Oils & Watercolor in Magical Giverny & Normandy
Instructor: Maggie Hellmann
May 28-June 4, 2027
At a Glance
8-14 Participants
Pick up and drop off at CDG Paris airport
Sign up before 11/30/26 and save $150!
Use the code EARLYBIRD at checkout.
Paint in the footsteps of the Impressionist masters on this unforgettable 8-day painting vacation taught by renowned artist Maggie Hellmann.
In Honfleur, capture the reflections of colorful boats in the old harbor where Boudin and young Monet once painted side by side. Wander Giverny’s lush gardens, alive with the same water lilies and arched bridges that filled Monet’s canvases with color and movement.
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
Join me for an amazing week of plein air painting in Normandy!
I’m super excited to teach you painting in such an inspiring place! We’ll paint in Monet’s village of Giverny, Van Gogh’s field in Auvers sur Oise, beautiful Honfleur and more. Inspired all around by French charm, we’ll paint our impressions, dine exquisitely, share gorgeous sights and creative companionship, all while learning and growing our craft.
As a long-time impressionist painter and lover of color, I will share my enthusiasm and methods for creating successful paintings with loose brushwork and exciting color harmonies through out the week. Giving handouts, demos, showing examples and helping one on one.
I will Demo in Oil and watercolor, but am proficient and happy to help with Acrylics and Pastels as well.
Each artist has their own unique voice and my goal is to offer you more tools to explore and grow that voice.
Come share in the ‘Joy of Life’ painting with me here in Giverny and Normandy!
You will learn:
- how to create energy and excitement in your work
- how to design compositions that are unique and inviting
- how to choose and create a star or focal point
- how to see and use more exciting color
- how to create and keep loose and exciting brushwork
- how to create depth and use perspective to your advantage
- how to understand and use value systems to your advantage
- various ways to ‘push or pull’ items in your compositions
- how to design interesting shapes and volumes
- four ways to make your color choices sing!
Artist Maggie Hellmann
Maggie is a classically trained painter, earning her Bachelor’s Degree with Honors at San Jose State University’s Fine Art, Design & Illustration Department during which Maggie won an Competition Scholarship for her painting. Maggie has received many Awards currently in Painting, and in the past with her Design and Illustration. Maggie continued her painting education internationally, at the Lorenzo de Medici Fine Art Institute in Florence, Italy. Since then, Maggie continues to challenge herself and study under various Master painters worldwide. Her love of Nature and Color, Exploring and Teaching permeates her every moment…Maggie continues to paint plein air and teach full workshops to excited students who still hear her many lessons in their minds decades later!
Plein air painting since 1978, Maggie has participated in numerous plein air and landscape painting invitationals, events and exhibits through out California, and the USA, receiving many Best of Show Awards and Artists Choice Awards.
Maggie’s work has been exhibited in Museums and Galleries and juried into Art Magazines and Limited Edition Art Calendars. Her work is exhibited and collected internationally.
“I love the Joy of Color and the Poetry of Brushwork!” –Maggie
Our French Escapade Painting Workshop was superb!
Everyone on the French Escapade trip enjoyed themselves so thoroughly and when the end of the week came, no one wanted to leave! They each learned in areas and directions that they were drawn to, and I was happy to help them do that! French Escapade designed a great experience for creative people to immerse themselves into the Beauty and Culture and to Learn some valuable painting tips while they enjoy themselves thoroughly. Much Joy was made possible and shared…!
French Escapade does an excellent job! (I already knew that, but now I’ve experienced it in person!). Our trip leaders, Marie & Cristine led us expertly with great grace and care. Herding painting cats is not easy, but they made it look effortless.
Bravo!
Samples of Maggie Hellmann’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: 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
O
ur 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
French Escapade trips are the best in the business!
It’s hard to put into words how wonderful and awe inspiring the whole experience was. The way Valerie and Marie are somehow always present, always prepared, and always entertaining, is amazing! I think they must have been cloned, because no two people can be omnipresent for every need or question we had. My favorite quote of Marie’s – “keeping track of you all is like trying to put an octopus in a box” ;-)) I plan to do my final sketchbook page with that quote and image. The lodging, location and excursions were perfection for me. Mont Blanc gave us a show for the entire week, and then, to be on top, was a bucket list experience, for sure. The people (and dogs) of the Aux Ducs made us feel like family, and worked extremely hard, for long hours, so that we could feel like royalty – the chef – the food – the wine – the grounds -the ambiance – tres magnifique!
So, I could go on and on…but hopefully you got the message – French Escapade trips are the best in the business!!
I am so grateful and lucky to be able travel with you. Until next time… !!
I cannot keep talking about how much I loved the trip!
Just got back from the Alps trip. I wanted to let you know the trip was perfect and well organized. Natalia, ou tour leader, was fun and took good care of us. The hotel was awesome!!!!! And the views!!!!! I cannot keep talking about how much I loved the trip. Thank you so much for your organizational skills. Love French Escapade!
It’s not a tour, its going on vacation with a friend!
We are signed on for our fourth Plein Air painting trip with French Escapade. Each trip has been superbly orchestrated with exceptional attention paid to every detail of the experience. Lodging, meals and transportation are all well planned, with flexibility to adapt to any unique needs or desires of the group. I say “we” because my husband accompanies me on my overseas trips. Each location offers hiking opportunities for him, as well as cultural and culinary insights. It’s resulted in memorable family vacations!
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.
Price includes
- CGD Paris airport pick-up at 2:30pm and drop-off around 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 all 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
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
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 |
Sign up before 11/30/26 and save $150!
Use the code EARLYBIRD at checkout.