Workshops & Retreats

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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.