Watercolor Painting Workshop in Normandy
Instructor: Michael Solovyev
Sept 12-19, 2026
At a Glance
8-12 Participants
Sign up before 01/31/26 and save $150!
Use the code EARLYBIRD at checkout.
In Auvers-sur-Oise, you can paint the very landscapes that shaped Van Gogh’s most emotional works, standing where he once set his easel.
Designed for artists of all levels, this creative retreat offers daily plein air sessions, expert guidance, and leisurely moments to savor gourmet meals and the camaraderie of fellow painters. Come experience the magic of Normandy’s light—and let it transform your art and your spirit.
Workshop Overview
Monet’s village of Giverny, Van Gogh’s field in Auvers sur Oise and beautiful Honfleur seem to be just made for watercolor. Complex juicy color transitions, bright sun and all the incredible villages, flowers and architecture are just begging to be caught on the tip of your brush.
But every view, every subject that you want to transfer to your paper requires a different approach. Sometimes it needs the use of a different technique, or a serious change in the set of colors. In other cases, the landscape will require a completely different approach to watercolor. Understanding how to properly build a project to achieve the best result with the least effort is the key to success.
An excellent program of relaxation and enjoyment of Giverny and the surroundings will be combined with a very rich and informative work in the open air and int he studio.
Moving from place to place, we will find the right solutions every time to create vibrant and sunny watercolors. I have developed the program of the workshop so that every day will be a discovery for you—not only the incredible beauty of the villages and landscapes, but also new opportunities for watercolor. In addition to the habitual and traditional watercolor techniques, I will introduce you to my personal methods and secrets.
The workshop will be held in a small group of 10-12 max, and I will do my best to bring our communication as close as possible to individual lessons. This means that as you work on each project, you can count on advice and tips from me. And, of course, we will definitely discuss our work in order to find the most interesting and correct ways for future watercolor landscapes.
I am convinced that you will remember this trip precisely because you will get the opportunity to look at the color of Giverny through the prism of watercolor.
Artist Michael Solovyev
Born in Russia in 1972, Michael has chosen Montréal as his home since 2011. From there, his works continue to add to the beauty and value of both public and private collections around the world.
He participated in 16 personal and more than 70 group exhibitions in different countries. Michael won numerous awards, including the 1st Award of Excellence on Elected Members Exhibition Society of Canadian Artists in 2019.
He teaches five self-written art courses in the Syn Studio, a prestigious art school in Montreal, as well as private lessons in his own studio and many masterclasses around the world.
In recent years, he represented Canada at many famous watercolor festivals, including Hong Kong, Slovenia, India, Italy, France, Peru, Costa Rica, Mexico, Hungary, and Portugal.
Signature Member – SCA, NEWS, IWS
Daniel Smith Brand Ambassador
Fabriano in Acquarello Canada Country Leader
Professional Associations
- IWS GLOBAL (International Watercolor Society) – Master status
- IWS Canada (Master status)
- SCA (Society of Canadian Artists), Elected Member
- OPA (Oil Painters of America)
- MAU (Moscow Artists Union) Moscow, Russia, Elected Member
- NEWS (North East Watercolor Society), Signature Member
- TWSA (Transparent Watercolor Society of America)
Every project with French Escapade is a truly unforgettable experience!
Working with French Escapade is always a true pleasure. The hotels are first-class and comfortable, the service impeccable, and every detail is thoughtfully cared for — creating the perfect environment to focus entirely on art. But above all, each journey is a discovery of new and fascinating places, inspiring excursions, and memorable adventures. Every project with French Escapade is a truly unforgettable experience.
Samples of Michael Solovyev’s Art
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Welcome
This enchanting beautifully restored mill offers seven acres of serene parkland, a meandering river flowing under the estate, a picturesque bridge and plenty of open space to explore.
After you had time to settle in, enjoy our welcome/orientation meeting followed by a gourmet dinner.
Day 2: Painting in the Studio or in the Garden
With the gentle flow of the river weaving through its park, the estate provides a peaceful retreat where you can unwind and sketch the serene landscape.
Day 3: Monet’s Garden in Giverny
In Giverny, his picturesque village, every corner feels like a painting. We’ll step into Monet’s world with a visit to his home and studio, and stroll through the dreamlike gardens that inspired his most beloved works—where light shimmers on the ponds and water lilies still bloom in quiet tribute to his genius.
After lunch, we’ll come together for our painting session at Hôtel Baudy, a historic haven that once welcomed artists from across the globe such as Cezanne, Cassat, Renoir, etc..
Day 4: Beautiful Norman Village
Because this charming village is small, calm and off the beaten tourist track, it allows us to paint quietly, at leisure, amid real rural French life.
Day 5: Honfleur, the Birth City of Impressionism
We will have a chance to paint wonderful sites such as its picturesque harbor lined with timber-framed houses that reflect in the water or its narrow streets and cobblestone lanes.
Day 6: On Van Gogh’s Footsteps in Auvers-sur-Oise
Our day begins with a visit to the cemetery where Vincent Van Gogh is buried alongside his brother, Theo, followed by a walk through the fields that inspired his dramatic Wheatfield with Crows. We will also see the room at the Ravoux Inn where he spent his final days.
After lunch, we’ll enjoy a painting session by the church he famously captured in The Church at Auvers, immersing ourselves in the landscapes that shaped his last masterpieces.
Day 7: Show-and-Share and Farewell Dinner
You’ll also have a moment to pack before our “Show and Share” session, where we’ll celebrate the week’s creations and reflect on your artistic journey, enjoying the pleasure of sharing your work with fellow artists.
We will conclude the day with a farewell dinner featuring fabulous food, raising a toast to a week of inspiration and creativity.
Day 8: Departure
You will leave not only with vibrant creations but also with fresh inspiration, creative sparks, and new friendships that will color your artistic journey for years to come. Safe travels!
After our last breakfast together, we’ll drive back to CDG airport in Paris.
Accommodations
Beautiful Estate Near Giverny
Tucked away in the peaceful countryside between Paris and Honfleur, this secluded 12-bedroom estate is reserved exclusively for our group.
Each bedroom has its own en-suite bathroom. Many bedrooms are located on the second floor (the estate doesn’t have a lift).
Surrounded by acres of manicured parkland with century-old trees, the property offers endless inspiration at every turn.
The heart of the estate is its remarkable glass-walled painting studio—an airy, light-filled space that opens onto views of the park, where nature becomes both your muse and your companion as you paint.
After a day immersed in color and creativity, unwind in comfort and indulge in exquisite meals prepared by our private chef, a renowned wedding caterer known for his gourmet artistry.
Gather each evening around the table or in the gardens for laughter, conversation, and camaraderie among fellow painters for a truly unforgettable creative retreat.
Reviews
As a first-timer with French Escapade, I just wanted to let you know how wonderful my experience was in Provence!
As a first-timer with French Escapade, I just wanted to let you know how wonderful my experience was in Provence. Our little hotel was magical with the river embracing its grounds. The choices of villages were perfect – providing variety and lovely painting spots. Our guides, Marie and Heather, worked together seamlessly, providing joyful assistance at every turn. They are a great team! Oh, and the food – loved every restaurant and meal we experienced. We had a delightful group…We were graced with beautiful weather.
My only regret was that the trip seemed too short! Merci from a very pleased customer!
Marie would come and lock her arms in mine!
I just wanted to extend my gratitude for the retreat in Provence! The location was perfect and the 2 guides Heather and Marie were the best! This was a big challenge for me to do something so big and not let my fears and anxieties take over with the language barrier and the travel. I did have some challenges but I overcame them. I was a slow walker up the hills and Marie would come and get me and lock her arms in mine. I felt cared for every step of the way! Heather made sure I got on the right train going back to Paris and didn’t leave my side until she knew I was good! Those two make a great team! They were always happy and even did happy dances!
I felt so well cared for by the 2 guides!
I just wanted to let you know what a wonderful time I have just had in Provence. I felt so well cared for by the 2 guides Marie and Heather. Everything went like clockwork. They seemed to preempt any problems before they occurred. They were always bright and cheery and nothing was too much trouble. I have never been on an organised tour before and it has spoiled me forever now! The accommodation was superb and the food great (even if it was far too much for me!). The activities were excellent and so well organised. I just wanted to say thank you to everyone involved!
FAQs
When and where are the pick up and drop off?
When should I arrive?
What should I bring?
Can you accommodate vegetarians or people with dietary restrictions?
Will I get a supply list?
Is there a laundry facility at the hotel or in the village?
Do I need to bring some euros before arriving?
Please take out euros cash from an ATM at the airport. You will need cash for small purchases during the day trips and or tipping the staff (tipping is customary). There will also be some ATM machines in some of the villages we visit.
Can I opt out of certain activities?
Is the retreat available to guests with low and limited mobility?
I have never traveled outside the US. Do I need to speak the language?
Not at all. It is actually the perfect situation to travel with us. Our guides are bilingual and will be with you at all times, from your arrival at the train station till the last day.
Will I fit on the tour if I am traveling solo and don't know anyone?
Yes, we usually get many solo travelers on our tours. For the meals, the group eats together for most lunches and dinners. In addition, our 2 tour leaders are always with the group and will be happy to also go for dinner with participants on the days the meals are not included.
How much painting do we do every day?
On the 3 days on location, a typical day is: painting from 9am till 12:30pm, lunch and free time till 2pm and more painting, maybe in a different location from 2 to 5pm. If you get tired of painting, feel free to opt-out from the painting session at any time.
On the 3 days we go on excursions (Giverny, Honfleur et Auvers-sur-Oise), we will have some visits in the morning and a painting session in the afternoon.
Will I receive a full refund if the retreat is not guaranteed?
Will I get my deposit back if I need to cancel?
Unfortunately the deposit is not refundable, no matter when you cancel. Therefore, we recommend that you insure your deposit right after registering for the trip. You do not need to insure the full trip at that time, just the deposit. Feel free to choose the insurance provider of your choice but this is the one we recommend (they only insure US customers): Travel Insurance Services* Tel. 1-800-937-1387.
Note that participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. Please review our cancellation policy.
Can you give me the reference of someone who has been on the tour before?
Absolutely. We would be happy to give you contact information of past participants who have agreed to be contacted.
Pricing and Booking
Pricing Details
Room Options
Single Room: US $4,540
Shared Room: US $3,990
All rooms include a private ensuite bathroom.
Non-painters are welcome at the same price.
How to Book
Payments
- A $600 nonrefundable deposit is due at booking (see cancellation policy below).
- The remaining balance is due 4 months before departure, with flexible payment plans available.
- Pay by credit card (2.9% fee) or ACH/bank transfer (no fee) through our secure system.
Insurance Required
- Participants must purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance to cover any changes or cancellations. You may choose any provider, though we recommend (for U.S. customers): Travel Insurance Services (1-800-937-1387).
- If you have a pre-existing condition or want “cancel for any reason” coverage, purchase insurance within 21 days of registration.
- Standard health coverage can be purchased at any time.
Sign up before 01/31/26 and save $150!
Use the code EARLYBIRD at checkout.
Price includes
- CDG Paris airport pick-up at 2:30pm and drop-off at 11am
- A welcome reception
- All 7 nights at the hotel
- All breakfasts, 3 lunches and all dinners including wine
- All art classes
- Transportation by coach with A/C
- The use of folding chairs
- Entrance fees to all sites on the tour
- A free Paris planner if you extend your trip to Paris.
- Two tour leaders throughout
Price excludes
- Flight to France
- 3 lunches
- Painting supplies
- Required Travel Insurance
- Tour leader(s) and hotel staff tipping
Cancellation Policy
| If you cancel: | Cancellation Fee per Person |
|---|---|
| more than 120 days before departure | the $600 deposit is forfeited |
| 61-120 days before departure | 50% of total cost forfeited |
| 31-60 days before departure | 75% of total cost forfeited |
| 0-30 days before departure | 100% of total cost forfeited |
| If French Escapade cancels | you get a full refund |