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Painting Holiday in South West France

Highlights

  • Includes meals with wine, accommodation & airport transfers
  • Small groups for excellent personal tuition & great company
  • Includes lots of wonderful excursions to explore this wonderful area
From £995 pp
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What you'll do

Overview

Stay 7 nights in a beautiful French country house in a tranquil part of Gascony and combine studio sessions with painting 'en plein air'; includes visits to the local villages for wine tasting, great lunches and be inspired on a visit to the local gallery to explore French paintings.

2023 Available Dates/Instructors:

October 5 – October 12 – Jane Smith – Linocut ‘ A Sketchbook and Linocut Journey with Jane Smith’

Take time away from the busy pace of daily life to enhance your skills on this painting holiday based in the wonderful countryside of Gascony, in South West France, a region famous not only for its hearty cuisine and great wines but also for its varied and colourful landscapes of wheat and green fields, bustling local markets, chateaux and more.

As well as brushing up on your painting skills, this holiday is a real opportunity to develop your creative instincts and to absorb the captivating local landscape and French culture. It’s a real chance to express on canvas your surroundings and French culture.

Combine all this with wonderful meals throughout the week, trying delicious local dishes and of course the great Gascon wines from the region to give you an essence of the area’s lasting culinary delights.

Accommodation is set in pretty farmhouse with swimming pool and gardens. Each charming double room offers an ensuite, all decorated in ‘boutique French’ style for your comfort.

Arrival

– Meet and greet at Toulouse Blagnac Airport at 3pm before transferring by car to La Salle in Saint Puy
– Settle into your room and then meet the group for introductions, aperitif by the pool and a lovely Gascon dinner with wine on the terrace

Accommodation
– The pretty house offers 5 double en-suite rooms, all individually and tastefully furnished
– Note: If you prefer a twin room with two single beds, let us know in advance and a twin can be made up instead of a double
– Rooms are charming and full of character and are light and airy
– Larger double room: This room is a little larger than the rest with queen size bed and bathroom with rolltop bath and separate shower cubicle and views to the north over the garden and fields beyond
– Double room: Lovely double bed with oak beams, light and airy with en-suite shower room
– Four poster room: Lovely double 4 poster bed with shower and bidet in the bathroom
– Ground floor bedroom: Pretty room with queen sized bed and en-suite shower room (although not adapted for disabled guests, this room is easily accessible to the kitchen/dining areas so great for anyone who has limited mobility)
– The house has lovely garden and south facing terrace which is a great place to relax, have breakfast and lunch and sunbathe too!
– Accommodation is included for 7 nights / 8 days
– Check in any time after 3pm on day 1 and check out by 11am on day 8
– The house has a lovely outdoor pool and you can also borrow bicycles
– There is table tennis, petanque and lots of board games, cards dominoes, etc.
– WiFi is provided throughout and satellite TV with English channels
– There is also a selection of books and DVDs

Painting lessons begin

– You start the day after a leisurely breakfast and coffee, where you’ll have your first painting lesson in the studio around 9.30am with the tutor to discuss your individual needs and goals for the holiday
– After your studio session, enjoy lunch on the terrace
– After lunch, head back to the studio or out into the pretty garden for more painting
– At 5pm, down brushes as its time for a visit to Chateau Monluc in the local village of St Puy for a tour and some local wine tasting
– After that, join the group for dinner with wine and time to relax and reflect on your first day of painting

Accommodation

You’ll stay in an ensuite room in the French country house in the heart of Gascony.

A trip to Latour Marliac

– After breakfast on your second day, you’ll head out for a scenic trip to the beautiful water gardens of Latour Marliac where Monet bought his famous water lilies
– Please note: Latour Marliac water Lily gardens, entrance fee 5 euro per person
– Take time there to sketch or take reference photographs to use for your next painting session
– Enjoy a picnic lunch together to make the most of this painting opportunity
– Head back to the house for 5pm with time to relax before dinner
– Dinner tonight at the house

Accommodation

You’ll stay in an ensuite room in the French country house in the heart of Gascony.

Local Market Visit

– Today includes a visit to one of the colourful and lively local markets in the area selling fresh local produce before heading back home for lunch
– After lunch there is an afternoon of painting ‘en plein air’ or in the studio (depending on the weather)
– Dinner and wine at the house in the evening

 

 

Accommodation

You’ll stay in an ensuite room in the French country house in the heart of Gascony.

Incredible La Romieu

– After breakfast you will enjoy a trip to the world heritage site at La Romieu followed by a lovely 3 course lunch in a local restaurant
– You will find plenty of sketching and painting opportunities here
– Dinner and wine at the house in the evening

Accommodation

You’ll stay in an ensuite room in the French country house in the heart of Gascony.

Painting and BBQing

– After breakfast, you will spend the day painting in the garden, studio or village
– Lunch will be at the house and the evening’s dinner is a fun BBQ in the garden

Accommodation

You’ll stay in an ensuite room in the French country house in the heart of Gascony.

Canoeing & Dining Out

– This morning after breakfast, finish off any work and have a relaxing day
– After lunch on the terrace, there is the option to take a slow glide down the river in a canoe if you’d like
– Please note: Canoe hire 5 euro per person per hour and includes life jacket and is based on 2 or 3 people to a canoe (its a gentle glide so don’t worry!)
– In the evening you will enjoy a finale farewell dinner in a local restaurant
– NOTE: This dinner is not included in the price but budget around 20-30 Euros per head for this depending on wine

Accommodation

You’ll stay in an ensuite room in the French country house in the heart of Gascony.

Departure

– After breakfast it is time to say goodbye
– You will return home with fantastic painting, enhanced skills along with memories and flavours of an area of France rich in every way

What's included

Included

  • 7 nights accommodation in an ensuite room
  • Prices are based on 1 person in their own private room with ensuite bathroom (no single supplement for a private room)
  • If two people travel together and share a room, a discount is offered 
  • Please note: If you prefer a twin room with two single beds, let us know in advance and a twin can be made up instead of a double
  • Airport transfers to and from Toulouse airport: please note that airport pick-up is around 3pm on arrival day so any guests arriving earlier will be asked to wait at the airport until the pick-up time for the group
  • Pick up from Agen or Auch train station
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily with wine and soft drinks with the exception of evening 7 where dinner is in a local restaurant and costs around 20-30 Euros per head
  • Unlimited tea and coffee
  • Daily painting sessions with tuition
  • Various excursions during the holiday (some may incur a small entrance fee)
  • Use of the outdoor pool (weather permitted), bicycles and ping pong table and board games
  • Note: please do bring your own brushes, paper/canvas and painting materials in your chosen medium
  • Check in anytime after 3pm on day 1 and check-out by 11am on day 8
Your local host

Jill & Terry

Jill and Terry have always had a passion for European travel. This led to a permanent move to France and almost 20 years later, they are still in love with everything French and love the people, lifestyle, culture and cuisine. Jill's other passion is art and she paints in oil and pastel, mainly during the quiet Winter months. The Painting holiday business seemed a perfect way to combine all their interests and share their knowledge and love of their beautiful region.

Jill and Terry have always had a passion for European travel. This led to a permanent move to France and almost 20 years later, they are still in love with everything French and love the people, lifestyle, culture and cuisine. Jill's other passion is art and she paints in oil and pastel, mainly during the quiet Winter months. The Painting holiday business seemed a perfect way to combine all their interests and share their knowledge and love of their beautiful region.

Jill & Terry image
Sustainability Efforts

What Sustainability Efforts are we Taking?

At Not in the Guidebooks we’re committed to empowering the local communities in Costa Rica. We work closely with the local people and their businesses to make sure that they receive a fair percentage of the money you spend on your holiday there. By partnering with local guides and suppliers, we’re able to create meaningful, authentic experiences that directly benefit the people who call this incredible country home.

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Location

Just 10 minutes from St Puy is this beautiful French country house in this tranquil part of Gascony, known for its wonderful hearty cuisine. With 5 wonderfully decorated and individual double ensuite bedrooms, outside pool and sunny terrace for alfresco dining, your stay will be a comfortable and memorable one.

Nearest airport:
Toulouse (1 hour 15 minutes by car)

What our travellers are saying...

From airport pick to final drop off the holiday could not be faulted. Terry and Jill hosted our group courteously with super food and extremely comfortable and beautiful bedrooms. The house is gorgeous and the studio very well equipped. Our teacher Nicki Saunders was kind and very well organised, her teaching notes and methods are excellent. We had some good outings and I cannot but praise the whole experience.

Heather H

Not in the Guidebooks has given us one of the best holidays ever! I have had a painting holiday in the South of France on my bucket list for ages & this certainly delivered. La Salle near Toulouse made the perfect setting and the owners, Gill and Terry, couldn't do enough for us. Their house was lovely, comfortable and had a studio in the garden for the painting - perfect. They picked us up from the airport, took us on all the excursions which we

Julie Dakin

What a lovely time! Thanks for being so generous with your home and time. I even learned to paint a little'!

Steve Gueyzen, USA

Ssssh! Gers is a wonderful secret!! I've fallen in love with the entire area as well as La Salle. I'll be back!

Karen and Steve, Parnicky, USA

Terry and Jill, the way you share your home is such a wonderful gift, thankyou for the wonderful memories, experiences and great food! I visited in 2019 and was thrilled to return. Hope to see you again to make more memories.

Ashley Peterson, USA

A beautiful home run by Terry and Jill who could not do enough for us. The food was truly scrumptious. The bedrooms spotless and comfortable. Outings were varied and interesting. Our tutor was enthusiastic, friendly and approachable and encouraging. I, personally, needed some more direction.

R Dunn, Scotland

Amazing week. Loved the food, the venue and the hosts Terry and Jill were amazing very warm and welcoming.

V Pau

Fantastic relaxing week! I'd recommend it!

K O'Brien

FAQs

Who is it suitable for?

- Suitable for all painting levels from beginners to more experienced artists
- Minimum age 18
- The course uses various mediums including pastels, oil, acrylic, watercolour, ink and mixed media but please check the dates below for the mediums and subject covered on specific dates
- Holidays are fun and informal but productive and the tutors offer a wealth of experience
- Note: Artists are required to bring their own brushes and paints, paper and canvas (a list of materials will be sent prior to arrival)

When can I start?

- Arrivals are on set dates throughout the year, please check the dates below for information on subjects and medium used on each date
- Painting holidays are for 7 nights / 8 days

How do I get there?

Getting there

Nearest airport:
Toulouse (1 hour 15 minutes by car)

Transfers included:
Transfers are included in the price to and from Toulouse airport at 3pm for the standard 1 week programme. If you extend your stay, transfers are charged at an extra amount, please ask for prices before booking.

To confirm your transfer, please request this at least 14 days in advance of arrival and provide your full flight arrival and departure information.

Please note that airport pick-up is around 3pm on arrival day so any guests arriving earlier will be asked to wait at the airport until the pick-up time for the group.

If you arrive later than 3pm, you can either take the train from Toulouse to Agen for a pick up from the train station or request a later pick-up but there is an additional cost for this and is subject to availability of the host and based on the timetable of the other guests so please do check this before booking.

What materials are provided, and what should I bring?

Your hosts have easels and boards for painting in the studio and outdoor for all guests, along with a basic range of paints and other materials in all mediums for anyone who is unable to bring their own. The guests will need to bring their own brushes.

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