Ceramic Pottery and Sculpture Holiday in France

Ceramic sculpture, pottery and painting courses. 'Holidays to Inspire' activity holidays in SW France with excellent, professional and inspirational teaching. Also a covieniently located, welcoming and highly recommended Chambres D'hôtes.

Welcome to 'HOLIDAYS TO INSPIRE' where you will discover inspirational, individual and exciting holidays with gentle unobtrusive care. Whether you are interested in taking an art course, exploring the local landscape and culture, or simply wanting somewhere to rest and relax then look no further.

Holidays to Inspire is situated in a beautiful, welcoming local style Maison de Maitre with large barns accommodating ceramics workshops, painting and drawing studios and a gallery. We are in the village of Beauchalot in SW France overlooking the Pyrenees, midway between the Atlantic and the Mediterranian, just 75km south of Toulouse and 50km from the Spanish border.

Steeped in history, with Palaeolithic cave paintings, Gallo Roman villas, medieval churches, towns and villages, this friendly, warm hearted region has scarcely begun to wake up to its potential through tourism.

Paint, pot, draw or just holiday, it is about being inspired!

We offer:

* Ceramics,pottery and painting holiday courses
* French culture and activity holidays
* Relaxing, welcoming Chambres d'Hôtes/B&B with amazing food.
* excellent professional inspirational teaching
* Day and short courses for both aldults and children.

Ceramics, painting, pottery, walking, kayaking, paragliding, caving, cycling, riding, climbing, fishing, sightseeing and exploring - we have something for everyone looking to experience a holiday in France to remember.

Customer Quotes:

* "Frances has somehow created an extraordinary sanctuary, a restorative haven of such utter peace and tranquility so that we all felt looked after and cared for"
* "Relaxing, inspiring, educational, creative - the course is a perfect balance between Frances' skill and guidance in awakening one's creativity while totally pampering the senses. I have been thoroughly spoilt and loved every minute. Thank you."

All tuition is by a highly qualified teacher of Art and Design who specialises in ceramics and sculpture, and also teaches drawing and painting. Frances Marsden has a degree in 3D design from Bath Academy of Art and a PGCE from Sussex University, England.

All courses with Frances Ceramics maximise use of the stunning surroundings. The mountains, valleys, medieval villages and even a tractor graveyard are a rich resource for wonderful creative sessions. All courses are tailor made, so please contact for a rate based on your individual requirements.

Frances Ceramics is located in a beautiful local style Maison de Maître with large barns housing the workshop studio and gallery. The village is just North of the Garonne and overlooked by the Pyrenees.

Beauchalot, a perfect base for sightseeing, is situated 50 minutes SW of Toulouse with its wonderful culture, concerts, opera and theatre, not to forget the stunning pink architecture and the shops. It is also only 50 minutes from the Spanish border, with ia different culture and cheaper shopping. Just north of the Garonne, it is overlooked by the majesty of the Pyrenees, the nearest Ski stations being 50 minutes away. This part of the Haute Garonne is steeped in history, there is little tourism and lots of welcoming, warm hearted people.

The nearest international airport is Toulouse Blagnac which at 82km is a little under an hours drive. Alternative choices for airports are Pau at 117km, Carcassonne at 164km and Bordeaux at 324km.