Name: Pottery Retreat with Laima Laurina
Price: 1035 EUR
Availability: InStock

Dates: October 14th to 19th, 2025

Location: Toulouse, South of France

Join us for Laima’s first ever pottery retreat in France! Set in a breathtaking golden stone mansion near Toulouse, South of France, this retreat offers the perfect blend of creativity, relaxation, and inspiration. With over 15 hours of hands-on pottery classes, Laima (@LaurinsCeramics) will guide you through her signature techniques, helping you craft beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces. Whether you’re a seasoned potter or a complete beginner, this retreat promises a rejuvenating experience surrounded by natural beauty and French charm. Please note this retreat is designed for a minimum of 10 guests and a maximum of 15 guests, for an intimate experience.

Accommodation: Stay for 6 days and 5 nights in an elegant 18th-century estate designed in a U-shape around a charming inner courtyard. Featuring modern décor, a pool, and an indoor spa (hammam, sauna and jacuzzi), it offers the perfect blend of historic charm and contemporary luxury.
Single room and shared room with bathroom: Stay in a private or shared room, offering a serene sanctuary to unwind after a day of activities and learning. Each room welcomes you with unique gifts upon arrival.
Meals: All meals and drinks are included. Relish in the flavours of the South of France which includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Experience the French culinary delights throughout your stay, with meals prepared by our private chef. Please note most dietary requirements are welcome.
Transportation: On-site chauffeurs to drive you to the activities are provided for convenience.
Host: There will be a dedicated Madame Voyage host throughout the week to ensure everything is running smoothly.
Train station/ Airport transfer: Private transfer to and from Toulouse’s train station or airport (40min drive) will be provided for convenience.
Pottery Classes: 15-hour clay workshop designed to unlock your creative potential and deepen your connection with the timeless art of pottery. Guided by the talented Laima, you’ll explore crafting functional everyday pieces. All levels are welcome and the classes will be conducted in english. Here’s what you’ll experience:
Introduction & Exploration: Learn foundational hand-building techniques (pinching, coiling, slab-building) and create your own tea set.
Creation & Experimentation: Build your tea set using chosen techniques, with an introduction to color mixing.
Refinement & Decoration: Apply decorative scales or underglaze painting to your pieces.
Final Touches & Drying: Finish your pieces and prepare for firing, ensuring you take home at least one bisque-fired creation.
Participants will leave with at least one of their creations fired to bisque!

Activities

Day in Giroussens: Explore Giroussens, a charming hilltop village which is famous for its rich pottery heritage and breathtaking views of the Agout Valley. We will visit the renowned Centre Céramique de Giroussens, a museum showcasing stunning works by local and international ceramic artists, immersing ourselves in the town’s artistic legacy.
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 a day immersed in Toulouse’s vibrant culture, visiting iconic landmarks and historical sites. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, sampling authentic regional dishes.

ITINERARY
Tuesday 14th of October: Arrival Day

Arrivals: A pick up from Toulouse Airport & Toulouse City will be organised (2.30pm)

Afternoon: Guests arrive at the Estate around 4pm

Welcome glass of Champagne, bienvenue!

Evening: Welcome dinner at the Estate with Laima

Wednesday to Saturday: Daily Routine

Morning: French breakfast at the Estate

3.5 hours of clay workshop with Laima at the Estate

Lunch: Enjoy a well deserved lunch

Afternoon: Various activities scheduled for guests to enjoy the beautiful surroundings, & activities listed in the inclusions

Evening: Dinner at the Estate

Night: Guests are free to relax and socialise

Sunday 19th of October: Departure Day

Morning: Final French breakfast at the Estate

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

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

Pottery Skills & Artistic Growth

Through over 15 hours of hands-on classes, you’ll be guided by Laima Laurina as she shares her signature techniques. You’ll learn the foundational methods of hand-building — pinching, coiling, and slab-building — and create your own beautiful tea set from start to finish. You’ll also explore surface decoration, underglaze painting, and color mixing to add your personal flair to each piece. Whether you're new to pottery or looking to refine your skills, you'll leave with new techniques, creative confidence, and at least one bisque-fired creation to cherish.

Creative Immersion in a Cultural Haven

Experience the rich ceramic heritage of South-West France, with a guided visit to the charming village of Giroussens and its renowned Centre Céramique. You’ll be immersed in centuries-old traditions and contemporary artistry alike — perfect for sparking inspiration and a deeper appreciation of the craft.

Sensory Delights & Regional Culture

From wine tasting at a local vineyard to exploring the vibrant streets of Toulouse, you'll enjoy the best of French art de vivre. Each day balances creativity with curated cultural experiences, offering time to relax, discover, and connect with fellow creatives.

Peaceful Surroundings & Connection

Settle into a luxurious 18th-century estate with a spa, pool, and serene countryside views — the perfect setting to slow down, be present, and reconnect with your artistic side. The intimate group size fosters a warm, supportive atmosphere where personal growth and meaningful connection thrive.