Based in the charming and historic village of Quarante – this holiday will not only give you the chance to develop your sketching skills, but you’ll live life like a local!

The holiday starts on Saturday evening with a welcome drink at 6pm. For the next few days we’ll get to grips with some of the basics of travel sketching with ink and watercolour – ideal for beginners or a great refresher if you’ve already got some drawing or painting experience. We’ll be exploring the village and surrounding area through our sketches and by bus, learning a whole pack of tips and tricks about perspective, colour, drawing people and of course, tasting local foods and wines!

There will be 3 sketching days plus one day to relax or explore the area on your own (or sketch some more!).

Where to stay:

Maison Quarante is a stunning Maison de Maître located in the heart of the village. All bedrooms are extremely spacious with private bathrooms. Guests can only enjoy use of the beautiful private garden and swimming pool.  Maison Quarante has been extremely popular with all students in recent years so do book early to guarantee a room!

Your hostess Annika can provide evening meals, wine-tasting and cookery classes by arrangement.  If you have any questions about the accommodation before booking please email Annika info@maisonquarante.com.

Transport recommendations:
Fly to Béziers, Carcassonne, Perpignan or Montpellier
Closest railway station: Narbonne
A bus links Beziers airport to Beziers station where a direct bus service connects with Quarante.
Alternatively, airport/station pick-up can be arranged if necessary.

What to bring:
Sketchbook, Portable sketching stool, Basic watercolour travel set, Watercolour brush, HB/B/2B pencil, eraser, sharpener. A detailed materials list will be sent with booking confirmation or by request. Simply email annette@sketchlanguedoc.com for full details. If you need to use a sketch kit on loan, this can also be arranged in advance.

Additional notes:
Quarante is a hilltop village and there will be some walking up and down steps, so please wear comfortable footwear and bring a waterproof in the event of inclement weather.

Prices:

Double room (sole occupancy): 505€
Double room (1 sketcher + 1 non-sketcher sharing): 630€

Prices include 3 half-days tuition and 5 nights bed and breakfast but exclude other meals, refreshments and transport.

A 100€ deposit will secure you booking. The balance is payable by bank transfer 30 days before the holiday starts.

Optional extras:
Cookery class
Airport pick-up
Evening meals
Additional nights 65€ per room

If you would like more information before booking – please email me annette@sketchlanguedoc.com