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Accommodation
Where you will stay

Individual accommodation will be arranged for you in one of the most attractive small hotels in the area. Each room has ensuite bathroom or shower, television and telephone. The hotel has its own pool, private garden, bar and restaurant and is situated near Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, one of the prettiest villages in France. In addition, there is a wide variety of restaurants to choose from in Aubeterre on the occasions you may wish to eat out.
Aubeterre is built on a hill in the shape of an amphitheatre above the River Dronne. Its charming narrow streets wind between white stone houses. It is famous for its monolithic church of St Jean, which is underground and carved from rock. The heart of the village is the pretty tree-lined square surrounded by many restaurants as well as a variety of workshop-boutiques run by local artists and artisans. There is a market held in the square every Sunday morning.

Should you wish to come with a non-participating partner or with a partner who would like to take part in the walks but not the workshops, it may be possible to arrange alternative accommodation, or to opt for a double room in the hotel. Please contact us to discuss the different options and prices.


The daily programme also aims at balance and flexibility. The programme is varied each day. Everyone will be in the group for the workshop sessions and the walking, but there will be plenty of opportunity to spend time on your own at either venue should you so wish. Chalais and Aubeterre are very different in character, each with its own appeal and charm.


Where the workshops take place

The workshops will be held in a typical Charentaise house, L'Origine, in the countryside, but within 15 minutes walking distance of Chalais. (See below). The workshop room opens on to a delightful garden with panoramic views from the south facing terrace. L'Origine is situated near the Charente/Dordogne border, about an hour's drive from St Emillion, and Bordeaux.

L'Origine is 10 minutes drive away from where you will stay. You will be picked up each day at 9.30 from the hotel, apart from Wednesday, taken to L'Origine and then taken back to the hotel each evening in time for dinner.

The three morning workshops begin at 10.00 am. and continue until just before 1.00 pm. with a break for coffee. At 1.00 pm a light lunch is served.

We will aim to start the afternoon walk around 3.00 pm.

Chalais is a small market town with banks, post office, bars and restaurants. Every Monday morning there is a lively, colourful market, with stalls lining the main streets. Overlooking the town is the medieval Chateau rebuilt in the XIVc and XVIIIc by the Talleyrand-Perigord family. The Chateau hosts several exhibitions throughout the year and boasts an excellent restaurant. At Brossac, 10 minutes away, there is a leisure area were you can swim or sunbathe from an attractive lakeside beach. There is also a restaurant where you can relax in the shade.