THRESHOLD: THE ART OF BECOMING

An artist's workspace with a dark wooden table holding art supplies and a sewing machine. Wall above the table features various sketches, photographs, and artwork, including botanical illustrations and surreal images. A window above the workspace lets in natural light.

ART AND WELLBEING RETREATS IN THE SOUTH OF FRANCE

Through our immersive retreats, we design experiences that ignite connection—to self, to others, to something far beyond the ordinary. We believe creative expression is power. It’s how we speak our truth, awaken our potential, and unleash the force within.

A sanctuary for the bold, the curious, the seekers ready to remember who they are and move like they were always meant to—unbound, lit from within.

This is not just a retreat. It’s a return to your true, limitless self.

OUR NEXT RETREAT BEGINS ON AUGUST 3 2025

Led by an outstanding figure-painting artist Alex Soukas, this painting retreat invites artists of all levels to gather in the inspiring and exclusive settings of the Chateau and Villa — settings where they can learn, experiment, and deepen their painting skills while also reflecting and reconnecting to their innermost self. No painting experience necessary.

Our week-long retreats take place in the French Riviera at the La Napoule Art Foundation, a site steeped in the artistic legacy and inspiration of artist Henry Clews. The Chateau was born as a place of reinvention, where boundaries were broken and lives were rewritten against the backdrop of the brilliant Mediterranean. Today, the Chateau is a contemporary art center, offering studio space and residencies to select artists every year.

Retreat guests will be hosted at the all-inclusive Villa Marguerite. Adjacent to the Chateau, the Villa is itself an historic gem as the former home of the Austrian Princess of Pless.

Led by outstanding contemporary artists, this retreat invites creators of all levels to gather in the inspiring and exclusive settings of the Chateau and Villa — settings where they can explore, experiment, and deepen their craft while reflecting and reconnecting to their innermost self.

THE ART FOUNDATION VENUE

Participants will have the chance to engage in artistic instruction and other activities designed to support art, creativity, and foster community. Stay at the Villa Marguerite, the former home of the Austrian Princess of Pless, which is located adjacent to the Château. Retreat-stay guests have access to much of the Château property, including the gardens and studio of sculptor Henry Clews. All retreat proceeds go to fund our artist residency programs, and to maintain the Foundation’s historic buildings and grounds.

A castle-like building on the shore of a body of water, with a hill in the background at sunset.
An art studio filled with sculptures and busts, shelves with busts along the wall, artworks on the wall, large windows with sunlight, and various art supplies and stands
A small rectangular pond with water lilies and a fountain, surrounded by green bushes, trees, and paved stone pathways in a garden setting.
A historic stone building with ivy growing on one side, overlooking a rocky shoreline and calm water, with hilly terrain in the background.
Stone sculpture of a human face with wings, mounted on a decorated pedestal, surrounded by greenery.
Two men standing and talking inside an art gallery surrounded by wooden sculptures and art pieces on display.
Close-up of the back of a large bronze statue of a male figure, showing muscular shoulders, back, and buttocks, against a plain white background.
A courtyard with a bronze statue of a man, a brick tower, tall trees, and a decorative brick wall with sculpted dragon heads along the top. The ground is covered with light gravel.
Two birds perched on a fountain in a garden with lush green plants and a small pond.
A stone sculpture of a mythical creature with a human face, wings, and a serpent's tail in a niche with stone arch and columns.
Colorful stained glass windows in a church casting vibrant light on three wooden chairs inside.
Stone corridor with carved column capitals featuring animal motifs, arched windows, and hanging lanterns, leading outside to a street with parked cars.
An outdoor sculpture of a humanoid figure made from large wooden logs, set against a stone archway with greenery.
A stone castle with a tower and arched entrance, surrounded by neatly trimmed green bushes and trees, under a clear sky.
A modern art gallery featuring a white pedestal with a glossy, abstract pink and cream sculpture, and a framed colorful abstract painting on the white wall.
View of the ocean and a distant coastline through a decorative arched window from inside a room, with a bed partially visible in the foreground.
Art gallery with wooden sculptures, some on white pedestal, and stacked green boxes, in a bright, minimalist room with white walls and a window.
A corner of a room with white walls decorated with various pictures and artwork. There is a table with folders, papers, and a book, next to a black upholstered bed.
Pink house with ornate windows and lush garden featuring orange trees and palm trees.
People viewing an art exhibition with painted murals on the wall, and rows of small bronze bowls arranged on the white floor.
A stone pedestal with a tall lamp post decorated with colorful pink, yellow, and cream fabric and tulle in an outdoor setting with trees and brick walls.

INSTRUCTOR ALEXANDER SOUKAS

Painting of a woman sitting with her knees pulled to her chest, head resting on her knees, with short hair and a contemplative pose.
A nude woman sitting on a pink surface, wearing a black face mask, with her head tilted downward, arms crossed over her knees, in a dimly lit setting.
An abstract painting of a nude woman standing against a vibrant pink background with green and purple accents.

ABOUT ALEX

Alexander’s formal education began at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and the University of Pennsylvania. Unsatisfied with his studies, he pursued classical training at Studio Incamminati in Philadelphia where he graduated from their 4 year advanced fine art program. While there, he worked for and studied under world renowned painter Nelson Shanks, who painted such luminaries as Princess Dianna, Pope John Paul II, and Pavarotti. Alexander then continued on to study drawing, sculpture, and anatomy at the Grand Central Atelier in NYC. Alexander resides and paints in Denver Colorado, where he has been an instructor of painting, drawing and anatomy at the Art Student’s League of Denver for 8 years.

His instruction during this retreat will include introductory level information about materials, painting methods, and anatomy. For more advanced painters, he will give one-on-one instruction. The sessions will focus on the human figure, and painting from a live model. The small group size of our retreats ensure that whatever your level is, your skills and understanding will be fostered by Alex’s expertise.

RETREAT SESSIONS ALL INCLUDE

Painting Instruction

Daily painting sessions unfold in the sun-drenched White Gallery of the Château and amidst the timeless beauty of its formal gardens. Guided instruction - offered in English - supports artists of all levels in an atmosphere of inspiration and ease.

Sound Bowl Healing Meditations

Sound bowl sessions will elevate your entire vibrational being—mind, body, and spirit—guiding you into deep relaxation, soul-level healing, and a profound inner connection.

Yoga

Perched atop the seaside château, rooftop yoga offers an experience of refined tranquility. Surrounded by sweeping sea views and the elegance of historic architecture, each session becomes a luxurious ritual—nourishing the spirit in an atmosphere of serene sophistication.

Food prepared by the Château’s Private Chef

Prepared by our naturopathic chef, the fresh seasonal meals are designed to support deep nourishment and healing. Each dish is infused with intention, aligning with the holistic of nature and the restorative spirit of retreat.

6 nights of lodging at the Villa Marguerite

The beautifully ornate and historic Villa Marguerite has a selection of private and shared rooms, each with their own bathroom. The recently-renovated kitchen will be your coffee and breakfast stop before the day begins.

Local and Regional Museum Visit and Excursion

Enjoy a group walk along the sea-front arcade of the Chateau one morning, a short sunset hike up to a 360 degree view of the Cote d’Azure atop San Peyre, and a day-long excursion to regional museum Foundation Maeght and lunch in St. Paul de Vence.

Painting Instruction Supplies

If you would prefer not to travel with your own art materials, the Retreat Curator will purchase all of the necessary supplies per the supplies list from the painting instructor and have them ready for you in France.

Transport

Let us be your guide and make the experience be seamless once you land in Nice, France. We will arrange a private driver to transport you from the Nice Côte d'Azur International Airport. Transport is also included to the planned excursions.

Support from the Retreat Program Curator

You will be greeted by the US based Retreat Curator as soon as you arrive, and you will have consistent on-site support you need during your stay. Need a restaurant or beach recommendation? Water sport instruction? We’ve got you covered.

THE VIBE

All images courtesy of Pinterest - click for info
“I shall make no assumptions...but simply say yes to the world.”
— Claire Lispector
A collage of three images: an abstract mixed media art with hand and small collage elements, a black and white photo of a woman swinging with balloons and birds, and an art installation with waterfalls and light reflections.

Peace | At the heart of our foundation is the pursuit of peace—a peaceful state of mind, body, and environment. Peace isn’t just the absence of conflict; it’s an active cultivation of inner harmony, and an grounded and authentic connection to oneself and others.

Cultivation | We are dedicated to the ongoing process of growth— creativity, new skills, and deeper self-awareness. Cultivation is about nurturing what’s within and expanding it outward.

Sanctuary | This is a refuge for exploration, reflection, and rejuvenation. It is where people can reconnect with themselves and others in a nurturing, inspiring, and non-judgmental environment

A page with the poem 'Penseroso' by John Milton featuring annotated red handwritten notes and a sketch of a musical hand gesture above.
Interior of a yoga or meditation room with six wooden mats arranged in a circle, each with a pillow and journal, surrounded by scattered rocks and flowers, with a central stone sculpture and candles, large windows showing a green outdoor scene, and a
A plate of sliced radishes, cucumbers, and carrots arranged over a bed of pink hummus, garnished with fresh herbs and chopped green onions.
A person holding a pottery piece that resembles a human face, with the person's hand on the right side of the photo. The pottery is partially finished and appears to be in the process of being shaped.
Open scrapbook with sand and shell memorabilia, next to a smooth stone on a table.
A black rectangular garden entrance frame in a lush green garden, leading to a stone pathway and a tree in the background.
Arrangement of singing bowls, small candles, and scattered semi-precious stones on a wooden surface, used for meditation or sound healing.
A person with a tattoo on their wrist writes in an open journal on a white cloth, surrounded by green leaves, a candle, a large clear crystal, and a piece of paper, with grass in the background.
Decorative table setting with pink candles, dark purple calla lilies, pink flowers, and baguette on a white tablecloth.
Assorted popsicles in glasses being poured with sparkling wine outdoors on a round table with a basket.
A black and white vintage photograph of a woman wearing a hat and light-colored dress, standing outdoors next to a chair, with trees and a house in the background. The photo is part of a collage with torn paper edges and paper cutouts of grass surrou
Person wearing a black crop top and white high-waisted pants with a matching white oversized blazer, which has black artistic lines drawn on it, against a plain background.
A fire burning inside a fire pit made of large, rough stone blocks on an outdoor stone patio, with grass and trees in the background.
Narrow garden water feature with cobblestones, flanked by plants and large decorative vases, leading to a gate in the background.
A person walking past a building with stairs and an ornate iron gate. They are holding a large bouquet of pink flowers and wearing a beige dress, sandals, and a tote bag.
Assorted fresh berries served in paper cones on a counter at a fruit stand with apples and other fruit in the background.
Empty outdoor yoga or meditation setup with several gray yoga mats, large cylindrical bolsters, and small wooden blocks arranged on an artificial grass surface, with trees and shrubs in the background.

RESERVE SPOT AND SELECT YOUR ACCOMODATIONS

Your reservation is all inclusive of the retreat cost and a 6-night stay.

The main accommodations are at the Villa Marguerite, which was built expressly for the Austrian Princess of Pless. It is a beautiful and historic Italianate-style villa. During her later years, the home fell into disrepair when she was abandoned by her husband and left with virtually no means to maintain the property.  Her neighbors, Henry and Marie Clews agreed to purchase the Villa and allow the Princess to continue her residence until her death.  The building and adjoining property has been continually maintained by the Foundation.

The La Napoule Art Foundation is a non-profit. Any funds raised for the retreats that are above the operating costs help to fund our mission-driven work. Your participation in a retreat goes directly to fund our artist residency programs and for facilities improvements to the historic buildings and grounds.

Private Queen with Seafront View Private Queen with Seafront View
Sold out
Private Queen with Seafront View
$2,200.00

Another of the premier accommodations on the second floor of the Villa, the Mirth Room has a queen bed, a large operable seafront window, and a private bathroom. The Château features the phrase "Mirth, Myth & Mystery" etched in stone, inviting visitors to explore their creative spirit . This room is named in honor of that tradition.

The reservation of this room includes the all-inclusive retreat.

Exclusive Chateau Apartment with Seafront Terrace Exclusive Chateau Apartment with Seafront Terrace
Exclusive Chateau Apartment with Seafront Terrace
$4,400.00

Reserve this rare private apartment - the only retreat accommodation located in the Chateau de La-Napoule. Located next to the Lover’s Garden and Chateau tower, the apartment has a king bed, kitchenette, indoor lounge, and a large terrace that directly overlooks the Mediterranean.

The reservation of this apartment includes the all-inclusive retreat.

Private Seafront Room with Two Beds - 3rd Floor ONE RESERVATION LEFT Private Seafront Room with Two Beds - 3rd Floor ONE RESERVATION LEFT
Private Seafront Room with Two Beds - 3rd Floor ONE RESERVATION LEFT
$2,200.00
Private Seafront Room with Two Beds Private Seafront Room with Two Beds
Private Seafront Room with Two Beds
$2,200.00

Another of the premier accommodations on the second floor of the Villa, the Myth Room has two single beds, a large operable seafront window, and a private bathroom. The Château features the phrase "Mirth, Myth & Mystery" etched in stone, inviting visitors to explore their creative spirit. This room is named in honor of that tradition.

The reservation of this room includes the all-inclusive retreat.

Non-Participating Guest Non-Participating Guest
Non-Participating Guest
$1,100.00

If you have a partner or friend who would like to come but would rather explore the area than participate in the retreat, you can book this spot for them to join you in your room. This purchase includes meals. Supplementary participation can be for an additional fee.

Art and Wellbeing Workshop for locals - no accommodation Art and Wellbeing Workshop for locals - no accommodation
Art and Wellbeing Workshop for locals - no accommodation
$850.00
Private Seafront Room with Rooftop Terrace Private Seafront Room with Rooftop Terrace
Private Seafront Room with Rooftop Terrace
$2,400.00

The most premier room in the Villa Marguerite, the Daisy room has two single beds, a private rooftop terrace, and private bathroom. Enjoy a cup of coffee or glass of rose on the terrace. Its views of the Mediterranean, and of the Chateau is spectacular. This room is named after the original Villa owner, The Princess of Pless, aka Daisy.

The reservation of this room includes the all-inclusive retreat.

Shared Double room with Seafront View Shared Double room with Seafront View
Shared Double room with Seafront View
$1,600.00

Enjoy one of our double rooms with views to the Mediterranean, and an ensuite bathroom. Tall ceilings and a large operable window add to the spacious feeling of this room. You can reserve with another participating or non-participating member, and will otherwise be paired with another retreat participant.

The reservation of this room includes the all-inclusive retreat.

Private Room with Two Beds - 3rd Floor overlooking Garden Private Room with Two Beds - 3rd Floor overlooking Garden
Private Room with Two Beds - 3rd Floor overlooking Garden
$1,800.00
Close-up of a light pink ornate building facade with decorative architectural details and open windows, under a clear blue sky.

ILLUSTRATIVE AGENDA

Day 1: Aug 3 Sunday

-Arrive by 2pm (or 1 day prior)
- Welcome to the Chateau and Gardens
- Sound Bowl Meditation welcome in the Spencer Gallery
- Rosé on the Terrace
-Introduction to to the Instructors and Art Foundation Staff
- Dinner at the Villa

Day 5: Aug 7 Thursday

- Yoga and Meditation
- Breakfast
- Long morning session painting
- Optional trip to Cannes for a museum visit, lunch, or shopping
- Optional afternoon painting
- Optional Jin Shin Jystsu
- Formal Dinner by the Chateau Chef in the Gothic Dining Room

Day 2: Aug 4 Monday

- Chateau seafront arcade walk
- Breakfast
- Morning Painting
- Lunch by Naturopathic Chef
- LNAF Museum Tour
- Afternoon Painting
- Fresh-made juices by Chateau Chef
- Self-led Dinner

Day 6: Aug 8 Friday

- Optional morning swim / paddleboarding
- Breakfast
- Morning painting
- Lunch at the Villa
- Afternoon painting
- Beach/water sports
- Dinner at the Villa

Day 3: Aug 5 Tuesday

- Yoga on Chateau rooftop
- Breakfast
- Long morning session painting
- Lunch at the Villa
Optional Jin Shin Jyutsu
- Painting in the Chateau Gardens - plein air or still life (no model)
- Hike to San Peyre
- Dinner in Theoule

Day 7: Aug 9 Saturday

- Morning Meditation
- Farewell breakfast gathering on the Mer Bleue Terrace
- Retreat Reflection
- Self-led lunch
- Free afternoon
- Farewell Dinner at a La Napoule restaurant
- Digestive at the Villa

Day 4: Aug 6 Wednesday

- Sound bowl healing in lovers garden
- Breakfast
- Visit to Maeght Foundation
- St. Paul de Vence lunch and shopping
- Free afternoon to relax and enjoy the beauty and nature
- Optional beach/water sports
- Dinner at the Villa

Day 8: Aug 10 Sunday

- Departures

  • A historic castle by the water with stone walls, towers, and greenery, likely a tourist attraction near a body of water.

    Location

    Perched on the Mediterranean in the South of France, the Chateau de La Napoule is the heart of the art and wellness retreats.

    Situated between Cannes and St. Tropez, the Château de La Napoule occupies a magnificent seafront site first settled by the Romans more than 2,000 years ago.

    La Napoule, France
  • Stone sculpture of a turtle with a shell pattern in front of an old brick castle with a tower, surrounded by green plants.

    Henry Clews

    Mirth, Myth and Mystery are the words carved by Henry Clews above the doors at the Château de La Napoule. Unhappy with the traditional life laid out for him by his family and society, Henry bucked expectations placed on him, instead reinventing himself as an artist, writer, and designer of the creative world he desired.

    More about Henry Clews
  • Stone archway with green ivy leading to a courtyard with a classical statue of a woman holding a vessel, surrounded by a cobblestone pathway and lush green bushes.

    The Chateau's History

    Originally erected by the Villeneuve family during the 14th century, the fortress was destroyed and rebuilt eight times before it was transformed into a glass factory in the 19th century.

    Henry and Marie bought the property in 1919. Marie integrated two original towers - Saracen and Romanesque - into the walled complex. She added a turreted gatehouse, tall ramparts, and sea view terraces.

    Read more about the history
  • Room filled with various sculptures and busts displayed on tables, shelves, and stands in an art studio with large window.

    The Art Foundation

    La Napoule Art Foundation offers time and space for creative minds to engage in cultural interchange and meaningful work that impacts the world of the common good, by providing residency opportunities for accomplished and emerging artists from around the world.

    The Art Foundation is a non-profit organization, thus reliant on donorship, grants, and museum tour visitors to fund the artist residency programs and to maintain the buildings and gardens.

    Link to Retreat Reservations