THRESHOLD: THE ART OF BECOMING
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.
INSTRUCTOR ALEXANDER SOUKAS
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
Lodging, art instruction, food, transportation, yoga and sound bowl meditations. Click for more information.
THE VIBE
All images courtesy of Pinterest “I shall make no assumptions...but simply say yes to the world.”
RETREAT ACCOMODATIONS
Your reservation is all inclusive of the retreat offerings 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.
Please purchase if you would rather the retreat curator provide the art materials and have them ready for you at the retreat site. This includes the 15 minimum oil paint colors requested by the instructor, a palette, 8 hog hair brushes, and (6) 16×20 canvases.
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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