the creative garden retreat with kerrie hess in france

the creative garden retreat with kerrie hess in france

$0.00

29th March - 3rd April 2026

you are invited to spend six transformative days in the enchanting countryside of northern France, less than two hours from Paris and the Atlantic coast. hosted by kerrie hess, this retreat offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with your creative spirit through beginner workshops in botanical painting, perfume blending, and fashion sketching, alongside daily gentle yoga and cultural experiences.

this is a rare chance to explore your creativity, deepen your connection with nature, and create lasting bonds with like-minded women. join us for an unforgettable journey of artistic exploration with kerrie hess.

PURCHASE

a beautiful setting - a 15th century manor and it’s artist designed gardens

since 1448, this manor house has been steeped in history and elegance. nestled in the heart of the french countryside, this beautifully preserved manor - officially listed on the inventory of historic monuments - offers a rare glimpse into centuries past. once the residence of an aristocratic family, the original manor and outbuildings have evolved from a medieval stronghold into a refined country retreat.

surrounding the manor is a garden unlike any other. designed in the spirit of english cottage gardens, these gardens are a living work of art. winding paths lead through themed spaces - rose gardens, orchards, and peony collections - all lovingly restored and reimagined by current owners with the guidance of versailles trained landscape architects.

a grand tree lined alleyway leads to a majestic square courtyard, where you’ll be welcomed by a sense of calm and timelessness. the restored français garden, replanted with over 1,000 iceberg roses, offers a daily spectacle of light, colour, and fragrance.



itinerary

day one

ARRIVE in the storybook countryside of northern France, where quiet lanes and sun-dappled fields welcome you

NESTLE into your charming manor room - rustic beams, garden views, and vintage French touches

MEET Kerrie Hess and your new creative circle over welcome drinks in the courtyard

SET INTENTION during a gentle opening ceremony to ground, reflect, and begin your creative journey

DINE farm-to-table beneath lantern-lit oaks, with seasonal dishes and soulful conversation under the stars


day two

MORNING yoga to gently awaken body and mind, surrounded by birdsong and countryside stillness

JOURNAL morning pages in the sun-dappled garden

BREAKFAST of flaky pastries, seasonal fruit, and local honey served with freshly brewed coffee and herbal teas

BOTANICAL painting workshop with Kerrie - capture blooms and foliage in your own signature style

SELF TIME to wander the olive groves, take a quiet moment for meditation, or simply be with your journal

DINNER shared at the manor table - a slow, candlelit meal filled with flavour, laughter, and creative conversation


day three

MORNING yoga to ground your senses and gently awaken body, breath, and intention

JOURNAL reflections on yesterday’s discoveries - what stirred you, what shifted, what inspired

BRUNCH long and leisurely, with nourishing seasonal dishes and fresh French flavours

OPT IN for a perfume blending workshop in paris - explore raw essences and refine your own signature scent to take home (an opt in activity is an optional activity at an extra cost, minimum numbers must be reached for this activity to take place)

SELF TIME for rest, creative flow, a countryside stroll, or quiet connection with fellow guests

DINNER under soft candlelight, slow, soulful, and savoured together


day four

MORNING yoga to honour the day and welcome its quiet magic

JOURNAL morning pages together, letting thoughts and creativity flow freely

BREAKFAST overlooking rolling fields, with warm croissants and fresh-pressed juice

FASHION sketching workshop inspired by effortless French style and timeless silhouettes

WINE tasting at a family-run domaine, where every sip tells a story

DINE under the stars in the courtyard, with candlelight, conversation, and lingering laughter


day five

MORNING yoga for renewal, breath by breath

JOURNAL morning pages and set creative intentions for your final day

BRUNCH of seasonal quiche and garden-fresh greens, shared at a sun warmed table

STUDIO time to refine paintings, sketches, or scent blends with Kerrie’s gentle guidance

FREE time to explore the surrounding area at your own pace.

DINE at a farewell feast beneath lantern lit boughs - celebrating creativity, connection, and the magic of the week


day six

MORNING yoga for the final time, anchoring in gratitude and presence

BREAKFAST as you reminisce over your retreat and savour one last slow morning together

CLOSING circle to reflect, share, and gently transition from retreat to return

FAREWELLS and transfers to Paris, hearts full and creatively reawakened


invitation from kerrie

My beautiful community,

I’m absolutely delighted to invite you to join me for a once-in-a-lifetime immersive retreat focused on creativity, wellness, and deep relaxation—set in a stunning chateau just outside of Paris.
This transformative experience is thoughtfully designed to help you unwind and reconnect through beginner-friendly watercolor painting sessions with me, along with inspiring workshops on mindset, nourishing food, and intentional lifestyle practices.

It’s your chance to step away from the rush of everyday life and embrace a slower, more mindful rhythm—where calm, creativity, and renewal come naturally in one of the most beautiful and luxurious settings imaginable. This would be a slow, soul-nourishing week filled with beautiful food, beginner-friendly watercolour workshops with me, calming yoga, beautiful food, perfume making, meditation and other serene creative sessions—all in the most stunning French countryside setting.

This is something just for yourself and an investment in your own wellbeing. My aim for every person who is part of this retreat, is that you experience a real shift in both their mindset and rituals of self care and self kindness. A shift that hopefully changes your life. It's the kind of retreat I've always dreamed of hosting—and it will be small, intimate, and thoughtfully curated. I am beyond excited to meet some of you in person and build memories together in this magical setting. If this sounds like something you'd love to be part of, I'd love to have you join me on this once in a lifetime experience.

Spots will be very limited. You can secure your spot in this unforgettable experience at the link below. Yours in joy, Kerrie. x


exclusions

  • Flights to and from France

  • Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary

  • Tips and gratuities

  • Travel insurance

  • Any optional add on activities

inclusions

  • 3 Workshops from Kerrie

    • Painting: Botanical flowers, perfumes and fashion

  • 5 nights accommodation in an beautiful french manor house

  • Brunch and dinner every day prepared by in-house chefs and made with organic ingredients from the farm that can tailor to any dietary requirement

  • Daily yoga

  • Wine tasting

  • Goodie bag

  • Return transfer from Paris

  • Transformative travel guidebook and journaling prompts from Aweventurer


meet your host

Kerrie Hess is an acclaimed Australian artist and illustrator renowned for her elegant and distinctive style, characterised by delicate lines, feminine figures, and a timeless allure. Born with a passion for creativity and a keen eye for beauty, Kerrie's journey as an artist began at a young age, and she regularly draws inspiration from the graceful lines of haute couture, the streets of Paris, and the timeless allure of vintage glamour.

Throughout her career, Hess has collaborated with numerous prestigious brands and publications, including Chanel, Tiffany & Co, Vogue and more. Her work has graced everything from fashion campaigns and magazine covers to luxury packaging and exclusive merchandise, earning her a reputation as a sought-after creative partner within the fashion and lifestyle industries. She has illustrated countless fashion windows, billboards, book covers, silk scarves, cushions and packaging around the globe.

Working mostly with watercolour and acrylic paint, she has also painted live for Cartier, Laduree and Tiffany and Co. In addition, Kerrie has exhibited solo art shows in Paris, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

Kerrie is also the creator of her own online painting Masterclasses, teaching students from over 85 countries worldwide how to paint & illustrate fashion and still life. She has a range of art prints and original paintings, as well premium grade art supplies including paints, paintbrushes, watercolour paper and more, designed in-house and loved by artists of all levels.


FAQs

How can I join?

Please secure your place by paying a deposit. Confirmation will take place via email. There is a limited number of places available on this retreat, so act fast.

How do I get there?

We will be picking up guests at 3pm on day 1 from an appointed spot in Paris.

What is an OPT IN activity?

These activities are optional and will be at an extra fee. You will be able to purchase your add-ons closer to the trip.

What is the rooming configuration?

The trip has options for private and shared rooms.

How can I pay?

Click pay now and follow the booking process.

What should I pack?

  • Day pack for carrying essentials.

  • Comfortable walking shoes with good grip.

  • Sun protection - a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen.

  • Insect repellent and hand sanitiser.

  • Light layers for the daytime

  • Warmer layers for night time.

  • Swimmers.

  • Electrical adaptor.

  • Water bottle.

Will I need a visa?

Obtaining a visa is the individual responsibility of the traveller. Please note that entry requirements can change at any time. France is in the European Schengen area. Most travellers can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. Be sure to check with your government’s foreign travel advisories and consular websites to ensure you have the correct information.

What does the Aweventurer team do?

We provide the most thorough support for you to have an epic travel experience with us. From an on-the-ground local host to our team at HQ, there is always someone available to help solve any issues you may encounter. Throughout your expedition, a local host will accompany you and your fellow travellers to make sure you have everything you need for an inspiring and safe journey. You are also able to reach out with any concerns or questions – before, during and even after your trip. We pride ourselves on prompt responses and are happy to hear from you, whether by email, phone or via a Zoom call, on how we could improve your stay or anything we need to prepare before your arrival.


our last creative retreat - the creative writing retreat with emma gannon in tuscany

“The Tuscany retreat with Aweventurer completely exceeded my expectations. I'd never been on a creative/writing retreat before and wasn't sure if it was a going to be an expense I could justify. Within 24 hours of the group's coming together at an astonishing one-thousand-year-old restored Italian manor set in the heart of the lovely Tuscan countryside, with yoga each morning, delicious big vegetarian meals twice a day, stretches of writing and interesting conversations, and charming villages nearby, I was ready to sign up for the next one. Tara's quiet and meticulous attention was evident throughout. Two weeks later, I'm still in a glow!” - Kristen