupancy
€2995
Bring a Friend and Save 15%!
When you bring a friend and share a room (or elect to share your room), you'll both enjoy 15% off!
That's a savings of €500 each!
Non-participant Partner
€995
Total €4490 for artist + partner
Share the Château experience without joining the instruction. Includes meals and excursions.
What's Included
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5 days of tailored instruction by award-winning artist Jacintha Krish
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7 nights accommodation at Château de Saint-Germain-des-Pres
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Transportation from the pickup point (local train station) to the Château
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All meals served at the Château
- Most meals prepared by professional chefs (arrival & departure days managed by hosts, and we may opt for a restaurant evening)
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Wines, beers, & ciders served with supper at the Château
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All non-alcoholic beverages throughout your stay
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Market excursion to enjoy an authentic French experience
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Day excursion to local site(s), including transportation and entry fees
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4 canvases, plus easels and workstations in the studio
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Access to Château common areas, grounds, and studio for free time
What's Not Included
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Art supplies - please bring your favourite paints, brushes and other tools or have them shipped to the Château
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Transportation from your hometown to the pickup point, including airfare, train connections, or car rental
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Baggage, accident, cancellation, nor travel insurance ('cancel for any reason' strongly recommended to protect your investment)
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Personal expenses, such as passport and visa expenses. telephone calls
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Meals not served at the Château
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Alcoholic beverages not served at meals at the Château
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Any extra tours or excursions off the property, should you choose to roam
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Shipping completed artworks home (there is a post office close to the Château)
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and any other items not specifically noted as included
Frequently Asked Questions
What level of artistic skill is required to attend this art retreat?
If you have some experience creating art on canvas using acrylic, this retreat is for you! You do not need to be a professional artist, or to have shown your works in a gallery. Jacintha will guide you to improve your technique, and improve your artistic vision. Join in, stretch and grow!
Where are you located & how do I get there?
We are in the town of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Dordogne, postal code 24160 (there are a couple of more places of that name in France!). Best of all, our travel consultant Sherri Anne is here to take care of all your travel needs! Here's our guide on how to get to us. We offer pickups from Gare d'Angoulême. (may be scheduled with other guests' arrivals) or Thiviers Gare.
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Do I need to speak French?
No, your hosts can help you with all local needs. It's always nice to be able to say 'hello' (Bonjour!) and 'thank you' (Merci!) though, isn't it?
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May I arrive earlier or stay later than the given dates?
Much as we love having guests, we aren't open as a B&B, so accommodation is only available on the listed dates. There is lots to explore in our area, if you wish to make your own plans to extend your holiday.
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Can you accommodate my food sensitivity?
France is famous for its fine cuisine, fresh produce markets, delicious pastries and cheeses! Enjoy chef-prepared suppers all week; the taste of France is part of your immersive experience. Due to hospitality laws, we cannot offer restaurant style selections or service; unfortunately, severely restrictive diets and other food sensitivities can not be accommodated.
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What if I get sick and can't come? (Cancellation Policy)
We strongly recommend 'cancel for any reason' travel insurance. We do not offer last-minute refunds for any reason, due to advance planning costs. Check out the terms & conditions for other timing. Travel insurance protects your investment, and helps alleviate disappointment if your plans have to change.
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What will the weather be like?
Day time temperatures in September are around 24C (74F) with night time lows around 16C (58F). You can expect mostly sunny days, with average monthly precipitation less than 10mm (0.4 in). Of course, these are averages, so weather could be warmer or cooler, rainier or sunnier during your stay. We recommend packing layers for this time of year, along with a light rain coat.
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What should I bring?
As experienced artists, you have your own favourite tools and paints - please bring your favourites, or have them shipped to the Château ahead of the retreat. We have a few easels for (free) use, and a small amount of supplies available for purchase at the Château. Bring an open attitude to try new things & new activities. Pack a good pair of walking shoes if you want to try the local trails.