Copșa Mare Transylvania

Small village of Saxon origin

Copșa Mare Transylvania

Biodiverse grazed grasslands

Copșa Mare Transylvania

Oak, beech & hornbeam woods

Transylvania School of Botanic Art & Illustration

Copșa Mare in the Greater Târnava Valley in central Romania.

What draws me back?

My connection with Transylvania began well over a decade ago when I participated in The Transylvania Florilegium. Born from HM King Charles III's affection for Romania and developed over six years, this work brought together 35 of the world’s finest botanical artists, guided by the vision of botanist John Akeroyd and botanical artist Helen Allen. Published by Addison Publications and curated by Lady Henrietta Pearson, the Florilegium serves as a testament to Romania’s rich biodiversity.

Rachel & James de Candole who own the School are a founding subscriber to the Transylvania Florilegium and both volumes will be available for students to view during our stay.

At the invitation of James de Candole in September 2022 I taught a masterclass on local stone fruit. I have been back three times both in Spring and Autumn. There are always seasonal specimens to tempt the botanical artist.

"A unique location for serious study of botanical art cocooned in comfortable house party style. Rachel produces wonderful meals using the best local produce. Think food 'feet' not food miles. Good wine and conversation flow freely. "
Elaine Searle
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The studio has good natural light and stunning views.

Transylvania

2026

8-14 September: Foraged Finds from Copșa Mare

Our inspration will be found exploring the unspoilt hedgerows, fields and forests surrounding the Saxon village of Copșa Mare in the Greater Târnava Valley in central Romania.

We guarantee a maximum of 6 students in a class. This is by far the best student-to-tutor ratio of any residential botanical art retreat in Europe today. ​If you are hoping to join a class for the first time, please tell us about yourself as an artist. ​​We are strictly unable to accommodate non-participating partners and pets of students. ​A reasonable level of fitness is needed to explore this hilly landscape.

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Prices

2026 classes cost EUR 2800.

These fees cover 30+ hours of tuition over 5 days, accommodation in your own bedroom for 6 nights, full board incl. drinks, Sibiu airport/town centre transfers to and from us provided you are three or more in the transport we arrange for you, and all adventures at dawn and dusk.

No hidden costs!
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Prices

Include...

30+ hours of tuition over 5 days, accommodation in your own bedroom for 6 nights, full board incl. drinks( lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, local cheese and some delicious locally produced pork, with a selection of good wines from Romania and Hungary) Sibiu airport/town centre transfers to and from us provided you are three or more in the transport we arrange for you, and all adventures at dawn and dusk.

No hidden costs!
NOT INCLUDED Flights. Travel/Medical Insurance. Personal expenses

2800 Painter

Single occupancy
+ more details

For more details and booking, please write to

James de Candole

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