Activity Holidays in France

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…

Our most popular experiences

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  • Portrait Painting Week In France

    6 Nights France

    Discover the South West of France where the Pyrénées meets the sea. Learn to paint in a relaxing environment with an e..

    Price from

    £1455 pp
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  • Painting and Wine-Tasting in South France

    3 Nights France

    Taste local wines at the source and use the vineyards to inspire your artwork on this 3-night art & wine holiday in Fran..

    Price from

    £900 pp*
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  • Jewellery Making Holiday

    7 Nights 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

    £1635 pp*
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  • Paint the South of France

    6 Nights France

    Indulge in delicious food, local wines, delightful sights and individual art tuition on this 6 night painting holiday in..

    Price from

    £1200 pp*
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  • A Week of Yoga, Gastronomy and Culture in Provence

    6 Nights France

    Relax and unwind during yoga lessons then go discover yoga philosophy, nature and gastronomy in Provence and the Côte ..

    Price from

    £1364 *pp
    Take me there
  • Painting and Drawing Holiday in the South of France

    7 Nights France

    Operating Dates 2024 17 - 24 August - NEW DATE The experience runs with a minimum of 4 people. (Re)discover the j..

    Price from

    £1000 pp
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  • Horse Trekking Experience in the Pyrenees

    6 Nights France

    An unmissable horse riding experience that immerses you in the pastoral landscape that is the rugged Couserans region of..

    Price from

    £1264 pp
    Take me there
  • Comedy Writing Break in Gascony

    7 nights France

    What could be more energising and empowering than spending a week being creative, developing your comedy technique, disc..

    Price from

    £900 pp
    Take me there
    • Portrait Painting Week In France

      6 Nights French Pyrenees

      Discover the South West of France where the Pyrénées meets the sea. Learn to paint in a relaxing environment with an e..

      Price from

      £1455 pp
      Take me there
    • Painting and Wine-Tasting in South France

      Taste local wines at the source and use the vineyards to inspire your artwork on this 3-night art & wine holiday in Fran..

      Price from

      £900 pp*
      Take me there
    • Jewellery Making Holiday

      7 Nights 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

      £1635 pp*
      Take me there
    • Paint the South of France

      Indulge in delicious food, local wines, delightful sights and individual art tuition on this 6 night painting holiday in..

      Price from

      £1200 pp*
      Take me there
    • A Week of Yoga, Gastronomy and Culture in Provence

      6 Nights Provence

      Relax and unwind during yoga lessons then go discover yoga philosophy, nature and gastronomy in Provence and the Côte ..

      Price from

      £1364 *pp
      Take me there
    • Painting and Drawing Holiday in the South of France

      7 Nights France

      Operating Dates 2024 17 - 24 August - NEW DATE The experience runs with a minimum of 4 people. (Re)discover the j..

      Price from

      £1000 pp
      Take me there
    • Horse Trekking Experience in the Pyrenees

      6 Nights French Pyrenees

      An unmissable horse riding experience that immerses you in the pastoral landscape that is the rugged Couserans region of..

      Price from

      £1264 pp
      Take me there
    • Comedy Writing Break in Gascony

      7 nights Gascony

      What could be more energising and empowering than spending a week being creative, developing your comedy technique, disc..

      Price from

      £900 pp
      Take me there

    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 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

    Our horse riding holiday in the Ariege Pyrenees was an absolutely wonderful experience and I’m really grateful to you for all your help getting it just right. We had an amazing time and can’t thank you enough for putting it all together. It was so special to have it all organised – and to be in the hands of such genuine local people at all stages – without the worry of language/money/logistics, worries which can seriously take the edge of

    The Freeman Family

    From airport pick to final drop off the holiday could not be faulted. Terry and Jill hosted our group courteously with super food and extremely comfortable and beautiful bedrooms. The house is gorgeous and the studio very well equipped. Our teacher Nicki Saunders was kind and very well organised, her teaching notes and methods are excellent. We had some good outings and I cannot but praise the whole experience.

    Heather H

    Not in the Guidebooks has given us one of the best holidays ever! I have had a painting holiday in the South of France on my bucket list for ages & this certainly delivered. La Salle near Toulouse made the perfect setting and the owners, Gill and Terry, couldn't do enough for us. Their house was lovely, comfortable and had a studio in the garden for the painting - perfect. They picked us up from the airport, took us on all the excursions which we

    Julie Dakin

    What a lovely time! Thanks for being so generous with your home and time. I even learned to paint a little'!

    Steve Gueyzen, USA

    Ssssh! Gers is a wonderful secret!! I've fallen in love with the entire area as well as La Salle. I'll be back!

    Karen and Steve, Parnicky, USA

    Terry and Jill, the way you share your home is such a wonderful gift, thankyou for the wonderful memories, experiences and great food! I visited in 2019 and was thrilled to return. Hope to see you again to make more memories.

    Ashley Peterson, USA

    A beautiful home run by Terry and Jill who could not do enough for us. The food was truly scrumptious. The bedrooms spotless and comfortable. Outings were varied and interesting. Our tutor was enthusiastic, friendly and approachable and encouraging. I, personally, needed some more direction.

    R Dunn, Scotland

    Amazing week. Loved the food, the venue and the hosts Terry and Jill were amazing very warm and welcoming.

    V Pau

    Fantastic relaxing week! I'd recommend it!

    K O'Brien

    Best Time to Visit France

    Spring Summer Autumn Winter

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    Best Places to Visit

    Nice

    Welcome to a city of azure seas, pristine beaches, fresh Mediterranean cuisine and lifestyle to matc

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    Nice

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    Gascony

    Rolling hills bearing winding vineyards, Gascony is a region best savoured slowly.

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    Gascony

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    Normandy

    Windswept beaches, quiet village communities - there are wonderful experiences to be found in Norman

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    Normandy

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    Provence

    Travel along roads that wind their way through the hills of Provence to find truly offbeat experienc

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    Provence

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    Loire Valley

    Incredible chateaux, beautiful countryside, exquisite wine, all this & more in the Loire Valley.

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    Loire Valley

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    Bordeaux

    Historical & cultural hub in a region of world-class vineyards, Bordeaux is a rewarding destination.

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    Bordeaux

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    French Riviera

    Glitz and glamour await in a land where all pleasures & unique experiences can be found.

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    French Riviera

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    Biarritz

    Tucked away on the south Atlantic coast, France’s surf capital hides a number of offbeat experienc

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    Biarritz

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    Toulouse

    A picturesque maze of cobbled alleys reveals a city on the forefront of France’s cultural scene.

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    Toulouse

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    Paris

    What can be said that hasn’t been said already, the romantic capital of the world sits on the Sein

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    Paris

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    Nouvelle-Aquitaine

    A scene conjured up by gently ringing church bells & smells of boulangerie wafting through its stree

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    Nouvelle-Aquitaine

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    Lyon

    The culinary capital of France, if you’re a food lover, look no further than this charismatic city

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    Lyon

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    Brittany

    Fishing villages, stretches of deserted coastline & all the cheese and bread you can eat, sounds lik

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    Brittany

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    French Pyrenees

    Lesser visited than the Alps but still incredibly beautiful, authentic, and truly off the beaten tra

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    French Pyrenees

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    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:

    Learn more about France

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