Activity Holidays in France

Our most popular experiences

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  • Portrait Painting Week In France image

    Portrait Painting Week In France

    calendar/duration icon 6 Nights location icon France
    • Available in May, June, July and September
    • All inclusive Oil portrait painting week. 5 days expert tuition
    • Stay in a beautiful french village
    • Accommodation with all meals included

    Price from

    £1600 pp
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  • Painting and Wine-Tasting in South France image

    Painting and Wine-Tasting in South France

    calendar/duration icon 4 Nights location icon France
    • Available March to October
    • 4 nights accommodation with lovely gardens, a swimming pool, transfers plus all meals and drinks included
    • Art suppliers provided along with expert tuition provided. A tour of Chateau Le Chollet’s vineyard and wine tasting included

    Price from

    £1280 pp*
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  • Jewellery Making Holiday image

    Jewellery Making Holiday

    calendar/duration icon 7 Nights location icon France
    • Full board (3 course gourmet dinners) & refreshments (including wine)
    • 4 x Jewellery making workshops
    • 2 x culinary excursions to local villages or towns
    • All materials and equipment for jewellery making

    Price from

    £2260 pp*
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  • Paint the South of France image

    Paint the South of France

    calendar/duration icon 6 Nights location icon France
    • Available from March to November
    • 6 nights accommodation with lovely gardens, a swimming pool, transfers plus all meals and drinks included
    • Art suppliers provided along with expert tuition

    Price from

    £2240 pp*
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  • A Week of Yoga, Gastronomy and Culture in Provence image

    A Week of Yoga, Gastronomy and Culture in Provence

    calendar/duration icon 6 Nights location icon France
    • Available between April and November
    • Accommodation including breakfast, lunch and 5 dinners
    • Yoga or an activity included everyday

    Price from

    £970 pp*
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  • Culinary Adventure in Rural France image

    Culinary Adventure in Rural France

    calendar/duration icon 5 Nights location icon France
    • Available from March to October
    • Luxury Farmhouse Accommodation all meals included
    • Lessons from a professional masterchef with 35 years experience

    Price from

    £3974 pp
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  • Art and Astrology Course in France image

    Art and Astrology Course in France

    calendar/duration icon 6 Nights location icon France
    • Available March to November
    • 6 nights accommodation with lovely gardens, a swimming pool, transfers plus all meals included
    • All materials provided. Includes Investigate your astrological chart, visiting Château et Tour de Montaigne and Moulin de Mysterieux

    Price from

    £2240 pp
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    • Portrait Painting Week In France image

      Portrait Painting Week In France

      SFR9896 duration icon 6 Nights location icon French Pyrenees
      • Available in May, June, July and September
      • All inclusive Oil portrait painting week. 5 days expert tuition
      • Stay in a beautiful french village
      • Accommodation with all meals included

      Price from

      £1600 pp
      View Experience
    • Painting and Wine-Tasting in South France image

      Painting and Wine-Tasting in South France

      SFR2144 duration icon 4 Nights location icon Nouvelle-Aquitaine
      • Available March to October
      • 4 nights accommodation with lovely gardens, a swimming pool, transfers plus all meals and drinks included
      • Art suppliers provided along with expert tuition provided. A tour of Chateau Le Chollet’s vineyard and wine tasting included

      Price from

      £1280 pp*
      View Experience
    • Jewellery Making Holiday image

      Jewellery Making Holiday

      SFR3231 duration icon 7 Nights location icon Gascony
      • Full board (3 course gourmet dinners) & refreshments (including wine)
      • 4 x Jewellery making workshops
      • 2 x culinary excursions to local villages or towns
      • All materials and equipment for jewellery making

      Price from

      £2260 pp*
      View Experience
    • Paint the South of France image

      Paint the South of France

      SFR2126 duration icon 6 Nights location icon Nouvelle-Aquitaine
      • Available from March to November
      • 6 nights accommodation with lovely gardens, a swimming pool, transfers plus all meals and drinks included
      • Art suppliers provided along with expert tuition

      Price from

      £2240 pp*
      View Experience
    • A Week of Yoga, Gastronomy and Culture in Provence image

      A Week of Yoga, Gastronomy and Culture in Provence

      SFR8176 duration icon 6 Nights location icon Provence
      • Available between April and November
      • Accommodation including breakfast, lunch and 5 dinners
      • Yoga or an activity included everyday

      Price from

      £970 pp*
      View Experience
    • Culinary Adventure in Rural France image

      Culinary Adventure in Rural France

      SFR9800 duration icon 5 Nights location icon Loire Valley
      • Available from March to October
      • Luxury Farmhouse Accommodation all meals included
      • Lessons from a professional masterchef with 35 years experience

      Price from

      £3974 pp
      View Experience
    • Art and Astrology Course in France image

      Art and Astrology Course in France

      SFR4392 duration icon 6 Nights location icon France
      • Available March to November
      • 6 nights accommodation with lovely gardens, a swimming pool, transfers plus all meals included
      • All materials provided. Includes Investigate your astrological chart, visiting Château et Tour de Montaigne and Moulin de Mysterieux

      Price from

      £2240 pp
      View Experience

    Overview

    All travellers have a relationship with France, as the country of culture, gastronomy and world class arts – this country pulls all travellers. At Not in the Guidebooks specialise in activity holidays in France, it’s such a great place to learn new skills, unwind and meet new people.

    There are wonderful local experiences to be had when you get off the beaten track in France. Wherever you go you’ll find beautiful winding streets and village square markets, long coastlines and massive mountain ranges. France really has it all and more. We love taking trips to France to develop a new skill or delve deeper into one of our hobbies. Whether you’re looking for a painting holiday, cooking holiday or any other kind of adventure, we’ve got you covered.

    France is the destination for meeting new friends, being creative and deepening your knowledge. So, what are you waiting for? France is calling…

    What our travellers are saying...

    Kate is fantastic. I went on her course a beginner, I had never painted with oils before and I have come away with a portrait I am very proud of. Kate is a warm, generous and patient teacher. You get thorough one to one tuition and laughs on this course - it is a perfect balance. In addition to painting Kate provides sight seeing, wild swimming, trips to neighbouring villages, cocktail bars and of course lots of cheese and wine. Accomodation is s

    Beth 2023

    Kate is very organised and made the logistical aspect feel very smooth and efficient. I stayed in the little guest house and the accommodation was comfortable and clean. On the first day I learnt how to treat my canvas and map out the portrait that I chose to paint. It was really clearly explained. Lunch and dinner were always really big with so many delicious courses including delicious desserts.Kate is an excellent teacher and provided really

    Finn 2023

    The hosts are lovely people, very welcoming but also allowing guests space and time to do their own thing. Food and wine were excellent too!

    Annette W

    I really loved my painting holiday, and Jo was great and so passionate about what she does and a brilliant artist! I loved all of her animals too with beautiful doves giving an impressive fly by display. Visiting the Châteaux for the wine tasting and lunch was spectacular. I would definitely recommend!

    Karen C

    Jo is a fantastic teacher. Lots of patience and expertise. The biggest lesson I learned was draw the light not the line, as I often do the opposite. My paintings will be better as a result. I also learned how best to set the composition so it attracts the eye into the painting. I had the best night’s sleep in ages! I loved the waterbed and the area is so peaceful and calming. I also thought the food was great and Jo was very accommodating with

    Linda Mc

    Painting and wine tasting in south of France (Le Peyrail) July 3rd-6th. After a long journey to Bergerac airport, I was met by my host Jo and from that moment I felt at ease. The accommodation was rustic, eclectic and comfortable, first time sleeping on a waterbed - so relaxing. At the house there was a ‘collection’ of animals, dogs, cats, hens, doves, horse, donkey, pigs and a baby blackbird. It all added to the experience. I have ‘dabbled

    Jacqui Taylor

    I had the best time learning new skills in watercolour in a fabulous location along with excellent service and teaching from Jo. I highly recommend this if you enjoy art, peace and quiet surrounded by nature (and animals) and enjoy wine on the side! The perfect combination for a relaxing time away.

    S Lee

    Set in a peaceful and inspiring location in a charming house. Jo and her partner are wonderful, generous hosts welcoming us wholeheartedly into their home. They kindly invited us to join them to meet their friends, giving us a special pan-European, cultural experience. Jo is an encouraging teacher.

    H Bowers

    The whole experience was wonderful from start to finish and exactly what I needed. Lee at GoLearnTo was very helpful and managed to meet my booking requirements and locate this trip for me at very short notice. My host Jo is a generous, talented and creative lady who has a breathtakingly beautifully home.

    L Watts

    I can’t say enough about my jewellery workshop experience. From the moment I arrived, my hosts, Caroline and Adam, made me feel genuinely welcome. Caroline’s depth of knowledge in metal clay jewellery is exceptional, and her guidance was both inspiring and empowering. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Southern French countryside, their charming château, thoughtfully planned excursions, and the incredible meals Adam prepared made th

    Linda

    I loved everything about our holiday! Our gorgeous hosts Caroline and Adam who cared for and spoiled us! Learning new skills in jewellery making from master craftswoman Caroline. Having wonderful meals outside under the awning with the family. Swimming in their lovely pool. Learning some super dishes from chef Adam and enjoying his cuisine every evening. Trips around the district to historic towns and lovely meals out. Visits to local vineyards a

    Karen

    It was a fantastic week in the south of France making jewellery. Caroline was funny, relaxed, full of energy and knowledge. The food cooked by her husband, Adam was just exquisite! The accomodation was fabulous as was the day outings visiting markets etc! Thank you so much and hope to return!

    Michelle

    Caroline and Adam were the best hosts, welcoming me into their home and providing delicious food, plentiful amounts of wine and lots of laughter. The excellent tuition from Caroline enabled me to make some beautiful pieces of jewellery which I am thrilled with. Will definitely return.

    Mary

    Adam and Caroline are hosts extraordinaire! From the initial welcome to the final goodbye, they make their guests feel apart of their family and friends. Adam is a patient instructor and makes the preparation of gourmet dishes appear achievable and fun. Caroline is an incredible artist in metal clay jewellery and willing to share her talents with novices. This vacation was a perfect balance of activity and relaxation.

    Anon

    Caroline and Adam were the best hosts, welcoming me into their home and providing delicious food, plentiful amounts of wine and lots of laughter. The excellent tuition from Caroline enabled me to make some beautiful pieces of jewellery which I am thrilled with. Will definitely return.

    Anon

    From the moment I was picked up to the moment I left I had a fantastic time. Caroline absolutely gave 100% of herself, tutoring and making me feel welcome and confident. Her whole family, as a matter fact. Her husband cooked delightfully. We also travelled around. Wonderful experience!!!

    Mali Zilberman

    I had a relaxing 7 days in Bergerac, particularly in Les Leves et Thoumeyragues, where I stayed with host Jo, and her partner Stan, beautiful scenery, fantastic food, gorgeous animals, and lots of art tuition. My favourite day was the day we went to Bergerac, Jo and myself sketched a typical Bergerac Street, whilst Stan played the guitar, bliss. I wish I could have stayed there longer.

    Paulina P

    Painting and wine tasting in south of France (Le Peyrail) July 3rd-6th. After a long journey to Bergerac airport, I was met by my host Jo and from that moment I felt at ease. The accommodation was rustic, eclectic and comfortable, first time sleeping on a waterbed - so relaxing. At the house there was a ‘collection’ of animals, dogs, cats, hens, doves, horse, donkey, pigs and a baby blackbird. It all added to the experience. I have ‘dabbled

    Jacqui Taylor

    A beautiful place to stay and Jo was a wonderful host and teacher. Delicious meals and great ambiance.

    V Amos

    Jo is very generous and welcoming and I and my five children (aged 13 - 21) loved our time with her. Her house and studio are very relaxed and we were encouraged to treat them as our home. We produced some marvellous paintings and learnt some new skills. A perfect family holiday!

    A Streets

    Had an amazing and memorable experience on this painting holiday last September. I'm from Canada and decided to do this solo trip, unsure of what to expect. Jo-Anne is a super-talented artist and great teacher who was very warm and welcoming. The property was gorgeous, and very serene. Great setting that was both very calming and inspiring for me as a beginner painter. Jo tailored her lessons and the overall experience to meet my learning needs a

    D Sherman

    I was fortunate enough to have a week at the Frog's House in August and it was a welcome respite from a challenging year during the pandemic. Benoit and the team take care of everything with great care and attention. The room had a beautiful view across the valley towards the sea and the yoga studio looked on to the mountain tops. There was delicious healthy food and a full program that you could engage with, or step out of if you wanted a more l

    Deborah

    Thoroughly enjoyed the charming little village, beautiful yoga, French cooking, amazing hiking, fun day trips and absolutely lovely hosts!! Benoit is very passionate and patient, and was such a knowledgeable guide around the city! A very authentic French country side experience with a good mix of city exploring too! Fantastic and recommend it!!

    Crystal

    Had an amazing time at the frogs house. The views are spectacular and has all the amenities you would ever need. The yoga was suitable for all levels, and as a beginner i found it very spiritual and testing physically but always felt amazing after. The food gave a real taste of French culture and was all locally sourced, delicious! Also really enjoyed the trips and the hosts felt more like friends rather than tour guides. The staff and people we

    Brigg

    Painting and wine tasting in south of France (Le Peyrail) July 3rd-6th. After a long journey to Bergerac airport, I was met by my host Jo and from that moment I felt at ease. The accommodation was rustic, eclectic and comfortable, first time sleeping on a waterbed - so relaxing. At the house there was a ‘collection’ of animals, dogs, cats, hens, doves, horse, donkey, pigs and a baby blackbird. It all added to the experience. I have ‘dabbled

    Jacqui Taylor

    Best Time to Visit France

    Spring Summer Autumn Winter General
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    Expect temperatures between 13 degrees in March and 18 degrees in May.

    As France warms up for the high season, expect the country to be in bloom, warmer weather and local produce, whilst accommodation prices and crowds slowly increase.

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    Expect temperatures between 20 degrees in June and 24 degrees in August.

    It’s hot all over, in the Alps there are hiking and rafting opportunities aplenty, and on the coasts the beaches swell with sun-worshippers, accommodation is at its most expensive.

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    Expect temperatures between 17 degrees in September and 8 degrees in November.

    As the crowds disperse, the cost of finding places to stay drops, and as the grapes are harvested and the days shorten, you might find the best deals at the most charming time to visit.

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    Expect temperatures between 5 degrees in December and 4 degrees in February.

    For the best deals on accommodation and a chance to see France at its most authentic and non-touristy, visit in winter. Of course, this isn’t the case for the Alps, where the ski season is getting underway and everyone heads for the slopes.

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    France is definitely a destination where you can embrace the very best of each season. From the sun-drenched beaches of the south, to the snow-capped mountains of the Alps. While the climate varies quite dramatically from north to south, there is a season for everyone, and every activity.

    Best Places to Visit

    Our top tips for visiting France

    Embrace French Cuisine

    Don’t hold back when exploring France’s culinary landscape. From perfectly crusty baguettes and buttery croissants at local boulangeries to regional cheese varieties and sophisticated wine pairings, every meal is an adventure. Whether you’re dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Paris or a family-run bistro in a village square, French gastronomy offers unforgettable flavours that define your journey.

    Explore Natural Wonders

    France isn’t just about museums and cafés. Adventure awaits in the snow-capped Alps, along the rugged Mediterranean coastline, and through the mystical forests of the Pyrenees. Each region offers unique outdoor experiences, from skiing and hiking to surfing in Biarritz or kayaking in the Ardèche. These natural treasures provide perfect breaks between cultural visits.

    Connect with Local Culture

    Learn basic French phrases – they’re your key to authentic experiences, especially in rural areas. Combine this with visits to regional vineyards, where you can explore centuries-old wine traditions in Champagne, Bordeaux, or the Loire Valley. Making an effort to speak French, even just simple greetings, opens doors to meaningful connections with locals.

    What can you do in France?

    France offers so many exciting activities, there is literally no end to the things you can do. Here are some of our top holiday activities to do in France:

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