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Gardoussel  11th August – 18th August 2012

Art and Yoga with Karen Stamper 

Gardoussel is a magical oasis of calm and incredible natural beauty set in the lush Cevennes Mountains, 1 hour from Nimes and 2 hours from Montpellier.

A place of stunning simplicity where guests can truly relax without the distractions of tv, crowds or traffic. Gardoussel is a friendly family run retreat – a special place to completely unwind. The area is abundant in wildlife. Buzzards, falcons, woodpeckers and owls can be glimpsed – or heard – among the trees.

Secluded yet within easy access to the nearest village St Andre de Valbourge 1km away along a small country road. St Andre has a grocery shop, a butcher, two cafes, two restaurants and a tourism office. It also has a craft shop and a pottery studio which offers drop-in sessions and workshops (English spoken)

Yoga classes will be on the yoga deck, in the shade of the trees, each morning. Art workshops (3 hours each morning) will take place in the studio or around the property and village. Afternoons are free to enjoy your own time.

            “A real tonic – loved the yoga especially in the open air, even with the cicades croaking and donkeys passing by! Haven’t laughed so much in ages”

There is a large natural swimming pool with waterfall just 5 minutes’ walk towards the village, with picnic tables, benches and diving rocks: truly spectacular! For those who prefer a pool there is a 36 sq.m above-ground pool also by the river, this is a metre deep. There are 12 marked hiking trails in and around the village, one of which crosses through the edge of the property. Maps with full details are available from the local tourist office in the village, or just explore the hills behind the hamlet.

              “Superb week. Magic place plus excellent food and accommodation and great people. Magnificent yoga. I have loved your approach – I learnt that yoga can be ‘down to earth’ humble, simple and effective”

Mountain bikes can be hired from another local village, as can donkeys for accompanied treks.

Optional extras: Pamper yourself with a Swedish massage, Acupuncture, Craniosacral therapy or try Ayurvedic cookery lessons… or simply relax in a hammock in peaceful gardens & grounds.

During the heat of the day, the forest offers some much-welcomed, natural shade. There is a little stream that descends the mountainside behind the property which joins the Gardon River at the foot of the valley. Hammocks are suspended among the trees.

Accommodation is in a combination of gites and adjacent bedrooms with shared bathrooms and living areas.

Breakfast is self-service and continental-style (breakfast cereals, toast, jams, juices, tea / coffee etc). Lunch and dinner consist of healthy,delicious, home-made vegetarian meals inspired by Ayurvedic nutritional principles, adjusted to western foods and culture. Most of the ingredients used are organic and grown in the local area. Ayurvedic nutrition is about balancing body energies – constitution, capacity, digestive strength, age, health and lifestyle. At Gardoussel the meals are designed with the season and climate in mind, prepared using fresh ingredients, wholegrains, ghee and sesame oil, served at regular times in a relaxed supportive environment ( eg.lasagne, cheese/leek bake, ratatouille) The largest meal is at lunchtime when the body is best able to digest foods.

Meals are normally served on a terrace overlooking the valley, or in the communal living/dining room. Wine is included.  One evening, after dinner there may an impromptu musical evening around the campfire.

Because this is a family run retreat visitors are requested to assist at meal times by washing up and clearing away afterwards.

Please visit the Gardoussel website for a full tour   http://gardoussel.com

Gardoussel Holiday – Saturday 11th August to Saturday 18th August 2012

Included – 7 nights full board (all meals and wine) and accommodation – Morning/evening yoga sessions – 5 art workshops – all equipment – morning visit to local market.

Not included – Flights – Insurance – Towels

Cost £800      Returners £760      Non participating partners £650

It is normal practice to share a room. Single rooms may be available depending on numbers for a supplement of 150 euros. 

If you would like Karen to organise your transfer from Nimes airport/station please allow £40 return. The transfer time is 1 hour 20.

Travel to France:

Fly to Nimes, Montpellier with Ryanair/Easyjet

www.ryanair.com

www.easyjet.com

Car –  www.ferrycheap.com

Train – www.seat61.com ( a very clear train travel website) Book 90 days in advance, no baggage restrictions or fees!

Maison Verte  28th July – 4th August 2012

Two exciting courses running at the same time! 

Art with Karen Stamper                  Painting with Francis Boag

Stay in a traditional 19th century wine maker’s mansion in Roujan, a two acre haven of grand old buildings, secluded gardens, a vast courtyard and pool. Roujan is a big village, 10 minutes drive from Pezenas. The house sleeps 25 in a mixture of single, twin, double and triple rooms.

Maison Verte is a rambling, shambling house high on quirkiness and low on mod cons. It is a place of dreams, projects and communal inspiration and the guests return again and again because their lives, they tell us, have been changed there.

              ” I had a fantastic week at Maison Verte. It is a beautiful house, we had a very warm welcome and soon felt at home. The pool is lovely and the spacious gardens and outdoor dining area was ideal for socialising…”

Healthy and delicious meals are prepared (vegetarians and vegans catered for) using fresh local ingredients. Breakfasts are continental style (bread, jam, croissants, juice, tea, coffee) Lunch (cheeses, pates and a dish such as pasta, rice, greens and bread)  and dinner (three courses) are a convivial affair around the large dining table. Wine is included at  lunch and dinner

           “The art classes are inspiring, fun and so creative. I have learnt so much. Combined with the house, yoga, setting and food made this the best possible’ getaway’ ever!”

           “Amazing vegetarian  loveliness”

The two art courses are taught separately in the morning (10am-1pm). In the optional afternoon studio time (4pm-6pm) both tutors will be in the studio to give advice to all guests.

One morning/afternoon is free to allow time to visit the picturesque town of Pezenas (a 20 minute bus journey)

For a full tour of Maison Verte please visit       www.lamaisonverte.co.uk

Maison Verte Holiday – Saturday 28th July to Saturday 4th August 2012

Included – 7 nights full board (all meals and wine) and accommodation – Morning yoga sessions – 5 art workshops –optional afternoon studio time with Karen and Francis together -  all equipment – one free morning/afternoon

Not included – Flights – Insurance – Towels

Cost £880    Returners £800    Non participating partners £720

It is normal practice to share a room. There are three single rooms, allocated as requested.

If you would like Karen to organise your transfer from the airport/station please allow £40 return. Transfer time from Beziers – 50 minutes, Carcassonne – 1 hour 20, Montpellier – 1 hour 10.

Travel to Maison Verte

Fly to Beziers,Carcassonne, Nimes, Montpellier with Ryanair/Easyjet

www.ryanair.com

www.easyjet.com

Car –  www.ferrycheap.com

Train – www.seat61.com ( a very clear train travel website) Book 90 days in advance, no baggage restrictions or fees!