Sanctuary for the Artist offers a unique environment for all people to explore their “inner artist”, to nurture their creativity through a combination of art, yoga, sound healing and dance.  Our workshops focus on the exploration of the self through one's art experience. It includes an artist’s studio and gallery, and a unique Villa overlooking the “citée des Arts” Vence, and the Mediterranean sea, where we host our guests during our retreats.

May 3rd to 9th 2026

A painting retreat hosted by artist painter Véronique Porter

Vence owns the name, “La Citée des Arts” as many artists through the years chose to call it home for the unique light permeating the landscape. While in Vence Henri Matisse lived in “La Villa le Rêve”, where he painted and designed “La Chapelle du Rosaire” towards the end of his life. This workshop focuses on color and shape and guided by his vision,  you’ll develop a body of work, sketching and painting in Plein Air and in the studio.  Tailored towards all levels, time is punctuated with visits and tours, culminating with a luncheon at the famous “Colombe d’Or” in Saint Paul de Vence. As a time to reflect and move body and mind,  meditation, yoga and sound healing are part of the whole. In the haven of peace and tranquility of the “Mas Le Claoux”, you drop in and find peace. You also enjoy in your own time the bustling medieval art village. It is our aim to let you experience a week where everything is created for your ability to let go and be an artist.

Your host-teacher

Véronique is a painter and shares her time between Vence and Laguna Beach. She has carefully planned the renovation of the family home in France with the vision of offering Art and Yoga retreats. Sharing her deep love of this famous region in the French Riviera, that has attracted so many artists for the quality of the light and beauty of the landscape, Véronique designs each retreat around a specific subject, often guided by an artist who lived and worked in the region. She exhibited with Laguna Art , New York Art and her own Atelier-gallery in Vence in the south of France. Her painting journey has evolved from figurative to more abstract quality where she develops paintings that come from the depth of her being, using colors and shapes to tell a story. She is an Iyengar Yoga teacher and helps individuals align with their passion. If she is not painting Véronique loves to sail, dance and spend time with her family.

Where am I going?

Vence is a beautiful medieval village perched on the hills overlooking the Côte d'Azur.  Le Mas “Le Claoux”,  is a 20 minute walk downhill into this beautiful artistic town which is a renowned artists hubs with history, beauty and culture rolled into one. Vence captures French old school chic with its cobbled streets, small squares and elegant shops, bistros and galleries. Le Claoux's stunning panoramic views are reason alone to kick back, relax and take in the beauty of the world.

Your home for the week

Your home for the week will be the “Mas Le Claoux”, recently totally renovated historical villa perched above the Matisse Chapel and under Le Baou. Accommodation spreads out throughout the seven beautiful bedrooms, all with en-suite bathroom. The house has panoramic views with a beautiful pool, sauna and landscaped gardens.

Cuisine

The food is an integral part of the experience and marries local organic produce with beautifully crafted dishes. Fabienne artfully creates wholesome meals that feed your soul as well as your body.

Massage

Part of your time here is also to totally relax and let go. Our experienced massage therapist, Sylvaine, combines her deep and varied modalities to offer a unique treatment. She is a trained physiotherapist, also using craniosacral therapy. Commited to offering wellness activities so that people can develop a deeper connection to their body. The massage she offers combines deep and relaxing strokes, mobilizing tissues from the superficial to the most subtle, allowing everyone to rediscover body awareness and fluidity of movement.

What is included?

Six nights accommodation, (Linens, towels and toiletries provided)

One Meditation, yoga or sound healing session daily

One massage session

Two museum visits

Guided painting and sketching daily, easels and canvasses provided as well as some paint. Brushes can be purchased or bring your own.

Brunch and dinner ,

Fruit, tea and snacks available through out the day

Lunch at the world famous La Colombe d’Or in St Paul de Vence (set menu, any extra at your cost.)

Sauna and pool

INVESTMENT: $2800 single/ $4500 per couple ($750 non refundable deposit per person)

Not included:

Flights

Mandatory insurance

Airport transfer (Nice airport is a 35-minute drive or 1-hour bus ride away. Taxi is about 65 euros depending on the time, and bus is free. )

Contact us

If you would like to join us on the French Riviera please contact us for booking information. We look forwards to hearing from you.

sanctuaryfortheartist@gmail.com