Watercolor Painting Workshop in Giverny (Normandy)
Instructor: Alicia Farris
Aug 30-Sept 6, 2027
At a Glance
8-13 Participants
7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and all dinners
Sign up before 01/31/27 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
Experience Normandy on an immersive artistic journey with Alicia Farris.
Alicia adores sharing her passion for painting and inspires with her creative energy and loose and lively painting style. She feels artists share a special sense for both seeing and feeling their subjects. She helps inspire her students to use color and light to paint a story from their hearts, not merely from what their eyes see.
You’ll have the opportunity to watercolor paint, sketch and photograph your way through this spectacular region. Whether it’s the picturesque villages, narrow streets and cobblestone lanes or flowers and plants at the dreamlike gardens that inspire you, Alicia will guide you through the creative process.
You will embrace the flow of your own artistic journey and Alicia will work with painters individually to help them nurture their own path. Students will learn to use light, color and great design to capture the emotion of a wide array of subject matter.
Students who have studied with Alicia love her encouraging and positive approach to teaching. You will benefit from individual and group discussion and will gain confidence and ever-lasting memories from this incredible creative journey!
Students will develop:
- An ability to see light and value to capture drama in their subject
- An appreciation of luminous color to tell a visual story
- Their ability to simplify to best illustrate what is most important in a scene
- The ability to add figures in the landscape to add interest
- A sense of atmospheric perspective, using color, shape and value
- Numerous ways to incorporate contrast for more dramatic watercolor paintings
Artist Alicia Farris
Alicia’s paintings have been featured in issues of Watercolor Artist and Internationally distributed fine art publication, Art of Watercolour, where she won first place in the world reader’s competition judged by the magazine’s art editor.
Her work has also been featured in Splash: Best of Watercolor, Signature Magazine, Missouri Life, and on Diana Maxon’s podcast, Speaking of the Arts. Alicia has traveled extensively and is enormously inspired to paint where ever she goes.
“All went extremely smoothly”
I just completed my first workshop through French Escapade as an instructor (Provence 2025). Guides, Heather and Sandra were outstanding in their leadership, organization and in the way that they communicated necessary information to my students, to me and to the staff at the hotel. I felt that all went extremely smoothly and the mood throughout the week was positive and upbeat.
Much thought obviously went into choosing the hotel. The accommodations were wonderful, the food was spectacular, and the staff could not have been more kind and accommodating to all of us!
The pace and timing of painting locations were perfect… I would absolutely recommend French Escapade for a unique and creative painting vacation!
Samples of Alicia Farris’ 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: 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
Auvers-sur-Oise inspired some of Van Gogh’s most famous final works.
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 Private 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.
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.
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, the guide, 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
How do I get to the pick up location?
We will meet at 2:30 pm on Day 1 at Charles de Gaulle Airport (exact meeting point provided in advance) and travel together by private coach to our estate, located about 90 minutes away.
When should I arrive in France?
We recommend that you arrive in France at least the day before the start of the workshop. Not only will this help you to overcome jet lag but it will give you plenty of time to be at the pick up location.
What should I bring?
Once the trip has a guaranteed departure, we will send you a trip information package listing what to bring but also help for booking your flight and train, recommended travel insurance and hotel recommendations in Paris or the airport.
Can you accommodate vegetarians or people with dietary restrictions?
Will I get a supply list?
Yes we will send you the teacher’s recommended supply list ahead of time. Folding chairs and paper towels will be provided.
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 tour leaders and 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?
There is no elevator at the hotel and most rooms are on the second floor so you need to be able to climb stairs. The paiting sessions are in the studio (main floor) but the daily excursions involve some walking on uneven, cobbled streets. If you can't walk at least one mile then you may have to skip the excursions and stay at the estate. The studio is available all day so you will be able to keep painting if you choose to skip the excursion.
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 airport 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 all dinners at the estate. In addition, our tour leaders are always with the group and will be happy to also go and eat with participants on the days the lunches are not included.
How much painting do we do every day?
We alternate days on location (painting in the studio) and days (or half days) on excursions, no painting, in Giverny, Honfleur et Auvers-sur-Oise.
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 Single: US $4,590
Shared Room: US $4,290
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 ($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 01/31/27 and save $150!
Use the code EARLYBIRD at checkout.
Price includes
- Paris CDG 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 in a comfortable van with A/C
- Entrances to sites
- The use of folding chairs
- 2 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 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 |