Sally-Ann
Attending Andrea’s abstract painting workshop in France was amazing from day one. Meeting such an incredible group of creative women and being surrounded by an inspiring environment laid the foundation for a unique experience, one I will always treasure. I look forward to staying in touch with all of the talented artists I was fortunate enough to work alongside. It was truly a magical experience..
Rosemary Connelly
I can't say enough about how much I enjoyed my week at the Monastere de Segries with Andrea this September! What a magical place! Andrea was supportive and encouraging in helping each of us bring out our best work. I would highly recommend this amazing experience!
Angie Michal
I jumped at the opportunity to join Andrea in such a magical setting. …and magical it was! Everything from the many lovely areas in the monastery to the views and the food was absolutely stunning. Andrea was generous with the materials provided and with her encouragement to explore different techniques and ways to create. I came away awed at the experience altogether
Attend a Destination Art Workshop with Andrea Wedell
Join Andrea Wedell for an all-inclusive art retreat in the South of France from September 7 - 13. 2025. This is her third year she's running this very popular retreat.
Relax, draw inspiration, and paint while enjoying your stay at an exquisite, 19-acre former Cistercian monastery. This peaceful and restorative setting, with it’s long history of contemplative practices, will set the stage for your inner sanctuary to bloom.
Included in your workshop package is full room and board (includes farm to table meals, wine, coffee and tea), art materials needed, transportation from Marseille airport, guided excursions, and Andrea's personalized art instruction.
The Location
Le Monastère de Ségriès is located 6km from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie; a village ranked as one of the most beautiful in France. Little cobbled streets, quaint shaded squares, small bridges, and waterfalls lend this mountainside village all the picturesque charm for which it is so famous. Founded in the 5th century, Moustiers also owes its reputation to its famous faïence pottery.
The extensive grounds provide a variety of places for you to work in, such as the amphitheater, la terrasse du Pavillon, cloister, garden, several patioed areas and, of course, out on the wild surrounding Provençal garrigue. We will have our own building for supplies, and demonstrations.
Accommodation
There are two available accommodation types to choose from: Every room has it's private bathroom
$2900 for individual private room / single occupancy
$2700 for shared room / double occupancy
Space is Limited to 15 guests.
The accommodations for this art retreat are first come, first served, but if you prefer ground floor vs. upper floors, we will accomodate you.
What's Included
1 / Full Room and Board
Lodging
$2900 for individual private / single occupancy
$2700 for shared room / double occupancy
Includes
6 Nights
Farm to table meals from locally sourced ingredients.
Wine, coffee and tea are included in the room price.
Round trip Transportation from Marseille airport or Aix en Provence TGV to Monastère de Ségriès.
Two excursions: One to Moustier Sainte Marie, One to a local Provence Market
2 / Five and a Half Days of Personalized Art Instruction
Various technique work, taking inspiration from surroundings.
Idemonstrations and presentations
Plenty of one-on-one instruction time.
Learning visual analysis to make your painting stronger.
3 / Art Supplies
All of the art materials you need for your trip are included — Acrylic colors, gloss medium, and texture mediums, multiple surfaces to work on (various small sizes so you can transport them easily), brushes., palette knives, collage paper, glue, mark making tools.
The Program
Each day is thoughtfully designed to nurture both creative focus and relaxation. Between painting sessions, take time to enjoy the swimming pool, yoga room, chapel, or the stunning monastery grounds. Whether you seek quiet reflection or lively conversation, the space is yours to embrace.
Morning
-
Breakfast (8:00 AM – 9:30 AM)
Begin your day with a delicious breakfast, featuring traditional French treats alongside a selection of options for those with gluten or dairy sensitivities. The Monastery’s professional kitchen is highly attentive to dietary needs -
Morning Painting Session (9:30 AM – 12:30 PM)
Mornings may begin with a demonstration on technique and composition, thoughtfully tailored by Andrea to address where participants may need tips, tools and help.With a focus on color, composition, and personal expression, each artist will have the freedom to draw inspiration from their surroundings or inner experiences. You’ll have your own spacious table and the option to paint in the light-filled garden room, the peaceful cloistered area, or outdoors on the beautiful monastery grounds. Our hosts are incredibly accommodating, ensuring a comfortable and inspiring environment for all.
Midday
-
Lunch (1:00 PM – 2:00 PM)
Savor a thoughtfully prepared meal, made with freshl ingredients from the Monastery Gardens and other local ingredients. Each meal is exceptional and you will be excited to see what the professional kitchen has prepared. -
Break (2:00 PM – 3:00 PM)
This is your time to unwind—take a refreshing swim, explore the monastery grounds, journal, or simply rest before returning to your work.
Afternoon
-
Afternoon Painting Session (3:00 PM – 5:30 PM) with individual instruction from Andrea
-
Break (5:30 PM – 7:00 PM)
Take a gentle pause before dinner. There is still plenty of light at this hour.
Evening
-
Dinner (7:00 PM)
As the day winds down, gather for a delicious, convivial meal. with fellow participants who may just become life long friends.
Jane Knaus
We could be our best selves…free of the restrains of daily life, painting six hours a day, mostly standing. My eyes feasted on the orchards and landscapes before me. I kept blinking to see if it was a mirage!
I would recommend this workshop highly to anyone who wants excellent art instruction, as well as visit a magical place that will soothe your soul and lift your spirits
Arlene Lawrence
The art retreat in France was absolutely wonderful. Beautiful accommodations, exquisite cuisine, and the most stunning views and surroundings you can imagine. Andrea is there to guide both novice and accomplished artists with no pressure. Paint as much or as little as you like while enjoying good company, great food, and a relaxing atmosphere. I highly recommend for a memorable experience
Charity Alva
The week I spent with Andrea was one of the most unique and memorable experiences of my life. There are so many aspects of the trip that I treasure: the wonderful farm to table meals, the open outdoor painting environment, the incredible surroundings and hospitality at the monastery the camaraderie and respect that grew among all of us, and the lovely villages nearby. I learned not only about painting techniques from Andrea and my peers, but also about myself and how my art is unique to me. Love, love, love this time in Provence
Photos from the 2023 & 2024 trips
I would like to enroll in the 2025 Workshop
Enrollment is on a first come first serve basis.
-
What is included in the retreat?Full room and board starting Sunday evening September 7. Dinner Sunday evening September 7, and breakfast on Saturday September 13. Shuttle transfer from Aix en Provence TGV or Marseille Airport on Sunday to the Monastery September 7. Pick up times coordinated around participant arrival times. Shuttle transfer from the Monastery to Aix en Provence TGV and Marseille aiport. Two excursions: One to Moustier-Sainte Marie, a stunning provence village, and a second excursion on Saturday September 14 to a local Provence market. All instruction. All art supplies, list provided on enrollment. Zoom calls leading up to the departure for France for all of your questions and group cohesion.
-
Which airport should I fly into?Marseille Airport (MRS)
-
Do you book flights?Andrea does not book flights to/from the retreat. You are responsible for booking your flights to Marseille and finding alternative transportation if you are not coming on the organized group airport transfer.
-
Can I arrive the day the retreat begins?If you’re flying internationally, it’s very advisable to arrive at least a day before the retreat begins on September 7.
-
Can you advise me on travel plans?Andrea can give you pointers about where to stay the few days before the retreat begins if you arrive early and advise you on your flight choices if you have questions. Beyond that, she cannot provide travel guidance.
-
How do I get from the airport to the monastery?Two shuttle buses that hold 8 passengers each will meet you at either Marseille or Aix-en Provence TGV. The pick-up times are coordinated around participant arrival time on Sunday in the afternoon. The buses pick up at Marseille airport or Aix-en-Provence TGV on September 7 at approximately 2:00 PM and drop off at the same locations on Saturday September 13 at approximately 3pm. Aix TGV is easy to find and about 15 minutes from Aix Centre.
-
What happens if I miss the shuttle?If you are delayed by more than two hours, you will need to make your way to the Monastery on your own. Andrea can provide you with the name of a private driver. The cost in 2024 was 120 euros. He has a small car, but can fit up to three people in it with small bags, and two with large bags.
-
Should I purchase travel insurance?Yes! Andrea highly recommends purchasing travel insurance. Two suggested companies are Travelex and Allianz. Do your research to determine the best coverage for your needs.
-
Do the rooms have private bathrooms?Yes, every room has it’s own bathroom.
-
Are there many stairs at the Monastery?There are stairs in the majority of the Monastery buildings and grounds. The Monastery can accommodate you and put you on the ground floor, but there are still some steps to get to the breakfast and dining areas. If you have mobility issues that prevent you from walking up stairs, this is not going to be the right retreat for you.
-
Is the monastery wheel chair accessible?The Monastery is not an ADA facility. It’s you have a disability that has you unable to walk, this isn’t a fit. If you have some trouble walking but can get around, you can request a room on the first floor of the monastery. There are only about three steps to get to the dining areas and work areas.
-
Is there an age limit for this retreat?No however if you are over 80, Andrea needs to know that in advance of booking and securing your spot.
-
I have food allergies, Can the Kitchen accommodate them?Yes they can, if you tell Andrea in advance, she’ll alert the kitchen staff. They are very accommodating.
-
What level artist do I need to be to attend?All levels are welcome and will be comfortable on this retreat except the pure beginner who has never painted at all.
-
How do I book?To register for this workshop, you’ll need to make a 1/3rd deposit when you book to hold your spot. You’ll make the 2nd payment (1/3rd of the full amount) 30 days after your initial sign-up date; you’ll make the 3rd and final payment 60 days after your initial sign up.
-
What kind of payments do you accept?When booking your retreat you can pay by credit card or direct bank transfer.
-
How will you communicate with me before we meet?The communication is over Zoom, A Facebook Private Group, WhatsApp and email. It is important that you’re on WhatsApp for communication while in France.
-
What is your cancellation policy?Due to how quickly this workshop fills up, Andrea recommends signing up as early as possible to secure your spot, which means making a first deposit of 1/3rd of your total workshop fee. Deposits are non-refundable unless Andrea is able to fill you spot. The workshop is limited to 15 people and once full, Andrea starts a waiting list. If you’re not able to attend, please let Andrea know as soon as possible. Should you decide to not attend within 30 days of the start of the workshop, you’ll be responsible for paying the workshop fee in full, unless Andrea can fill your spot. If you notify her that you can’t attend, she will begin contacting people on the waiting list and will do her very best to fill your spot in order to refund your course fee. Please note - if you request a refund, Andrea won’t be responsible for any differences in refund amounts due to variations in currency exchange rates, or service fees incurred by your financial institution.
-
What is the structure of the days?Breakfast: 8am to 9am Morning Painting Session: 9am to 12pm Lunch: 12:30 to 1:30 Afternoon Painting Session: 3pm to 6pm Dinner: 7pm