Home base for our adventure together is a lovely 400+ year old stone house. The second you step foot in La Cascade you’ll feel the peaceful energy and creative zest of this family-style retreat home that’s lovingly cared for so many people. Walk outside and see the natural rushing cascade and flowing stream that runs directly behind the house (literally named the cascade house), adjacent to the artisan village of Durfort and into the River Sor. You will feel as though you’ve stepped foot into a classic French art film!

Our exclusive retreat includes:

• 7 days and 7 nights lodging at La Cascade (double occupancy required)

• Fresh, healthy regional-style meals eaten together around the big dining room table or on the lovely outside terrace - 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners.

• Inspiring field trips (you have the flexibility to choose whether to go to all, none or a combination of excursions).

• Daily art making,

• Open studio time.

• Transportation to and from the airport (limited to one drop off and one pick up only at scheduled times, no exceptions) and for all excursions, plus short runs to the grocery store, ATM machine, pharmacy, etc. for any personal care needs.

Accommodations are double occupancy (twin beds) with five shared bedrooms and three shared bathrooms in the house.

The art studio is located on the third floor of the house and is open 24/7 with quiet hours from 11 pm to 7 am.

Common areas include living room, dining room and large outside terrace with access to the river and cascade. No kitchen access for personal use. Internet is available, though wifi signal varies within the house so please come prepared with your own cell phone data plan.

La Cascade is a 16th-century stone home that has three levels, with the bedrooms on the second and third floors and the studio workshop on the third floor. Students must be able to climb stairs and manage walking during excursions.

Not included in price: Airfare, travel insurance, supplemental medical Insurance, one lunch and one dinner out during the week. Insurance is highly encouraged. Please check your US medical insurance provider to ensure you will have adequate coverage overseas. If not, consider purchasing supplemental emergency medical in addition to your travel insurance.

Retreat will include planned excursions:

• The famous Saturday Market in Revel, listed as one of the top 100 most beautiful markets in France.

• Vide greniers (French flea markets) that occur every Sunday during the summers in various nearby villages

• An exclusive artisanal natural woad dying workshop with a textiles historian and woad dying expert. Students will learn the fascinating history of woad and how it brought wealth to Toulouse and the French Empire and then have the opportunity to experience the hands-on process for themselves, dying textiles purchased during the market and vide greniers.

• Side trip to small brocantes (independent antique shops) for even more French treasure-hunting!

Investment: $3,595 USD per person, double occupancy rooms

$300 USD NON-REFUNDABLE deposit secures your spot. Automatic Payment plan provided.

Spaces are on a first-come basis and a wait list begins the minute a retreat is full.