Retreat Memories

Past Retreats

Creative Awakening: Watercolor & Embroidery on Paper

Ana Falceta / September 2026

Fourteen women, one week of watercolor and embroidery among the vineyards near Uzès. Mornings in the studio with Ana, afternoons exploring markets and villages, and evenings sharing stories over long dinners. Many arrived as strangers and left as friends, and some have already booked again for  May 2027.

Farm to Yarn Knitting Retreat

Yarn Dragon / June 2026

A week of fiber and friendship in the Carcassonne countryside with Yarn Dragon. From local yarn makers to the medieval walls of the Cité, every day brought new inspiration for our needles. The group loved the retreat so much, we thought we'd do a repeat, but in the Lot Valley.

Men's Knitting Retreat 

Southern France / June 2026

A first of its kind for us, and one we'll never forget. A group of passionate knitters explored the yarn shops of Toulouse, the medieval Cité of Carcassonne and the vineyards in between, knitting on café terraces along the way. Laughter, craft and real camaraderie, all week long.

Creative Awakening: Watercolor & Embroidery on Paper

Ana Falceta / May 2026

Spring in Provence with Ana, and a week that felt like a homecoming. Several guests were returning to Fleur de Lys, and they welcomed newcomers like old friends. Mornings were spent layering watercolor and stitch in the studio, afternoons at the Uzès market, and evenings around a long table under the plane trees.

Words From Our Participants

I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the art retreat in May. It was impeccably organised from start to finish. The communication beforehand was excellent and throughout the retreat everything felt seamless. I would not hesitate to recommend one of your retreats to anyone (and have already done so – to whomever would listen!)

Fleur des Lys created a truly magical week of knitting-related activities and experiences for our group retreat. From the lodging in a gorgeous and historic countryside château (with an extraordinary chef); to the well-coordinated, 1st class transportation provided for our daily outings; to Linnea’s caring and compassionate response to the unexpected needs of a couple of attendees in the group — Linnea and Fleur de Lys provided a memorable experience that I’m sure each of us will cherish. I know I will."

The Fleur de Lys retreat in May was my first experience of a retreat and what a truly wonderful experience it was. There were fourteen participants along with Linnea, the organiser and Ana, the artist in residence, and all from different parts of the world. But what a wonderful collegial atmosphere there was from the very first moment to the last when we all shared our successes and finished pieces of work. The accommodation, the facilities, the food, the staff, the outings, the resources and the teaching and learning that we all shared has made it an unforgettable experience and one that I hope very much that I will be able to repeat next year.

Our retreat was absolutely wonderful! Linnea at Fleur de Lys Retreats handled all the details effectively and efficiently so we could enjoy our time together: spending the week in a gorgeous location, eating amazing food, seeing the sights, learning about the region, and forging friendships. Thank you, Linnea, for orchestrating this retreat. It was an experience of a lifetime and one I will never forget.

I had such a wonderful time at the retreat! Ana is an incredible teacher, and Linnea made the experience so enjoyable. You could really tell they both put their hearts into it, and that made the whole experience feel so special. The people were amazing, the food was great, and I truly enjoyed every part of the retreat.

Five stars all around!

It was a life changing experience. i traveled to France by myself, met up with a group of beautiful women, and was able allow myself learn and to be nurtured in this environment to create art. This experience is with me still, every day. Thank you Linnea and Ana.