Flowers in Watercolor Retreat w/ Oksana Danziger
from 3,690€/pers.
Flowers in Watercolor Retreat
with artist Oksana Danziger in the South of France
📅 May 13-20, 2026 🌏Pézenas, France 🎨Watercolor
Watercolor Art Retreat in the South of France
Join artist Oksana Danziger for a week-long art retreat in Southern France, where you'll create your own collection of watercolor paintings and sketches inspired by the region’s enchanting landscapes, golden light, and timeless architecture.
This immersive French workshop is based in the historic town of Pézenas, famous for its cobbled streets, artisan boutiques, and vibrant open-air cafés. During your free time, explore charming markets, meet local craftspeople, and soak in the authentic atmosphere that has long inspired artists and writers.
Throughout this watercolor art retreat, Oksana will guide you in capturing the beauty of the region through plein air painting sessions. From the peaceful cloisters of a 12th-century abbey to the serene shores of the Canal du Midi, each setting offers fresh inspiration for your Mediterranean artwork. A dedicated local guide will enrich your experience with fascinating cultural and historical insights into each painting location.
Your home for the week is the elegant 4-star Garrigae Distillerie Spa Hotel, just a 5-minute walk from Pézenas’ medieval center. Enjoy warm hospitality, fresh-baked pastries each morning, and exquisite Mediterranean cuisine at carefully selected gourmet restaurants.
This art retreat in France is designed for a small, supportive group of 12 artists who enjoy painting, cultural discovery, and meaningful connection. Whether you're a beginner or experienced painter, you’ll find encouragement and creative growth in this inspiring environment. 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.
Discover the magic of Southern France through art. Come home with unforgettable memories—and your own stunning Mediterranean artwork.
What's included
✅ Instructed painting workshops: watercolor painting classes in plein-air at different locations each day, demonstrations with artist Oksana Danziger & 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 workshop 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 (New York (JFK) 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 Oksana Danziger 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 Oksana Danziger 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 Oksana Danziger, you’ll be encouraged to tap into your creative flow and capture the authentic charm of this stunning Mediterranean vineyard through watercolor 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 watercolor 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 Oksana. 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 watercolor 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.
In the meantime, 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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Oksana Danziger is a natural-born creator with a passion for textile art. She was born in Moscow, Russia, and received a classical art education from the Moscow School of Art. Pursuing her love of design, she continued to study textile design at the Moscow State Textile University, where she received a Master's Degree in 1986. After graduation, she exhibited tapestry, silk paintings and delicate fabric art collages throughout Russia’s galleries and museums. Her work was added to the Moscow Decorative Art Museum collection in 1990. Residencies have included the Arquetopia in Mexico, Oaxaca and Torino, Italy.
Since arriving in New York in 1991, she has worked as a freelance textile artist for numerous studios, including Portfolio, Design Works International and Group Four. While Oksana's artistic journey has taken her across continents, she remains deeply rooted in her community on Long Island.
She shares her expertise and passion for art as a teacher at the Suffolk County Art Museum and through workshops organized by the Huntington Arts Council. Her professional affiliations include the Art Leagues of Long Island and the Long Island Craft Guild.
Check out her website: www.oksanadanziger.com/
The accommodation for the painting tour with Oksana Danziger is located in Pézenas, a small city in the heart of Languedoc region, along the Mediterranean Sea.
The historical center located at a 5min. 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 Katherine Miller 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)