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Paper Making Retreat in South France

Highlights

  • Learn about the historic art of paper making
  • Indulge in some amazing French cuisine
  • Take home a beautiful paper booklet
From £1280 pp*
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3 Nights

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What you'll do

Overview

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.

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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 papermaking.

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 farm cottage embedded in the stunning French countryside. You will have some time to relax by the pool or even explore the grounds of the farm cottage and get to experience the local area.

*This trip runs starts every Saturday from September to November.

Arrival and Introduction

On arrival settle into your accommodation, 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, you will head over the studio for your first day of papermaking.

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 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 farm cottage, it will be time to say goodbye and you will be transferred to the 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.

What's included

Included

  • 3 nights accommodation
  • Complimentary transfers to and from Sainte Foy De Gras Train Station
  • All breakfasts, lunches, and dinners
  • Wine, beer and drinks with lunches and dinners
  • Coffee and tea throughout the day
  • All materials and equipment
  • Use of the pool from May-September

Accommodation

Farmhouse

The property is part of a Maison de Maître set in 4 acres of garden, vines and plum trees.

The accommodation is located on the old farm workers cottage which has been converted into lovely accommodation with great views.

There is a shared bathroom (with double wash basins) for guests and two toilets within the property.

There is coffee and tea making facilities in the kitchen.

Guests can enjoy the swimming pool from May to September.

Your local host

Jo

Jo Gibbs is the host and tutor on her wonderful art holidays in South West France. In 2014, Jo moved to the Bordeaux wine region of Le Gironde and created her intimate and unique Chambre d'hôtes with her husband and two children, and offered internships to postgraduate conservation/art students. Jo has created the perfect environment to enjoy her art and the animals she keeps; offering the ideal setting for those looking for an oasis of beauty and creativity; let’s not forget the fine wines and delicious food of the Bordeaux region.

Jo Gibbs is the host and tutor on her wonderful art holidays in South West France. In 2014, Jo moved to the Bordeaux wine region of Le Gironde and created her intimate and unique Chambre d'hôtes with her husband and two children, and offered internships to postgraduate conservation/art students. Jo has created the perfect environment to enjoy her art and the animals she keeps; offering the ideal setting for those looking for an oasis of beauty and creativity; let’s not forget the fine wines and delicious food of the Bordeaux region.

Jo image

Location

Just 30 minutes from Bergerac airport, your cosy home away from home.

Nearest airport:
Bergerac (40 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 (25 minutes by car)

Complimentary transfers are provided from Sainte Foy de Gras train station.

What our travellers are saying...

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
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