Artist Highlight

Join artist Donna Watson for a transformative Zen collage retreat in the south of France, where art, nature, and mindfulness come together in perfect harmony. Set amidst the vineyards, rolling hills, and historic villages of Occitanie, this immersive week invites you to slow down, reconnect with your creative self, and explore the poetic beauty of simplicity through mixed media and collage.

Under Donna’s thoughtful guidance, you’ll dive deep into the art of handmade books, collage, and the expressive use of found materials, pressed botanicals, and natural textures.

Drawing from her Zen philosophy and contemplative approach to artmaking, Donna will gently lead you through exercises that emphasize design, minimalism, and the power of quiet composition. You’ll experiment with layers, surfaces, and the unexpected—learning how to embrace imperfection, find inspiration in nature, and create with intention.

Each day will include creative studio time, guided discussion, and adventurous outings—to historic markets, local ateliers, and serene natural settings—all chosen to nourish your artistic vision and personal growth. Whether you’re new to collage or an experienced artist looking to reconnect with your practice in a more mindful way, this retreat is an invitation to explore both inner and outer landscapes.

By the end of the week, you’ll leave with a one-of-a-kind art book infused with your journey—along with a renewed sense of clarity, creativity, and connection.

Retreat Highlights

• 14 hours of workshops with Donna Watson
• All-inclusive 4 - star venue
• Elegantly restored French Mas
• All Meals. seasonal and prepared fresh daily
• Outings to:
• Domaine de Panery vineyard and gallery
• Morning at a French market
• Explore a historic French village
• Pool, gardens, hiking, garden chess, bocce ball
• Optional massage and body treatments
• Retreat concierge
  

All-Inclusive Retreat Package & Pricing

Single Occupancy:  $3,700

Shared Double Occupancy:  $3,400

Length: 7 days

Deposit: $1500 at time of booking

Final Payment: 180 days from arrival

Deposit: A refundable deposit of $1,500 is required to reserve your spot and becomes nonrefundable once the retreat is confirmed/guaranteed.

Balance Payment: The remaining balance will be due 180 days before the retreat start date. This final payment and the deposit is nonrefundable.

We strongly recommend all travelers purchase travel insurance to protect your investment in case of unforeseen circumstances, including personal emergencies, travel delays, or other events that may prevent you from attending. Please ensure your policy covers trip cancellation and retreat costs.

What's Included

• Art workshops, individual tuition, review sessions, and demonstrations with artist Donna Watson
• 6 nights of accommodation at a French countryside estate
• Exclusive use of the entire ~3.7-acre property with a pool, bocce ball, ping pong, outdoor giant chess game, spacious reconverted stone winery building used as an art studio, indoor workshop space, and yoga/meditation room, private gardens, and terraces. A lovely hike behind the Mas takes you to a hill with a Madonna and an expansive view.
• All air-conditioned rooms and art studio
• 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 6 dinners prepared fresh daily by a private chef at the Mas.
• Coffee, tea, water, and snacks available throughout the day
• Wine available for purchase
• Arrival welcome with fresh juice, fruit, and snacks
• Wine tasting at Domaine de Panery and wine tasting, An expansive vineyard and olive orchards with a private art gallery and outdoor sculptures
• Uzes market with time for shopping followed by lunch in Uzes 
• Explore an old French village, not change by time, St Quentin de Poterie
• Fulltime concierge from arrival to departure, including planned outings
• Private transportation throughout
• Roundtrip private TGV station transfers from/to Avignon TGV station at prearranged times
• All local tourist taxes and fees
• Two Zoom meetings prior to the retreat once the retreat guarantees

Not included

• Airfare/transportation to Avignon TGV station
• Travel insurance
• Art supplies - a detailed list of art materials recommended by Donna Watson will be provided five months before the retreat
• Lunch during the outing to Uzes
• Extra costs guests might incur on their own, drinks, massages, and body treatments at the Mas.