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I will be  taking a painting group back to South West France this July. Last year’s holiday was most successful and I very much hope you will join me for another exciting week of painting and relaxation in a heavenly location overlooking the rolling countryside of the Pyrenees.

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Our hosts will be Giles and Louise Nevill who moved to France in 2003 and spent five years restoring an old farm, Manzac d’en Bas, in the beautiful, peaceful and unspoilt countryside of the Ariege with spectacular views of the Pyrenees.  For lots of pictures and much more information on their venue, please visit their website – www.manzac.com

 

Giles and Louise have been hosting painting holidays since 2008 and have been hosting up to ten painting holidays per year since then. Please see the 260+ Excellent Tripadvisor reviews which can be viewed on the following link - https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g1484792-d1453136-Reviews-Manzac_d_en_Bas-Castex_Ariege_Occitanie.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Manzac d'en Bas is set in really beautiful countryside with wonderful views of the mountains. Within a very short distance of Manzac there is a great range of subject matter to suit all interests - beautiful countryside and rivers, stunning architecture, local towns and villages, and amazing flowers.

 

In addition to the very comfortable gite accommodation, in 2012, Giles and Louise included a purpose-built 50m2, light, spacious, fully equipped studio which has proved to be an invaluable asset for our exclusive use.

 

On our first day at Manzac we usually stay onsite, drawing and painting at the farmhouse.  Manzac has all the inspiration we might want, panaramic views, picturesque building, little nooks and crannies and a roomy, cool studio to work in if wished. It’s a relaxed day, getting to know one other and settling in.

 

The next few days, after a relaxed breakfast, we’ll up sticks around 9.15am and travel a short distance to our chosen location where we’ll be drawing and painting mediaeval towns, villages, rolling rivers or stunning fields of flowers. I will instruct, demonstrate and give individual tuition for you during the course of the day.

 

At midday, Giles and Louise bring us a delicious picnic lunch, with a glass of wine. You then have the opportunity to go back with Giles to Manzac to relax a little or use the studio if wished, or stay with me to continue painting for another hour or two. Giles will pick us up and return us to Manzac when we’re ready to review our days work in the studio. Then it’s off to the pool for a swim or a siesta! Louise is a wonderful chef and will no doubt cook us amazing dinners, where we can relax with another glass or two of wine at around 7.30pm.

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Our holiday will be all-inclusive apart from flights, plus one lunch out and one dinner at local restaurants. The cost includes transport, both to and from the airport, and locally to painting locations and restaurants. 

 

The price per person for the Manzac aspects of the holiday (less two visits to local restaurants which are payable at the time, normally about €55 - €65 euros for both) - ie. accommodation, food, drink and transport, is €850 (about £758.31).

For those guests who share a room it is €765 (about £682.48) per week. Non painting partners are most welcome.

Painting tuition from Michele, to be paid for seperately is £240. A non refundable deposit of £40 is required on booking and the final balance due 4th June 2020 (The accommodation fees are charged separately to Giles at Manzac hence the two separate payments). 

 

Why not treat yourself! Manzac is a magical place, a wonderful retreat in a stunning location. I can honestly say Giles and Louise offer the warmest hospitality and most wonderful food, but

please be aware, early booking is essential - only 10 places available!

Whether you're a master or relative beginner and would like to book your place, please send me your Name, Address, telephone number and email via my contact page and I will be back in touch shortly. 

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''I have just returned from a marvellous painting holiday at Manzac d'en Bas in SW France , tutored by Michele. She was so helpful, patient and encouraging and made all my efforts fun! Highly recommended. Pauline D.'' (2019)

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''My husband and I have recently returned from a fabulous painting holiday in the Pyrenees, which was organised by Michele my painting Tutor. The holiday was a huge success well organised, calm and relaxing. Thanks to Michele we learnt more about the art of painting outdoors with perspective and learning about shadows through out the lovely hot weather. This we found a completely new experience and we are both hoping to go on the next organised holiday. One of the best for many years. Thank you Michele. Lesley and Rob x'' (2019)

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“Michele is a wonderful artist and teacher. She is extremely encouraging and patient and helps you tap into your creative side by trying different techniques allowing you to develop your own painting style. During the painting holiday with her, we visited lots of different places which gave us all a chance to explore the varying subjects and it was delightful to have the opportunity to paint them in the open air and in the process, learn a lot about perspective, creating light and using a range of painting techniques to produce paintings which we actually felt pleased with!                                                        

It was a most enjoyable and relaxing week in an idyllic part of France- thank you, Michele.”

Liz (painting Holiday 2014)

 

“Just to say I had a really enjoyable week in the Dordogne with Michele. She is an excellent teacher and took us to some very picturesque places where we could paint to our hearts content. I learnt so much in a week, painting outside is a totally different experience and Michele and Elizabeth were great fun to be with. Where we stayed was really lovely and peaceful and I am really looking forward to the next trip.”
Jan (painting Holiday 2014)