L’Art de la Vie
A French Art & Pottery Retreat
Monday 1st to Friday 5th June 2026 Châtelus-le-Marcheix, Limousin, France
Come and live the French artist's dream — if only for a week.
Tucked away in the peaceful Limousin countryside, this is your invitation to slow down, breathe deeply, and rediscover the joy of making art, eating well, and living with intention.
Over five days, you’ll hand-build pottery, explore new ways of painting, learn to cast, and create with freedom. We’ll stay in a beautifully converted French barn, with cosy rooms, open skies, and inspiring spaces to work and rest. You’ll eat delicious, chef-prepared meals under golden light, wander down through the village to a slow, winding river and hidden beach in a deep forested valley, share wine with new friends at dinner, and unwind by the heated pool. At the end of each day, you’ll fall asleep knowing tomorrow holds more of the same.
This retreat is for anyone in need of a creative reset. Whether you're a seasoned artist, or just love a spot of making things, you'll be supported to experiment, play, and reconnect with your creativity in ways that feel joyful, freeing, and alive.
You don’t need to be ‘good at art.’ You just need to turn up.
What’s Included
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5 days / 4 nights in a beautifully renovated French country house
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Daily breakfast with local croissants, fruit, yoghurt and more
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Homemade lunches of fresh breads, cheeses, salads and local delicacies
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Delicious evening meals with wine and dessert, shared at the long table
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Unlimited teas, coffee, fruit, herbal infusions and cold drinks
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Daily pottery classes: hand-building, surface design, and casting
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Daily art sessions: from painting and drawing to experimental techniques
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Three guest artist-led workshops
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Evening creative activities (from fire sculpture to quiet sound journeys)
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Time to relax and freedom to wander
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All materials, tools, and firing costs
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Transport of your creations back to Dorset (no need to worry about baggage allowance)
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Transfers to and from Limoges Airport
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Local travel during the retreat
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Full use of the retreat grounds — gardens, pool, and shared spaces
And most importantly:
Time, space, encouragement, and the freedom to make art your way.
The Experience
The schedule is gently structured with time to relax, rest, and explore. You’ll make things you don’t normally make. Learn things you didn’t know you loved. And stretch your creativity in ways that feel expansive, supported, and fun.
Guest teachers will be joining us for special sessions throughout the week. Some classes may take place outdoors, by the river or under the trees.
This retreat is open to all adults (or over 16 years if accompanied). Men and women are welcome.
If you’d love to bring your partner or a friend but they’re not keen on the organised arty side of things, that’s no problem at all. Companions who don’t join the art sessions are very welcome to come and enjoy the peaceful surroundings – whether that’s relaxing by the pool, strolling through the stunning countryside, or popping down to the village bar.
Investment, Rooms & Booking
Every room is unique, thoughtfully styled, and full of rustic French charm. From light-filled suites with dressing rooms, to cosy nooks overlooking the gardens, each space has been chosen to help you feel at ease.
Some rooms are luxurious and spacious, others are more intimate — but all are warm, welcoming, and full of Oo La La. All rooms are en suite, and can be made up to suit whether a double bed or singles are preferred. Whether you share with a friend or choose to indulge in single occupancy, your room is more than a place to sleep: it’s part of the experience.
Room prices reflect their size, style, and setup. Full details, images, and booking options can be viewed here.
Early bird prices start from £795 per person, depending on your chosen room and occupancy.
Booking requires a £250 deposit, which secures your space and confirms your room choice. Once booked, we’ll be in touch to finalise your preferences.
The remaining balance is due by 1st April 2026, or you can opt for a monthly payment plan (approx. £100/month depending on your room).
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🛏 Your Room Awaits
This is where you choose your space for the week — your retreat home.
Each room is unique, and they’re booked on a first-come, first-served basis… so if one’s calling your name, don’t wait too long!
Click the links below to book your room and secure your spot on the retreat.
La Chambre des Amies
(Shared Room – 4 Female Guests)
Ground floor | Sleeps up to 4 |
En Suite
The Friends’ Room – A spacious, rustic room with exposed beams, a grand fireplace, and its own sitting area. Includes twin beds, a single bed, and a lower bunk.
Note: The top bunk will not be used unless requested, to ensure everyone has a comfortable bed.
Bathroom: Bath with shower over, WC, hand basin
up to 4 guests: £795pp
Single occupancy not available
Le Verger (Premium)
First floor | Sleeps 2–3 | En Suite
The Orchard Room – Spacious and bright, with twin or king-size bed, plus an additional single.
Bathroom: Bath with shower over, WC, hand basin
3 guests: £850pp
2 guests: £895pp
Single occupancy: £1475
Le Saule (Premium)
RESERVED
First floor | Sleeps 2 | En Suite
The Willow Room – A calm and airy space with twin or double layout.
Bathroom: Bath with shower over, WC, hand basin
2 guests: £895pp
Single occupancy: £1475
Le Nid (Standard)
First floor | Sleeps 2 | En Suite
The Nest – Cosy and peaceful, with twin or double beds and garden views.
Bathroom: Shower cubicle, WC, hand basin
2 guests: £850pp
Single occupancy: £1450
Le Rosier (Standard)
RESERVED
First floor | Sleeps 2 | En Suite
The Rose Room – Light-filled and calm, with twin or double beds overlooking the gardens.
Bathroom: Bath with shower over, WC, hand basin
2 guests: £850pp
Single occupancy: £1450
La Suite Étoile (Luxury)
First floor | Sleeps 2–3 | En Suite + Dressing Room
The Star Suite – A beautifully spacious room with its own dressing area, perfect for those seeking a little extra comfort. Includes double or twin beds and a single.
Bathroom: Large bath (no shower), twin hand basins, WC
3 guests: £895pp
2 guests: £950pp
Single occupancy: £1550
Getting There
There are many ways to travel to suit your plans and budget. Why not stop off in Paris or you can fly direct.
Below are a range of ways to reach the retreat — whether you’re flying, taking the train, or making it part of a longer adventure. Travel to and from the retreat is not included and you need to plan this independently.
✈️ By Air
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Ryanair – direct flights from Gatwick, Bristol, Southampton, and Manchester to Limoges (~1hr 15min)
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Seasonal flights from other airports may also be available
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Book early for the best prices — past guests have found return flights for as little as £20!
🚐 Airport Transfers
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A transfer is included from Limoges Airport for guests arriving on the Monday flight
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If you’re flying into another airport or arriving at a different time, let us know — we’ll try to advise the best route
🚢 By Ferry + Car
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Brittany Ferries – Poole to Cherbourg (~4.5 hrs) approx £200
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Then drive from Cherbourg to the retreat (~6.5 hrs) through stunning countryside
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I will set up a WhatsApp Group and you maybe able to lift share.
🚆 By Train
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Eurostar: London St Pancras → Paris Gare du Nord (~2hr 15min)
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Metro or taxi across Paris: Gare du Nord → Gare d’Austerlitz
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Train - Train à Grande Vitesse (literally the train with big speed): Paris Austerlitz → La Souterraine (~3.5 hrs)
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Or take a different route → Saint-Sulpice-Laurière
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Transfers from the nearest station may be arranged on request
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🚌 By Coach - National Express runs coaches to London and then you can take the Eurostar
💡 Travel Tips
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You can fly direct Paris Orly for a city break (from your local airport), then take the TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) fast train south.
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Look out for airline sales — and consider turning your journey into part of the experience!
🛂 Passport & Health
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Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after the retreat
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Apply for a GHIC card (UK Global Health Insurance Card – replaces EHIC)
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We insist you have comprehensive travel insurance
Accessibility
The retreat takes place in a renovated but traditional rural property. Most bedrooms (except the shared 4 bed room) are upstairs and there may be uneven floors and steps. The venue is not currently fully wheelchair accessible. If you have accessibility needs, please contact us to discuss before booking — we will do our best to accommodate you.
Questions?
Please feel free to get in touch if you need help choosing a room, arranging travel, or confirming any details. We’re happy to help!