A creative and gastronomic journey in the fabulous South of France. Lead by Annette Morris and Anne de Ravel, this holiday is a treat for the senses combining sketching workshops, cookery, food and wine-tasting, the perfect getaway for singles or couples.

Where

Languedoc is France's best kept secret. An area surrounded by vineyards as far as the eye can see, fabulous historic cities, beautiful Mediterranean beaches, stunning mountain trails and, of course, the world-famous Canal du Midi. Sketching inspiration is around every corner.

From your base in a comfortable and charming B&B in Quarante, we will travel through some of the most picturesque spots and discover the rich cultural history of the area. We will meet artisan producers and sample the rustic traditional charcuterie. You’ll lunch at many venues favored by the locals. Along the way, you will become skillful sketcher and get first-hand knowledge of the region’s cuisine and wines.

What we'll do

Learn how to capture a moment in time in your sketchbook, your impression, your way. Step-by-step you'll be guided through a fun process of planning your pages, working with text, colour and different materials. Sketch and cook your recipes to create memories that will last a lifetime!

Sample Itinerary (join for 3 nights or more):

Arrival day – Settle in at the Maison Quarante. Welcome drinks and dinner where you’ll meet Annette and Annika to discuss sketch kits and plans for the week.

Friday - Your first morning will be in Quarante exploring the essential ingredients for sketching. Lunch at a local restaurant (non-sketchers are welcome to join) before returning to La Maison de Quarante. You will have time to relax in the afternoon before a wine tasting lead by an expert. Dinner will follow.

Saturday - Annette’s sketching excursion will take you to one of the region’s finest indoor markets, the bustling Béziers halles. Lunch at a local bistro before returning to Quarante. The afternoon will be free to spend as you wish before the evening aperitif and dinner. Note: sketchers are welcome into the kitchen during the preparation of the meal to sketch ingredients, cooking gestures, etc.

Sunday – Take a break from sketching and meet a winemaker. After a guided tour of the vineyard, you will enjoy a comprehensive wine tasting followed by a picnic lunch (non-sketchers are welcome to join) at the vineyard. The afternoon will be free to spend as you wish before the evening cooking class and dinner.

Monday – Sketching today will be near the Canal du Midi looking at storytelling through sketching and a light lunch at a local café. The afternoon will be free to spend as you wish. Evening aperitif and dinner. Note: sketchers are welcome into the kitchen during the preparation of the meal to sketch ingredients, cooking gestures, etc.

Tuesday - A trip to the Oulibo will invite you to discover olives and all things local. Maybe we'll sketch a view of a local chateau whilst en route! Lunch at a local bistro or a light picnic before returning to La Maison de Quarante. The afternoon will be free to spend as you wish before the final cooking class and celebration dinner.

Departure day - Au revoir breakfast

Prices (exclude transport, morning refreshments and lunch):

• Thursday - Sunday (3 nights) 495€ per person (single occupancy)
• Thursday - Monday (4 nights) 680€ per person (single occupancy)
• Thursday - Wednesday (6 nights) 1600€ per person (single occupancy)
• Thursday - Wednesday (6 nights) 1450 per person (double occupancy)

Materials suggested (a full list will be provided with booking confirmation):
Sketchbook, Pencil (HB/2B) and eraser, Black fineliners or ink pens with waterproof ink
Basic travel watercolor kit and brush, Glue stick, Tissues and water pot, Portable folding stool

Your tutors

Annette Morris - British artist Annette has lived in Languedoc since 2008 and passionate to share her enthusiasm for the area. She is a committed Urban Sketcher and experienced tutor so will always see that everybody is working at their own pace and ability.

Anne de Ravel - Anne, a native Languedocienne, was an independent writer, producer and cookbook author in New York specializing in lifestyle, culinary trends and cooking. She was a creative editor for the New York Times, Entertaining Magazine and a producer for the Food Network. Upon returning to her native region, she created Saveur Languedoc, oeno-culinary programs bringing people together to discover Languedoc, its culinary heritage and wines. In addition, she was the original chef at the Chateau Les Carrasses in Quarante where she received many accolades.

To book or make an enquiry contact deravelanne@gmail.com at Saveur Languedoc