UPDATE!! As of this writing *February 2022, we are finalizing details for our Fall retreat. Including dates, transportation, and more. We will have further updates in the coming weeks. We are currently holding spaces for those interested. Please reach out to us by phone or email with any questions.
SOUTH OF FRANCE
FALL 2022
Magical & Idyllic French Countryside Retreat
You are invited on a magical journey to explore your creativity, delight your senses, soak up French Culture, and savor the art of living well in the South of France.
Artisans making copper vessels, a 400 year old French market, mountains, rivers, & waterfalls, scenic drives, vintage flea markets, historic landmarks, hidden ruins, covetable treasures, delectable food, dreamy landscapes, and the art of French floral design.
These are just a few of the sights that await you in France during the Fall of 2022.
After arriving in the stunning, old-world city of Toulouse, we will drive approximately an hour southeast to the tiny, and idyllic , medieval village of Durfort. With a population of only 200 residents, Durfort is an unspoiled, authentic artisan village, located at the base of a mountain gorge. Seemingly, untouched by time, Durfort maintains its medieval history by making hand-forged copper vessels and pots. Families in the village have been making copper wares since the 15th century. People travel from all over France to purchase these classic French designs.
Since water is integral in the making of copper pots, Durforts fresh water river cascades down from the mountain above, creating a tranquil waterfall, that sits off the terrace of our host accommodations...named after the waterfall ~ LaCascade.
LaCascade is a cozy, and charming 400-year old, French Country home. LaCascade is filled with rich character and French je ne sais quoi. Its lovely, light-filled rooms create an ambiance for dreaming and relaxing. The sounds of the waterfall fills the rooms with music, that lulls you to sleep in your restful, private bedroom.
Our retreat is an intimate journey, limited to only 8 attendees. We get to know each other in this blissful and tranquil setting. There are no TV's at LaCascade, and each guest receives one-on-one time and individual instruction. There are so many possibilities to explore our surrounding towns and villages with the group or on your own. Including amazing points of interest:
Village of Castres - Goya Museum, 30 minute drive
Village of Montoleiu - "The Book Village" 35 minutes
Medieval City of Carcassone - 45 minutes
City of Albi - Toulouse Lautrec Museum, 55 minutes
Mediterranean Beaches - 1 hour & 30 minutes
Village of Revel - 400 year-old outdoor market, 10 minutes
Medievall Village of Soreze - Tapestry Museum and Abbey School, 5 minutes
Village of Durfort - Copper Shops, Copper Museum, Boutiques, and Cafe', 3 minutes
Modern stores, boutiques, grocery & household stores, pharmacy, and garden center - 10 minutes
Reservations are first come-first serve. This retreat limited to only 8 persons. Hold your space now, with a minimal deposit to secure your spot on this journey before it sells out. (See payments tab)
HIGHLIGHTS:
~ French Flower Shop Workshop and Visit
~ On-location photo shoots, using French models
~ Foraging for fresh botanicals
~ 24-Hour, open-air, sky-lit studio to practice your
creativity
~ Expert floral instruction
~ Industry insights & mentorship and advice
~ Industry resources and contacts
~ Professional photographs and instruction
~ French life and culture, living in a French Home.
~ Dining under the stars on our outdoor terrace, next to
our waterfall.... Magical!
~ Intimate group size for one-to-one interaction
~ Yoga class in a French Yoga studio (for those interested)
~ Flea Market visits & shopping, open-air markets
~ Exploring towns and villages
~ French food and wine
~ Sketchbook series art lessons, including materials
~ New, meaningful lifelong memories and friendships
made.
MEALS: Our meals are prepared fresh for us daily in our lovely French kitchen. Fresh Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are prepared for us, and we also have opportunities to dine in local cafes' and restaurants during our time away from LaCascade. We will dine on farm to table meals using the freshest farm grown ingredients from the French markets; including farm fresh eggs, vegetables, fruits, and fresh fish, poultry, and cheeses. There are always snacks, fruit, and drinks available anytime of day. French wine is served daily with dinner, along with a homemade, delectable dessert. Please inform us of any food allergies with your registration.
7-Night Accommodations at LaCascade. Full meals daily, snacks, drinks, and wine & dessert with dinner daily. All Workshop materials, tools, fresh & dried flowers, your very own custom styling kit, starter set of artists markers & art supplies, custom apron, and more. Also includes: 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners... Welcome Dinner, Welcome Bag & Gifts, Yoga class, Photographs of our journey and of your floral designs are included, Free WIFI, Farewell Dinner, Swag Bag of surprises! All taxes & fees included.
Retreat Cost: To be announced. Prices are per person, double occupancy.
Single Supplement: Please contact us if you need a single room to see if one is available at the time of booking.
Visit:
www.flowerlark.eventbrite.com for more details.
Accommodations: (Double Occupancy)
The lovely, bright, airy rooms at LaCascade sleep two people in each room. Each room has two twin beds.
If you prefer a room to yourself, this may be arranged. There is an added single supplement to retreat price.
Please let us know, as soon as possible, if you would like a
single room so that we may accommodate your request, as space is very limited.
Airfare: Round Trip Airfare is not included, and is the responsibility of each attendee.
Airport: Our closest airport is the Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS) This is an easy, modern Airport with all amenities, and car rental terminal.
TRANSPORTATION UPDATE*:
We realize some attendees do not feel comfortable driving in France. I have driven in France many times, and driving in the small villages is very easy as there is very little (if any) traffic. As of this writing, we are looking into renting a bus/minivan to pick everyone up at the airport. This will increase our costs and the cost will be divided between the attendees to pay the cost of rental, fuel, and insurance for the week of our stay. Upon making your deposit to hold your spot on the trip, let us know if you are intending to rent a car, car pool with another attendee, or will want to be picked up & returned to the airport. Of course, if everyone decides to rent a car or carpool, we will instead rent a smaller car for our photographers & their equipment.
Getting to LaCascade*: LaCascade is located 1 hour drive southeast of Toulouse. It is a scenic, easy drive. If you are travelling with a companion, most attendees rent a car from Toulouse Airport. This allows you to have the freedom to also explore on your own during our week. (All you need is a valid Drivers License to drive in France.) If you do not wish to rent a car, carpooling with other attendees can be arranged for you.
There is also an easy bus ride from Toulouse to Revel. It will take you to the bus terminal in Revel, where we can pick you up by car for the short ride to the village of Durfort.
For an added fee, an airport shuttle can be arranged for you as well.
ITINERARY: COMING SOON! FALL 2022
" Paula Coleman's floral retreat was life changing for me. First, you are in a beautiful medieval village where time seems to stand still. All of your stresses are swept away by the magic of this part of France. Secondly, the hands on instruction and lectures from Paula were exactly what I needed. She creates an environment that is safe to explore your creativity and encourages you to push the limits. Paula is a wonderful mentor and I am incredibly Thankful I found her and this retreat." ~ Sarah C. Brown Designs, Aliso Viejo, California
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