Our Retreats
Your Journey With Fleur de Lys Retreats
Fleur de Lys Retreats invites you to step away from the ordinary and immerse yourself in the magic of France. Our thoughtfully curated retreats take place in breathtaking locations—from cobblestone villages and rolling countryside to historic towns and vibrant cultural hubs—each setting carefully chosen to spark creativity, foster connection, and inspire transformation.
We offer curated experiences led by exceptional artists, creators, and wellness practitioners, designed to inspire creativity, nurture the soul, and foster connections with yourself and others. France’s rich history, exquisite cuisine, stunning architecture, and timeless traditions provide the perfect setting for transformation and renewal.
What Makes Our Retreats Special?
We bring together exceptional artists, creators, and wellness practitioners to guide you through engaging workshops that awaken your creative spirit and deepen your sense of self. These immersive experiences offer a perfect blend of structured exploration and personal reflection, allowing you to create, connect, and renew in an environment designed for growth.
Beyond the workshops, France itself becomes part of the journey—its rich history, exquisite cuisine, stunning landscapes, and timeless traditions provide an unparalleled backdrop for self-discovery and inspiration.
What You'll Experience
- Mornings – Ease into the day with optional morning meditation or yin yoga, followed by a fresh, local French breakfast.
- Daytime – Dive into engaging workshops led by experienced artists, creators, or practitioners, exploring your retreat’s unique theme. Between sessions, immerse yourself in the beauty of France—wander vibrant markets, explore hidden villages, or enjoy a café moment watching the world go by.
- Evenings – Savor exquisite meals and unwind with moments of reflection, journaling, or connection with fellow participants, embracing the quiet magic of the French countryside.
Throughout the retreat, there is space to simply be—whether through a quiet stroll, creative reflection, or soaking in the breathtaking surroundings. This balance of structure and spontaneity ensures a fulfilling and rejuvenating experience.
A Retreat Designed for Renewal
Each experience is hosted in handpicked venues, from charming châteaux to tranquil countryside villas. Every detail—from inspiring locations to gourmet meals and warm hospitality—has been thoughtfully chosen to provide ease, nourishment, and inspiration.
Whether you’re painting in a Provençal vineyard, shaping clay in a sun-drenched atelier, or journaling beneath the shade of an ancient tree, Fleur de Lys Retreats offer a rare opportunity to explore your creativity, reconnect with yourself, and experience the soul-stirring beauty of France in an entirely new way.
Our Current Retreats
Let the Water Flow
Maria Ahl Zanier, Swedish Watercolorist
May 4-10, 2025
Unlock your creativity and explore the beauty of watercolor painting in this retreat led by Maria, a renowned Swedish watercolor artist. Whether you're new to painting or experienced, Maria will meet you where you are, guiding you to embrace the joy and freedom of this expressive medium in a beautiful French villa surrounded by a landscape offering endless painting opportunities.
Farm to Yarn: A French Knitting Adventure
Jonathan Berner of Dragon Yarn in Seattle
May, 2026
Join us in the South of France for a cozy, fiber-filled journey crafted especially for passionate knitters. From the vibrant streets of Toulouse to the medieval charm of Carcassonne—once a historic hub for yarn and wool—you’ll explore the rich textile traditions of France. We’ll visit inspiring yarn shops, meet local makers, and knit wherever the scenery moves us. Whether gathered at a café or hillside vineyard, you’ll feel the joy of connection through craft.
The Zen of Collage
Donna Watson, Mixed Media Artist
May 3 - 9 2026, Provence, France
Discover the mindful art of collage in this inspiring retreat led by Donna Watson and Fibre Arts Takes Two instructor. You will be guided to cultivate a creative practice that encourages self-expression, fosters introspection, and nurtures presence. Through this engaging workshop, you'll explore collage as a powerful tool for personal growth and creative exploration, no matter your skill level.
Unleash Your Imagination
We’re in discussions with two artists!
September 2026
This retreat offers two distinct mixed-media experiences: one explores vintage materials like antique books and sheet music, transformed through gelli printing into richly layered art. The other focuses on vibrant floral collages, combining acrylic underpaintings with intricate, hand-painted paper elements to create bold, textured compositions. With expert guidance from two experienced artists, you’ll experiment freely and develop your own unique voice. Come for the creativity—leave with inspiration that lasts.
Layers & Light: Contemporary Mixed Media and Textile
A contemporary textile and mixed media artist
Fall 2026
Join us for a quiet, immersive retreat with a contemporary textile and mixed media artist whose poetic work weaves watercolor, embroidery, and delicate bookbinding stitches into richly layered compositions.
Through hands-on guidance, you’ll explore the interplay of texture, surface, and abstraction—working intuitively with contrast, color, and thread. Inspired by vintage materials and the natural beauty of France, you’ll create expressive pieces that hold both softness and strength. This is a retreat for those drawn to subtle detail, soulful process, and the art of layering meaning into every mark.
Clay & Tradition: A Ceramics Retreat in Provence
We are in discussion with a California artist now!
Spring 2026
Immerse yourself in the timeless art of French pottery in the historic village of Saint-Quentin-la-Poterie—renowned for its centuries-old ceramic tradition. During this hands-on retreat, you’ll learn from a local French ceramicist and our partner from California, gaining insight into regional techniques while creating your own meaningful pieces. Whether you're new to clay or refining your practice, this experience offers a chance to slow down, connect with your craft, and savor the rhythms of working with your hands. Surrounded by the light and beauty of Provence, your creativity will feel right at home.