As June unfolds in France, the gardens burst with color, and days stretch long and light-filled. For her third year with us we are delighted to welcome internationally acclaimed artist and Vice President of the ROI Haidee-Jo Summers back to Puy Vidal for a week of oil painting like no other.
This workshop turns your eye away from grand vistas, instead guiding you to uncover the quiet, intimate scenes that charm and inspire—a sunlit doorway, flowers & ivy spilling over stone walls, or the glow of a historic interior. Haidee-Jo will help you connect with what delights you most, training your eye to notice, and your hand to capture, those fleeting moments of beauty.
Through plein air sessions in the château gardens and interiors rich with history, Haidee-Jo infuses her teaching with the same quiet joy that radiates from her own work. Gentle, encouraging, and insightful, she’ll support you in finding fresh approaches and renewed confidence in your painting.
Surrounded by fellow artists and the soft rhythms of country life, this week offers more than a workshop—it’s a restorative retreat. Each day blends structure with ease: hours of painting, moments of rest, and convivial evenings at the long château table, where candlelight, wine, and laughter carry the day to a close.
The 800-year-old Château de Puy Vidal is both your inspiration and your home during this week—an unforgettable setting where friendships blossom, creativity flourishes, and the spark of June stays with you long after you leave.
€5,250- €6,250
British Artist
Haidee-Jo Summers VPROI RSMA
Artist's Letter
For her fourth year at Château de Puy Vidal, internationally renowned British painter Haidee-Jo Summers returns for another week devoted to sharing the sheer joy of painting and inspiring artists to see the world around them with fresh eyes.
Haidee-Jo is celebrated for her luminous paintings of gardens, landscapes, interiors and coastal scenes, captured with fresh, direct brushwork and an extraordinary sensitivity to fleeting effects of light. Rather than searching for the grand vista, she is drawn to the quieter poetry of the everyday: sunlight falling across a table, a garden path disappearing into foliage, figures gathered outdoors, or the changing colors of an intimate interior.
Haidee-Jo is Vice President of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters and an elected member of the Royal Society of Marine Artists. She is also the author of Vibrant Oils and Plein Air Painting in Oils, as well as her newest book, 50 Ways to Break the Rules of Oil Painting.
After three remarkable workshops together, we are delighted to welcome Haidee-Jo back to Puy Vidal in 2027, where the château, its gardens and the surrounding Charente landscape will once again become a source of endless inspiration.
www.haideejo.com
"My approach is one of simplicity and economy, striving to make every mark count in my earnest pursuance of capturing the poetry of a fleeting effect of light."
Haidee-Jo Summers
ABOUT THE ARTIST
What Sets Her Apart
For Haidee-Jo, painting is more than a skill to master. It is a daily practice of looking, noticing and finding joy. And perhaps the most special thing about learning from her is how deeply she wants her students to experience that joy for themselves.
Her teaching is grounded in strong fundamentals: value, composition, drawing, color and learning to make confident, economical decisions at the easel. But alongside the technical work, Haidee-Jo pays equal attention to the inner life of an artist. She encourages students to notice the critical voice that says this isn’t good enough, I can’t do this or I’ve ruined it, to give that voice less authority, and to replace judgment with curiosity.
Through painting, journaling, observation and small daily practices, she helps artists build a healthier and more sustainable relationship with their creativity. The goal is not simply to leave the week with better paintings, but to return home wanting to paint more often, noticing more beauty around you, and trusting yourself a little more each time you pick up a brush.
Awards & Accolades
MENENA JOY SCWABE AWARD - Royal Institute of Oil Painters Exhibition
BRONZE AWARD - Art in the Open, Ireland's Plein Air Festival
ARCHITECTURE AWARD - Laguna Plein Air Invitational
FIRST PLACE - Oil painters of America Wet Paint Competition International Category
ARTISTS CHOICE AWARD - Paradise Paint Out, Florida
7-Nights
All Inclusive
Advanced Beginners
to Intermediate Painters
Intimate
Class Size
Tentative Workshop Schedule
A preliminary schedule for the week
Art supplies included
Retreat Accommodations
See all bedrooms
Off-Site Participant Option
€3,500
Experience the full retreat at Château de Puy Vidal while staying in our charming neighboring B&B, Chez Jumaine. Enjoy the same immersive creative experience, delicious meals, and full access to Château studios and amenities—all while staying just a 2-minute drive or 8-minute walk away.
Book or Learn more about Chez Jumaine.
Car rental is required for this option, as off-site participants are responsible for daily transportation between Chez Jumaine and the Château. Rentals are conveniently available at the Angoulême train station through providers such as Sixt, Europcar, Hertz, and Avis. Average rates range from €300–€450 per week, depending on season and vehicle type.
Weekly stays at Chez Jumaine average around €500, offering a cozy, rustic farmhouse atmosphere. This option is ideal for guests seeking an affordable and independent stay while still enjoying the full Château retreat experience.
For questions about off-site participation, please contact us at retreats@ladyofthechateau.com.
Apply now
Our workshops and retreats are thoughtfully curated to bring together like-minded creatives in a supportive, inspiring environment. Due to high demand and to ensure a balanced group dynamic, we invite you to apply below. This helps us personalize your experience and create a space where everyone can thrive.You’ll hear back within 48 hours. If accepted, you’ll receive a booking invitation—your spot is only confirmed once booked. To keep this retreat accessible, we offer flexible payment plans split into three installments, with custom options available upon request. Questions or booking issues? Email us anytime at: retreats@ladyofthechateau.com
Echoes of the Experience
FAQ
Booking & Payment
Booking & payment for any of our retreats & workshops is structured across three payments, beginning with a 35% deposit to reserve your place - followed by two additional payments, spaced evenly and completed one month prior to arrival.
All our retreats begin with a brief application, designed to ensure the experience is a good fit for both you and the group.
Submitting an application comes with no pressure or obligation to book—it’s simply a first step in entering our world at the Lady of the Chateau.
If you have any questions, or would like to explore the possibility of a custom payment plan, please contact us at retreats@ladyofthechateau.com.We'd be delighted to welcome you to the Chateau.
Can I bring a non-painting partner?
Non-Painting Partners are most welcome to our workshops- we find they round out the groups and add a wonderful energy during the evenings after a long day of painting. There is plenty for them to do on the grounds - enjoying the pool, relaxing in the gardens, reading, going on countryside bikes or walks. We have Wifi, so working remotely at the Chateau is possible. If you'd like to bring a Non-Painting Partner to share your room with you they are welcome to join you in any of our double occupancy rooms. If they'd like to explore the region during the week, a car rental is recommended.
Non-Painting Partner rate: 2,500 €
What supplies do I need to bring?
Bring your Brushes.
We provide the majority of the supplies, including painting tubes to share amongst your fellow Artists - Pochade & French Easels, Palettes, Solvents, Aprons, Shareable Oil Paint Tubes are all available for your to use in our Puy Vidal Art Studio.
Once you've booked your retreat we will send you your specific instructors Art Supplies.
How do I get there?
We offer complimentary pick-up and drop-off from our local train station of Angouleme just 18 minutes from the Chateau . If you’re driving, detailed directions will be provided upon booking. We’re easily accessible from major French cities, making your journey as smooth as possible.
Is there a pool?
Yes! Our outdoor pool is heated, perfect for a refreshing dip in summer and a comfortable swim in spring and fall.
Our large hot tub makes a perfect place to unwind alone or with some new friends after a day of creativity.
What If I Have Dietary Needs or Allergies?
Meals at the château are a cherished part of your experience — lovingly prepared four-course feasts that reflect the heart and soul of French cuisine. Our chefs create each menu with care, using locally sourced ingredients and seasonal flavors to bring you something truly special.
We’re happy to accommodate certain dietary needs, including vegetarian, dairy-free and gluten-free preferences. However, due to the nature of our kitchen, our chef’s traditional approach, and the foundations of French culinary style, we’re unfortunately not able to accommodate vegan diets, highly specialized dietary restrictions, or severe, life-threatening allergies.
If you have any dietary concerns at all, we kindly ask that you reach out before booking: retreats@ladyofthechateau.com.
Additionally, if you live with severe environmental allergies (such as to insects, dust, or humidity), please let us know in advance. For your safety and peace of mind, we reserve the right to decline bookings if we determine that we cannot safely meet your needs.
