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Drawing & Painting holidays in France

Discover or refine your creative skills in a peaceful setting. Enjoy your drawing and painting holidays in France, while staying in one of our luxury accommodations surrounded by the natural charm of our ‘Forêt Souriante’.

About

“Creative Holidays That Bring Smiles”

Anita and Tjarco love sharing the experience of creative holidays in their ‘smiling forest’. They consider it a privilege when guests choose to spend their holiday with them. Together, they offer memorable art retreats in rural France. Combining joyful days in nature with Anita’s inspiring painting and drawing lessons and Tjarco’s thoughtful support. Originally from the Netherlands, they are fluent in English.

Painting en plein air during a painting holiday in the South of France

Discover the joy of a drawing and painting holiday

Why our drawing and painting holidays in France are perfect for you:

Tranquil Nature

Our peaceful garden and forest are perfect for creative inspiration

Small Group (4-8)

Our small groups ensure personal guidance from a qualified art teacher

For All Skill Levels

Art classes with a qualified art teacher, tailored to your creativity.

Luxe En-Suite Stay

Comfortable, stylish rooms, gîtes, and tents, ready to welcome you.

Pure Vegetarian

Delicious vegetarian meals, included in your all-inclusive stay

Perfectly located

Easily reachable by train, plane, or car for your creative getaway.

All our painting holidays in France for 2026 are fully booked
Do you want to be the first to know about our creative weeks in 2027?


Reviews about our drawing and painting holidays in France

What guests say about their drawing and painting holidays

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 “On the first day, I didn’t even know where to start with my drawing. But Anita carefully noticed what I needed, and with her practical tips, I quickly made progress. I loved the variety—sketching on beautiful locations, using different materials, and also having the option to work independently in the garden or the studio.
La Forêt Souriante itself is a wonderful place to stay, and my glamping tent, La Tente Souriante, was more like a spacious room in the woods than camping at all. At night, a tawny owl even paid a visit!”

Google review for the urban and rural sketching holiday june 2025

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“Anita is a fantastic teacher. La foret souriante is an idyllic setting. Tjarco and Anita are amazing hosts. They can’t do enough for you. The meals are delicious. The excursions inspirational. The accomodation lovely. My second visit. I will definitely return.”

Google review for the Drawing and Painting from Life holiday may 2025