Painting Retreat in France,
July 4th to 11th, 2026

Painting Retreat at The Mill, Aveyron, France

 

A week to step away from daily demands and immerse yourself in your art.

Set in the heart of the French countryside, this retreat offers a rare opportunity to dedicate a full week to painting while reconnecting with creativity, wellbeing, and your painting process.

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The Venue

 

 

The retreat takes place at The Mill, a beautifully restored riverside mill on the River Cernon

in Aveyron, in the charming town of Millau, South-West France.

 

Light-filled studio spaces and peaceful riverside surroundings provide an environment designed to inspire you. The Mill’s beauty and creative atmosphere will support your creative exploration.

 

The week provides the freedom to focus deeply on painting, explore ideas, and create without distraction. You will leave feeling renewed, inspired, and more confident in your art.

 

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Guided Creative Exploration

 

At the heart of the retreat is each participant’s creative journey.

Personal tuition within a supportive small group will encourage the development of your painting process in a way that feels truly individual.

 

Painting in this retreat, is guided by nature observation informed by feeling. 

We will not focus on exact likeness, but instead, we will explore ways to come closer to depicting your felt experience, while developing the beauty of your individual approach. 

I have called this “mindful abstraction”. 

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Who This Retreat Is For:

 

This retreat is designed for anyone seeking:

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• A focused, immersive creative experience

• A chance to reconnect with themselves and their wellbeing

• Inspiration from a supportive group and skilled guidance

 

 

What’s Included:

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• Accommodation at The Mill

• Delicious daily meals prepared on-site

• All basic materials and painting supplies

• Guided tuition and individual feedback

• Access to the river, walking paths, and a nearby village and market

 

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Food:

 

All food at The Mill is home cooked and seasonal.

Lovingly prepared on-site from locally sourced ingredients by our host Nathalie.

The first meal in this retreat will be supper on the first day (July 4th) and the last will be breakfast on the last day (July 11th).

 

We will eat all meals together as a group, either inside the house or outdoors.

 

 

Prices:

 

Room and board prices range from £1,100 to £1,500, depending on the type of room.

Please note that there are only 5 single rooms. The other 3 are shared with 1 other. 

 

This includes:

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Accommodation, all meals (Breakfast, lunch & dinner -including a glass of wine with dinner),

all tuition and all basic materials.

Travel is not included.

 

For more information about pricing and room allocation, please email me.

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Please note: It is possible to pay in 5 x instalments including a deposit.

Get in touch with me for details 

 

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Testimonials:

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“I rediscovered my love of painting after 10 years

and also learned more about myself in the process.

Johanna’s guidance allowed me to step outside my comfort zone.”

— A

 

“Painting outside was liberating.

Not having to worry about the practicalities of life

felt like real freedom.” —K

 

“The retreat was richly rewarding, full of texture, colour,

sounds, and memories of great food, drink, and company.” — M

 

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About Johanna Berger:

 

Johanna Berger is an award-winning painter, originally from Chile,

now based in the South of England.

She holds an MA in Fine Arts from Camberwell College, London,

a BA in Design from PUCV, Chile, and a degree in Anthroposophic Therapeutic Arts.

 

She has taught painting for many years, curated exhibitions and community projects,

and runs international art retreats, teaches and offers therapeutic art sessions,

online and in person,

Her work is represented by Marisol Fine Arts in New York.

 

Through her retreats, Johanna combines fine art expertise with a therapeutic arts perspective, creating a space where participants can reconnect with themselves, their creativity, and their wellbeing.

 

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Booking & Practical Information:

 

•         Duration: 1 week in early July, 4th to 11th. 

•         Arrival: After Lunch on July 4th.

•         Departure: After breakfast on July 11th.

•         Travel: Nearest airports include Rodez, Montpellier, and Béziers. 

               Local transfers can be arranged

•         Places are limited to 10 participants — book soon to secure your place

•         For bookings or more information: email: johanna.berger@hotmail.com

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Give yourself the gift of immersion in your painting and your wellbeing

— and emerge feeling renewed.

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