Watercolor Painting Workshop in Alsace
Instructors: Cindy Briggs and Theresa Goesling
June 17-24, 2027
At a Glance
8-12 Participants
2 tour leaders at all times
Sign up before 11/30/26and save $150!
Use the code EARLYBIRD at checkout.
Immerse yourself in the storybook villages of Alsace on this unforgettable 8-day watercolor painting workshop taught by renowned artists Cindy Briggs and Theresa Goesling.
Picture yourself painting in medieval Alsace, where flower-laden balconies and timber-framed homes seem lifted from another time.
Vineyards roll across the hills like brushstrokes, and every corner tells a story.
Relish the camaraderie of like-minded artists as you savor gourmet meals and sip velvety local wines.
With hands-on instruction, stunning scenery, and a supportive, joyful atmosphere, you’ll leave with not just new skills but cherished memories and a heart full of creative energy.
Workshop Overview
Join Cindy Briggs and Theresa Goesling in Alsace for a creative life experience!
“You’ll enjoy inspiring locations such as quaint villages, colorful facades, green rivers and vineyards. We will provide daily painting demonstrations, personalized instruction, and encouraging support.
We show you how to simplify and design your subject, draw confidently, jazz up your colors, paint with serendipity and experiment with new techniques.
We will help you create colorful paintings en Plein Air with an emphasis on celebrating your own unique point of view.
We’ve traveled for years with French Escapade and are always impressed with the personal attention to details; Jackie and her team took amazing care of our group as we painted, explored and dined.
We look forward to sharing this dreamy adventure with you”.
– Cindy & Theresa
Cindy and Theresa co-authored a watercolor lesson book called “Make Every Day A Painting” which is available for purchase at MakeEveryDayAPainting.com
Artist Cindy Briggs, NWS
From Utah to charming villages throughout Europe, Cindy Briggs enthusiastically shares her creative journey. Conducting online, studio and International plein air watercolor workshops, she demonstrates how to create captivating luminous paintings. Cindy’s subjects range from intimate portraits and flowers to European landscapes, cityscapes, and the Canyonlands of Utah. Her watercolor journals are a visual memoir of a curated and colorful life.
A master watercolorist, Briggs is both a National Watercolor Society Signature Member (NWS) and Northwest Watercolor Society Signature Member (NWWS). Her work has been featured in numerous international juried exhibitions and published in Watercolor Magazine, Outdoor Painter, American Watercolor, Plein Air Magazine, and SPLASH 2023.
As a Daniel Smith Brand Ambassador, Cindy is a featured demonstrator. She leads watercolor workshops for the Smithsonian Art Studios, University of Utah, Terracotta.art, French Escapade, various Art Organizations and Watercolor Live. She has also served as a juror for exhibitions and art festivals.
Cindy and Theresa have co-written a watercolor manual “Make Every Day A Painting” encouraging artists to capture the scenes most meaningful to them with step-by-step lessons and tips. Leading regional and International workshops together for over 23 years, the life-long friends help you make the most of your artful adventures.
Check Cindy’s Journal Video from SW France Workshop in 2023
Samples of Cindy Briggs’ Art
Theresa Goesling
In 2021, Theresa was awarded one of the most prestigious honors for an artist by Daniel Smith Artist Materials with her own palette “Dot Card”. The card is of her paint sample of her 18-color palette and is distributed globally and is only available through Theresa in her classes. Theresa has been teaching international workshops for over 25 years. Whether she paints impressionistic or contemporary in feel, her eye-catching painting style is distinguished by rich, vibrant color and strong in design principles.
She co-authored a watercolor instruction book, “Make Every Day A Painting” with her life-long friend, Cindy Briggs, whom she enjoys team teaching with French Escapade in beautiful destinations.
Samples of Theresa Goesling’s Art
Always an Inspiring & Seamless Watercolor Painting Experience!
As artist instructors, we deeply value providing immersive and enriching experiences that blend art, culture, and community in breathtaking locations. After nearly a decade of working with French Escapade, we can wholeheartedly say they consistently deliver this magic—not only in France, but also in inspiring destinations like Spain, Italy, Belgium, and the Western United States.
Each art-filled journey features a thoughtfully planned itinerary, allowing us to comfortably enjoy the surroundings and calmly capture the essence of each beautiful place. With French Escapade handling all the logistics, our guests can focus on painting, connecting with fellow artists, and creating lasting memories—while we focus on helping each artist grow in their watercolor journey.
If you’re looking to broaden your artistic horizons through a creatively, culturally, and personally fulfilling experience, we highly recommend French Escapade.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Welcome
Upon your arrival at our hotel, take time to settle in, enjoy the swimming pool, explore the traditional Alsatian village with its colorful timbered houses or take a walk in the vineyards.
In the evening, you will enjoy a welcome reception followed by a gourmet dinner.
Day 2 to 6: Trip Overview
We will take you to paint in several villages and particularly in the Alsace open-air museum which boasts a huge variety of 19th and 20th century buildings.
On this painting workshop, your instructor will alternate plein air sessions with indoor painting sessions.
Located in one of the most beautiful villages of Alsace, your hotel will have a room dedicated to our group for inside instructions (especially if the weather was not cooperative).
Teaching will be done through demos and one-on-one instructions. Subjects will range from architecture, street scenes, to sceneries (vineyards or smaller vignettes of grapes to adapt the student’s level).
Architecture
Alsace is known and admired for its medieval half-timbered houses, and its vibrant history offers picturesque settings, ideal for painting architectural scenes or landscapes.
Colorful facades are not only a pleasure of the eyes. They were meant to express the type of trade of the house: blue for wood-working trades, red for iron workers or yellow for baker and pastry makers for example.
Some colors were also chosen to express people’s religion: catholic or protestant. To add colors to these gorgeous facades, people love to add flowers spilling from window boxes and lace curtains to decorate shuttered windows.
Alsatians are very proud of their well-preserved heritage, which is perfect for painters.
Vineyards
Protected by the Vosges mountain range, Alsace has some of the most perfect romantic scenery of rolling hills covered with vineyards, offering a unique climate, ideal for growing grapes.
Alsace is best known for its white wines. The four major grapes are grown for white wines: Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot gris and muscat.
Nestled among rolling hills, Alsatian villages are surrounded by vineyards and often have fortified castles towering above the towns.
Imagine yourself painting, surrounded by vineyards all around. What a peaceful setting it is!
Nature
Besides the rolling hills and vineyards all around, you may have the chance to sketch a stork. You can see many stork nests on top of the Alsatian houses in many villages of Alsace.
The week will end with a final show where all students can share their week work.
Cultural Visits
In addition to painting, you will also enjoy some fun excursions such as:
Boat ride in Strasbourg: A day in Strasbourg where we will treat you to a canal cruise through the historical town of this breath-taking Unesco Heritage city.
Alsatian Specialties
Reflecting centuries of bridging two cultures, French and German, Alsatian gastronomy offers wide range of food specialties.
Although the Alsatian Sauerkraut dish (choucroute garnie) is the most common menu item, you should not pass on the Flammekueche (pie with cream, bacon and onion) or the Baeckeoffe (vegetable and meat stew).
Pretzels are also a favorite snack in the area and can be served with a twist: with cheese, grains or in a sweet sugary version.
But our favorite treats are the Bredele. These butter cookies are typical of Alsace and baked in many shapes: stars, trees … Just delicious!
During our week together, you will have a chance to indulge in all these delicious specialties!
Day 7: Painting in the Studio and Farewell Dinner
You’ll have time to pack your suitcase before our “Show and Share” session, where we can all admire and celebrate the paintings created throughout the week. It’s a special opportunity to reflect on your artistic journey and share the joy of your work with others.
We will end fabulous food for our farewell dinner!
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 you to the Strasbourg train station around 10:30 am.
Accommodations
Beautiful 4-star Hotel in the Heart of Alsace
We will be staying in a typical Alsatian village, listed one of the most beautiful villages in France.
This eco-friendly hotel features a big living room, breakfast room, a terrace bar, a restaurant and a sunny conference room that we will use as our painting studio.
It also features a complimentary spa area with an indoor pool, sauna, steam room as well as a seasonal outdoor pool.
Every morning, in the breakfast room and its large terrace facing south, you will enjoy a big breakfast buffet with local and organic products.
In the evening, we will take several of our dinners at the hotel restaurant that offers a traditional menu giving honoring fresh seasonal produce. Enjoy the inventive and elegant local cuisine in their cosy dining room.
You will be able to use the conference room as a studio with access 24/7.
Bedroom Categories
All bedrooms and their en-suite bathroom have air-conditioning and are equipped with free WiFi access, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, tea and coffee making facilities.
The hotel offers 4 types of rooms to choose from:
Standard Room
172ft2
Standard Room w Balcony
172ft2
Superior Room
258ft2
Deluxe Room w Balcony
280ft2
Reviews
I haven’t found another company offering art trips that comes close!
French Escapade is definitely a high caliber, very well run company, and I haven’t found another company offering art trips that comes close. I have traveled with them seven times in the past few years – Spain, Belgium, and Provence overseas and to Santa Barbara, Carmel, Santa Fe and Sonoma. Each trip was well planned down to all details – from the transportation, accommodations, meals, and activities (they also make sure to have backup plans just in case of inclement weather!). The locations are selected with care to make sure the participants will be comfortable and safe, and are within walking distance of additional restaurants and shopping opportunities.
I truly love and enjoy all the workshops I’ve taken with you – you are the BEST!!!
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!
How do I get to the pick up location?
The pickup will be at 2pm at the Strasbourg train station on day 1. We will pick up the group and drive in a mini van to our hotel located one hour from the station.
- Fly to Paris CDG airport and take a TGV train to Strasbourg directly from the airport or if you are spending some time in Paris, take the train from Gare de l’Est (2 hours)
- There is a small airport, 7 miles southwest from downtown Strasbourg. You can also fly to that airport from some European cities such as Amsterdam, Madrid, London and some cities in France
When should I arrive?
What should I bring?
Do you have any recommendations for travel insurance?
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.
Can you accommodate vegetarians of people with dietary restrictions?
Food allergies and intolerances are catered for if announced in advance. However, if you have a very restricted diet or severe allergies, contact us prior to registering.
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 (start with 200 euros). 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?
Unfortunately, the trip is not suited for people with low and limited mobility. Although there is an elevator at the hotel, the daily excursions involve walking on uneven, cobbled streets, sometimes uphill. We may walk up to 2 miles a day.
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?
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 4:30pm. if some, painters get tired after lunch, they can visit the village or take a nap while the others are painting.
There will be one to two half days without painting because we plan an cultural excursion. However, you can always opt-out from the activity and paint. It is your vacation so you do what pleases you!
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
Deluxe Rooms with Balcony
Single: US $5,090
Shared : US $4,490 pp
Superior Rooms
Single: US $4,790
Shared : US $4,290
Standard Rooms with Balcony
Single: US $4,590
No Shared Standard Room available
Standard Rooms
Single: US $4,390
No Shared Standard Room available
All rooms include a private ensuite bathroom.
Non-painters are welcome at the same price.
Price includes
- Strasbourg TGV station pick-up at 2pm and drop-off around 10:30am
- A welcome reception
- All 7 nights at the hotel
- All breakfasts, 3 lunches and 4 dinners including wine
- All art classes
- Transportation in a comfortable van with A/C
- The use of folding chairs
- 2 tour leaders throughout.
Price excludes
- Flight and train to France
- 3 lunches and 3 dinners
- Painting supplies
- Required Travel Insurance
- Tour leader(s) tipping
How to Book
Payments
- A $600 nonrefundable deposit is due at booking ($300 transferable to a future workshop; see cancellation policy below).
We offer three payment methods through our secure system:
– By credit card (2.9% convenience fee applies)
– By ACH/ bank transfer (no fees)
– By wire transfer (flat fee) - After submitting your registration, you will receive a confirmation of your registration by email. Do not make any travel plans until you receive an email letting you know that we have reached the minimum of participants required for the trip.
- An additional payment of US$1,000 is due 6 months prior to departure and the remaining balance is due 4 months prior to departure.
We also provide flexible payment plans allowing you to make smaller payments more often if you wish. - Buy your travel insurance: See below to see the details and deadline for purchasing a travel insurance.
Insurance Required
Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements.
- If you have a pre-existing medical condition or wish to be able to cancel your trip at any time for any reason, you need to get the insurance within 21 days of your registration with us.
- For standard health coverage, you may sign-up at any time.
Feel free to choose the insurance provider of your choice. Our preferred insurance companies are:
- For US citizens: Travel Insurance Services. Tel. 1-800-937-1387. This company has covered many of our clients and provides good customer service. They offer 3 tiers of coverage.
- For non-US residents: United Health Care Global
Sign up before 11/30/26 and save $150!
Use the code EARLYBIRD at checkout.
Cancellation Policy
| If you cancel: | Cancellation Fee per Person |
|---|---|
| more than 180 days before departure | $300 is forfeited and $300 is transferrable to a future trip within 2 years |
| 121-180 days before departure | $1,000 is forfeited and $600 is transferrable to a future trip within 2 years |
| 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 |