Soulful Art Retreat

Make space to see more deeply

France Empuré donation

In the Charente countryside, creativity is approached less as a performance and more as a way to pay attention. Soulful Art Retreat gathers painting, yoga and meditation in a 200-year-old farmhouse, with sessions moving between the artist’s private studio and the surrounding open air. The emphasis is on observing closely, finding stillness and letting a creative response emerge, so the setting becomes part of the practice rather than just a backdrop. Small gatherings and an organic, plant-based menu give the retreat an intimate, considered feel. It may appeal as much to curious beginners as to practiced artists: the focus is on presence and exploration, not producing a polished result. The farmhouse is in Empuré, in southwest France, and has a yoga studio, kitchen and free Wi-Fi. Retreats run by donation; ask the host about dates, lodging arrangements and what is included in a particular gathering.

Highlights

Painting sessions split between open countryside and the artist’s private studio
A 200-year-old detached farmhouse as the retreat setting
Art approached through observation and presence rather than performance
Organic plant-based meals, with dietary options including gluten-free and nut-free

Good for

creative beginnersartists seeking a slower processyoga practitionersmeditation beginnersnature lovers

Setting

A detached, 200-year-old farmhouse in the open countryside of southwest France provides a quiet base for retreat days. Painting takes place outdoors among the surrounding natural landscape as well as in the artist’s private studio, creating a gentle shift between open-air observation and focused making.

The practice

There is no named lineage here; the retreat brings together mindful painting, yoga and meditation. Painting is treated as a practice of looking and responding, not simply learning technique or producing a finished work. Sessions may take place outdoors or in the studio, while yoga and meditation add space for embodied awareness and stillness. Beginners can come without treating artistic skill as a prerequisite.

A typical day

The schedule is not fixed in the retreat details, so daily structure varies by gathering. Expect painting to take place in the studio or outdoors, alongside yoga and meditation, with organic plant-based meals. Ask the host for the rhythm of a particular retreat, including session times and free periods.

Accommodation

The retreat is held at the farmhouse, but room types and sleeping arrangements are not described. Ask the host about lodging details for your chosen retreat.

What to bring

Bring comfortable clothes for yoga and layers suitable for painting outdoors. The annual average temperature is 13.3°C, with cooler winters and warmer June to August days; a light rain layer is useful, particularly in the wetter autumn and winter months.

Address 1 Rue de la Mare, 16240 Empuré, France

How to get there

The listed train route is from Paris to Ruffec in Charente, with train and airport transfers included. Poitiers-Biard Airport is the nearest named airport; coordinate your arrival with the host.

Nearest airport: Poitiers-Biard Airport (PIS) (64 km)

Poitiers-Biard Airport (PIS), near Poitiers/Biard, is approximately 64 km away. Airport transfers are included; arrange pickup details with the center.

Nearest city: Poitiers/Biard

Public transport: A train route from Paris to Ruffec is listed, with transfers included.

Languages

English

Pricing

The retreat runs by donation, with no fixed price listed. Ask the host what the suggested contribution covers.

Climate

Climate Zone: Temperate

Best Months: Jun, May, Mar

Avoid: Jan, Nov, Oct

The area has an annual average temperature of 13.3°C, with the warmest months from June to August and the coolest from December to February. May, June and March tend to be drier, while October through January are wetter, so outdoor painting plans are best met with layers and a rain-ready option.

Location

Frequently asked questions

What does a day at Soulful Art Retreat involve?

Painting, yoga and meditation are part of the retreat, with art sessions held outdoors or in the studio. Ask the host for the schedule for your chosen dates.

Do I need painting or meditation experience to attend?

The approach emphasizes observation and exploration rather than performance. Ask the host whether a particular retreat has any experience requirements or suggested materials.

What food is served, and can dietary needs be accommodated?

Meals are organic and plant-based. Listed dietary options include vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and nut-free; confirm your requirements with the host before booking.

How do I get to the farmhouse?

The directions include travel by train from Paris to Ruffec, and airport and train transfers are included. Contact the host to arrange the transfer for your arrival.