7-Day Art Experience in the South of France

With Emmie Sloof | 11–18 June 2025 (Fully Booked) Next Experience: 13–20 May 2026 – Limited Places Available

Escape. Create. Be Inspired
Join artist and storyteller Emmie Sloof for an unforgettable creative journey through the Languedoc region of South West France. This week-long retreat blends art, culture, history and nature—designed to awaken your creativity and nourish your soul.

What & Where?

7-Day Art Experience in the South of France

Dates: 13–20 May 2026
Location: Voie Verte, Hérépian, South West France
Group Size: Intimate group of 4–7 people

✨ What’s Included
• 7 nights of boutique accommodation
• All meals (except lunch on excursion day)
• All creative sessions: sketching, storytelling & watercolour
• Guided cultural and historical tours
• Wine tastings & excursions
• Private transfers from Béziers or Bédarieux train station
• 6 days of tuition with Emmie
Airfare, materials, and travel insurance not included.

Contact Emmie Today

🎨 The Experience

Each day offers a blend of art, exploration, and connection. From morning sketching walks and markets to afternoon painting and storytelling, your senses will be delightfully immersed in French culture and nature. Optional short rides or walks take you to Roman churches, medieval towns, vineyards, and bustling local markets.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 - Wednesday, 13 May
Arrival & orientation at Le Couvent, sketching at Church Square, wine shopping in the grotte, Bell Museum visit, welcome sketching demo.
Evening: Wine & nibbles + 3-course dinner by Chef Patrice.

Day 2 - Thursday, 14 May
Visit Lamalou-Les-Bains spa town. Optional 3.5km bike ride or walk. Sketching in scenic cafes.
Evening: Wine & nibbles + dinner by Patrice.

Day 3 - Friday, 15 May
Free day excursion to medieval town Pezanas. Explore artisan shops and cobblestone streets. Winery stop at Faugeres.
Evening: Dinner at atmospheric Pizzeria Sergio.

Day 4 - Saturday, 16 May
Morning market in Hérépian. Optional flea market visit. Bell Museum sketching.
Afternoon: Siesta, then storytelling & painting session.
Evening: Wine & nibbles + dinner by Patrice.

Day 5 - Sunday, 17 May
Trip to Poujol-Sur-Orb via bike/bus. Visit 12th-century Roman church. Sketching in the village.
Afternoon: Siesta + painting session.
Evening: Wine & nibbles + dinner by Patrice.

Day 6 - Monday, 18 May
Visit Bédarieux market and the historic viaduct. Picnic by the River Orb.
Afternoon: Siesta + painting session.
Evening: Wine & nibbles + dinner by Patrice.

Day 7 - Tuesday, 19 May
Return to Lamalou-Les-Bains for local market & mussel tasting. Sketching and observation time.
Afternoon: Siesta + painting session.
Evening: Wine & nibbles + dinner by Patrice.

Day 8 - Wednesday, 20 May
Final reflections and farewells. Check-out at 11 AM.

WANT TO COME?
Book your spot with Emmie today.
Call +61 0433 594 515

Book your spot with Emmie today. Call +61 0433 594 515

Testimonials

Emmie is an exceptional artist and teacher. Her teaching sets her apart with her gentle manner and skilled methods of bringing out the best in her students. Her art tour in the Sth of France will no doubt be a trip of a lifetime.

Kerrie Ferguson

Emmie is a fantastic artist and her workshops are amazing. I highly recommend her tutoring to anyone keen on developing their painting and/or sketching skills.

Anita Freed

Emmie is an inspired Artist. Inspired by her life, her beautiful surroundings and her vast experience of Art in Europe

Carl Moore

Emmie does not paint by following a formula. She puts her feelings into each brushstroke and everything she does is literally a one-off work of art.

Mark Hipgrave

Wonderful experience! Would definitely recommend.

Grace Kane

🧳 Price & Booking

Price: €1,900 to €2,300 (based on accommodation and requirements)
Booking Deadline: 30 April 2025
Full Payment Due: 30 May 2025

Book Your Spot

Meet Emmie

Emmie's journey began when she immigrated with her family from the Netherlands at the tender age of five. Australia, with its vast landscapes and welcoming people, captivated her from the start. In her neighbourhood, she found not just neighbours, but a second family who became like aunt, uncle, and Pop to her.

Living in Australia meant embracing two cultures, and Emmie's heart is filled with a wealth of memories from both worlds. As an artist, she channels her love for travel into creatively documenting the beauty of the world around her, from breathtaking landscapes to everyday moments that often go unnoticed.

Her career began in advertising before she pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Printmaking at Sydney College of the Arts. Since then, Emmie has exhibited her work extensively across Brisbane, Italy, the Northern NSW coast, Byron Bay and Sydney.

But Emmie's journey isn't just about art; it's about resilience and growth. After caring for her late partner, Ziggy, for nine years, she authored the book "Growing Through Grief - One Woman's Journey" — a moving reflection on healing, love, and finding strength through loss.

Join Us.

Fancy coming on this trip?
Simply send Emmie a message in the contact form or call her directly on +61 (0) 433 594 515

FAQS

Do I need to be an experienced artist?

No! Emmie's guidance is suitable for beginners through to seasoned creatives.

Are materials included?

No, please bring your own art supplies.
We recommend bringing the following art supplies:

Watercolour paint box (recommended: Winsor & Newton, Rembrandt, or any quality brand)
Watercolour sketch pad (A4 or A3, 150–250 gsm)
A basic sketch pad for experimental drawing (e.g. cartridge paper A4, A3, or A5)
3 watercolour sable or similar brushes (sizes 0–10, your choice)
2 felt-tip pens of different thicknesses (permanent or non-permanent)
White-out pen and sharpener
White Posca pen (optional)
Pastels, charcoal sticks, or pencils (optional)
Shoulder or backpack for art supplies and essentials
Drink bottle, snacks, sunscreen, and a hat
No easels needed — sketchbooks only!

Do I have to cycle?

Not at all—biking is completely optional and distances are short. A bus/taxi option is always available.

Can I travel solo?

Absolutely! Many of our guests do.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes, we highly recommend you getting travel insurance.

How do I get there?

The nearest large airport is Barcelona, then a short train ride to Beziers.
Alternatively, if available to your travel route you can fly directly to Beziers.