x2 art holidays and courses
an opportunity to find time for personal creativity
Mind Body and Soul 22-28 September 2023
Art and Yoga Retreat to restore wellbeing in a relaxed environment, with organic homemade meals, local award-winning wines in beautiful SW France.
in the Gers, South West France
with artists Virginia Griffith Jones and Wendy Roylance
and Yoga professional, Susie Wetton
“Any action done with beauty and purity, and in complete harmony of body, mind and soul, is art.” BKS Iyengar
More than ever in today’s world, we need space to unwind, recharge and be inspired. This 6-night yoga and painting retreat offers the opportunity:
- To nurture your creative spirit, with specially designed workshops to explore and experiment with a range of media, reflecting on who we are as individual artists. Artists of all abilities are welcome: first time, beginners, returning to art, experienced. There are two highly knowledgeable, professional artist/tutors who will inspire and guide you to have fun and develop your own creativity.
- To practise yoga with a highly experienced and intuitive instructor in either indoor or outdoor studio. Differentiation is made for all abilities.
- To experience some genuine, camaraderie around the table enjoying delicious local organic, home grown/prepared meals and wines. New friendships made amidst laughter, creative discussion and reflection.
You will be joining a small group of people looking to develop and explore their own personal creativity in a relaxed friendly environment. Beginners to experts are welcome. Two qualified teachers and professional artists will provide guidance and support enabling each individual to work at their own level. Places are strictly limited to ensure individual attention and support.
The Gers, SW France, is glorious in September, with warm sunshine and ever-changing light throughout the day; highlighting silvers, softest greens and blues and surprises of pinks, orange and mauves. There are views to the Pyrenees from both Le Pignoulet and the studio, and both locations have heated swimming pools.
Accommodation is in the beautiful Le Pignoulet, in spacious bedrooms, all ensuite. www.pignoulet.com
“I loved every minute and have learnt so much. Fabulous environment to work in. Virg and Wendy are inspiring teachers.”
Les Chenes farmhouse sits in a couple of acres with orchard, meadow and garden. It nestles in a wide valley looking out to the Pyrenees. The ever-changing light creates perfect painting conditions throughout the day. The garden is alive with birdsong and colourful flowers and shrubs. There is a heated pool which is a delight for an early morning swim or evening dip. Delicious, healthy home-produced meals are taken in the abri (covered terrace) with saesonal fruit and vegetables provided from the garden. Other produce is sourced locally. We have an organic bio goats cheese and pork producer and a wonderful boulangerie.
Cost: £1120
Single supplement £100pn
It is the responsibility of individuals to take out travel and health insurance.
Included | Not included |
Transfers from Lourdes airport | Final dinner taken together in Marciac |
6 nights BnB accommodation, en-suite, in the stunning Maison Maitre, Le Pignoulet | Travel and health insurance |
Transfers from Le Pignoulet to art studio and to Marciac for the Wednesday market and our final dinner together. | Transfers from other airports except Lourdes, or stations |
5 morning sessions of yoga in spacious studio | No other alcohol except that served with meals; there is an honesty book by the pool at the studio. |
Daily morning and afternoon art sessions with two experienced professional artists and tutors, in the Armentieux studio and beautiful Gers countryside. | |
All materials, including portable stools and easels. (Please bring a sketchbook if you have one) | |
Breakfast; lunch and dinner with wine.(except the final meal in a local restaurant) | |
Welcome Pack |
Travel: Flights (not included)
Ryanair flies from Stansted to Lourdes. (Transfer from Lourdes airport included.)
Alternatively, you can fly into Toulouse or Bordeaux (approx 2 hours transfer) and hire a car. Or, we can arrange a transfer, which would be an additional cost.
If you prefer to drive, it is 10 hours from the Tunnel, 7 hours from Caen. Should you wish to make more of the journey, chambres d’hotes can be recommended en route.
“Great atmosphere at Les Chênes. Perfect hosts, in a beautiful location. Fab week all round.”
“Food sublime, company fun and relaxed.”
Let's explore creatively together!
Get in Touch
If you have any queries relating to this holiday, please contact Wendy Roylance or Virginia Griffith Jones