Abstract Landscape Retreat w/ Katherine Downey Miller
from €3,690.00/pers.
Abstract Landscape Retreat
with artist Katherine Downey Miller in the South of France
📅 May 13-20, 2026 🌏Pézenas, France 🎨Watercolor, Oil, Acrylic
Inspiring Art Retreat in the Southern France
Spend a magical week in the heart of Southern France with artist Katherine Downey Miller, where you’ll create a personal collection of abstract styled paintings inspired by the region’s radiant light, rolling landscapes, and timeless village charm.
This artist-led painting retreat is based in the beautifully preserved town of Pézenas, renowned for its cobblestone streets, artisan workshops, and lively open-air cafés. When you're not painting, take time to explore local markets, meet talented craftspeople, and immerse yourself in the rich atmosphere that has inspired generations of artists and writers.
Under Katherine’s gentle and expert guidance, you’ll enjoy a series of plein air landscape workshops, capturing the essence of the South of France in scenic locations such as a 12th-century abbey cloister, a peaceful chateau near the Herault river, and the tranquil vineyards of a family-owned winery. Each site has been carefully chosen for its beauty and ambiance, and you’ll be accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide who brings historical and cultural context to each destination.
You’ll stay at the stylish Garrigae Distillerie Spa Hotel, a 4-star retreat just steps from Pézenas’ medieval center. Relax in elegant surroundings, enjoy daily breakfasts with freshly baked French pastries, and dine at handpicked restaurants offering the best in Mediterranean cuisine.
This retreat welcomes a small group of 12 like-minded artists, creating a warm and encouraging environment for all skill levels. Whether you’re just beginning your creative journey or have years of experience, you’ll leave with new techniques, lasting friendships, and a beautiful portfolio of Mediterranean-inspired artwork. Non-painting partners and photo enthusiasts are also welcomed on this tour. A special program of guided visits is designed for them during the painting sessions.
Experience the South of France through the eyes of an artist—and return home with unforgettable memories and your own collection of masterpieces.
What's included
✅ Instructed painting workshops: painting classes in plein-air at different locations each day, demonstrations with artist Katherine Downey Miller & individual tuition
✅7 nights of accommodation at 4 star Garrigae Distillerie Hotel in Pézenas with access to swimming pool, gardens, wine bar & restaurant)
✅ Expert Tour Guides all week leading the Painting Group and guiding the Non-painting Partners during workhop times.
✅Outdoor Painting workshop equipment provided with small tables, foldable chairs, lightweight premium easels, paper towels and disposable bags
✅All group meals including 7 buffet breakfasts with daily-made French pastries, cured meat, cheeses and fresh fruits ; 5 lunches at local restaurants with a special selection of French dishes ; 2 celebration dinners with a 3-course welcome dinner & a farewell cocktail party
✅Local wine served with group meals
✅Coffee & tea available in your room
✅Daily trips to various painting locations with guided visits, walking tours, time for shopping
✅Special program for non-painting partners during painting sessions led by a local tour guide
✅Private tour bus with AC for all planned activities
✅ Round-trip group transfers from/to Montpellier airport (MPL)
✅ All local tourist taxes and fees
Not included
❌ Airfare - Recommended Group Flight information to Montpellier (MPL) & booking details with our partners will be communicated upon booking
❌ Travel insurance - available with our partners
❌ Art materials - a list of art supplies recommended by artist Katherine Downey Miller will be provided three months before the tour.
❌ Tips for staff
❌ Other expenses guests might incur on their own
Art Workshop Program
*Program & itinerary subject to change due to scheduling considerations & weather conditions.
Your painting holiday in the South of France begins with a warm welcome! Upon arriving at Montpellier Airport, meet your fellow travelers and board a comfortable private transfer to your stunning retreat venue—nestled in the heart of the Mediterranean countryside.
Once you arrive, settle into your stylish and serene room at the 4-star retreat hotel. Take time to relax after your journey, or start exploring the property’s inviting features: a tranquil pool area, elegant wine bar, and sunlit terraces perfect for sketching or simply unwinding with a glass of local wine.
At 7:00 PM, gather with your art instructor, passionate tour guides, and fellow artists for an Orientation Meeting. You’ll be introduced to your personalized art workshop itinerary, featuring scenic plein air painting locations handpicked to inspire your creativity. Learn about the week ahead—filled with immersive painting sessions, cultural discoveries, and unforgettable moments.
Cap off your arrival day with a chef-prepared three-course welcome dinner, featuring delicious Mediterranean cuisine and local wines from the region. It’s the perfect start to your watercolor art retreat in France, where art, culture, and connection come together.
Start your morning with a delightful breakfast and a cup of freshly brewed coffee, setting the tone for a perfect balance of relaxation and creativity. Spend the morning at your own pace—unwind by the pool or indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment and massage at the on-site wellness facility.
Enjoy a light and refreshing lunch before diving into your afternoon watercolor workshop. In the hotel’s dedicated art studio, you’ll be introduced to your materials and guided by artist Katherine Downey Miller through the essentials of watercolor—covering brush techniques, color mixing, and the foundations of expressive painting. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, this session will help you build confidence and prepare for outdoor painting.
Later in the afternoon, join your local guide for a cultural stroll through the historic town center of Pézenas. Explore its charming cafés, artisan shops, and traditional craftsmen’s workshops—an essential part of the Pézenas art tour experience. This picturesque town offers endless inspiration for your sketchbook and your spirit.
After a relaxing breakfast, embark on a memorable day of art, culture, and wine at one of the oldest vineyard châteaux in the Pézenas region. With over 170 hectares of flourishing vines, this fifth-generation winemaker’s estate offers the perfect setting for an inspiring plein air painting session as part of your art retreat in France.
Set up your easel beneath the shade of century-old plane trees in the château’s elegant courtyard. Under the guidance of your art instructor Katherine Downey Miller, you’ll be encouraged to tap into your creative flow and capture the authentic charm of this stunning Mediterranean vineyard through sketches and paintings.
During the art workshop, the non-painting partners are exploring the streets of the black walled historic town of Agde and its numerous artisan workshops.
Midday, take a break for a hands-on culinary experience, where you'll prepare delicious appetizers using fresh baguettes and local ingredients. This is followed by a generous wine tasting, personally led by the château’s owner, who will introduce you to the estate’s best vintages.
After the tasting, enjoy time to finish your artwork, explore the wine cellar, or visit the enchanting orangerie room, filled with light and charm.
This unforgettable day blends fine wine, regional flavors, and plein air painting—a highlight of your painting holiday in the South of France.
Start your day with a fresh and flavorful breakfast before setting out on a captivating French market tour in the historic heart of Pézenas. Follow your expert local tour guide through the cobbled streets as you discover the town’s rich cultural legacy—once home to Molière—and explore its charming artisan workshops, local art galleries, and centuries-old architecture.
After the guided walk, enjoy free time to experience one of the region’s most vibrant farmers markets. Stroll through colorful stalls overflowing with seasonal produce, fragrant herbs, handmade goods, and regional delicacies. This lively atmosphere offers endless plein air inspiration—so don’t forget your camera or sketchbook to capture the colors, characters, and charm that make this village so unique.
Spend the rest of your day soaking up the slow-paced rhythm of Southern France. Relax at an outdoor café with some people-watching, browse the many boutique shops nestled within the circular historic center, or take a scenic walk to gather more ideas for your next painting holiday session.
This immersive day is the perfect blend of culture, creativity, and local flavor—hallmarks of your unforgettable Southern France art retreat.
Begin your morning with a delicious buffet breakfast then board your private tour bus for a short scenic drive to the breathtaking Abbey de Valmagne, one of the most beautiful Cistercian abbeys in France and a listed historic monument. Here, in the peaceful 12th-century cloister surrounded by ancient stone and lush gardens, you’ll begin your first plein air watercolor workshop with Katherine. Let the gentle sound of a trickling fountain and the shade of a century-old vine awaken your creativity as you paint in this truly sacred space.
While you'll be mesmerized painting with the sound of the dripping fountain embelished with a century-old vine, the non-painting group will explore the shores of the pond of Thau and its large oyster farming with their expert tour guide.
This enriching day perfectly blends art, relaxation, and cultural discovery—hallmarks of a truly transformative painting holiday in the South of France.
Begin your morning with a delightful French breakfast featuring buttery croissants, fresh fruit, and aromatic coffee—the perfect start to another inspiring day on your art retreat in Southern France.
Today’s plein air workshop takes place at a stunning 18th-century château gracefully set along the banks of the Hérault River. With its elegant Italian Renaissance-style façade, grand windows, and peaceful gardens, this historic estate offers a dreamlike backdrop for your painting holiday in France. Whether you're drawn to architecture, nature, or light and shadow, this enchanting setting will spark your creativity. Under the expert guidance of your art instructor, you’ll spend the morning immersed in your surroundings, translating the château’s beauty onto paper.
Meanwhile the non-painting partners will be exploring the Venise of the Languedoc walking the hilly city of Sète. Tasting some local delicacies at the market halls or photographing the beautiful street art hidden all over the town.
At midday, gather under the shade of centuries-old plane trees for a locally sourced lunch, lovingly prepared with fresh regional ingredients. This moment of shared relaxation and flavor is a true highlight of the South of France art experience.
After lunch, take time to complete your painting or simply wander the grounds, camera or sketchbook in hand. Enjoy a relaxed photo tour of the château estate, capturing its timeless charm before returning to your hotel for a well-deserved rest and a peaceful afternoon at your own pace.
After a leisurely breakfast at your charming hotel in Pézenas, you’ll embark on the final creative day of your unforgettable week. Just a short 30-minute drive away lies your last painting destination: a beautiful family-owned olive estate near Béziers, surrounded by silvery olive groves, striking sculptures, and tranquil Mediterranean gardens.
This peaceful setting offers the ideal atmosphere to reflect on your artistic journey and create your final plein air painting. With guidance from your instructor, you’ll apply the watercolor skills and techniques you’ve developed throughout the week to capture the essence of this serene landscape. Meanwhile the non-painting group will be exploring the oldest city in Europe: Béziers and its magnificent trompe l'oeil façades.
Midday, everyone reunites for a vibrant buffet-style lunch, prepared by a talented local artist-chef specializing in creative, vegetarian Mediterranean cuisine. This gourmet experience is as much a feast for the senses as your artwork.
After lunch, take time to tour the estate’s olive oil production room, where you’ll discover the art of pressing and blending different varieties. Enjoy a guided olive oil tasting in the elegant sampling room, followed by a stroll through the contemporary art gallery on the property.
Before heading back to Pézenas, you’ll have a bit of free time for souvenir shopping, relaxing, or preparing for your journey home.
As the sun sets on your painting holiday in France, gather one last time for a memorable farewell cocktail dinner. Toast new friendships, savor regional wines, and celebrate the creative spirit that brought you to this magical corner of the Mediterranean.
Enjoy a delicious breakfast one last time at your charming retreat before boarding your transfer to Montpellier Airport. As your art retreat in the South of France comes to a close, it’s time to say goodbye to the beautiful landscapes that inspired your creativity—and to the new friends who became part of your creative travel journey.
With warm memories, shared laughter, and sketchbooks full of inspiration, we hope to see you again on a future painting holiday in another breathtaking destination.
Until next time—keep painting and stay inspired!
Art Retreat Information
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Katherine Downey Miller is a nationally and internationally exhibited contemporary painter known for her expressive brushwork, layered compositions, and a unique ability to bridge the worlds of representation and abstraction. She holds a BS in Painting from Skidmore College and an MFA in Illustration from the prestigious School of Visual Arts, where she completed the Illustration as Visual Essay program.
Though classically trained in illustration, Katherine’s passion has always been painting. Her work explores the interplay of structure and spontaneity—building transparent layers, responding to the line of the land, and capturing a sense of contained chaos. Her style ranges from dynamic abstract compositions to more grounded landscape paintings, always emphasizing the emotional impact of mark-making and brushstroke.
In addition to her studio practice, Katherine leads plein air painting workshops and participates in art retreats in Europe, sharing her expertise with artists of all levels. Her teaching style is encouraging, intuitive, and deeply rooted in her own exploration of form, gesture, and storytelling through paint.
Whether you're discovering her work in a gallery or joining her on a painting retreat in France, Katherine offers a rich, immersive experience that connects creativity with place.
Check out her website: katherinedmiller.com
The accommodation for the painting tour with Katherine Downey Miller is located in Pézenas, a small city in the heart of Languedoc region, along the Mediterranean Sea.
The historical center located at a 5 min. walk away from your hotel counts many private mansions with remarkable facades decorated with mascarons or with wrought iron balconies, dramatic entrances with spiral staircase or the preserved circular center with cobbled streets.
The city is also known for its exceptional craftsman workshops (more than 40 in town) where you can discover paintings, sculptures, jewellery, pottery, woodworks and other decorative objetcs locally made.
Montpellier airport (MPL) is reachable within an hour drive (your group pick-up/drop-off location).
How to get from Montpellier Airport to Garrigae Distillerie in Pézenas?
Group transfers at prearranged times to and from Montpellier airport (MPL) are included. The transfer journey to the hotel takes approximately one hour.
- Arrival transfer: May 13, 2026 — 3:00 PM (leaving from Montpellier airport (MPL), arriving at the hotel around 4:00 PM) .
- Departure transfer: May 30, 2026 — 10:00 AM (leaving from the hotel, arriving at Montpellier airport (MPL) around 11:00 AM). Group transfer times will be confirmed by email.
🔎Please hold off on booking flights until the retreat becomes confirmed. (A notification email will be sent to you)
If your travel arrangements don't work with our group transfer times, we can reserve a taxi to the Garrigae Distillerie Hotel (address: 6 Rue Calquières Hautes, 34120 Pézenas, France) approximately 175 EUR per way from Montpellier Airport. Please note that taxi fares may change.
Art Retreat Packages
- €3,690.00 - Shared Room (Twin/Double Room)
- €4,160.00 - Single Room
- €4,475.00 - Superior Room (Limited number available)
- €3,490.00 - Non-Painting Partner (Twin/Double Room)
Booking Information
- A €1,000 deposit per person is required upon booking to secure your spot. The remaining balance is due 90 days before the tour.
- 100% Refund if cancelled before February 13, 2026 (minus admin. fee). Terms & conditions
- Please hold off on booking flights until the retreat becomes confirmed. A notification email will be sent to you.
- Participants are strongly advised to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might entail cancellation or change of travel arrangements.
- The painting tour will also include Artist Oksana Danziger and her students.
- Please note that the tour includes some daily walking (couple of hours/day) and carrying your own painting supplies. Participant must be able to walk comfortably.
- Any questions? Please contact us for any pre-booking questions.
👆To book this retreat, click on Register (in the top right corner)