Name: Pottery Retreat with Elizabeth Bell in the South of France
Price: 1035 EUR
Availability: InStock

Dates: June 23rd to 28th, 2026

Location: Toulouse, South of France

Join acclaimed Australian potter Elizabeth Bell for a six-day immersive pottery retreat in the stunning countryside of Toulouse, South of France. Hosted in a charming estate, this retreat combines expert guidance with creative exploration, providing a unique opportunity to elevate your pottery skills in a serene and inspiring setting.

Accommodation: Enjoy a 6-day, 5-night stay at Domaine D’En Maury, a beautifully restored 18th-century manor featuring a charming inner courtyard. The estate offers a spacious 100m² lounge, a fully equipped gourmet kitchen, 13 elegantly furnished bedrooms, an outdoor pool, and an indoor pool and spa, seamlessly blending historic charm with modern comfort.
Room Options: Choose between a private single room or a shared room, each thoughtfully appointed to ensure a comfortable stay. A special welcome gift awaits you upon arrival.
Meals: Savour the flavours of the South of France with all-inclusive meals and drinks. From breakfast to dinner, indulge in authentic French culinary delights, with select meals prepared by our chef.
Pottery Focus with Elizabeth Bell: With a total of 15 hours, hands-on approach and a small class size, Elizabeth provides personalised guidance to challenge and extend each participant’s ability at the potter’s wheel.
Private transfers to/from Toulouse’s train station or airport.
All transport are included during the activities.
A dedicated Madame Voyage host to ensure a seamless and enriching experience.

Activities

Day in Giroussens: Discover the charm of Giroussens, a picturesque hilltop village known for its rich pottery heritage and stunning views of the Agout Valley. We’ll visit the renowned Centre Céramique de Giroussens, a museum dedicated to showcasing the work of local and international ceramic artists.
Wine Tasting Experience: Enjoy a delightful wine tasting at a local winery. No visit to France is complete without experiencing its world-class wines, and this tasting will introduce you to the exceptional flavours of the region.
Day in Toulouse: Spend the day exploring the vibrant culture of Toulouse, also known as the Ville Rose. Visit iconic landmarks, historical sites, and enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant where you’ll savour authentic regional dishes that showcase the flavours of the South of France.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Tuesday 23rd of June

Welcome to Toulouse!

Pick-up: A transfer from Toulouse Airport & Toulouse City will be organized at 1 PM.

Afternoon: Guests arrive at the Estate around 2 PM. Participants have the opportunity to discover the studio and get familiar with the space. Elizabeth will discuss the program for the week.

Welcome Toast: Enjoy a glass of Champagne, bienvenue!

Evening: Welcome dinner at the Estate with Madame Voyage and Elizabeth.

June

Day 2: Wednesday 24th of June

Morning: Ease into the day with a traditional French breakfast at the Estate.

Mid-Morning: Step up to the wheel for a 3 hour pottery session with Elizabeth, exploring various techniques and approaches to shaping bowls on the wheel.

Lunch: Take a break and enjoy a delicious meal at the Estate, recharging for the afternoon.

Afternoon: Get back to the wheel for a 3-hour workshop with Elizabeth focusing on cylindrical forms and working on gaining height and consistency in your pieces.

Evening: Wrap up the day with a relaxed and convivial dinner, sharing stories and inspiration.

Day 3: Thursday 25th of June

Morning: Start the day with a traditional French breakfast at the Estate.

Mid-Morning: Immerse yourself in a 4-hour clay workshop with Elizabeth. This session will focus on trimming and completing forms thrown the previous day and will include carving demonstrations and discussion around other surface treatments.

Lunch: Enjoy a delicious meal at the Estate.

Afternoon: Should you wish to transport any bisque-fired pieces home, this is the day to complete forms, leaving them to dry overnight to be fired on Friday. The pieces will be ready for pickup on Sunday. Unwind at the spa or explore Giroussens, a hilltop village famed for its pottery heritage. Visit the Centre Céramique, showcasing works from local and international artists, and take in the stunning Agout Valley views.

Evening: Conclude the day with a delightful dinner at the Estate

Day 4: Friday 26th of June

Morning: Start your day with a delicious French breakfast at the Estate.

Mid-Morning: Dive into a 4-hour creative clay workshop with Elizabeth. This session’s focus is on finding your individual voice, discussing the value of drawing and researching when looking for inspiration and personalised practise on the potter’s wheel.

Lunch: Savor a freshly prepared meal at the Estate.

Afternoon: Wine Tasting – Savor the region’s finest vintages during a guided winery visit.

Evening: Unwind with a delightful dinner at the Estate, reflecting on the day's experiences.

Day 5: Saturday 27th of June

Morning: Enjoy a traditional French breakfast at the Estate.

Day: Explore the vibrant city of Toulouse, La Ville Rose! Free time to wander and soak in the atmosphere of Toulouse.

Lunch: Dine at a charming local restaurant.

Afternoon: Return to the Estate for a 2-hour clay workshop with Elizabeth.

Evening: End the day with a delightful dinner back at the Estate.

Day 6: Sunday 28th of June

Morning: Final French breakfast at the Estate

Check-out: Guests depart before 10 am, farewell to a memorable retreat experience

Departures: A transfer will be organised to be back at Toulouse Airport & Toulouse City at 11 am
GETTING THERE

For getting from Paris to Toulouse, we highly recommend the train—it’s a comfortable and scenic way to travel through the French countryside.

We will let you know closer to the date what train works best for the group pick up in Toulouse!
INCLUSIONS
From the moment you arrive at the meeting point, absolutely everything is taken care of.
Your transport, your meals, your experiences — it’s all included, so you can fully relax and soak up the magic of your retreat.

Start your mornings with buttery croissants, pains au chocolat, and the classic tartine au beurre — plus a few savoury options if that’s more your style. Every meal is lovingly prepared by our private chef, using fresh, local ingredients to celebrate the flavours of the region. Expect long, generous lunches and cosy, shared dinners that feel like home — just with better wine.

Speaking of which… yes, wine is always included. From crisp local rosés to rich Burgundy reds, each glass is thoughtfully paired with your meal. And to kick things off in style, we’ll welcome you with a glass of Champagne on arrival.

You’ll enjoy a curated program of unforgettable activities, too — all organised for you. No extra costs, no logistics to juggle. Just bring your appetite, your curiosity, and a love for beautiful things. We’ll take care of the rest.

Dietary needs? No problem — we’re happy to accommodate vegetarian, gluten-free, or other preferences with care and creativity.
EXCLUSIONS
Airfares and other transportation fares to and from the retreat

Anything not explicitly listed above

Travel Insurance: To protect your investment and travel with peace of mind, we highly recommend taking out travel insurance. We’ve partnered with PassportCard, a trusted travel insurance provider — you can explore your options here: PassportCard - Purchase Policy
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions

What’s included in the retreat?
From the moment you arrive at the meeting point, everything is included — accommodation, all meals (prepared by a private chef), wine, activities, excursions, local transfers, and surprises along the way. The only things not included are your flights and travel insurance. (We do have a travel insurance partner – contact us for details!)

Do I need to speak French?
Not at all! All activities are led in English unless otherwise stated. A love for French culture is all you need.

What if I have dietary requirements?
No problem! We cater for vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and other common dietary needs. Just let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly.

Can I come alone?
Absolutely! Many of our guests join solo. Our retreats are designed to be warm, welcoming, and inclusive — you’ll feel part of the group from day one.

How do I get to the retreat location?
We’ll send you clear travel instructions ahead of time, including suggested trains or flights. Transfers from nearby stations are included. If you're unsure, we're happy to help with your travel plans.

How active are the retreats?
Our retreats blend culture, relaxation, and light activity (such as walking tours or market visits). You won’t need to be super fit, but expect to be gently on the move.

What’s the accommodation like?
We handpick unique, charming places — from countryside châteaux to boutique villas. Rooms are comfortable, beautifully styled, and often with private bathrooms.

What should I pack?
We’ll send you a tailored packing list before departure based on the season and retreat style. Think comfortable clothes, a touch of chic, and a good pair of shoes.

What if something changes or I need to cancel?
We understand that plans change. Our terms and conditions will detail the cancellation policy. We also strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance for peace of mind. (We can recommend a trusted insurance partner.)

How many people will be on the retreat?
Most of our retreats are small and intimate — usually between 10 and 14 guests. This allows for a more personalized and relaxed experience.

Do I have to participate in every activity?
While we hope you’ll be excited about the itinerary, all experiences are optional! This is your retreat — feel free to skip an activity and enjoy some downtime whenever you like.

With a total of 15 hours, hands-on approach and a small class size, Elizabeth provides personalised guidance to challenge and extend each participant’s ability at the potter’s wheel.

Wedging Techniques: Learn the spiral and rams-head methods for preparing clay.
Centering Clay: Master the foundational skill of centering clay on the wheel.
Cylinder Throwing: Practice creating uniform cylindrical forms.
Small Forms: Throw small bowls and cups to refine your skills.
Complex Forms: Create mugs, vases, and other advanced pieces.
Attaching Handles: Learn the technique of attaching handles to your thrown forms.
Trimming and Refining: Trim foot rings and refine leather-hard pieces.
Surface Techniques: Experiment with carving, slip decoration, and adding textures to your work.
Bisque Firing Preparation: Prepare your pieces for bisque firing.
Wall Thickness Practice: Cut pieces in half to check wall thickness and improve technique.
Sustainable Practices: Discuss eco-friendly studio practices, such as clay reclaiming and sustainable methods.