The glorious end of a French summer brings warmth, golden grass, slanting shadows, and the last blooms of the season. Join internationally acclaimed artist, Haidee-Jo Summers, in a quest for the delightful and hidden corners of Puy Vidal.
This workshop looks past the grand vistas of the Château - instead inviting you to discover vignettes that charm and delight. Find what you love and paint it.
Whether its painting plein air in the Château gardens, or painting a historic interior, the focus will be on paying attention, training your eye and mind, and learning how to express the delight of a moment. Haidee Jo infuses her teaching with the quiet joy of her painting, and by the end of this week, she will have gently pushed you to find your joy as well.
Encircled by fellow artists and lovers of beauty, this experience is more than just a painting workshop- it is a unique opportunity to let go of life's burdens and slip into another world. Fellowship in art, compassionate, soothing landscapes, the gentle hum of a country household, and the structure and support of a balanced painting itinerary all coax you into the ideal creative state.
Your home during this week, and the setting of all your painting is the 800-year-old Chateau de Puy Vidal. Dinners à la francaise, wine, music, candlelight and more complete these focused days. Friends are made, new approaches to your work are discovered, and you will come away from this week refreshed and inspired.
Due to high demand, as well as to ensure a cohesive group dynamic, we invite you to apply below.
This retreat is now SOLD OUT at the Chateau, but ONE off-site spot is still available. Apply to be added to our waitlist and be informed if a room at the Chateau becomes available.
€5,000- €6,200
Lincolnshire-based Artist
Haidee-Jo Summers
Artist's Letter
Haidee-Jo is a full-time professional artist based in Lincolnshire, England known for painting gardens, landscapes and seascapes 'en plein air'.
Her work is a celebration of light filled moments revealed in rich and vibrant oil paint using her personal visual language of fresh and direct brushmarks. Painting en plein air is central to her practice but she is equally at home working from a model, still life or interior.
She finds beauty in the ordinary, mundane and intimate rather than the grand vista. Coastal locations, domestic interiors and gardens and allotments provide her with rich and endless subject material.
www.haideejo.com
ABOUT THE ARTIST
What Sets Her Apart
An internationally acclaimed artist, Haidee-Jo is the Vice President of the Royal Institute of Oil painters (VPROI) and an elected member of the Royal Society of Marine Artists (RSMA). Her work can be seen each year at the Mall Galleries in London in these prestigious society exhibitions.
As well as a busy painting life, Haidee-Jo is an author of two books on oil painting and an editorial consultant for The Artist magazine, alongside David Curtis ROI RSMA. Her first book, ‘Vibrant Oils’, published by Search Press, has been reprinted in Spanish, Italian, French and Chinese. Her second book 'Plein air painting in Oils' has been printed in English and Russian language editions. She has produced two popular DVDs with APV films which demonstrate her painting process en plein air.
Although oils are very much her preferred medium, in the 1990’s Haidee-Jo produced a large body of work for the Encyclopaedia of Watercolour Techniques and is an avid sketcher. In recent years she has been invited to judge UK and international plein air events, after winning many prizes for her work which features fresh and vibrant brushwork coupled with keen drawing and observational skills.
Haidee-Jo gained a degree in illustration following an art foundation course and graduated in 1994. She has been exhibiting and teaching ever since, in recent years having cut back on teaching commitments to focus on painting and writing. She believes very much in continuing to grow and develop, all the while striving to express her personal voice in paint and to do so more and more succinctly.
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
Offsite retreat
€3,900
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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.
