Studio Watercolor Painting in Giverny
Instructor: David Daniels
Studio + Cultural Visits
May 21-28, 2027
At a Glance
8-13 Participants
Watercolor (studio painting)
7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and all dinners
Coach transportation for the excursions
1 or 2 tour leaders at all times
Sign up before 11/30/26 and save $150!
Use the code EARLYBIRD at checkout.
Come experience the magic of Normandy’s light—and let it transform your art and your spirit.
Designed for artists of all levels, this creative retreat offers studio painting sessions, cultural excursions, expert guidance, and leisurely moments to savor gourmet meals and the camaraderie of fellow painters.
Follow the light that inspired the great Impressionists through Honfleur, Giverny, and Auvers-sur-Oise. In Honfleur, admire the 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, we will explore the landscapes that shaped Van Gogh’s most emotional works, including this thumb.
Workshop Overview
Join David for a week of studio painting, combined with visits to some of Normandy’s most inspiring sites.
Watercolor paintings can be so much more than a checklist of watercolor techniques. David goes beyond paint application basics and shows how to construct strong, vibrant, personality-filled paintings. David firmly believes that planning does not destroy creativity, but creates opportunity.
Daily one-on-one critiques and demos will be vital to helping you find your watercolor voice.
The painting sessions will take place in the beautiful glass studio.
You will learn:
- how to find the essence of your subject matter
- how to construct compelling compositions
- to see shapes, not objects
- how to create a color strategy
- how to use frisket to achieve batik-like effects
- the importance of value patterns in your work
- how to paint loosely while staying true to your subject matter
Artist David Daniels
David earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant Michigan. From a young age he loved nature, and looked to it for what he still considers an “inexhaustible supply of ideas.” This fascination with nature led to his formal training in botany and biology. Although he knows his paintings would never be considered photorealistic, his scientific studies continue to influence his work. He makes great efforts to represent his subjects as anatomically and botanically correct.
In 1982 he earned a Master of Art degree, again from Central Michigan University. After 15 years of teaching in the Michigan public school system, he moved to Washington, D.C., to pursue an art career.
David’s work has been selected numerous times for solo exhibitions in Michigan and the Washington, D.C. metro area, and his paintings are in many private and public collections around the world, including the National Institutes of Health. He has been the recipient of Best of Show awards from organizations such as the Capitol Hill Art League and the Washington Watercolor Association, and was inducted into Who’s Who in American Art in 2005. In addition to being a full-time artist, he teaches watercolor painting at the Smithsonian Institution, Montgomery College in Rockville, Maryland.
It was a magical experience!
There is a reason that French Escapade has as many five star google reviews as they do. My recent artist retreat with them was in Santa Fe, NM. Everything was well organized, well, executed and done with the participants in mind. It was a magical experience.
Samples of David Daniel’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
Days 2, 3: Painting in the Studio
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 4: Monet’s Garden in Giverny
Claude Monet, the visionary who led the Impressionist movement and shaped the course of modern art, left an indelible mark on Normandy’s cultural soul.
After our morning painting session, we will head out to Giverny, this picturesque village, where 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.
Day 5: Honfleur Harbor
Honfleur was a favorite of early Impressionists such as Monet, Boudin, and Jongkind, who were drawn to its light and reflections. It was in Honfleur that Boudin, a pioneer of the style, guided the younger Monet and introduced him to plein-air techniques
We will have a chance to discover its picturesque harbor lined with timber-framed houses that reflect in the water or its narrow streets and cobblestone lanes. We will also visit the Boudin museum with displaying some paintings of Honfleur and the Seine estuary by 19th and 20th century artists (Cals, Dubourg, Jongkind, Monet, Courbet, Dufy, etc…).
Day 6: On Van Gogh’s Footsteps in Auvers-sur-Oise
Auvers-sur-Oise inspired some of Van Gogh’s most famous final works.
We will explore the landscapes that shaped Vicent’s last masterpieces, including a visit to the cemetery where Vincent Van Gogh is buried alongside his brother, Theo, the fields that inspired his dramatic Wheatfield with Crows, the room at the Ravoux Inn where Vincent spent his final days and the church he famously captured in “The Church at Auvers”.
After lunch we will head back to our estate for our afternoon studio painting session.
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
My first painting holiday with French Escapade surpassed my expectations!
This was my first painting holiday with French Escapade and it surpassed my expectations! Our food and accommodation were excellent and we enjoyed the gorgeous, dreamy country atmosphere of Normandy, Northern France.
Our teacher is not only an accomplished artist but is an encouraging and helpful tutor and a genuinely caring person. Our group enjoyed learning watercolour techniques and visiting iconic locations that have inspired artists for centuries. Our tour guides were very helpful, informative and a lot of fun! I feel incredibly blessed to have experienced this week with French Escapade and hope I will be able to enjoy future painting holidays!
The estate where we stayed was amazing!
The estate where we stayed was amazing. Huge grounds with river running through it. Gorgeous views in all directions. A very interesting little village a 5 minute walk away. A very pretty dining room where we had a buffet breakfast with lots of fresh fruit. Beautiful peaches, plums and nectarines – all very sweet and juicy. Yum. Lunch and dinner were both delicious and varied. All diets were catered for. Excursions to Monet’s house and garden and Auvers-sur-Oise were very interesting and you get to enjoy the beautiful Normandy countryside as you drive there. […].
Of course French Escapade has wonderful tour leaders. Marie has 11 years experience and it shows. She is extremely well versed on all aspects of the locality as well as being a delight to be around. Teresa was also great fun. She is learning the ropes from Marie so she couldn’t have a better teacher. All in all – highly recommended.
Absolutely top notch!
Absolutely top notch. From the transportation to the itinerary, the accommodations to the food, studio time and the ever vigilant guides, I would recommend French Escapade to any traveler wishing to enhance their trip to a higher level. Obviously, I cannot say enough!
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 excursions.
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
- 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
- Entrance fees to all sites on the tour
- A free Paris planner if you extend your trip to Paris.
- Transportation in a comfortable van with A/C
- 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
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 |