Choose your 2026 Art Retreat and reserve your place!
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Le Cot is truly a place to both unwind, and to focus on what interests you most. Wheather you're here to paint, practice photography, or just get away, you will experience French culture in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Art Retreats 2026
Brought to you by Dan Cooney Studios.
Join us for the first ART Retreats at this wonderful location, offering immersive experiences with expert guidance and local culture. Options include four different complete 10-day or 8-day packages. We may offer a wider range of Art or Spirit Retreats in the future. We have been organizing artist’s workshops and retreats since 1999.
See this year's options below.
What Sets Our Retreats Apart
Each retreat offers intimate group sizes, expert-led sessions, and immersive local experiences, including visits to historic Cognac distilleries and authentic French dining.
Art Retreat Options
2026 will be our first year offering retreat packages at our Juillac-Le-Coq property, and we have three planned so far. There will be limited spots available, 5-8 per session, as we want to insure a positive and comfortable experience for all involved. If things work out as expected, we will offer a wider range of Art & Spirit retreat seminars in the future.
Here are your options:
Option 1
Plein Air Painting for Painters with Some Experience
June 9 - 16, 2026
Join us for a full week of painting alongside fellow painters in and around the beautiful Cognac region of France. Immerse yourself in the act of painting in a supportive and inspiring environment.
Dan Cooney will be your host, guide, and studio facilitator during your stay.
Retreat Includes:
Ground transportation between the Angouleme train station and Juillac Le Coq.
Accommodations in a private rustic vineyard compound for 8 days, and 7 nights
7 French breakfasts
5 Prepared dinners including aperitif
2 Meals in local French Restaurants
Shared kitchens and common rooms
Ground transportation to a variety of gorgeous painting sites and local attractions
Organized painting critiques
For info: on past workshops: http://dcooneypaints.jimdo.com/news/
Total Cost: $2,800. per person based on single occupancy or $2,200. each if you are sharing a room with a friend/partner.
Deposit of $1,000. per participant must be received to secure your spot, full payment by April 30.
A minimum of 5 and a maximum of 8 persons will be participating.
Individuals are responsible for their own travel arrangements to Angouleme. (We can offer suggestions and advice.)
To make your reservations contact Dan now at [email protected]
We have been organizing artist’s workshops and retreats since 1999.
Option 2
Creative Film Photography and Pinhole Techniques
Monday June 22 - Wed. July 1 2026.
Join us for 10 days and 9 nights of creative photography fun and adventure. You'll be led by Artist and photographer, David Walega. Dan will be your host, guide, and studio facilitator during your stay.
We will explore the age-old tradition of analog/film photography.
As technology continues to advance, many artists and hobbyists are returning to traditional, hands-on approaches to image making. During this retreat, we will travel the French countryside, creating one-of-a-kind images using analog cameras, including building our own pinhole camera to produce photographs through the printing techniques of cyanotype, sepia prints, and contact printing.
Retreat Includes:
Ground transportation between the Angouleme train station and retreat site in Juillac-Le-Coq.
Accommodations in a private rustic vineyard compound for 10 days, and 9 nights
9 French breakfasts
7 Prepared dinners or dejeunes including aperitif
2 Meals in local French Restaurants
Shared kitchens and common rooms
Ground transportation to a variety of gorgeous and historic sites and local attractions
Organized photography lessons, discussions and constructive critiques
Visits to local museums, distilleries, and historic locations
For info. on past retreats: http://dcooneypaints.jimdo.com/news/
Total Cost: $3,500. per person based on single occupancy (includes most supplies)
or $2,900. each if you are sharing a room with a friend/partner.
Deposit of $1,000. must be received to secure your spot, full payment by April 30
A minimum of 5 and a maximum of 8 persons will be participating.
Individuals are responsible for their own travel arrangements to Angouleme. (We can advise and assist if needed.)
To make your reservations fill out a booking form and contact Dan at [email protected]
We have been organizing artist’s workshops and retreats since 1999.
Option 3
Painting the Figure in a Landscape
Monday July 06 - Wed. July 15 2026
Spend 10 days in the French countryside with a small group of artists exploring ways to approach drawing and/or painting the figure in the landscape. You'll be led by Artist, Kat Knutsen an experienced painting instructor with oil, or acrylic paint. Dan will be your host, guide, and studio facilitator during your stay.
Retreat Includes:
Ground transportation between the Angouleme train station and retreat site
Accommodations in a private rustic vineyard compound for 10 days, and 9 nights
9 French breakfasts
7 Prepared dinners or dejeunes including aperitif
2 Meals in local French Restaurants
Shared kitchen and common rooms
Ground transportation to a variety of gorgeous painting sites and local attractions
Organized painting critiques
Still-life set up will also be available
Visits to at least one local museum
For more info: http://dcooneypaints.jimdo.com/news/
Total Cost: $3,500. per person based on single occupancy
or $2,900. each if you are sharing a room with a friend/partner.
Deposit of $1,000. must be received to secure your spot, full payment by April 30.
A minimum of 5 and a maximum of 8 persons will be participating.
Individuals are responsible for their own travel arrangements to Angouleme.
To make your reservations contact Dan now at [email protected]
We have been organizing artist’s workshops and retreats since 1999.
Option 4 (new dates)
Plein Air Painting for All Levels
Was Monday July 06 - Wed. July 15 2026
Rescheduled: Monday August 24 - Wednesday September 2.
Spend 10 days in the French countryside with a small group of artists walking in the footsteps of the famed Impressionist painters of history. You'll be led by Artist, Kim Barry an experienced painting instructor with oil, or acrylic paint. Dan will be your host, guide, and studio facilitator during your stay.
Retreat Includes:
Ground transportation between the Angouleme train station and retreat site
Accommodations in a private rustic vineyard compound for 10 days, and 9 nights
9 French breakfasts
7 Prepared dinners or dejeunes including aperitif
2 Meals in local French Restaurants
Shared kitchen and common rooms
Ground transportation to a variety of gorgeous painting sites and local attractions
Organized painting critiques
Still-life set up will also be available
Visits to at least one local museum
For more info: http://dcooneypaints.jimdo.com/news/
Total Cost: $3,500. per person based on single occupancy
or $2,900. each if you are sharing a room with a friend/partner.
Deposit of $1,000. must be received to secure your spot, full payment by April 30.
A minimum of 5 and a maximum of 8 persons will be participating.
Individuals are responsible for their own travel arrangements to Angouleme.
To make your reservations contact Dan now at [email protected]
We have been organizing artist’s workshops and retreats since 1999.
If we add another Retreat you will find it here.
Next year we might offer Artist Residencies. Stay tuned.
