Château du Puy Vidal, La Rochefoucauld-en-Angoumois, France
8 DAYS
August 27 – September 3, 2025
Join us at Château de Puy Vidal for an all-inclusive 7-night painting workshop with Sergiu Ciochină, known for his bold use of color and luminous impressionist landscapes - This is Sergiu’s first-ever workshop, an opportunity to learn directly from an artist whose vision has captivated over followers worldwide.
As summer lingers in the French countryside, the golden light dances on ancient stone walls, casting ever-changing shadows on the gardens and reflecting off the château’s tranquil waters. In this transformative retreat, you’ll train your eyes to see beyond the ordinary, discovering the hidden hues of reality—the blues in green leaves, the violets in shifting skies, and the warmth of color in every moment.
Under Sergiu’s guidance, you’ll explore the alla prima (wet-on-wet) technique, immersing yourself in plein air painting, trusting your instincts, and embracing the movement and impermanence of light. More than a workshop, this retreat is an invitation to awaken your artistic intuition, step into the flow of creation, and bring your own vision to life on canvas.
Set in an 800-year-old château, this week is about more than just painting—it’s about experiencing the rhythm of creative life, indulging in feasts, wine, candlelit dinners, and inspiring conversations. Friendships are made, perspectives shift, and you leave refreshed, connected, and creatively renewed.
Due to limited space and high demand, we encourage you to apply early.
✔ Accommodations: Private bedroom at Château de Puy Vidal with either a private or shared bathroom, depending on room selection.
✔ Meals: All-inclusive gourmet dining—breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks (including coffee, tea, and fine French wines). A 24/7 coffee & snack bar is available throughout your stay.
✔ Art Supplies: We provide easels, canvases, tripods, palettes, solvents, aprons, carry bags, painting stools, and a selection of student grade oil paints in the studio. (Brushes, sketch pads, and pencils are not included.)
✔ Itinerary: A thoughtfully curated plein air & studio painting experience, fostering artistic growth and exploration.
✔ Facilities: Full access to the Puy Vidal Art Studio, salons, gardens, pool, and hot tub. Feel free to explore and paint anywhere on the estate.
✔ Shuttle Service: Complimentary pick-up and drop-off at Angoulême Train Station, just 18 minutes from the Château.
✔ Creative Atmosphere: A warm, supportive and focused artistic environment.
✘ Flights: Participants are responsible for their airfare.
✘ Train Travel: Participants must arrange their own train transportation to Angouleme Train Station.
✘ Insurance: We strongly recommend obtaining travel & health insurance.
✘ Offsite Participant Accommodations & Car Transport
Medieval Tower | Single Occupancy, Shared Bathroom - €5,000
Pavilion Room 1 | Single Occupancy, Shared Bathroom - €5,300
Pavilion Room 2 | Single Occupancy, Shared Bathroom - €5,300
Lafayette Room | Single Occupancy, Shared Bathroom - €5,500
Rose Room | Double Occupancy Required, Private Bathroom - €5,500
Toile de Jouy 1 | Double Occupancy Available, Private Bathroom - €5,700
Toile de Jouy 2 | Double Occupancy Available, Private Bathroom - €5,700
King Room | Double Occupancy Required, Private Bathroom - €6,000
Non-Painting Partner | €2,500
(Non-painting partners are welcome. This option is limited to Double Occupancy Rooms.)
Offsite Participant | €3,900
(Experience the full retreat at Château de Puy Vidal while staying in our neighboring B&B called Chez Jumaine. Offsite guests are required to book their own lodging and transportation to and from the Chateau daily. Chez Jumaine is only a 2-minute drive from the Château or 8- minute walk. )
To reserve your spot a 35% non-refundable deposit is required. For greater flexibility, the remaining balance is divided into two installments.
