Painting and Wine-Tasting in South France

Highlights

  • Visit a local vineyard for painting, vineyard tour and wine tasting.
  • Delightful French farmhouse accommodation with swimming pool, gardens & terraces.
  • Home-cooked meals served daily with wine
  • Expert tuition daily, art supplies included
From £900 pp*
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3 Nights

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What you'll do

Overview

Taste local wines at the source and use the vineyards to inspire your artwork on this 3-night art & wine holiday in France; develop your skills in your chosen media with a fantastic hands-on teacher who knows how to bring out the best in your work while you stay in a lovely French farmhouse!

Created especially for those who have a passion for both art and wine, we are delighted to bring you this 3 night art, painting and wine holiday in France.

Art teacher Jo has combined forces with her neighbours just across the vines in the family run organic vineyards of Chateau La Tour de Chollet to create this fully inclusive holiday. It is a unique opportunity for you to paint the beauty of the vines in this stunning region as you sip a glass of the locally produced wine to really get your creative juices flowing.

You will also get to meet Paul and Kirstie who run Chateau La Tour de Chollet. They will give you an insight into the life of the grape from ‘bud to bottle’, giving your a tour of the vineyards followed by an exclusive wine tasting and the chance to buy organic wines at great prices.

In your free time, relax in the den, curl up with a book and wine, or lounge by the pool. Whatever you do, be sure to make yourself at home, and be prepared to tuck into some delicious home-cooked food.

Jo has flexible running dates so please enquire for the dates that suit you. The group size will be no larger than 6.

*price based on a single painter joining the group

Arrival

– Arrive at the accommodation and settle into your room and surroundings
– Welcome with refreshments and a tour of Le Peyrail with an introduction to the area and the types of wines produced
– For those arriving in the morning, a buffet lunch is offered with wine and soft drinks followed by studio work in the afternoon
– You are free to choose your medium and will talk about subject matter and cover some basic styles and techniques
– In the evening, apéritifs will be served on the terraces before the evening meal
– After dinner, you are free to spend it as you wish but it is a great opportunity for the group to socialise and get to know each other

Painting with wine

– Start the day with breakfast from 9 to 10am
– There is then a scenic stroll through the vines to Chateau Le Chollet where you will be met by Paul who will give you a tour of his vineyard followed by a wine tasting
– Before lunch, you will select your subject for your art session and Jo will set you up with a sketching stool, table, easel, parasol and of course a glass of Tour de Chollet wine
– Lunch at Le Chollet offers you freshly baked baguettes, locally produced cheeses, pâte and charcuterie accompanied by salads and, naturally, a glass of wine
– From 2-5pm, you can start creating your masterpiece and Jo will be on hand to offer artistic guidance
– At the end of the day, you can choose to return on foot or by car to the accommodation
– At 6:30pm, apéritif will be served on the terrace followed by the evening’s three course meal with wine
– The rest of the evening is free for you to relax

Painting lessons

– Breakfast is at 9am
– From 10:30-12:30, you will head back to Le Chollet for a second session of al fresco sketching
– Lunch is at 1-2:30 back at the accommodation
– The afternoon can be spent where you please, either on site back at Le Chollet or at the studio where Jo will be based
– At 6:30pm, apéritif will be served on the terrace followed by the evening’s three course meal with wine
– The rest of the evening is free for you to relax

Departure

– Breakfast is at 9am
– From 10:30-12:30, there is a studio session and a chance to put the finishing touches to your masterpiece
– At 12:30, enjoy a farewell barbecue lunch on the lower terrace
– As this is your last day, you can take it easy in the afternoon and use the pool or enjoy the garden and terraces
– If you art is on paper Jo can help you mount and frame it or, if on canvas, seal and varnish it
– Check out is at 4pm but if you wish to stay after 4.pm, an evening meal and an extra nights accommodation can be provided if you wish

What's included

Included

  • Complimentary transfers to and from the farmhouse from Sainte Foy De Gras train station on arrival and departure day
  • 3 nights accommodation in a beautifully restored farmhouse
  • All breakfasts, lunches, and dinners (from lunch on day 1 up to, and including, lunch on day 4)
  • Wine, beer and drinks with lunches and dinners
  • Coffee and tea throughout the day
  • Please note: prices are per person and based on a double room with ensuite or shared bathroom; please check availability
  • There are no single supplements for solo travellers
  • Daily morning and afternoon sketching and painting sessions and tuition
  • A tour of Chateau Le Chollet’s vineyard and wine tasting
  • The following art supplies: Watercolour paper, Watercolours (tubes), Acrylics (tubes), A selection of brushes, Use of easels and other studio equipment, A3 acid free mount, A3 Beech frame for your best work to make a great addition to your home
  • Use of the pool from May-September
  • Check in and check out time is flexible; however please note that the course will end around 4pm on day 4
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.

Location

Just 30 minutes from Bergerac airport, your cosy home away from home was originally owned by 18th century vine workers who resided in 3 stone cottages, which have now been beautifully converted. Located in a picturesque rural area surrounded by vineyards, trails, a bamboo forest, pond and terraces.
There is a swimming pool available from May-September, and the rooms are cooled by electric fans. In the cooler months there is a  wood burning stove in the living area.
The bedrooms are large, comfortable double rooms, decorated with comfort and style whilst maintaining traditional features
One room has a waterbed and ensuite bathroom, whilst the other 2 double rooms share a Jacuzzi bathroom, please check availability for the dates you require.
The studio is on site on a covered terrace for outdoor inspiration.

Jo instructs in Watercolour and Acrylic techniques, also charcoal and graphite( pencil) for portraits and architecture.  She’s always open to experimenting with all types of medium and that includes the substrate, Paper, Canvass, board or wood.

Nearest airport: 

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)

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

What our travellers are saying...

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

FAQs

Who is it suitable for?

- Suitable for all painting levels from beginners to advanced
- Minimum age 18
- During this holiday, you are free to work with whatever medium you like, however, the holiday mainly focuses on watercolour and pastel and the various qualities of acrylic and gouache

I'm a solo traveller - can I join?

- Courses have a maximum of 6 people in each group, singles are very welcome as you'll meet others with a passion for art and wine and there are NO single supplements for those travelling solo

When can I start?

- Art and wine holidays are for 3 nights / 4 days with a flexible arrival time on the first day and finishing around 4pm on day 4
- If you wish to stay for extra nights, please email to check availability for your preferred duration and we will do our best to accommodate you
- All holidays are on request so please email us at hello@nitgb.com and we’ll check availability for your preferred day of arrival as quickly as possible

What to bring

- Although supplies are provided, feel free to bring your favourite brushes, paints, or paper
- Please bring suitable footwear for walking
- Swimming costume if you are visiting during pool season

Restricted mobility access

Please find below some information regarding the accommodation and location of the holiday which may be useful when deciding if this is the right holiday for you; should you have an further questions, please contact us and we will be happy to help
- Although this location does not have official disabled access, the front door is wide enough for a wheelchair
- The main bedroom and ensuite are all on one level and on the ground floor
- There are no cobblestones, however there are slopes. Although not the easiest venue for wheelchairs, your host would be happy to help any way she can
- The shower in the ensuite has one step up into it
- If a person is able to walk but has 'some' restrictions then we would need further information concerning their needs and would be very honest if we felt the person could not participate in the activity holidays

Features

- A beautiful rural location surrounded by vineyards, trails, a bamboo forest, pond and terraces
- In-ground pool available from May-September
- Wood burning stove in the cooler months and electric fans available in the summer
- Large comfortable double rooms, decorated with comfort and style whilst maintaining many traditional features
- 1 room has a waterbed and ensuite bathroom, whilst the other 2 double rooms share a Jacuzzi bathroom
- Onsite studio on a covered terrace for outdoor inspiration
- 10 minutes from Sainte-Foy-La-Grande, if you feel the need to get out

How do I get to the farmhouse?

Nearest airports:

Nearest airport: 

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) 

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

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