French Holidays Aude is currently offering art courses in France for group sizes of 4 to 8 people during the months of April, May, September and October. There are 4 double bedrooms each of which can be arranged as twin or double rooms and non painting partners are welcome. The accommodation is offered as primarily self catering in order to keep the cost of your painting holiday at a more affordable level.
Situated within the picturesque valley of Argentouire this tranquil location makes an ideal base for artists. Whether this is on-site or at one of the many beauty spots in the area offering mountain views, forests, gorges, traditional French architecture and historic Cathar buildings. There is also the opportunity to wind down after a days painting relaxing on the patio, in the gardens or taking a stroll around the attractive countryside.
The course will be run by William Barden who will offer advice on drawing techniques and water colouring. For more information on William's work you can visit his website at Billy Barden Artist and Illustrator where I am sure you will get an appreciation of his artistic ability.
| Saturday | Arrive after 4.00p.m settle in and familiarise yourselves with location and accommodation. |
| Sunday | Free day to explore the area and visit local towns or places of interest |
| Monday & Tuesday | Course periods are 10.00a.m to 12.00a.m and 2.00p.m. to 5.00p.m a light buffet lunch will be provided between 12.00a.m to 2.00p.m |
| Wednesday | Excursion to 'La Cite' in Carcassonne leaving 9.30a.m returning 5.00p.m. If the whole group is in agreement, transport can be arranged, alternatively you could opt to use your own transport.. The course tutor will accompany you on the trip in either case. |
| Thursday & Friday | Course periods are 10.00a.m to 12.00a.m and 2.00p.m. to 5.00p.m a light buffet lunch will be provided between 12.00a.m to 2.00p.m |
| Saturday | Depart no later than 10.00a.m |
| Note: the kitchen will be available for use on a communal basis for breakfast and evening meals or alternatively you can take advantage of the local restaurants in the area. | |
The course will be held in the grounds of Le Moulin or by taking excursions to suitable sites in the local surrounding areas; art materials consisting of a colour palette, brush and watercolour pad will be provided for your convenience, but you can of course bring your own materials if you prefer.
There are numerous opportunities to identify suitable traditional subjects or to explore the possibility of producing abstracts according to your preferences. The local architecture, as previously stated, is in a typical French style and there are plenty of wonderful view points and landscapes available for capture using basic techniques that will be demonstrated and explained by your tutor. Le Moulin is within walking distance of the local village of Issel which affords fantastic views across the Carcassonne plains to the Pyrenees. There is a lake at St Ferreol within a 20 minute drive that has an arboretum and trees dating back as far as 500 years, and the lake feeds the Canal du Midi which is located about 10 minutes away from Le Moulin by car. There is plenty to provide inspiration and there should be a subject to meet every need.
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The costs for the course are arranged as follow:
| Cost per single person attending the course | £500 per week |
| Cost per couple attending the course | £750 per week |
| Cost per couple with 1 person attending the course | £525 per week |
Le Moulin is located in a relatively rural position and therefore the use of a hire car is necessary to reach us if you travel without your own vehicle. This will allow you to be able to explore the area and get to shops or restaurants during the period of your stay. The local village of Issel is only a short 10 minute walk away and beyond that Castelnaudary on the Canal du Midi or Revel at the foothills of the Montagne Noire can be reached by car in 10 or 20 minutes respectively.
Couples will be share a bedroom, two of which have ensuite bathrooms; the 3rd and 4th bedrooms utilise a large family bathroom. You can visit the accommodation page for more information on the facilities, including the kitchen and sitting room.
To register your interest in the course and request any further details such as availability etc. go to the Contact Us page. We will be very happy to hear from you and to discuss your requirements.