2024 Designer Retreat- French Riviera
Join me this September for a creative escape to the French Riviera. During this trip we will explore the Cote d'Azure while learning how to draw and paint landscapes, on the go. This is a unique opportunity to meet like-minded creatives with a love for travel. Over the course of five days you will receive instruction on perspective , en plein air painting, and intuitive painting in a studio in the heart of St Raphael. We will then take the lessons we learned out with us, as we explore Mougins, St Paul De Vence, St Tropez, Grasse, St Raphael, and Nice.
- Guided group tours and activities
- Mini Workshops:
- Lessons in perspective
- en plein air painting for the creative traveler
- Intuitive landscapes
- Exploring galleries
- Touring Fragonard in the village of Grasse
Itinerary
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Day 1-
Welcome to The Cote d'Azure Plan to arrive in Nice for late morning/midday. Airport Transfer to the hotel will be provided if requested. After a little time to settle in we will head out to dinner at a local restaurant. Followed by a walking tour a stroll on the St Raphael waterfront. Day 2- Lessons in Perspective: Morning transport to the art studio. Pastries will be provided upon arrival. We will begin learning how to capture correct perspective when you are creating art on the go. After a lovely lunch in the studio we will spend the afternoon in the hilltop village of St Paul de Vence. You will have the opportunity to explore the village, shop, and tour local galleries. Day 3- en Plein Air for the Creative Traveler: Morning transport to the art studio .Pastries will be provided upon arrival. We will explore techniques for creating mini plein air paintings while traveling. After a light lunch at the studio, we will head into the water front to take the ferry to St. Tropez. You will be free to explore St Tropez for the afternoon and work on some en Plein Air minis. We will meet back at the ferry and ride back to St Raphaël. Dinner on your own. Day 4- Intuitive Landscapes: Morning transport to the art studio .Pastries will be provided upon arrival. We will explore a more abstract approach to painting with lessons in Intuitive landscapes. Each participant will create 2 small intuitive landscape paintings during this half day workshop. After a light lunch we will head to the hilltop village of Mougins. Once home to Picasso, this artist community is a little gem with great galleries, restaurants and artist studios. You will have the late afternoon/ early evening to explore. Day 5- French Perfumes We will start the day with breakfast on your own. Then meet in the morning to take a shuttle to Grasse. Upon arrival we will take a guided tour through Fragonard and may also take time to create our own perfumes. You will have the afternoon to explore Grasse. Lunch on your own. Day 6- Au Revior You may request transfer to the airport or enjoy extended time in France Safe travels 
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Whats Included
Included:
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Payment and Terms
$2995 private room
$2695 shared room
A non-refundable deposit of $695 is required to reserve your space.
The remaining balance will be due over 2 additional equal payments approximately 6 months and 3 months before the retreat day. You will be emailed an invoice for each payment 2 weeks prior to the due date.
Cancellation Policy:
Your deposit and subsequent payments are a commitment and each payment becomes non-refundable at the time it is received.
IF you are forced to cancel prior to 3 months before the start of the retreat and your reserved spot can be transferred to another person, we will refund any previous payments less the $695 deposit. No refunds or transfers will be available after your final payment.
*By registering for this trip with your deposit, you agree to the above Cancellation Policy and to purchase your own trip insurance.
$2695 shared room
A non-refundable deposit of $695 is required to reserve your space.
The remaining balance will be due over 2 additional equal payments approximately 6 months and 3 months before the retreat day. You will be emailed an invoice for each payment 2 weeks prior to the due date.
Cancellation Policy:
Your deposit and subsequent payments are a commitment and each payment becomes non-refundable at the time it is received.
IF you are forced to cancel prior to 3 months before the start of the retreat and your reserved spot can be transferred to another person, we will refund any previous payments less the $695 deposit. No refunds or transfers will be available after your final payment.
*By registering for this trip with your deposit, you agree to the above Cancellation Policy and to purchase your own trip insurance.
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Ellie McintoshEllie is an Interior Designer and Textile Designer based out of North Carolina. She holds a BFA in Interior Architecture Design from The Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design in Denver, Colorado and a Master of Science in Entreprenurship. Her work can be found throughout the United States, Western Europe, and Morocco and often showcase her various creative specializations. Her diverse body of work incorporates global style, innovative design applications, and artistry.
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Good To Know
Travel To France
Travelers from the US only are required to have a valid US Passport – but it must NOT be due to expire within 6 months of your return flight.
Your flight destination will be Nice, France (NCE)
You can also book flights traveling through major European airports, and take the train to Nice while enjoying the views. You can take the opportunity to end your trip with a day or two stop in other areas of France, Spain, or Monaco.
Please check here for CDC recommendations for any travel restrictions or requirements
Your flight destination will be Nice, France (NCE)
You can also book flights traveling through major European airports, and take the train to Nice while enjoying the views. You can take the opportunity to end your trip with a day or two stop in other areas of France, Spain, or Monaco.
Please check here for CDC recommendations for any travel restrictions or requirements
What to Wear
Weather is typically around 78 degrees Fahrenheit or 59 degrees Celsius in September. I recommend cotton pants, shorts, short sleeves and t-shirts. You may bring a shall for evenings by the waterfront.
Your most important fashion asset: comfortable shoes for walking through villages with cobblestone steps on sightseeing and shopping adventures!
Your most important fashion asset: comfortable shoes for walking through villages with cobblestone steps on sightseeing and shopping adventures!
Money Exchange
The currency here is the Euro, and the exchange rate is around 1 Euro/1.06 Dollar. Major credit cards are accepted at most retailers.
I also recommend that you bring 2 or 3 cards-just in case you still get flagged and find too many things you just can’t live without.
I also recommend that you bring 2 or 3 cards-just in case you still get flagged and find too many things you just can’t live without.
Rooms and Amenities
Updates on the accommodations will be provided upon registration
Extra items you should pack:
Extra items you should pack:
- European Plug adapters
- Electricity Converter for hair appliances (cellphones and computers generally have built-in converters)