French Holidays +
"unforgettable experiences shared by the lucky few"
Learning holidays in France
All inclusive : everything included once you arrive
Jewellery making holiday
Learn to turn clay into beautiful silver jewellery to treasure forever. Design and craft your own luxurious jewellery whilst staying in a beautifully restored 180-year old farmhouse in the heart of Gascony, South West France. Metal clays are a new jewellery making product which are easy to mould and shape – just like clay – so you’re not limited to what you can design. Watch as the metal clay is fired and turns to pure silver before your very eyes on this unique and innovative course.But it’s not all ‘work’ and no play - your hosts also make sure that you have time to relax and to sample the delights of Gascony, which is a gourmet’s paradise for food, wine and Armagnac!
Overview
Gourmet dinners
Village markets
4 jewellery making workshops
All materials and equipment
Wine tasting
Armagnac tasting
Pricing
€2,010 per person
No single supplement
6 guests maximum
This price includes all meals, drinks, materials, tastings, accommodation, transfers from Agen and excursions.
Book now
Pay 25% to reserve your place and the rest 1 month before your holiday starts
Dates
Holidays start on Saturdays and Thursdays.
Included in the price
-
7 nights accommodation
-
This is an all inclusive holiday. Once you arrive at the farmhouse (or Agen train station) everything is covered - all meals, all visits, all tastings
-
30 hours of activities
If two people travel together and share a room, a 240€ discount is offered
Non participating partners can holiday with you, enjoying all the meals and excursions, for 1,100€
We all love a good learning holiday, but sometimes one activity just isn’t enough. That’s why we’ve designed a unique all inclusive 7 night/8 day jewellery making and cookery holiday in the Gascony region of South West France, designed to satisfy your every creative and culinary desire.
Jewellery & cooking holiday
Overview
Gourmet dinners
2 hands-on cooking workshops
Village markets
Wine tasting
2 jewellery making workshops
Armagnac tasting
Gourmet restaurant
Champagne tasting
Cheese tasting
Day trip
Pricing
€2,315 per person
No single supplement
6 guests maximum
This price includes all meals, drinks, materials, tastings, accommodation, transfers from Agen and excursions.
Book now
Pay 25% to reserve your place and the rest 1 month before your holiday starts
Dates
Holidays start on Saturdays and Thursdays.
Included in the price
-
7 nights accommodation
-
This is an all inclusive holiday. Once you arrive at the farmhouse (or Agen train station) everything is covered - all meals, all visits, all tastings
-
30 hours of activities
If two people travel together and share a room, a 240€ discount is offered
Non participating partners can holiday with you, enjoying all the meals and excursions, for 1,200€
Get more from your holiday and learn to make jewellery with precious metal clays and glass in Gascony, enjoy warm hospitality, great food and wine, stunning surroundings, and skills to treasure for a lifetime. Design and make your own unique pieces of jewellery using silver, copper and bronze metal clays as well as experimenting with glass fusing and cutting, while staying in a lovely rural 19th century farmhouse in South-West France on this all inclusive holiday.
Glass and silver craft holiday
Overview
Gourmet dinners
Village markets
Wine tasting
Armagnac tasting
All materials
2 metal clay workshops
2 glass workshops
​
Book now
Pay 25% to reserve your place and the rest 1 month before your holiday starts
Pricing
€2,010 per person
No single supplement
6 guests maximum
This price includes all meals, drinks, materials, tastings, accommodation, transfers from Agen and excursions.
Dates
Holidays start on Saturdays and Thursdays.
Included in the price
-
7 nights accommodation
-
This is an all inclusive holiday. Once you arrive at the farmhouse (or Agen train station) everything is covered - all meals, all visits, all tastings
-
30 hours of activities
Combine learning two unique skills with beautiful accommodation, delicious food and wine, expert tuition and picturesque landscapes on this remarkable all-inclusive glass jewellery making and hands on cooking holiday in the heart of Gascony
Glass jewellery & cooking holiday
If two people travel together and share a room, a 240€ discount is offered
Non participating partners can holiday with you, enjoying all the meals and excursions, for 1,100€
Pricing
€2,315 per person
No single supplement
6 guests maximum
This price includes all meals, drinks, materials, tastings, accommodation, transfers from Agen and excursions.
Book now
Pay 25% to reserve your place and the rest 1 month before your holiday starts
Overview
Gourmet dinners
2 hands-on cooking workshops
Village markets
Wine tasting
2 jewellery making workshops
Armagnac tasting
Gourmet restaurant
Champagne tasting
Cheese tasting
Day trip
Dates
Holidays start on Saturdays and Thursdays.
Included in the price
-
7 nights accommodation
-
This is an all inclusive holiday. Once you arrive at the farmhouse (or Agen train station) everything is covered - all meals, all visits, all tastings
-
30 hours of activities
If two people travel together and share a room, a 240€ discount is offered
Non participating partners can holiday with you, enjoying all the meals and excursions, for 1,200€
Detailed Itinerary - Jewellery Making Holiday
The itinerary is for guidance only and is subject to change depending on the group’s needs and wishes but is typically as follows:
Day 1 – Arrival day
-
Arrive at Agen train station to be greeted by your hosts before being driven to the farmhouse where your holiday will begin.
-
Settle into your charming room before getting to know your fellow students over delicious aperitifs.
-
Enjoy a social evening with a three-course gourmet dinner served in the farmhouse kitchen, along with a short introduction from your hosts about what to expect over the next few days
Day 2 - Naturals jewellery making workshop
-
You will go to a local and delightful village market for coffee and croissants to discuss your first project designs with the rest of the group and your tutor Caroline. You will choose something natural of your choice, such as a leaf, before returning to the studio to begin creating the jewelry of your own choice.
-
Caroline will teach you the basic techniques of using precious metal clay (PMC) to give you maximum freedom to develop your own designs.
-
Lunch will be served by the pool or in the farmhouse kitchen with views of the countryside all around to help inspire your creative side. Those needing guidance for ideas will be supported throughout the week.
-
In the afternoon, you will learn about the processes of designing, creating, and finishing your pieces, including how to use tools such as kilns, torch burners, sanding, and polishing tools
-
Once your fine silver piece is finished, you will be taught how to add findings and beads to make your jewelry ready to wear. There will be free time to use all the on-site facilities before aperitifs are served by the pool.
-
A three-course gourmet meal will then be served in the grounds or the farmhouse kitchen, accompanied with local delicious wines.
Day 3 – Ring design and visit to Armagnac distillery
-
After breakfast, you will create a ring design and be taught the techniques for correct sizing and achieving your chosen design. There are several techniques to ring-making, which will be covered on this day from texturing, carving, and stone setting.
-
A delicious lunch will be served by the pool or in the farmhouse kitchen. After lunch, you will fire and polish your ring to create the finished product.
-
Early evening, you will visit a family-run Armagnac distillery (which Gascony is famous for) and learn how it is made, the history behind it, and, more importantly, tasting before returning for dinner back at the farmhouse.
Day 4 – Free day
-
You will have a free day to spend at your leisure.
-
You may choose to spend more time perfecting your techniques and work on your jewelry in the studio or take time to relax by the swimming pool with a good book.
-
All meals are included for this day. You can enjoy a well-earned rest
Day 5 – Making glass cabochons using glass fusing and visit to Condom
-
After breakfast, you will learn about making glass cabachons and glass fusing. Once made, these can be used in learning the techniques for setting stones and setting them in one of your own designs.
-
In the late morning, you will go to the pretty market town of Condom for coffee and a chat with local artists living in the area to gain an insight into their creative vision and which will help give you ideas for new designs.
-
Lunch will be taken out in Condom with the group, before returning to the farmhouse to relax.
-
A three-course gourmet meal will then be served in the grounds or the farmhouse kitchen in the evening.
Day 6 – Working with other metal clays and wine tasting
-
Following breakfast, you will try other types of metal clay in the workshop and learn how they work and are fired.
-
Try your hand using bronzes and coppers, or what is available for your week.
-
You will have fun making your chosen designs using different clays and new techniques.
-
Lunch will be served by the pool or in the farmhouse kitchen depending on the season.
-
Late afternoon you will visit a beautiful chateau famous for its aperitifs and wines for an afternoon of wine tasting.
-
A three-course gourmet meal will then be served back at the farmhouse.
Day 7 – Day group excursion
-
Relax with a delicious breakfast this morning before heading out on a fun excursion for the day
-
Today you’ll enjoy an excursion to a location of your choice! Your hosts will take you to visit further afield depending on the groups preferences
-
Explore the stunning scenery and relax on your final day, and enjoy lunch whilst you out
-
This evening you’ll return home for your final dinner, where you’ll reflect on the week and how much you have learnt
Day 8 – Saturday – Departure day
-
After breakfast, guests are asked to check out by 10am
-
You will return home with fantastic memories, beautiful unique jewellery, and memories and new skills to last you a lifetime
As with all of our exclusive breaks, this holiday can be tailored to meet the needs of the group. Please contact us to discuss your personal requirements and we will ensure your holiday is exactly as you want it to be.
Detailed Itinerary - Jewellery & cooking holiday
The itinerary is for guidance only and is subject to change depending on the group’s needs and wishes but is typically as follows:
Day 1 – Arrival day
-
Arrive at Agen train station in the afternoon to be greeted by your friendly hosts before being driven to the farmhouse where your holiday will begin (airport collections can be arranged upon request for a supplement-please see the costing and extras tab for more details)
-
Settle into your delightful room before getting to know your fellow students over delicious aperitifs
-
Enjoy a social evening with a 3 course gourmet dinner served in the farmhouse kitchen along with a short introduction from your hosts about what to expect over the next few days
Day 2 – Hollow forms and syringe workshop and wine tasting
-
This morning after breakfast you will go to a local delightful village market to explore the area to discuss your first project designs with the rest of the group and your tutor Caroline
-
You will then return home to begin your first jewellery making class
-
Today you will learn the technique of making hollow forms, which is perfect for creating hollow forms such as classical silver ball earrings or a beautiful textured bead pendant for earrings
-
Caroline will teach you the basic techniques with using precious metal clay (PMC) to give you maximum freedom to develop your own designs
-
You will also learn syringe work with bronzes, and use stones and semi-precious beads to create your unique designs
-
A delicious lunch will be served by the pool or in the farmhouse kitchen
-
This afternoon, you will learn about the processes of designing, creating and finishing your pieces, including how to use tools such as kilns and torch burners, sanding and polishing tools
-
Once your fine silver piece is finished you will be taught to add findings and beads if chosen so that your jewellery is ready to wear
-
Late afternoon you will visit a beautiful chateau famous for its aperitifs and wines for an afternoon of wine tasting
-
Dinner will be served back at the farmhouse giving you time to relax in the lounge or by the swimming pool firstly, or to take advantage of one of the onsite activities such as table tennis or cycling
Day 3- Naturals and fingerprinting jewellery making workshop and Armagnac tasting
-
After a leisurely breakfast, you will choose something natural of your choice, such as a leaf, to influence your fine silver jewellery designs today
-
Lunch will be served by the pool or in the farmhouse kitchen with views of the countryside all around to help inspire your creative side
-
After lunch, you will create a your own personal fingerprint jewellery
-
Fingerprint jewellery is when you set the prints of loved ones (or even pets!) into fine silver
-
This is a unique process and the perfect gift or memento to keep for yourself
-
Early evening, you will visit a family run Armagnac distillery (which Gascony is famous for) and learn how it is made and the history behind it and, more importantly, tasting the Armagnac and local produce
-
A 3 course gourmet meal will then be served back at the farmhouse kitchen accompanied with local delicious wines
Day 4 – Free day
-
Today is a free day for you to spend at your leisure
-
Choose to spend more time perfecting your metal clay techniques and working on your jewellery in the studio, or take time to relax by the swimming pool with a good book
-
All meals are included today, and enjoy a well-earned rest before your cookery experience begins!
Day 5 – Culinary excursion and first cookery lesson
-
After breakfast, it’s time to enter the kitchen and begin your culinary experience!
-
Your host and chef Adam will be on hand at all times to ensure you learn as much as possible during informal and fun cookery lessons and culinary excursions
-
Today Adam will accompany you on a culinary excursion which will be confirmed upon arrival depending on the group’s preference and the season
-
You visit may include any of the following: visits to a local duck farm, butcher, boulangerie/patisserie, vineyard, Armagnac producer, cheese maker, chocolatier, prune producer, organic farm or charcuterie
-
You may also take an accompanied tour of the cultural and historical sights surrounding the school including Auch Cathedral, Chateau Henri IV, Collégiale at La Romieu or the art gallery at the Abbaye de Flaran
-
After returning to the farmhouse, enjoy a leisurely lunch before your first cookery lesson
-
Adam will teach you how to create a delicious 3 course French menu today
-
After your lesson, you will enjoy a group dinner of the dishes you have prepared in the kitchen with a well-deserved glass on wine
Day 6 - Culinary excursion and second cookery lesson
-
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning
-
Adam will then accompany you on another culinary excursion to awaken your senses, introduce you to local life, and ignite your passion for fresh, local food
-
You will then return to the farmhouse to enjoy a light lunch before reentering the kitchen for your second cookery course
-
Learn to cook delicious country meals with Adam, with just a little show and a lot of passion as you learn about real French food, how to prepare it, cook it, and serve it
-
Tonight’s dinner will be tasting the delicious French dishes you’ve learnt to cook and you will have a discussion about where to go tomorrow for your day excursion around this beautiful
Day 7 – Day group excursion
-
Relax with a delicious breakfast this morning before heading out on a fun excursion for the day
-
Today you’ll enjoy an excursion to a location of your choice! Your hosts will take you to visit further afield depending on the groups preferences
-
Explore the stunning scenery and relax on your final day, and enjoy lunch whilst you out
-
This evening you’ll return home for your final dinner, where you’ll reflect on the week and how much you have learnt
Day 8 – Departure day
-
After breakfast, guests are asked to check out by 10am
-
You will return home with fantastic memories, fabulous cookery skills, beautiful unique jewellery, and memories and new skills to last you a lifetime
As with all of our exclusive breaks, this holiday can be tailored to meet the needs of the group. Please contact us to discuss your personal requirements and we will ensure your holiday is exactly as you want it to be.
Detailed Itinerary - Glass & silver craft holiday
The itinerary is for guidance only and is subject to change depending on the group’s needs and wishes but is typically as follows:
Day 1 – Arrival day
-
Arrive at Agen train station in the afternoon to be greeted by your friendly hosts before being driven to the farmhouse where your holiday will begin (airport collections can be arranged upon request for a supplement-please see the costing and extras tab for more details)
-
Settle into your delightful room before getting to know your fellow students over delicious aperitifs
-
Enjoy a social evening with a 3 course gourmet dinner served in the farmhouse kitchen along with a short introduction from your hosts about what to expect over the next few days
Day 2 – Hollow forms and syringe workshop and wine tasting
-
This morning after breakfast you will go to a local delightful village market to explore the area to discuss your first project designs with the rest of the group and your tutor Caroline
-
You will then return home to begin your first jewellery making class
-
Today you will learn the technique of making hollow forms, which is perfect for creating hollow forms such as classical silver ball earrings or a beautiful textured bead pendant for earrings
-
Caroline will teach you the basic techniques with using precious metal clay (PMC) to give you maximum freedom to develop your own designs
-
You will also learn syringe work with bronzes, and use stones and semi-precious beads to create your unique designs
-
A delicious lunch will be served by the pool or in the farmhouse kitchen
-
This afternoon, you will learn about the processes of designing, creating and finishing your pieces, including how to use tools such as kilns and torch burners, sanding and polishing tools
-
Once your fine silver piece is finished you will be taught to add findings and beads if chosen so that your jewellery is ready to wear
-
Late afternoon you will visit a beautiful chateau famous for its aperitifs and wines for an afternoon of wine tasting
-
Dinner will be served back at the farmhouse giving you time to relax in the lounge or by the swimming pool firstly, or to take advantage of one of the onsite activities such as table tennis or cycling
Day 3- Naturals and fingerprinting jewellery making workshop and Armagnac tasting
-
After a leisurely breakfast, you will choose something natural of your choice, such as a leaf, to influence your fine silver jewellery designs today
-
Lunch will be served by the pool or in the farmhouse kitchen with views of the countryside all around to help inspire your creative side
-
After lunch, you will create a your own personal fingerprint jewellery
-
Fingerprint jewellery is when you set the prints of loved ones (or even pets!) into fine silver
-
This is a unique process and the perfect gift or memento to keep for yourself
-
Early evening, you will visit a family run Armagnac distillery (which Gascony is famous for) and learn how it is made and the history behind it and, more importantly, tasting the Armagnac and local produce
-
A 3 course gourmet meal will then be served back at the farmhouse kitchen accompanied with local delicious wines
Day 4 – Free day
-
Today is a free day for you to spend at your leisure
-
Choose to spend more time perfecting your metal clay techniques and working on your jewellery in the studio, or take time to relax by the swimming pool with a good book
-
All meals are included today, and enjoy a well-earned rest before your cookery experience begins!
Day 5 – Glass cutting; using glass frits, powders, and moulds
-
This morning after breakfast you will go to a local delightful village market to explore the area to discuss your first project designs with the rest of the group and your tutor Caroline
-
You will then return home to begin your first jewellery making class
-
Today you will begin with an introduction to glass fusing, including cutting skills and technical information
-
Caroline will teach you the basic techniques with using glass to give you maximum freedom to develop your own designs
-
Throughout the day you will experiment with glass, glass frits and powders, and using moulds
-
The course will encourage you to think creatively about how the jewellery will be worn and you will be shown how to create holes and fittings incorporated as part of the fused piece and will also experiment with attaching fittings and bails
-
Late afternoon you will visit a beautiful chateau famous for its aperitifs and wines for an afternoon of wine tasting
-
Dinner will be served back at the farmhouse giving you time to relax in the lounge or by the swimming pool firstly, or to take advantage of one of the onsite activities such as table tennis or cycling
Day 6- Taster of Lampworking and layering glass fusing pieces
-
After a leisurely breakfast, you will learn to make your first glass bead or glass earrings using the technique of a torch
-
Lunch will be served by the pool or in the farmhouse kitchen with views of the countryside all around to help inspire your creative side
-
After lunch, you will continue to improve your glass skills including assembly, inclusions, kiln firing and slumping techniques. You will gain confidence in choosing colours and designs to make your own unique glass pieces
-
Early evening, you will visit a family run Armagnac distillery (which Gascony is famous for) and learn how it is made and the history behind it and, more importantly, tasting the Armagnac and local produce
-
A 3 course gourmet meal will then be served back at the farmhouse kitchen accompanied with local delicious wines
-
Caroline and Adam will also be happy to suggest activities in the area during your stay
Day 7 – Day group excursion
-
Relax with a delicious breakfast this morning before heading out on a fun excursion for the day
-
Today you’ll enjoy an excursion to a location of your choice! Your hosts will take you to visit further afield depending on the groups preferences
-
Explore the stunning scenery and relax on your final day, and enjoy lunch whilst you out
-
This evening you’ll return home for your final dinner, where you’ll reflect on the week and how much you have learnt
Day 8 – Saturday – Departure day
-
After breakfast, guests are asked to check out by 10am
-
You will return home with fantastic memories, beautiful unique jewellery, and memories and new skills to last you a lifetime
As with all of our exclusive breaks, this holiday can be tailored to meet the needs of the group. Please contact us to discuss your personal requirements and we will ensure your holiday is exactly as you want it to be.
Detailed Itinerary - Glass jewellery and cooking holiday
The itinerary is for guidance only and is subject to change depending on the group’s needs and wishes but is typically as follows:
Day 1 – Arrival day
-
Arrive at Agen train station in the afternoon to be greeted by your friendly hosts before being driven to the farmhouse where your holiday will begin (airport collections can be arranged upon request for a supplement-please see the costing and extras tab for more details)
-
Settle into your delightful room before getting to know your fellow students over delicious aperitifs
-
Enjoy a social evening with a 3 course gourmet dinner served in the farmhouse kitchen along with a short introduction from your hosts about what to expect over the next few days
Day 2 – Glass cutting; using glass frits, powders, and moulds
-
This morning after breakfast you will go to a local delightful village market to explore the area to discuss your first project designs with the rest of the group and your tutor Caroline
-
You will then return home to begin your first jewellery making class
-
Today you will begin with an introduction to glass fusing, including cutting skills and technical information
-
Caroline will teach you the basic techniques with using glass to give you maximum freedom to develop your own designs
-
Throughout the day you will experiment with glass, glass frits and powders, and using moulds
-
The course will encourage you to think creatively about how the jewellery will be worn and students will be shown how to create holes and fittings incorporated as part of the fused piece and will also experiment with attaching fittings and bails
-
Late afternoon you will visit a beautiful chateau famous for its aperitifs and wines for an afternoon of wine tasting
-
Dinner will be served back at the farmhouse giving you time to relax in the lounge or by the swimming pool firstly, or to take advantage of one of the onsite activities such as table tennis or cycling
Day 3- Taster of Lampworking and layering glass fusing pieces
-
After a leisurely breakfast, you will learn to make your first glass bead or glass earrings using the technique of a torch
-
Lunch will be served by the pool or in the farmhouse kitchen with views of the countryside all around to help inspire your creative side
-
After lunch, you will continue to improve your glass skills including assembly, inclusions, kiln firing and slumping techniques
-
You will gain confidence in choosing colours and designs to make your own unique glass pieces
-
Early evening, you will visit a family run Armagnac distillery (which Gascony is famous for) and learn how it is made and the history behind it and, more importantly, tasting the Armagnac and local produce
-
A 3 course gourmet meal will then be served back at the farmhouse kitchen accompanied with local delicious wines
Day 4 – Free day
-
Today is a free day for you to spend at your leisure
-
Choose to spend more time perfecting your glass fusing techniques and working on your jewellery in the studio, or take time to relax by the swimming pool with a good book
-
All meals are included today, and enjoy a well-earned rest before your hands-on cookery experience begins!
Day 5 – Culinary excursion and first cookery lesson
-
After breakfast, it’s time to enter the kitchen and begin your culinary experience!
-
Your host and chef Adam will be on hand at all times to ensure you learn as much as possible during informal and fun cookery lessons and culinary excursions
-
Today Adam will accompany you on a culinary excursion which will be confirmed upon arrival depending on the group’s preference and the season
-
You visit may include any of the following: visits to a local duck farm, butcher, boulangerie/patisserie, vineyard, Armagnac producer, cheese maker, chocolatier, prune producer, organic farm or charcuterie
-
You may also take an accompanied tour of the cultural and historical sights surrounding the school including Auch Cathedral, Chateau Henri IV, Collégiale at La Romieu or the art gallery at the Abbaye de Flaran
-
After returning to the farmhouse, enjoy a leisurely lunch before your first cookery lesson
-
Adam will teach you how to create a delicious 3 course French menu today depending on the season
-
After your lesson, you will enjoy a group dinner of the dishes you have prepared in the kitchen with a well-deserved glass on wine
Day 6 - Culinary excursion and second cookery lesson
-
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning
-
Adam will then accompany you on another culinary excursion to awaken your senses, introduce you to local life, and ignite your passion for fresh, local food
-
You will then return to the farmhouse to enjoy a light lunch before reentering the kitchen for your second cookery course
-
Learn to cook delicious country meals with Adam, with just a little show and a lot of passion as you learn about real French food, how to prepare it, cook it, and serve it
-
Tonight’s dinner will be tasting the delicious French dishes you’ve learnt to cook and you will have a discussion about where to go tomorrow for your day excursion around this beautiful
Day 7 – Day group excursion
-
Relax with a delicious breakfast this morning before heading out on a fun excursion for the day
-
Today you’ll enjoy an excursion to a location of your choice! Your hosts will take you to visit further afield depending on the groups preferences
-
Explore the stunning scenery and relax on your final day, and enjoy lunch whilst you out
-
This evening you’ll return home for your final dinner, where you’ll reflect on the week and how much you have learnt
Day 8 – Departure day
-
After breakfast, guests are asked to check out by 10am
-
You will return home with fantastic memories, fabulous cookery skills, beautiful unique glass jewellery and memories and new skills to last you a lifetime
As with all of our exclusive breaks, this holiday can be tailored to meet the needs of the group. Please contact us to discuss your personal requirements and we will ensure your holiday is exactly as you want it to be.