A creative and gastronomic journey in the fabulous South of France. Lead by Annette Morris and chef 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.

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.

Where
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.

The workshops
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:

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

Day 1– Your first morning will be in Quarante exploring the essential ingredients for sketching.
Dinner will be served in evening.

Day 2 – Annette’s sketching excursion will take you to one of the region’s finest towns, Béziers. 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.

Day 3 – Sketching today will be at a local market. The afternoon will be free to spend as you wish before the cooking class followed by dinner.

Day 4 – Departure day – Au revoir breakfast

Dates
14-18 June or 7-11 November

Prices (exclude transport and lunch):
4 nights B&B
​3 sketch workshops
1 cookery demonstration
Wine-tasting
1 cookery class

810€ pp single occupancy
730€ pp double occupancy (2 students sharing)
605€ pp double occupancy (1 sketcher and 1 non sketcher sharing)

Your tutors
Annette Morris – British artist Annette is bilingual and 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.
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Maison Quarante B&B
Maison Quarante is peacefully situated at the end of the ‘Grand Rue’ in the heart of the hilltop village. This magnificent house was built in 1805, and has been carefully renovated with all modern facilities yet without losing its charm.
The rooms are centrally heated, comfortably furnished with ensuite bathrooms and have views of the village or the large garden and its pool, and the rolling landscape or the vineyards beyond. Your host Annika is a passionate sketcher, she can also arrange evening meals, airport pick-up, wine-tasting evenings and cookery classes.
http://www.maisonquarante.com

​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

Booking
A 100€ deposit will secure your reservation – balance due 4 weeks before the arrival date. To book your place email annette@sketchingfrance.com