In the organiser's words
What the official page says.
Quoted from pleinairholidays.com and checked on 31 August 2026. This is the organiser's description, reproduced as captured. It has not been through the evidence checks that produced the figures above.
Do you have a yearning to spend a couple of weeks—or even a month—in an exquisite and secluded setting where you are free to spend as much time as you please making art? What the Cave Yuccas Artist Retreat offers is accommodation in a charming and comfortable cottage, which is on the same premises as a dedicated studio space, allowing you to work without distraction.
Discover the gorgeous un-touristed northern Loire Valley countryside in the troglodyte village of Trôo — one of the prettiest and most unique cave villages of France — with its extraordinary cave houses, winding paths, and stairways that crisscross the hillside. Stay two weeks or four weeks at The Cave Yuccas property perched high up on the hillside with full southern exposure. The private cottage offers stunning views over the village, river and valley, and the art studio is located in the cave house below, next to the Cave Yuccas heritage museum and café.
- Duration
2 weeks or 4 weeks
- Accommodation
Includes: Accommodation for up to two people in the 1 BR/1 BA cottage (double bed in the bedroom downstairs with en suite bathroom, plus double sofa bed in living room upstairs), 24/7 access to the art studio with use of bathroom, all utilities including electric heat in the cottage and wifi (NO TV), and post-stay cleaning fee. Note that due to the location of the Cave Yuccas property which is accessible only by a footpath that is in places quite steep, and due to the exterior and interior staircases on the property, this retreat is not recommended for anyone with mobility issues
- Disciplines & equipment
This is a self-directed artist retreat with no financial support. The artist studio has miscellaneous supplies but don't count on these supplies to be enough to create your art. A couple of French box plein air easels are also in the studio and can be used. Any visual artist, poet, or writer—based anywhere in the world—is eligible to apply for The Cave Yuccas Artist Retreat. This retreat is meant to inspire the creation of artworks that respond to the unique characteristics of Trôo, one of France's most unusual villages that earned the official label of Petite Cité de Caractère.
You are, however, free to work on any theme. At the end of your stay we kindly ask each artist to contribute one piece of their visual or literary work, inspired by Trôo, to be included in the Cave Yuccas Museum gallery's permanent collection.
- Studio
This ancient troglodyte dwelling bears witness to cave life in Trôo. It allows new generations to discover what living in a troglodyte house was like and to learn how locals used certain tools, objects and furniture. The art studio space, the largest room in the Cave Yuccas, has a high vaulted ceiling with plenty of natural light coming through the pane glass window and door. It is accessible 24/7 to the artist and is equipped with French box easels for plein air painting, as well as basic studio supplies such as white spirit solvent, utility knives, paint scrapers, rags, aprons, and a work table.
This will allow the artist to work en plein air in the village, or in the studio, and engage—if desired—with museum visitors and neighbors, as well as show their work.
- Fees & support
1200 EUR for 2 week retreat in 2026 Add 200 EUR for a partner or friend 2200 EUR for 4 week retreat in 2026 Add 400 EUR for a partner or friend 45 EUR application fee 45 euros, if you are accepted, will be deducted from your balance due. If you are not accepted, we will refund 25 euros and 20 euros will be kept to cover the cost of application processing.
- Expectations
This retreat is meant to inspire the creation of artworks that respond to the unique characteristics of Trôo, one of France’s most unusual villages that earned the official label of Petite Cité de Caractère. You are, however, free to work on any theme.