FLORA, FLEAS, SCENTS, & SENSIBILITY
SOUTH OF FRANCE 2018
Sept. 27 – Oct. 4, 2018
FLORA, FLEAS, SCENTS, & SENSIBILITY~SOUTH OF FRANCE 2018
Guest ratings
The excursions were beyond incredible. Five Stars!
One of the most fabulous trips I have ever taken.
Paula Coleman, Master Stylist, invites you on a magical journey to the South of France in the Fall of 2018
Join me in the French Countryside for a magical week of creativity; open-air floral arranging with locally foraged greenery & blooms, creating bouquets, flower crowns, fine art botanical prints, curating French inspired florals, photographing & capturing your creations, cultivating community with other creative people, and taking part in the relaxed French way of life.
The retreat will be hosted in a lovely, 400 year-old French country house located an hour south of Toulouse, among fields, small villages, a river waterfall, and ancient towns. In this setting we will deeply experience the charm of France. Fostering limitless creativity and inspiration in a slow living environment.
We will begin our journey in Toulouse and travel south to the tiny village of Durfort. Here we will offer creative workshops focused on florals, nature, styling, & scent. Including making your own custom essential oils. There will also be ample time for you to create, explore, indulge, shop, rest, journal, and renew your spirit.
There will be time to explore surrounding villages & markets, and dine with new friends. France is full of culture, charm, mystique and this is the perfect time to savor a bit of local life. With our setting next to a river, we will forage the grounds for creative inspiration to be used in workshops. We will also visit a French Market in Revel, considered the prettiest in all of France, as we shop for vessels & treasures to use in our creations.
We will capture and document our journey, and photograph each attendees creations ~ these photos will be yours to use in your portfolio, and they will serve you well for years to come. We will have our lovely French model wearing and modeling the creations of each attendee, in a stylized photoshoot. We plan to eat well and dine under the stars. Dinners prepared by our own private chef of the freshest local ingredients…and always plenty of French wine served with Dinner! Through retreat, creative workshops, good food, and fellowship, there will be a harmonious balance of inspiration, rest, and rejuvenation.
More details of our upcoming journey and itinerary will be available very soon, as the plans are coming together now! To ensure the journey will be enlightening for everyone,we like to keep the trip intimate in size, and attendance is limited to 12 participants.
Space books quickly! If you are interested in attending, you may place an early-bird space holder deposit of $100.00 USD. Click the event brite link to hold your space here: www.franceretreat.eventbrite.com
Together we will learn and see:
~ Art of using botanical & essential oils for our enjoyment & benefit.
~Floral Styling Techniques for photographing our creations.
~Pinterest & Instagram tips for showcasing your flowers.
~Flower uses such as pressed flowers, waxed flowers, paper flowers, potpourri & more, with instruction booklets and recipes.
~Harnessing the sun to create your own lovely botanical prints.
~Create your own custom perfume.
~Visit a modern, French Flower Shop to learn the skills of European Design.
~Visit the famed 400-year-old Market in Revel…named one of the 100 prettiest in all of France.
~Visit the Sunday Flea markets for unique treasures.
~Have a culinary experience, conducted by our private Chef, Nese.
~Enjoy nearby villages and landmarks.
~Enjoy Excursions, Shopping, French Food and Culture.
Retreat Includes:
7-Night Accommodations, Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner Daily (Dessert & Wine with Dinner), Expert Instruction, All Workshop materials & tools, Professional Photographs for your Portfolio, Excursions & Field Trips, Transportation within France, All taxes & fees & more ~ Visit:
www.franceretreat.eventbrite.com for more details!
2018 Upcoming Workshops:
South of France: Sept. 27 – Oct. 4, 2018
WHO WILL ENJOY THIS JOURNEY?
Flower Enthusiasts, People who love to travel, Lovers of Food & Culture, Lovers of French History & Culture, Crafters, Floral Designers, History Buffs, Artists & Painters, Food & Wine Aficionados, Architecture Buffs, Photographers, and lovers of Europe and all things beautiful.
Retreat Includes:
7-Night Accommodations, Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner Daily (Dessert & Wine with Dinner), Expert Instruction, All Workshop materials & tools, Professional Photographs for your Portfolio, Excursions & Field Trips, Transportation within France, All taxes & fees & more ~ Visit:
www.franceretreat.eventbrite.com for more details!
2018 Upcoming Workshops:
South of France: Sept. 27 – Oct. 4, 2018
Space books quickly! If you are interested in attending, you may place an early-bird space holder deposit of $100.00 USD. Click the event brite link to hold your space here: www.franceretreat.eventbrite.com
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q. Do I need prior floral experience to attend a workshop?
A. No. No prior floral experience is necessary. The workshops are designed to help you learn from whatever stage of experience you are in. From complete beginner to professional designer to event stylist. The workshops are designed to be a fun, creative, inspiring and fulfilling experience for all skill levels and areas of interest.
Q. Do you have workshops only abroad?
A. No. I also have workshops in different areas of the USA. Check our Workshops and Retreats Page for future updates.
Q. What do the workshops normally include?
A. I strive to create an all-inclusive experience to make traveling to the destination as easy and enjoyable as possible. Normally, the workshops and retreats include, 4 Star+ accommodations, all meals, transportation at the destination during the workshop, roundtrip transfers from airport to hotel/inn and back to airport (unless otherwise noted) all workshop materials, classroom supplies, instruction booklets, floral apron & tools, botanical supplies, welcome bag/gifts, professional photography of attendees work, photography of the retreat activities, all retreat photos for use in your portfolio, excursions, field trips, expert floral instruction, photo styling techniques for social media marketing, one-on-one interaction with all designers and instructors, ongoing professional advice, and all taxes & fees.
Q. How many people normally attend the workshops?
A. I strive to keep the group size small, so that each attendee gets one-on-one interaction and attention. Normally the group is 10 – 12 attendees. Because of the limited size, the workshops sell out quickly! Sometimes, our accommodations don’t allow for a large group. Such as some of the small Chateau’s in France. If we travel to a destination where our accommodations will allow a larger group of attendees then we try to accommodate those who are interested in attending, with no more than 20 persons.
Q. What is the pace of the trips?
A. The pace is usually Leisurely. I like to allow time to fully immerse ourselves in the culture of our destination. Also, allowing some free time to explore on your own, time to shop, sight-see, relax, and fully enjoy the experience. Some destinations, such as Holland, have a more moderate pace because there is a lot of activities and excursions packed into this type of trip. All trips are designed not to feel rushed or stressful in any way.
Q. Do I have to participate in all activities?
A. No. Of course, to get the most from your experience, participation is encouraged. However, this is your retreat, and you may feel free to experience it as you wish.
Q. Is Airfare included?
A. No. Roundtrip airfare to the workshop is not included in the price. Because attendees come from all over the US and abroad, they are responsible for their own travel arrangements to the workshop. Some attendees prefer to book their own flight so that they can use points or frequent flier miles.
Q. What else will be provided?
A. Information about our destination, as well as a suggested packing list, and a city/country map will be provided. As well as travel tips and other helpful information about currency, language, etc.
Q. Do you have a payment plan?
A. Yes. Payment Plans are available. Payments can be structured to fit your individual needs.
Q. Are Payments Refundable if I need to cancel?
A. Your initial deposit to hold your spot is usually refundable up to a certain date. After this date (that is specified for each type of trip) all payments are not refundable, but are transferrable in case an emergency arises and you cannot travel. Early-Bird space-holder deposits are non-refundable.
Q. Is travel insurance required?
A. For most trips, travel insurance is at your discretion. Some destinations require each attendee to carry travel insurance. This is specified in the trip description for each destination.
Q. Will I have a main contact person before, during, and after the trip?
A. Yes. You will always have a main contact person, including their cell phone that you may reach in case of emergency. You will be provided with your main contact at least 30 days prior to departure.
Q. Can you accommodate my food allergies or meal preferences?
A. Every effort is made to accommodate each attendees needs. Please let us know when you book your trip if you have any food allergies or need gluten free, vegetarian, or vegan meals.
Q. Can you accommodate handicapped persons?
A. Most times we can. We do our best to accommodate every who is interested in attending a workshop. It is best to give us a call to discuss your individual needs. Some lodging in smaller chateaus or hotels in Europe are not handicapped equipped. Some accommodations do not have elevators.
Q. Is there anything else I should know?
A. The trips are designed to have a balanced pace that will appeal to everyone. Participants should be in good physical condition, able to walk over cobblestone streets, handle moderate steps, and carry their own luggage if necessary.






OUR HOST CHATEAU:
LaCascade
LaCascade is located about 1 hour & 20 minutes from Toulouse Airport, and about 45 minutes from the city center of Toulouse, in the medieval village of Durfort, in Southern France.
LaCascade is a 17th century house that lies on the banks of a small river that flows between the valley. Encompassing three stories, LaCascade LaCascade sits on an authentic medieval village street with the copper artisans stream running down the lane. The name LaCascade came from the enchanting waterfall that sits off the back terrace. There are lovely riverside terraces with French Doors, breezy sun-filled rooms, a stonewalled living room with fireplace, cheerful sun-lit bedrooms, and a sun-filled artisan craft studio. Our week at LaCascade is reserved exclusively for our intimate group. LaCascade sleeps 12 guests (max). There is a Bed & Breakfast nearby that can accommodate overflow from LaCascade. (Space for LaCascade will be determined on a fist come basis)
Our accommodations at LaCascade are charming sun-filled bedrooms that sleep two people. (Two twin beds). There are three full (modern) bathrooms. LaCascade also includes a sitting room, dining room, two riverside terraces, and a large, authentic French kitchen. Daily, freshly prepared Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are served. Wifi is also included.
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
20 Meals Included: 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
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