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Painting in the French Countryside with Artist Pauline Teunissen

Set in the tranquil beauty of eastern France, this intimate retreat invites you to slow down, observe, and create. Based exclusively at the charming Clos de l’Oiselon, you’ll enjoy a balance of artistic practice, regional cuisine, and curated cultural outings, including time in the wonderful and culturally rich city of Lyon.
Each day is thoughtfully structured to balance art lessons with creative inspiration and explorations near and on the beautiful grounds of the Clos de l’Oiselon.

Limited to just 10 participants, this experience offers a relaxed, supportive environment for botanical artists and painters of all levels. Non -painters welcome. Fees are the same for both the painter and non-painter.

Pauline Teunissen is a Dutch artist celebrated for her exquisitely observed drawings of flowers, plants, and the natural world. Working in a variety of media, her work reveals a deep sensitivity to detail, capturing both the beauty and quiet strength of her subjects.

With nearly twenty years of teaching experience, Pauline brings a thoughtful and encouraging approach to her students, guiding artists of all levels both in person and through her online studio, where she hosts a vibrant Substack art community.

With just 10 participants, this experience offers a relaxed, supportive environment for botanical artists and painters of all levels.

Recommended Materials List: https://lascarlatte.my.canva.site/francematerials

Activity Level: Easy to Moderate

This trip involves leisurely walking and exploring on foot, generally for no more than 30 minutes at a time. Participants must be able to walk independently without assistance, manage uneven surfaces and steps as necessary, and carry their own luggage. This trip may not be suitable for those who have difficulty walking unassisted or managing their luggage.

About the Clos de L’Oiselon: Nestled in the countryside of Saint-Jean-le-Vieux, France, this privately reserved estate will be your home for the week. Comfortable accommodations, peaceful grounds, delicious regional cuisine and welcoming shared spaces create the perfect setting for creativity and connection.

Exterior areas designed to allow nature to flourish have been integrated throughout the garden and park, creating conditions in which native species can survive and thrive in a balanced, mutually supportive environment.

This charming estate is officially designated as a LPO (Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux) refuge (Bird Protection). In this capacity, we support native bird species such as chickadees, blackbirds, jays, woodpeckers, swifts, sparrows, turtledoves, grey herons, and wagtails, helping them through the winter months by providing food—primarily organic sunflower seeds.

Amenities: an outdoor swimming pool, an indoor heated swimming lane with an adjacent sauna to enjoy all year long.

Dining - All meals are expertly prepared on-site using predominantly organic, locally sourced ingredients with fresh products sourced straight from the vegetable garden, orchard, organic chicken coop on site or from the local farms.

• Daily French breakfast (self-service): fresh bread, pastries, yogurt, fruit, cereals, coffee & tea

• Four lunches (self-service): seasonal salads, meats, cheeses

• Afternoon refreshments: coffee, tea, water, fruit, and light snacks

• Three dinners (served): three-course homemade meals - Dinner includes a house apéritif, starter, main course, cheese, and dessert, accompanied by still and sparkling water, followed by coffee, tea, or herbal infusion. A complete and thoughtfully curated dining experience, it reflects the rhythm and pleasure of a traditional French meal, balancing quality ingredients with a relaxed, convivial atmosphere.

• One Gourmet dinner and wine tasting for a total of four dinners included.

• Dietary restrictions can be accommodated.

• Painting sessions with Pauline Teunissen in and around the property

• Small group setting with personalized instruction

• A guided cultural of Lyon with dedicated time to paint in the Botanical Garden of Lyon

• Opportunities to explore a local winery, local villages and landscapes

• One special evening featuring a gourmet dinner with wine tasting

• Exclusive use of the property for this Art Retreat

• Twin or double room configurations with ensuite

• Outdoor swimming pool, an indoor heated swimming lane with an adjacent sauna to enjoy.

• Roundtrip transportation to and from St Exupéry Airport/Train Station

• Transportation to all sites as listed in the itinerary

Drawing and Painting sessions with Pauline will take place both on the grounds and in the surrounding landscapes of Clos de L’Oiselon, where a rich variety of natural subjects can be found in the gardens and nearby properties.

In addition, a dedicated studio space is available in a beautifully restored grange, offering a comfortable setting during inclement weather and a place to safely leave works in progress throughout the retreat.

We will take advantage of our proximity to the city of Lyon, celebrated for its Renaissance architecture, silk-weaving heritage, and vibrant culinary culture on a guided tour of the city. In the afternoon, we'll paint in the magnificent Parc de la Tête d’Or, a 105-hectare English-style landscape park.