This 5 night luxury holiday is the ultimate retreat to recharge your creative batteries in a stunning newly renovated chateau in Chalabre, south of France.

From the moment you step through the ancient oak door, you’ll find sketching inspiration at every turn. The property interior has been carefully refurbished whilst retaining many of the original features, from the wood panelling in the great dining hall to the sumptuous linens on the beds. The lovingly landscaped garden overlooks the Medieval church and the snow-capped peaks of the Pyrenees. In addition to a gym, international sizes Pétanque court and private pool, the Château offers an impressive array of optional extra personalised services including Butler, Au pair, Chef and Tour guide.

From this incredible base we’ll grab our sketch kits and explore the beautiful bastide town and area surrounding Chalabre, with its alpine feel, quiet alleyways, riverside walks and busy market place. The holiday includes 3 sketching days plus an additional day to do as you please, whether that’s to relax, take a wine-tasting tour, explore the area or sketch some more! Situated in the very south west corner of the Aude, Chalabre is the capital of the Quercorb region not far from the Spanish border. Easiest international travel links are via Toulouse, Perpignan and Barcelona. Carcassonne airport and SNCF station are an hour away by car.  Carcassonne is the closest train station which can be reached from Barcelona or Paris. Check out this site for details: https://en.oui.sncf/en

Bringing a touch of magic to your sketching skills!

This holiday is suitable for absolute beginners as well as more experienced artists. If you are looking to freshen up your approach to drawing and watercolour then this is for you! What we’ll explore is composition and use of line-work, putting personality into your sketches and creating beautiful journal pages with lettering and mixed media. For some extra special touches in your sketchbook there’ll be some other surprises too! Everything is delivered with a good dose of humour, so you’ll have beautiful sketches and memories to keep you smiling for a long while to come.

What’s included:
5 nights bed and breakfast
2 three-course evening meals
4 sketching workshops

Prices:
Double room (sole occupancy) 1085€
Twin/double share (1 sketcher 1 non-sketching partner) 1360€
Twin/double share (2 sketchers) 880€ per person

Optional extras:
Airport pick-up (approximately 100€ from Toulouse)
Evening meals
Wine-tasting tours
Additional nights B&B (125€ per night)

If you have any questions about the accommodation before booking – please email Eve at bookings@chateaulanguedoc.com

What to bring:
Sketchbook, Portable sketching stool, Basic watercolour travel set
Watercolour brush, HB/B/SB pencil, eraser, sharpener

A detailed materials list will be sent with booking confirmation or by request. Simply email annette@sketchlanguedoc.com for full details.

Additional notes:
From the Chateau we will explore with our sketchbooks on foot, so there will be some walking up and down hills and steps. Please wear comfortable footwear and bring a waterproof in the event of inclement weather.

Payment:
A 50% deposit will secure your reservation payable directly to the Chateau. The balance is due 30 days before the holiday takes place.

To make an enquiry or reservation for this holiday, please use the contact form below

Chateau Life Sketchbook Holiday 11-16 May 2020