Cost
2900 euros for Double Room w/ shared bathroom
per person, based on double occupancy of bedroom sharing hall bathroom with one other bedroom. Two twin beds or one double bed.
3100 euros for Double Room w/ ensuite bathroom
per person, based on double occupancy of master bedroom with ensuite bathroom. Two twin beds or one double bed. ONLY TWO SPOTS AVAILABLE!
3350 euros for Private Room w/ shared bathroom
based on single occupancy of a room with double bed, sharing hall bathroom with one other bedroom.
10% Discount for Early Bird
registration by Dec. 31, 2025
(When booking use discount code: EARLYBIRD)
10% Discount for
Non-Painting Participants
(When booking use discount code: PARTNER)*
* Only one discount can be applied per booking
"Juliette's Cookbook"
Sketching & Cooking
May 30 - June 6, 2026
With Chef Juliette & Artist Diane Olivier
Taught in English
Click below for recent reviews:
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: FEB. 30, 2026
This enriching new workshop welcomes everyone—whether you're just beginning or have years of experience with a sketchbook or in the kitchen. Spend your days learning to prepare Chef Juliette’s favorite recipes, while capturing each moment in sketches alongside artist Diane Olivier. Together, we’ll create a beautifully illustrated cookbook—a keepsake of your time here—that will be lovingly compiled and sent to your home after the journey ends.
Our week together will be a delightful blend of art and indulgence. Enjoy relaxed sketching outings to charming farmers markets and producers of culinary delights. Back at Château Montlouis savor a wine-tasting experience, and join Chef Juliette for hands-on cooking classes and beautifully prepared meals shared in good company.
Chef Juliette Scott
Drawing by Diane Olivier
Juliette Scott is a French private chef, trained at the prestigious Ferrandi culinary school in Paris. In 2023 she and her partner Julien purchased the Château de Montlouis in order to create a home that welcomes curious minds to share friendly moments centered around food, local traditions, well-being, and a love of classic sports cars. Six lovingly restored bedrooms all feature sweeping views over the grounds where you can enjoy spectacular sunrises.
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Career and expertise
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She has worked in several restaurants, for Air France, and alongside renowned chefs like Michelin-starred Alain Geaam and Simon Havage (Executive Chef of the Hyatt Madeleine).
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Scott is known for creating Michelin-star quality menus for private events and gatherings. She is the founder of OTTO Club, a venture related to her culinary work.
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She also offers cooking classes and food and wine tours to promote produce from the Loire Valley.
Social media presence
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She shares examples of her private chef work on Instagram under the handle "@dimanche_cinq".
At A Glance
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Small group (min 6 participants/max 10) allowing for personalized instruction at all levels
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7 nights
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Accommodation in one of four private bedrooms (for 1 or 2 people in twins or a double bed) sharing a bathroom with one other bedroom
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One bedroom with an ensuite bathroom is available for two people to share (in twins or a double bed)
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All breakfasts, lunches and dinners included
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Two bistro lunches in nearby villages on excursion days
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Farewell haute cuisine dinner at local gourmet restaurant
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Van excursions to farmers markets, winemakers, cheesemakers & other purveyors of fine foods
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10% discount for Early Bird registration by Dec. 31, 2025
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10% discount for non-participants (When booking use discount code: PARTNER)
Included in Holiday
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6 days of instruction
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7 nights lodging at Château de Montlouis
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All breakfasts, lunches, dinners & wine-tasting
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Farewell gourmet dinner at restaurant
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Van transport to and from Le Mans TGV station
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Van excursions to farmers markets, winemakers, cheesemakers & other purveyors of fine foods
Not Included
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Air fare
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Travel insurance
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Medical insurance
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Train fare
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Drawing supplies
"The best part about the trip was... every part. When we weren't painting the gorgeous landscapes and/or beautiful architecture, we were either exploring the grounds of the chateau, eating delicious food or relaxing and chatting with the other participants and support staff. Definitely the most enjoyable solo-vacation I've ever taken. I look forward to participating in another trip with Plein Air Holidays, hopefully in a new country altogether!"
Karl K.
San Francisco
California
"This week was well organised with extremely friendly support staff around all the time.
We spent time in the most beautiful settings in France.
Since we booked we experienced good communication and it is a very well priced experience.
Thank you very much."
Linza & Jan B.
Johannesburg
South Africa
Stay in Chef Juliette's family home at Château de Montlouis
New format! Deluxe lodging in Trôo at
Le Château de la Voûte
Château de Montlouis
immerse yourself in a world of comfort and elegance. Each room is carefully decorated to preserve the authenticity of the setting while offering every modern convenience. You'll be lulled by the peace and serenity of the setting, enjoying a peaceful and rejuvenating stay.
Drawings by Diane Olivier
Click to enlarge
Holiday Director Kate Kilbourne
Since 2000, Kate Kilbourne lived part of the year in San Francisco, California, and part of the year in her house in Trôo, France... until 2017 when her partner Robert bought a flat in Cádiz, Spain. Now Kate and Robert spend the spring and fall all over Europe, running Plein Air Holidays in France, Spain, Italy and in Croatia where they lived for nine months during the Covid pandemic. Kate is fluent in French and is learning Spanish as fast as she can!
Drawing Instructor Diane Olivier
Drawing has always been my primary media, working with both traditional and nontraditional materials on scales ranging from small book size to mural size. My subject matter ranges from figurative, landscape and cityscapes to non-representational. The media ranges from charcoal to graphite, to full color pastels to non-traditional mixed media. The sense of touch between the tools and the paper and the immediacy of the mark are important element in my process. It is a dance between the eyes, the hand and the soul.
"I really don't see how it could be better! You and Tom helped me so much that I was surprised to be able to participate in most everything, except for a couple of naps. The very personal visits to your friends were extra special.
I will definitely recommend this workshop to anyone I see. I have already told my friends that it was so much more than just a fine workshop. In addition, it was a cultural and warm social experience, with gourmet dining, wine and cheese tasting, fitness training, and a final exposition!"
Louise D.
San Luis Obispo
California