About the school

Aveyron, with Rodez at its center, is perhaps the least-known département in France, one of the biggest and most sparsely populated.

This beautiful area of southern France in the rugged Midi-Pyrénées region and part of the Massif Central is home to some of the world's most stunning, geologically diverse countryside.

Peaceful lakeside resorts are an hour's drive from vertiginous peaks, waterfalls, and mind-blowing chasms, under which flow subterranean rivers. Deep valleys alternate with eerie and vast limestone plateaus, or segue into undulating meadows, peat bogs and hot springs.

To the west lies the ancient cathedral town of Conques and to the east the modern wonder of the Millau Bridge (the tallest in the world) and the lovely medieval town of la Couvetoirade.

Your jewellery making tutor Karen set up the jewellery making courses a few years ago after falling in love with the area and the 300 year old farmhouse and barn where you'll stay.

This 300 year old ‘corps de ferme’ is the setting for your jewellery making course and is nestled near the top of one of the many breathtaking tree-lined valleys leading down to the river Lot, one of the largest rivers in the Aveyron.

Spend your jewellery making holiday in a lovingly restored farmhouse with massive walls made from basalt rocks thrown out by one of the many surrounding extinct volcanoes, a beautiful “fish scale” lauze roof, oak beams and rough-cast plaster.

You’ll stay in a beautiful attic bedroom perched at 750 metres overlooking the stunning valley of the Merdanson, a fast flowing stream carrying snow-melt from the high-plateau of the Aubrac with its alpine freshness and famous Compostelle walks down to the River Lot offering fishing, water activities and river-side bars and terraces.

This jewellery making holiday combines a creative break, modern comforts and a taste of real French rural life in this area of outstanding natural beauty for a learning holiday with a difference.

Features

- Tranquil and relaxing rural farmhouse set in Aveyron
- An area of outstanding natural beauty
- Aveyron has 10 of the official ‘les plus beaux villages de France’
- High quality lovingly restored farmhouse accommodation with two bedrooms
- Log fires
- Just 45 minutes drive from Rodez, 2.5 hours from Montpellier or Toulouse
- Learn to create your own jewellery in the relaxing surroundings of the farmhouse
- Transport to and from Rodez provided
- Transport to the nearby village of St Geniez for dinner included
- Small kitchen area if you’d like to prepare your own evening meals
- Excursions included in the jewellery making holiday prices
- Good fishing and photography opportunities in the area
- Local Spa open Apr-Oct
- Transfer from Montpellier for £60 return, from Toulouse £75 return (free from Rodez airport)

Customer Feedback
"Thank you so much for the wonderful hospitality you showed me, I thoroughly enjoyed myself and found it inspirational, all my friends think the tiaras are great"

"You were both wonderful hosts, brilliant cooks and a fantastic laugh! The workshops are so informative and very relaxed. The cottage and surroundings are truly beautiful. I will definately be back to learn more.
My advise to anyone thinking of booking......don't think, just do it, you will truly enjoy the whole experience."

"I spent a week in France and came home; inspired to make more jewellery!"

School Location

School directions

By Taxi - Nearest airport: Rodez

Rodez airport is a 45 minute drive away and transfers are included in the price of all jewellery making courses.

Alternative airports are Toulouse and Montpellier and transfers can be arranged. Toulouse is £75 return and Montpellier £60 return and can be pre-booked for you.

You can also take the train to Rodez, Montpellier or Toulouse.

Please note that there is no public transport to the farmhouse so if you are not taking the transfer, car hire is recommended.

Full directions will be shown on your booking confirmation voucher.