Update November 30 2025:
Spring Edition: places are available
Summer Edition: only 2 places left on the estate. 3 places left if you rent a holiday home in the area.
Painting Holiday France
Spring Edition: 24 - 30 May 2026
Summer Edition: 5 - 11 July 2026
Once again, visual artist Debbie Nijland is hosting a wonderful, fully catered painting holiday / creative retreat! (Re)discover your creative talents in the peace and quiet of the French countryside. This painting week is all-inclusive, so the only thing you need to think about is painting and enjoying yourself. Tranquillity and space are already here—relaxation and inspiration will follow naturally.
WHERE YOU WILL STAY
For these 6 days, you will stay in a gîte (holiday home) on the Domaine Lavau estate, with spectacular views: rolling fields, forests, the occasional farmhouse and otherwise nothing but endless, breathtaking silence—in the rural, green heart of France (300 km south of Paris).
The gîtes each have two double bedrooms, which you share with another participant or with your painting friend. All rooms have very comfortable single box-spring beds (which can be combined if desired).
Each gîte has modern bathrooms, separate toilets and fully equipped kitchens (though you won’t need them this week), a cosy sitting area, and a dining space. Debbie’s large flamboyant paintings decorate the interior. The authentic atmosphere of the 184-year-old barn is combined with modern comfort (click here for the Domaine Lavau website).
WHAT WE WILL DO
The theme—given the beautiful location—is “landscape”, but those who know me know that this theme is wonderfully flexible, ranging from fully abstract to (sur)realism, or even working on your own personal project. Everything is possible.
Beginners will have the chance to explore materials and techniques, as well as basics such as light–dark, colour, perspective and composition. The most important thing is daring: once you cross that first threshold, you’ll progress surprisingly quickly.
Experienced painters will be encouraged to further develop their personal style, enhance the expressiveness of their work, or improve specific skills depending on their needs. You are free to choose your own materials (bring your own!).
Whether you have a lot of experience or very little: this painting holiday is a unique experience for anyone with a passion for drawing or painting. Guidance is individual, at your level, and at your own pace. A small group can be wonderfully stimulating when developing your own artistic voice.
If you would like help putting together your materials or want more background on different supplies, I’m happy to assist. You can make this painting week as colourful as you like!
PROGRAMME:
Sunday 24 May / 5 July:
Arrival between 16:00 and 18:00. After a refreshing drink, I’ll show you your gîte and room for the week.
At 19:30 we enjoy the festive welcome dinner together—a relaxed moment to get to know each other.
Monday 25 May / 6 July
08:00–09:00 – Breakfast buffet with fresh croissants, baguettes and pain au chocolat.
A short walk around the estate: where to sit, the best painting spots, the finest views.
10:00 – Gathering in the studio in the cathedral barn with coffee/tea. We have a look at everyone’s starting point. I have small optional assignments for those who enjoy working on them throughout the week. Then: time to start!
13:00–14:00 – Lunch
14:00–19:30 – Work on your assignment or painting, or take time for yourself.
I’m available until 16:00 for tips and suggestions.
16:00 – Coffee, tea, soft drinks and wine are served
19:30 – Dinner
Tuesday 26 May / 7 July
Similar daily rhythm with breakfast, work sessions, support until 16:00, breaks, and dinner at 19:30.
Wednesday 27 May / 8 July
08:00–09:00 – Breakfast
09:00 – Today we visit an inspiring location outside the estate. We bring our materials, coffee and tea. A new perspective often brings fresh inspiration.
13:00–14:00 – Lunch back at the estate
14:00–19:30 – Develop your sketches or continue your work.
I’m available until 16:00.
16:00 – Drinks
19:30 – Dinner
Thursday 28 May / 9 July
Same rhythm as earlier studio days.
Friday 29 May / 10 July
08:00–09:00 – Breakfast
09:00 – Work session
13:00–14:00 – Lunch
Today we work until 15:00, after which I collect all finished pieces.
17:00 – With a glass of bubbles, we review the “harvest of the week”.
19:30 – Farewell dinner
Saturday 30 May / 11 July
08:00–09:00 – Breakfast
10:00 – Farewell and hopefully “à l’année prochaine!”
WHERE WE WORK
We work in the huge cathedral barn that houses my studio. The porteau entrance is perfect for developing sketches or painting sheltered from the sun in beautiful natural light.
We start at 09:00 each morning. Easels, drawing boards, tables, etc. are provided.
A library of over 400 art books is at your disposal. Painting in the shade of the old chestnut or walnut tree is also a lovely option—or anywhere else on the estate if you’ve brought your own parasol.
FOR WHOM
Due to the small scale and practical considerations, these painting holidays are offered exclusively for women and is suitable for beginners, advanced painters/drawers, and (semi-)professional artists wishing to develop their skills.
BREAKFAST / LUNCH / DINNER
This painting holiday is all-inclusive: breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided every day. All soft drinks and wines during meals are included. Debbie’s husband Peter is once again “sommelier” or Chef of Cold Drinks.
Tea and coffee are served at set times. The only thing you need to focus on is painting… and enjoying!
WHO'S YOUR TEACHER?
Debbie Nijland is a professional visual artist. She graduated with distinction from the IKO Art Academy Higher Painting Degree in Hoogstraten in 2013. She has been teaching for 19 years—groups large and small, as well as private lessons in all techniques.
She guides beginners through their very first pencil or brush strokes and also works with advanced and (semi-)professional artists.
Participants do not paint “what the teacher paints” and do not colour within dotted lines. Debbie looks for your uniqueness and signature—whether hyper-realistic, lyrically abstract, or anything in between. Every subject is imaginable.
She does not believe in talent, but in curiosity and perseverance. She loves going on a “journey of discovery” with you, bringing passion, humour, positivity and perspective.
GOOD TO KNOW
Pets are not allowed.
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS
This painting holiday is organised for a maximum of 8 participants. This ensures that everyone receives the attention they deserve and that our chef can maintain the desired quality.
The minimum number of participants is 6.
HOW TO GET THERE
Domaine Lavau near Néret is located about 3.5 hours south of Paris
COST
1,350 euros per person, including:
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shared bedroom (6 nights) in one of the estate’s gîtes
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use of the swimming pool
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all meals and drinks during meals
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welcome dinner on Sunday
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use of easels, tables, drawing boards, etc.
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If you come as a pair, we will of course make sure you share a room.
NOT INCLUDED
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Travel to the location
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Cancellation insurance
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Paints, brushes, canvases/paper and other materials (field stool, field easel, parasol, etc.)
PAYMENT
Your registration is confirmed once we have received the deposit of 350 euros (per person).
The remaining amount must be paid before 1 April 2026. If you book after 1 April, the full amount must be paid immediately. For additional questions, feel free to email debbienijland@gmail.com or call/WhatsApp +33-6-80800247.
You can register via the button below.
À bientôt at the Spring or Summer Edition of Painting Holiday France 2026!
