Capture the Bliss
A Spiritual Art Retreat in a medieval Abbey in France
22 - 29 May 2026
Capture the Bliss: artistic expression infused with spiritual sensitivity.
“Capture the Bliss” is a week-long spiritual art retreat in for women who are ready to infuse their artistic expression with spiritual sensitivity; who want to research ways to integrate their spiritual approach to life into their art. During this retreat you will learn the tools to open up to spiritual sensitivity and use it for your art-making, and hopefully you will capture the bliss: the joy and happiness of making meaningful, personal art.
Set amidst the breathtaking French countryside, this retreat invites you to awaken your intuition, connect to your artistic soul, and immerse yourself in the boundless inspiration of life. We will meditate, paint and collage, expressing the mystical moments of awe which touch our soul.
Unlock Your Inner Artist & Soul
This is a unique week where you will learn the tools to open up to spiritual sensitivity and use it for your art. You will learn how to distil that very essence out of nature and life that makes your heart sing; that makes your life meaningful.
In the morning, you will participate in transformative workshhops where we’ll explore the delicate interplay of intuition, sensitivity, and artistry. Together, we’ll capture the “bliss” - those soulful moments of happiness, awe and wonder that uplift and fulfil us and inspire us to bring our art to a deeper level. Using collage and painting, you’ll learn how to “capture the bliss” in your art; how to transmute inner joy and soulful inspiration into personal works of art.
You will be introduced to meditative art practices, creative visualization, techniques to awaken your sensing capacity, intuitive collage and painting, visionary art, the inspiration of dreams, mandala painting, insights in the connection between colors and feelings, and you will be initiated in a technique that will help you find visual material in your imagination through concentration on a feeling. We will also guide you how to find your personal archetypes of bliss and enlightenment.
If you're longing to unlock your soul and inner artist and infuse your artistic expression with spiritual sensitivity, this small-group retreat is exactly what you need. This retreat is open for all levels of artistic expression. Even if you have never made any art, you are welcome! Join us, immerse yourself in the connection between art & spirituality, and capture the bliss in your art!
Testimonial
“This retreat gave me the opportunity to explore artistic expression in a supportive environment and inspired me to continue to create. It lifted the veil on the inner critic and welcomed the inner fan...loved that concept! Before I arrived, I felt blocked creatively but upon leaving I felt inspired and renewed, as I was immersed in the creative process for 6 full days and being supported and encouraged to express my artistic and soulful self. I very much appreciated Annette’s intuitive approach.
And having all the resources at our fingertips was extremely helpful.
Everything about the location, accommodation and meals was perfect. Our needs were taken care of, and every thought was put into ensuring an enjoyable and explorative week. The food was delicious. I enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and the ability to engage in the evening. My expectation of the 6 days was met and exceeded at times. For me, this was a wonderful experience, and the program gave me everything that I needed at that time.” (Bernadette, 2025)
The medieval Abbey in Ayen-Bas
On the border between the Dordogne and Corrèze lies the medieval village of Ayen-Bas. Here stands a 13th-century abbey with a stone spiral staircase from the 16th century. The abbey has long been known for its warm hospitality and peaceful country lifestyle — yet with all the modern luxuries you could wish for. In early spring or autumn, the heated saltwater pool (9 meters long) in the garden offers the ultimate relaxation.
The 16th-century tower
On the first floor, you’ll find the spacious and romantic master bedroom with a king-size bed (220x210 cm), a freestanding bathtub, a fireplace, and a balcony where enjoying a French breakfast in the morning sun feels truly divine.
Climbing further up the spiral staircase, you first come to a bathroom with shower and a second toilet, then the door to the large attic room with a queen-size bed and two single beds. All beds are at least 200 cm long and fitted with anti-allergy pillows and duvets. The attic room also has air conditioning.
The 13th-century fireplace
The Abbey’s living room (100 m²) features a large restored 13th-century fireplace, a thoughtfully curated library, and a large dining table with ten chairs. There’s a third toilet in the hallway and a video library with over 500 films. In addition to TV, DVD, and CD players, there’s of course free WIFI. A variety of games are available in the cabinet: Risk, Settlers of Catan, Scrabble, chess & checkers, Dutch shuffleboard, puzzles, Stratego, etc. Two original bridge tables are available upon request. Music lovers can use the guitar and keyboard provided.
The guest house
The guest house, or gîte, is attached to the main living area. It includes a fully equipped living/dining kitchen, a bathroom, and two bedrooms, each with a double bed. Very comfortable for four people, and it has direct access to the garden.
Ayen
The village is within walking distance — just 500 meters from the Abbey — and offers a café, a restaurant, a bakery, a pharmacy, and a supermarket.
We realized that many after-dinner talks during the workshops and artist residencies turn to philosophical discussions about the connection between art and spirituality. We wanted to give these conversations about spirituality a forum in the form of a special retreat. A week where these thoughts, experiences, and very personal inspirations can be worked out! Iris, our "patron saint", inspired us! In Greek mythology, Iris is the goddess of divine inspiration: she brings messages from the gods to humans. She personifies the free movement and exchange of thought bearing the gift of divine inspiration, which strikes suddenly like the startling appearance of a rainbow in the sky.
During this retreat, we will offer ideas full of inspiration and creative energy, focusing on painting and collaging the “bliss”: soulful moments of awe, of the essence of inspiration which is what touches our soul. Through exploring their individual spirituality, participants will discover what is truly meaningful for them in their life, they will discover their personal magic, and express it in their art!
Prices
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Shared room/shared bathroom in the Abbey: €1900
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Single room/shared bathroom in the Abbey: €2250
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Single room/shared bathroom in gite Le Mas: €1900
(15 min. walk from the Abbey
What's Included in This Package
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7 nights accommodation in single or double rooms
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3 daily delicious and nutritious meals, cooked by experienced cooks
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Water, tea, coffee served throughout the day
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Welcome drink with champagne and homemade pie
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One dinner in a French restaurant in the village
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Daily meditation classes
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Five 3-hour Art Workshops with Annette
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A shared studio space
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Trip to medieval village
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Course Manual
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Luggage storage
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Wifi connection
What's Not Included in This Package
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Flights costs
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Transportation from and to airport La Brive Vallee de la Dordogne
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Travel insurance
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Additional activities not included in the itinerary
Optional Upgrades
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Extra night before retreat (€100 breakfast incl.)
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Extra night after retreat (€100) breakfast incl.)
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Airport transfers (€75, but can be shared with 3 participants)
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Yoga session in Le Mas (€100, can be shared between participants)
Discovering the special connection between art and spirituality
Benefits
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Rediscover yourself after too long of feeling disconnected
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Become stronger mentally and find inner peace
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Drop out of “normal life” for a period
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A chance to get away and step aside from all the hustle and bustle of city life.
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The ideal place to unplug, slow down that fast pace, and get back in touch with nature.
Guided sessions and workshops - trip included
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Spirituality in Art: general introduction about the connection between art and spirituality.
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How Art Empowers: Deeper Art and Visionary Art
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How Nature Can Sensitize the Senses.
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Intuitive Collage and Painting: Letting Our Soul Speak
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Fnding our bliss. Jungian Archetypes of what matters most.
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Trip to medieval French village nearby.
Soak in the gentle rhythms of French life!
Beyond our guided sessions, you’ll have ample time to relax, reflect, and soak in the gentle rhythms of French countryside life. Enjoy independent studio time, savor the tranquillity of the landscape, meditate in the garden or go on quiet walks. Connect with like-minded women who share your passion for creativity and spirituality. If you’re ready to nurture your creative spirit, rekindle your artistic flame, and embrace the bliss of nature, this intimate retreat is your calling. Join us for a blissful week of inspiration, connection, and experiencing the integration of life and art to the fullest!
Practical information
Capture the Bliss retreat starts on Friday evening. You are welcome to arrive morning or evening (depending on your flight) but your room will only be available after lunch at 1 p.m. You should book your flight to Brive Vallée de la Dordogne airport. We can pick you up at Brive airport for €75 per car – fits 3 people. The retreat finishes on Friday morning after lunch. We can take you to Brive airport for €75 per car – fits 3 people - (so you can catch the 17:55 flight to Paris). If you want to take the 7:10 flight you might want to leave Thursday evening and overnight at the airport.
Application
Please fill in the application form. Upon confirmation of the availability of the requested week(s), please send your deposit of €350 via bank transfer or PayPal (€375) within three weeks. Reservation is only confirmed after we receive your booking deposit of €350. The remaining amount is due four weeks before your workshop or residency starts.
