A Place to Create

Learn to paint, start writing that novel you've been thinking about, or just relax with new friends over good food and wine.

Riverside Studio Offers

Painting Holidays

Discover your creativity with expert tuition, stunning countryside views, and welcoming accommodation options.

Join our experienced tutors for a relaxing painting retreat in a charming French village - the perfect setting to develop your skills, explore new techniques, and enjoy the magic of painting in beautiful surroundings.

Creative Studio & Penthouse Rental

Riverside Studio offers two inspiring spaces for private hire: a bright ground-floor Artist’s Studio and a spacious Penthouse Apartment with its own Creative Den. Both combine modern comfort with a beautiful countryside backdrop - the perfect setting for workshops, retreats, or personal projects.

Writers Retreats

Give yourself the time and space to start the novel you’ve always dreamed of. With expert guidance in a supportive studio setting, you’ll develop your ideas and writing skills while enjoying the calm of the French countryside. Evenings are for good food, local wine, and relaxed conversations with new friends - the perfect balance of creativity and connection.

Special Events and Workshops

From time to time, Riverside Studio hosts small gatherings and the occasional concert. These events are relaxed and welcoming, offering a chance to enjoy music, conversation, and a creative atmosphere.

They’re not a regular fixture, but when they happen they bring people together in a simple and enjoyable way. Check back here for details of upcoming occasions.

About us

Tucked away in the stunning countryside of southern France, Riverside Studio is a place to pause, create, and be inspired.

Whether you’re an artist seeking space to paint, a writer chasing the flow of words, or an organiser bringing people together, we offer a welcoming environment designed to spark ideas and nurture imagination.

With rustic charm, modern comforts, and the calm of village life, every stay is an invitation to slow down, connect with your craft, and return home with fresh energy and inspiration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are your retreats inclusive of accommodation

You can reserve accomadation through Riverside Studio or book direct with local hotels and guest houses. We charge a small fee to reserve accomadation on your behalf and then you pay the hotel/accomadation provider directly. Alternatively you can contact the hotels and guest houses direct. A list of trusted accomodation providers can be found on the Accommodation page.

Are beginners welcome on the painting retreats?

Yes, beginners are welcome. Most of our painting holidays offer personalized instruction suitable for all skill levels.

Can my partner come but not attend classes

Non painting or writing partners are welcome to attend the 'meet and greet' meal and come on excursions for an added supplement and everyone can of course meet up after daily classes.

Can I book your studio space for private events?
Yes, our versatile studio space is available for private events. Contact us to discuss your specific requirements.

Do you provide transfers from Béziers Airport & Train Station?

Yes – we include a pick-up on selected flights. Our aim is to make your journey to our lovely village as easy as possible. We arrange transport from Béziers Airport and Béziers Main Train Station.

Pick-ups are scheduled to align with selected Ryanair flights arriving from the UK. If you’re not flying from the UK, no problem – we also provide pick-ups and drop-offs at the main train station after the airport collection/drop off. This means guests arriving earlier in Béziers or travelling via other airports can still join the transfer service.

There is one transfers on the day of arrival and departure which usually take place in the late afternoon, leaving plenty of time to drive you to St Gervais Sur Mare and drop you at your accommodation. This will give you plenty of time to freshen up before meeting your fellow retreat/course guests for aperitifs and dinner. 

On the final day of your retreat, we also provide a drop-off service back to Béziers Airport or Train Station.

Béziers Airport is quite small, and customs/passport control is usually very quick, making arrivals stress-free.

All transfer details will be confirmed in your guest information sheet.

🚗 Prefer to drive yourself?
Car hire is available directly at Béziers Airport, and there’s plenty of free parking in the village, right outside Riverside Studio.

The Village 

The Studio

The Location