Paper Making Retreat in South France

What You'll Do

Go back to the basics and enjoy making some paper using traditional methods, whilst enjoying the French sun and indulging in some amazing French wine and food.

In this ever increasing paperless society that we live in it is so important for us to get back to basics from time to time. This course offers you the chance to learn about one of the oldest traditions in the world, the art of paper making.

We will be looking at occidental and Oriental papers and creating our own sheets of paper from the natural materials around us. Jo, your tutor for the trip, will show you some simple binding and sizing techniques so you can make your own booklet to take home with you along with some amazing memories.

During your stay, you will be staying in a beautiful farmhouse embedded in the stunning French countryside. You will have some time to relax by the pool or even explore the grounds of the farmhouse and get to experience the local area.

Please note: This trip runs all year round (excluding Christmas period)

Experience
Highlights

Learn about the historic art of paper making

Indulge in some amazing French cuisine

Take home a beautiful paper booklet

Experience Itinerary

Arrival and Introduction

Upon arrival at Bergerac airport or Sainte Foy La Grande, you will be transferred to the farmhouse in the stunning French countryside.

After a tour of the house and lunch, you will head to the studio for the first look at where you are going to be working for the next few days. You will be introduced into the art of making paper and will learn all about the history of the practice. You will be handed some samples of antique Occidental and Oriental papers which you will be trying to recreate over the trip.

After this introduction, you will have some time to relax with a drink before dinner, which will consist of some amazing French food and wine.

Start the process

After breakfast at the farmhouse, you will head over the studio for your first day of paper making.

You will forage in and around the grounds of the farmhouse for things to decorate your paper with. This can include flowers, grass, silk and leaves. Throughout the day, you will be accompanied by Jo and Stanislas to help make the experience fun and easy to do.

After a buffet lunch and some time to relax in the beaming French sun, you will head back to the studio to continue working on your paper.

In the evening, enjoy a dinner and some time to relax or put in some extra touches into your paper.

Finishing Touches

Overnight, your paper will be sized and pressed so that you can make your booklet today. You will also have the chance to make your own quill and learn some calligraphy. If you don’t fancy doing that, you are able to make some more paper, it’s completely up to you.

After lunch, you will have the chance to relax in the farmhouse or even head out to the closest medieval town and learn about the rich history it has to offer as well as experience some authentic French culture.

Departure

After a final breakfast at the farmhouse, it will be time to say goodbye and you will be transferred to the airport or train station to make your way home. You will be taking home the result of your work over the past few days and we hope you will also be taking some amazing memories with you.

Location Information

Your stay takes places in a beautiful farmhouse in the South West of France. With stunning views of the rolling hills, the farmhouse is a great place to relax and enjoy doing some art work. Enjoy relaxing by the pool in the French sun and enjoy some local food and wine throughout your stay.

You will be staying just a short drive from the medieval Bastide town of Sainte Foy La Grande. You will be able to go and walk around the town, experience the culture and learn about the rich history associated to this part of France.

Nearest airports:
Bergerac (34 minutes to Sainte Foy La Grande Station by train)
Bordeaux (1 hour to Sainte Foy La Grande Station by train)

Nearest train station:
Sainte Foy La Grande (10 minutes by car) – Free transfers from the train station is provided.