Join us for a fun and relaxing week of exploring the Loire’s treasures while turning your experiences into some abstract art , 21st – 28th September 2026
Immerse yourself in a week of relaxation, culture, connection and some creativity in the heart of the Loire Valley. Join abstract artist Chris Cox for an interesting and fun art experience. You’ll start with exploring the breathtaking landscapes, historic châteaux, and vibrant village markets of the area — and then transform those experiences into expressive abstract works.
Whether you’re an experienced artist or simply eager to explore abstraction, Chris will provide a nurturing environment with expert guidance, daily inspiration, and time to explore your abstract creativity.
Chris will guide you through how to experience gaining inspiration from the local area. This will give you what you need to create abstract landscapes with layers and depth. For those who are inclined to do more non-objective abstracts based on using line, color, shape and feelings to create, Chris will help participants to know what to look for in the local area to stimulate and develop their inspiration. No matter what you choose to do art wise, it will be relaxing, fun and creative.
You will even have the opportunity to learn the art technique of photo transfers using a few of the photos you take during the week. Photo transfer is a technique where you transfer a printed photo to another paper using a transfer medium to separate the ink from the original paper and onto another paper surface where it can be manipulated to give the image a “painterly” feel.From inspirational walks and morning art talks to painting, photo transfers, individual critiques and creative breakthroughs, this week promises to awaken your artistic sensibilities while being surrounded by the beauty of the Loire Valley.
What’s included?
- Small, Supportive Group: Up to 12 emerging and experienced artists
- Accommodation: 7 nights accommodation at Les Peupliers Loire
- Guidance Sessions: A mix of 10 group and individual discussions with Chris Cox
- Materials for the Course: Paper, two small flat canvas boards, brushes, palette knives, medium and varnish for transfers, basic acrylic paints, markers and printing of up to 3 photos . If you have preferred paints and brushes you can bring these with you (or purchase additional material at an art store in nearby Saumur). Please note: no oil paints or solvents for oil painting are permitted.
- Meals and Refreshments:
- Daily continental breakfast
- 4 group light lunches
- 6 freshly prepared group dinners
- Complimentary tea and coffee throughout the course
- Recommendations for excursions or the option of being transferred to local areas of interest
- Unique Abstract Tote Bag: A special memento of your art retreat at Les Peupliers Loire
Retreat Highlights
- Expert Art Tuition: Work closely with Chris Cox, whose abstract practice is grounded in decades of experience and a deep understanding of visual storytelling.
- Cultural Excursions: Wander through fairytale châteaux, explore vibrant markets, and stroll along vineyard paths for inspiration that will fuel your art.
- Freshly Prepared Seasonal Dining: Enjoy freshly prepared meals using local produce — a true taste of the Loire Valley
- Creative Freedom: Choose your preferred level of abstract art — performing minor adaptations to photos, abstracting the landscape or developing a non-objective abstract artwork.
Meet your instructor, Chris Cox
Chris Cox is an abstract artist living in Philadelphia and France. She has had 12 solo exhibitions in America and has also had many juried exhibitions, including museum exhibitions, throughout the northeastern United States. Additionally, three of her paintings were selected for one of the sets of the film Creed II, a Rocky franchise movie.
Chris’ paintings are in private collections throughout the US and in France. You can see her work on: chriscoxart.com and InLiquid.com; and on Instagram at chriscoxpainting.
Chris loves art and knows how to make in fun and interesting!
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Welcome Dinner
- Check-in: 16:00–18:00 at Les Peupliers Loire
- Evening: Welcome drinks & canapés, followed by a seasonal group dinner
- Intro: Meet fellow guests and Chris Cox over an informal introduction to the week’s creative themes
Day 2: Concepts & Guided Exploration
- Morning: Abstract art talk + guided observation walk
- Lunch: Light group lunch & excursion ideas discussion
- Afternoon: Free time to explore local villages, vineyards, or gain inspiration onsite
- Evening: Dine at a local restaurant of your choice
- Optional Transport: Available to local attractions (see extras)
Day 3: Independent Discovery
- Self-guided day: Explore nearby châteaux, markets, or the Loire river, taking photographs on which to base your abstract art
- Meals: Breakfast provided, lunch at your own pace, dinner provided at Les Peupliers Loire where Chris will chat through your experiences and ideas
- Optional Transport: Available to local attractions (see extras)
Day 4: Select Your Inspiration
- Morning + Afternoon: Continue exploring & photographing your favorite sites
- Mid-afternoon: Choose 3 images to inspire your artwork; printed copies provided
- Meals: Breakfast provided, lunch at your own pace, dinner provided at Les Peupliers Loire where Chris will chat through your experiences and ideas
- Optional Transport: Available to local attractions (see extras)
Day 5: Begin Your Abstract Art
- Morning: Guided discussion + start working on your artwork
- Afternoon: Studio time + individual critiques
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided at Les Peupliers Loire
Day 6: Final Touches & Group Critique
- Morning: Visual session on abstraction + continue (or start a new piece)
- Afternoon: Individual feedback & time to refine your work
- Meals: All meals included at Les Peupliers Loire
Day 7: Refinement and finalisation
- Morning: Finish and refine your artwork
- Afternoon: Group critique and closing discussion
- Evening: Final dinner together at Les Peupliers Loire
Day 8: Departure
- Breakfast: Final continental breakfast
- Check-out: By 10:30 AM
Book your place today
Experience the beauty of the Loire Valley and take home lasting memories and skills. Secure your place at Les Peupliers Loire today.
Shared Occupancy Room Prices
The prices below are for shared occupancy per room for the 7 night retreat. If one guest prefers not to take part in the art retreat a separate price has been provided for the non participating guest.
| Room | Price per participant – 2 participants | Non participating guest | Third participant (sleeping on a sofa bed) |
| Villandry | € 1,620 | € 975 | € 1,205 |
| Ussé | € 1,620 | € 975 | € 1,205 |
| Saumur | € 1,550 | € 905 | |
| Chinon | € 1,550 | € 905 | |
| Brézé | € 1,500 | € 850 |
Single Occupancy Room Prices
The prices below are for single occupancy per room for the 7 night retreat.
| Room | Single Occupancy |
| Villandry | € 2,000 |
| Ussé | € 2,000 |
| Saumur | € 1,885 |
| Chinon | € 1,885 |
| Brézé | € 1,795 |
Optional extras:
Should you not have your own transportation, we offer the following services for up to 8 guests.
- Transfer from and to Saumur train station, €25 each way for up to 4 guests per vehicle.
- Transport to a local restaurant at Montsoreau on Day 2 for 1900 (7pm) €15 each way.
- Transportation to and from local attractions: €150 per person to the following locations.
- Day 2: Montsoreau and Abbaye de Fontevraud
- Day 3: Saumur town and a local wine cave
- Day 4: A local château such as Château d’Ussé or Chateau de Brézé
- If you’d like to explore the local area by e-bikes, you can hire from us at €50 per day.
Please let us know if you would like to take up the option of any of these additional services at the time of booking.
Please Note:
- Travel, flights, and additional expenses (such as visits to local attractions, food and drinks outside Les Peupliers Loire) are not included.
- Transport is available for up to 4 people per vehicle, with 2 vehicles available.
- Any special offer rates cannot be used when booking our retreats.
Additional information
- Language: This retreat is conducted in English. If you are interested in attending a future retreat in another language, please contact us.
- Course size: A minimum of 4 participants is required and there will be a maximum of 12 participants.
- Allergies and dietary requirements: If you have any allergies please let us know at your time of booking. Please note that food preparation and consumption takes place in the same kitchen and dining room.
- Extras: It is possible to hire electric bikes for the duration of your retreat so you can explore the local area at your leisure.
- Extended Stay: If you’d like to extend your stay before or after the retreat, we offer rooms at standard rates.
- Itinerary: We reserve the right to make slight amendments to the itinerary to allow for any changes in the itineraries of external providers. Any changes will be made to enable us to provide guests with the best possible experience.
FAQ’s
- Do I need art experience? – No, this retreat welcomes all levels. It’s designed for experienced artists as well as those who are simply keen to start exploring how they get started
- What materials are included? – Paper, two small flat canvas boards, brushes, palette knives, medium and varnish for transfers, basic acrylic paints, markers and printing of up to 3 photos . If you have preferred paints and brushes you can bring these with you (or purchase additional material at an art store in nearby Saumur). Please note: no oil paints or solvents for oil painting are permitted.
- What’s the weather like in September? – Typically it’s crisp mornings, mild afternoons, and golden autumn light — perfect for enjoying the local area.