THRESHOLD ART RETREATS
LOCAL RETREAT OPTION
A RETREAT PACKAGE EXCLUSIVELY FOR THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
The La Napoule Art Foundation and the Château de La Napoule have a beautiful and long standing connection to the place, to the town, and to the region.
There’s something different about experiencing a place you already know through a new lens. The Château has held decades of artistic exchange, but it has always belonged, in part, to this region. This offering opens that creative world closer to home—an invitation to cross a threshold that’s been here all along, and to engage with it from within.
Spaces are limited in order to keep the experience intimate—you can explore the full offering below.
Experience a thoughtfully structured day that blends artistic practice, exploration, and rejuvenation. There is so much to explore, both inside and out.
Each week combines daily art instruction sessions led by expert instructors with free studio time, and optional holistic practices like rooftop yoga and sound-bowl meditation. Come and see the Chateau and the Villa Marguerite in a much more intimate way, with plenty of time to meander and gather inspiraiton.
This is all about creating the experience that calls to you!
You can find the option to register for this type of booking by starting at the retreat calendar and selecting the retreat you are interested in.
As you check out, the retreat option will be available on each of the retreat session pages on the bottom left hand corner under "RETREAT OPTIONS AND ADD-ONS"
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
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a daily morning yoga session
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daily continental breakfast
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a private guided tour of the chateau
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a sound bowl meditation session
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5 days of art instruction
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individual guidance and demonstrations with art instructor
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an inspirational excursion
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lunch made with fresh local produce and ingredients
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coffee, tea, and water throughout the day
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an invitation to stay with the group for an apéritif when they occur
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an option to linger in the afternoon and use the foundation's paddleboards or stay parked on site while they spend time on the beach
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free access to the Château de La Napoule and its expansive gardens to roam and gather inspiration
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secure parking on site
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swimming and paddleboarding on the Mediterranean, just steps from the venue
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please note: some art materials are not included, and the price of the materials vary per retreat session. The cost ranges from $50-$250
The local retreat option is for participants who will be staying either at their homes, or elsewhere and driving in for the retreats each day. If you would like to stay overnight we encourage you to book a standard retreat.
The local participants can add dinner with the group for an additional cost of $45 per evening when we have dinner on site at the château or villa, and are welcome to join us when we have arranged to eat as a group at a local restaurant.
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8:00 AM | Morning Movement
Guided seaside walk or gentle yoga to awaken the body and mind.9:30 AM | French Breakfast Under the Pergola
Fresh pastries, seasonal fruit, rich coffee, and conversation in the morning light.10:30 AM | Art-Making with Intention
Studio time focused on guided creative exploration and personal expression.12:30 PM | Delicious Prepared Lunch
A vibrant meal crafted from locally sourced ingredients, enjoyed al fresco.1:30 PM | Creative Studio or Free Time
Continue your art practice or relax — swim, read, journal, or simply rest.4:30 PM | Garden Aperitif
Aperol spritz or botanical mocktails in the garden as the afternoon softens.THE CHATEAU Perched on the Mediterranean, the Château de La Napoule has been shaped by centuries of destruction and reinvention—from a Roman foundation to a 14th-century fortress. In 1918, artists Henry and Marie Clews transformed the ruins into a living work of art, weaving sculpture, symbolism, and imagination into every corner. Today, it endures as a creative sanctuary—where history, place, and artistic expression continue to unfold.
VILLA MARGUERITE Just beyond the château, Villa Marguerite invites a softer, more personal experience of the foundation. This Belle Époque home—once belonging to Princess Daisy of Pless—became part of the Clews’ vision after World War I, carrying forward a spirit of hospitality that still defines it today.
OTHER DETAILS
Pricing for studio stays will be set below retreat rates, reflecting the self-directed nature of the experience.
Meals are not included in the base price. However, you will have the option to join communal meals, which can be added at the time of booking. You are also welcome to participate in daily yoga and sound bowl meditations.
Rates are structured to encourage longer stays, with the weekly cost decreasing the longer you remain. Your full length of stay must be reserved at the time of registration.
Each participant is accommodated in Villa Marguerite, staying alongside retreat participants and sharing in the broader rhythm of the foundation.
All studio stay guests are provided with a private studio, located either within the Villa or the Château. Studios vary in size and character, and while specific requests cannot be guaranteed, we will be in touch prior to your arrival to thoughtfully match you with a space that supports your work.
Participants are responsible for bringing their own materials and any specialized tools. We’re happy to provide a list of local art suppliers in the area. Please note that while we support a wide range of practices, we do not currently offer dedicated facilities for metalworking, woodworking. We do not have a ceramics studio - although we are currently raising funds to build one!
Studio stays are offered during the retreat season, running annually from June 15 - September 4.