Cost
2800 euros for Double Shared Room
per person, based on double occupancy
3150 euros for a Room of Your Own
based on single occupancy of a room with double bed and ensuite bathroom
10% Discount for Early Bird
registration by April 3, 2026
(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
Paint, Sip, and Savor
in Trôo, France
October 3 - 10, 2026
With Margaret Niven
Taught in English
Click below for recent reviews:
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: JULY 3, 2026
Pack your paints and your appetite—this is not your average art retreat. Join me for a week in the heart of the Loire Valley, where vineyards roll for miles, castles rise like fairy tales, and every corner feels like it was made to be painted. Autumn here is a feast for the senses, and together we’ll savor its treasures: elegant châteaux, golden landscapes, local cuisine, and of course, the celebrated wines of the Loire.
Our days will be a balance of creativity and enjoyment. Part of each day is devoted to relaxed plein air watercolor sessions, where artists of all levels can explore, experiment, and be guided at their own pace. With a small group size, I’m able to offer demonstrations and individualized instruction, while leaving plenty of space for you to discover your own voice. In between, we’ll enjoy curated wine tastings, visits to local markets, and laughter-filled meals that capture the spirit of the region.
You’ll be staying in an atmospheric French manor, surrounded by beauty and warmth. For me, painting on location and sharing art with others is about more than technique—it’s about slowing down, savoring, and connecting with the world around us. This will be my third trip with Plein Air Holidays, and I can’t wait to share the magic of the Loire Valley with you.
Note: We will be walking on uneven terrain, and on footpaths that in places are quite steep, with your drawing supplies -- participants should be comfortable with carrying their gear on uneven surfaces and should be fit enough to walk unassisted and go up and down stairs in the village. Not recommended for people with limited mobility.
"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
At A Glance
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small group allowing personalized instruction at all levels
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7 nights
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lodging in an extraordinary chateau
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Breakfasts, lunches and 3 home-cooked gourmet dinners included
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Welcome wine & cheese soirée
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Wine and food pairing with chef Juliette
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Group exhibition open to public (participation optional)
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Farewell haute cuisine dinner
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Van excursions to wonderful curated destinations:wine caves (meet local winemakers and taste their wines), a local chateau, the farmer's market, a farm-cabaret for a farm-to-table experience
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Early bird 10% discount for sign up by April 3 (When booking use discount code: EARLYBIRD )
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10% discount for non-drawing 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 in Le Château de la Voûte
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All breakfasts & lunches plus 5 dinners
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Van transport to and from Vendome TGV station
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Local van excursions
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Welcome wine and cheese soirée
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Farewell 3 course haute cuisine dinner
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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Art supplies
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Two dinners (on Tuesday & Thursday -- allows you to try the local restaurants)
Historic lodging in Trôo at
Le Château de la Voûte
New format! Deluxe lodging in Trôo at
Le Château de la Voûte
Le Château de la Voûte
"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 this "petit chateau de charme" with it's atmosphere of a Tim Burton movie set -- and an air of bygone elegance. Quirky and bohemian, the property is enclosed within gorgeous grounds and 12th century towers frame the drive.
The bedrooms, each with ensuite bathrooms, are spacious, with hard wood floors, antiques, and great views from all windows. The ground floor features our dining room, salon and library, where you can read, play the piano, or a game of chess. There is a swimming pool next to the former stables, and a double jacuzzi in the tower.
A family-owned bijou of a chateau in an extraordinary cave village setting.
Paintings by Margaret Niven
Click to enlarge
Drawing Instructor Margaret Niven
Margaret Niven is a lifelong artist and recently retired art teacher with over thirty years of experience sharing the joy of drawing and painting with students of all ages. While she has explored many media, watercolor has always held a special place in her heart—its fluidity and luminous quality are perfect for capturing light and atmosphere.
Travel has become an essential part of her creative life, offering fresh colors and inspiration with every destination. Painting on location deepens her connection to a place, and teaching in these settings allows her to share that experience in meaningful ways.
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!
"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