Availability: This destination photography workshop is filled.

What: More than a week with a small compatible group of photographers in a 15th Century fortified farmhouse in the lush countryside of southwest France in the springtime. Click here for the detailed trip itinerary. Click here for the Reservation Form.

Where: Mas de Garrigue, a 15th century fortified farm near the Lot River in the heart of romantic southwestern France. This is an area of gardens, gourmet French home cooking, ancient medieval villages and castles, and a photographer’s and walker’s paradise.

When: Saturday, April 27, 2024 (leave US Saturday April 26) to Sunday, May 5, 2024 (eight nights and nine days).

Group Size: This is an exclusive, small photo workshop (non-photographer significant others are also welcome) with limited space availability. Due to a cancellation, we have one room (single or double) available.

How to Register: This destination photography workshop is filled.

 

Details: The group meets at a gracious hotel in central Toulouse in the southwest of France on the afternoon of Saturday April 27, 2024. Toulouse is the fourth largest city in France, sometimes called the “Rose City,” and the capital of the modern French aerospace industry. It is easily accessible by plane or train from Paris and other points in Europe. There are many photographic opportunities in Toulouse itself, and we will visit some of these with a private guided tour, followed by an introductory group dinner (included in the cost).

On Sunday April 28 we will transfer by private mini-bus to Mas de Garrigue in the area of Calvignac on the banks of the beautiful Lot River. This is a region of beautiful rivers and valleys, stark cliffs with ancient clinging villages, sacred pilgrimage routes, stone bridges, churches that date from the era of the crusaders, beautiful flowering gardens, and much more. Along the way we will stop at the historic city of Albi, with its ancient bridge over the Tarn River.

The Mas de Garrigue will be our home away from home for the next seven nights, hosted by Sarah and Steve. Here’s a description: “Mas de Garrigue, a 15th century former hunting lodge and fortified farm is a stunning and important historic house retaining many original features within such as vast stone fireplaces, arrowslits, a 15th century window, stone sinks, magnificent oak beams and pigeon coops. Sarah and Steven have lovingly and respectfully restored the house, with elegant taste and sometimes a contemporary twist. The marriage of Irish antiques and art with French architecture is harmonious and charming.

“Sarah and Steven provide warm Irish hospitality in the beautiful Midi Pyrenees of South West France. Sarah studied cuisine in Paris and Steven hails from the well known Irish culinary and hospitible Allen clan. Passionate about food and wine, they offer sumptuous dinners of homegrown and locally sourced produce.”

While at the Mas de Garrigue Sarah and Steven will provide us with three wonderful dinners and a number of lunches (these are included in the tour cost, please see the detailed itinerary for specifics).

We could happily spend our time photographing right around the location of the Mas de Garrigue (and if you choose to do so, no one will think the less of you!), but many excursions are included in the workshop.

Excursion destinations (subject to change depending on conditions) may include:

• St Cirq-La-Popie, widely considered one of the most scenic villages in France.
• Pont Valentre, famous from the 100 Years War, and the old town of Cahors.
• Villefranche-de-Rouergue, a fascinating provincial French city on the Aveyron River.
• Cordes-sur-Ciel a scenic and famous ancient fortified villages in an unbelievable photographic location; we hope to photograph Cordes at sunset.
• Castelnau-Bretonnoux, an impressive chateau in the Quercy region.
• Carennac, rated one of the most beautiful villages of France.
• Collonges-la-Rouge, a town dating to the eighth century built entirely of red sandstone.

When (alas!) our time in the Lot River Valley draws to a close on Sunday May 5, 2024, transfer by private mini-bus to Toulouse train station or airport for return to the United States or further adventures in Europe is included.

Cost: $7,495 per person (single supplement $975).

Inclusions: Eight nights lodging (one night at a 4-star hotel in Toulouse, seven nights at Mas de Garrigue), all breakfasts (8),  three lunches, five dinners, walking tour of Toulouse with licensed guide, transfers from Toulouse to Mas de Garrigue (Calvignac) on arrival, and from the Mas de Garrigue to Toulouse returning, and excursions and professional guides as indicated. See the full itinerary for details. Photographic guidance, discussions, and one-on-one tutorial sessions with master photographer Harold Davis are also included.

Exclusions: Airfare and transportation to Toulouse, France (Toulouse is easy to reach by plane or train from Paris and many other points in Europe), meals except as indicated, wine and spirits (complementary wine will be provided at included group dinners), admissions except as indicated, personal items such as laundry and souvenirs, and gratuities.

Assisting with air travel arrangements: We’re happy to consult and advise regarding air travel arrangements to Toulouse on request. 

Travel Insurance: Very highly recommended. Please see Travel Insurance in Terms & Conditions section of the Prospectus.

To Register: Please send us an email expressing asking to be added to the Waiting List. Thanks.