Art classes given by Esther de Patoul of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, using food and paper as principal elements, working with different techniques; pigments, ink, charcoal, juice, peelings, folding, collages, leaking, prints, tracing. Plus weekend concerts with a programme that includes an anthology of classical music, folk music and songs. Musicians welcome to bring their instruments and join in. Art courses, concerts, dinner, bed and breakfast included. Groups or individuals welcome.

Fraysse Haut is ideal for walkers as it is situated along the GR652, one of the long distance paths criss-crossing France. A network of other footpaths and tracks provide a variety of country walks and scenery with some fine viewpoints over the river valley. There are many enthusiastic walking groups active in the area; a good chance to practice some French. We offer suggestions for guided or independent walks, and an all-inclusive one week package holiday is available for individuals or groups. Cahors 35 km.

Our equestrian farm in the grounds of the château has both horses and ponies and can organise treks for riders of all levels through the Avre Valley. Owners, if they are able to, are welcome to bring their own horse, which can be stabled or put out to graze with the others. There is private fishing in the canal in the grounds or in the river. Rods provided. Self contained, independent apartment in the château, designed to give maximum comfort. An hour from Paris or Chartres.

We specialise in walking and cycling holidays in bed and breakfast or self catering accommodation, providing a hundred detailed route maps (ranging from easy to challenging), and packed lunches. Mountain bikes fitted with mountain or road tyres can be hired, together with helmets, panniers, and waterproofs. Most bikes are new this year and all are fitted with pumps, lights, and spare inner tubes. Gel saddles are available for unhardened riders! The combination of flat plateaux, hills, villages, valleys, rivers and lakes provide plenty of variety and interest.

The manor is a family home in a village in the Indre river valley, 15 minutes from Tours, close to Azay-le-Rideau, Villandry and Langeais, some of the most famous châteaux in the Loire. Set in three hectares of gardens with centuries old trees, beside the River Indre. The river has pike, pike/perch, carp, eels and other small fish. There are four small private islands in the middle of the river. A rowboat is provided. Paris is an hour from Tours by TGV train.

Art courses for groups or individuals, which can be tailor made to suit, developing visual language using different painting and drawing techniques based on the landscapes of Renoir, Matisse and Picasso as a starting point. Non-participating partners are welcome. Air-conditioned en suite rooms or studios with mini-bars and private terraces. Large swimming pool, bar and restaurant terrace in beautiful surroundings. Everything you need is right here.

The mill lies peacefully beside a small river just outside a small village, about 35 km from Le Mans. The cottage is independent of the main house and furnished in a comfortable country style. The North side of the cottage looks onto a garden with lawns leading down to the river. Fish are mainly trout and pike (please bring your own equipment). You can easily walk to the village along the towpath (about 1 km) and there is private parking.

The courses are designed on a one to one basis or for small groups and include accommodation, breakfasts, buffet lunches or packed lunches when on location and four course evening meals with aperitif, wine and coffee. You will also have guidance and tuition from one of our resident tutors each day with an optional free day if you wish to go sightseeing or explore and enjoy the local markets and vineyards. Each room is stylishly decorated and furnished, has an en suite shower room and television, a sitting area and an independent access. Hairdryer provided. WiFi Internet access available. Brive airport, 1 hour.

The lake is small, about two acres, stocked with carp, pike and roach, and suitable for up to four or five anglers at any one time. There is also a rowing boat. This is a quiet place, unspoilt, full of wildlife and beautiful in any season, a place to return to and relax, read, walk or cycle through the forest, fish in our lake and contemplate. The cottage is on one level and independent of the main house. About 20 minutes South of Orleans, close to many of the Loire chateaux and vineyards. Paris is 90 minutes from here.