Activity Holidays in France

Whether you’re looking for a new medium to kick-start your painting passion, a fresh dose of inspiration, or simply the chance to escape the 9 to 5 and connect with other like-minded travellers, a painting holiday is a wonderful way to do exactly that. 

Our painting holidays in France are about so much more than rolling green fields and delightful historic villages, even if you do have them in abundance. Whether you’re venturing out to capture the local scenery ‘en plein air’, or enjoying the cool surroundings of the onsite artist’s studio, there’s always a crisp glass of wine and a great company waiting for you at the end of the day. It’s a great way to indulge in your passion while truly experiencing a destination.

Most Popular experiences

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  • Oil Painting Holiday in a Chateau in Gascony

    7 nights France
    • Includes accommodation and all meals
    • 6 days expert tuition with Neil Pinkett
    • Stay in a stunning renovated chateau
    • May and September 2025 dates

    Price from

    £2100 pp
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  • Last few spaces - 15% off Sept 28th

    French Painting Holiday in Gascony

    7 nights France
    • Expert painting tuition for 5 days
    • Stay in a lovely farmhouse in the heart of Gascony
    • All meals included ( except one night)

    Price from

    £1025 pp
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  • Macrame Masterclass Holiday in the South of France

    7 Nights France

    Macramé: anyone can do it! Discover the art of macrame in a small group on this amazing experience in the beautiful Fre..

    Price from

    £1000 pp
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  • Painting and Drawing Holiday in the South of France

    7 Nights France

    Operating Dates 2024 17 - 24 August - NEW DATE The experience runs with a minimum of 4 people. (Re)discover the j..

    Price from

    £1000 pp
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  • Portrait Painting Week In France

    6 Nights France

    Discover the South West of France where the Pyrénées meets the sea. Learn to paint in a relaxing environment with an e..

    Price from

    £1455 pp
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  • Painting Holiday in South West France

    7 Night France
    • Stay in a lovely French farmhouse
    • Daily painting sessions with tuition
    • Visit the gardens of Latour Marliac’ which inspired Monet's artwork

    Price from

    £1295 *pp
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  • Best Places to Visit

    Nice

    Welcome to a city of azure seas, pristine beaches, fresh Mediterranean cuisine and lifestyle to matc

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    Nice

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    Gascony

    Rolling hills bearing winding vineyards, Gascony is a region best savoured slowly.

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    Gascony

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    Normandy

    Windswept beaches, quiet village communities - there are wonderful experiences to be found in Norman

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    Normandy

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    Provence

    Travel along roads that wind their way through the hills of Provence to find truly offbeat experienc

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    Provence

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    Loire Valley

    Incredible chateaux, beautiful countryside, exquisite wine, all this & more in the Loire Valley.

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    Loire Valley

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    Bordeaux

    Historical & cultural hub in a region of world-class vineyards, Bordeaux is a rewarding destination.

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    Bordeaux

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    French Riviera

    Glitz and glamour await in a land where all pleasures & unique experiences can be found.

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    French Riviera

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    Biarritz

    Tucked away on the south Atlantic coast, France’s surf capital hides a number of offbeat experienc

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    Biarritz

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    Toulouse

    A picturesque maze of cobbled alleys reveals a city on the forefront of France’s cultural scene.

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    Toulouse

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    Paris

    What can be said that hasn’t been said already, the romantic capital of the world sits on the Sein

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    Paris

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    Nouvelle-Aquitaine

    A scene conjured up by gently ringing church bells & smells of boulangerie wafting through its stree

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    Nouvelle-Aquitaine

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    Lyon

    The culinary capital of France, if you’re a food lover, look no further than this charismatic city

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    Lyon

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    Brittany

    Fishing villages, stretches of deserted coastline & all the cheese and bread you can eat, sounds lik

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    Brittany

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    French Pyrenees

    Lesser visited than the Alps but still incredibly beautiful, authentic, and truly off the beaten tra

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    French Pyrenees

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    Our Destinations In France

    Unleash your creativity in France

    By choosing an activity holiday in France, you’re getting a chance to see the things that most tourists don’t. A painting holiday with a local artist is about finding hidden gems, these off the beaten track locations, listening to your host talk passionately about their home and the areas that inspire them the most.

    You can relax and soak up the scenery, let go of worrying about directions or places to stay, and simply drink in the experience of exploration.

    Where to experience painting holidays in France

    The southwest of France is a treasure trove of sprawling landscapes, enchanting chateaux, market towns and beautiful nature. Let the rivers of the Dordogne shape your artwork. Follow in the footsteps of iconic painters before us by exploring the ‘valley of the painters’ in Limousin.

    Alternatively, venture further south to the picturesque region of Gascony. Typically famed for its rich and indulgent cuisine, it’s a great place to immerse yourself in local culture and unwind after a day at the canvas.

    Wherever you head for your painting holiday in France, one thing is guaranteed, you’ll create memories that last a lifetime.

    Who are our French painting holiday guests?

    Experienced artists, those who have never held a paintbrush, creative souls looking for like-minded individuals, and those who are simply in search of new creative inspiration; absolutely anyone and everyone is welcome on our painting holidays in France.

    The artists are experts in their fields. Some will have their own preferred style and specialise in one medium, the others have let their creativity wander and share their knowledge across mixed media. All groups are small and intimate meaning the experience will be totally tailored to you and your needs, so that you can simply relax and be inspired.

    All you need to bring is your passion, a willingness to discover new things and a love for art. Sound like you? Come and join them.

    Why choose Not In The Guidebooks?

    We’re passionate about helping people find the most amazing experiences on their travels, through meeting local people, exploring new places, and discovering alternative activities that make holidays special. We do this by carefully selecting partners in countries around the world who are experts in their local area, sourcing interesting people who can guide you through immersive experiences.

    We’ve got local partners and artists all across France, from the lush green countryside and rivers of the Dordogne, to the rolling hills and charming villages of Gascony. Choosing a Not In The Guidebooks holiday in France means you don’t have to choose between a beach holiday or an activity-filled break, you can get the best of both worlds with a unique trip.

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