La Salle is in a quiet country setting, but only a 10 minute walk to the picturesque bastide village of St Puy where you will find shops, cafes, a boulangerie, pizzeria and Chateau Monluc, which makes the fabulous aperitif ‘Pousse Rapiere’ which is frequently served at La Salle. 

Accommodation is based primarily at La Salle which offers 7 double or twin en suite rooms. All the rooms are individually furnished with modern facilities and French country charm. The outdoor pool, surrounding shaded areas, covered terrace and orangery, ensure there is plenty of space to relax in comfortably. 

For larger groups there are 4 further rooms available at Le Reve d'Alice, a beautiful 17th century house nearby. The rooms are modern and spacious with fabulous views. There is a large pool here too and breakfast will be served on the terrace. All other meals and activities are based at La Salle. Transport is provided between venues or guests may walk if they prefer. 

"Dear Pam 

I have had the most amazing holiday painting in Andalusia with you and a super group of likeminded aspiring artists. I had never done anything like that before so I was very nervous knowing there were some very experienced artists there. Everyone was so friendly and encouraging and we had a lot of laughs too. The Finca el Cerillio was the most wonderful place to stay and the gardens and court yards so beautifully designed,  just waiting to be painted.  The food was excellent with so much variety of dishes to choose from. The staff were excellent and so helpful. Pam thank you for your demonstrations which were excellent . Thank you for your patience and help with me encouraging me to learn more skills. You helped everybody all the week, it must have been very tiring! I look forward to keeping in touch with members of the group and hopefully meeting up sometime.

Thank you again for the very best holiday I have had in years. I hope to be able to come on another holiday sometime 

Best wishes from Rosemary"

Teaching sessions take place in the large studio, or on the covered terrace which doubles as an outdoor studio depending on the weather. The spacious studio is well equipped with easels, boards, tables, chairs & jars.

There will be opportunity to work ‘en plein air’ either in the garden at La Salle, in the lanes nearby or in the local village, St Puy with its beautiful old stone buildings, Chateau, Church and open views out towards the mountain range of the Pyrenees.

The painting holidays consist of approximately 24 hours of painting tuition plus visits to local villages, markets, and gardens. There will be time for sketching in the villages we visit, a coffee in a cafe and maybe even a bit of shopping! The group will be between 6 – 10 people, which ensures students get plenty of individual quality tuition.

Meals are served at La Salle on the shady terrace. Dishes are homemade and freshly prepared using seasonal, local organic produce and will include many well-known regional and Mediterranean favourites. They also grow their own summer salad leaves, fruits and vegetables for use in the kitchen. Soft drinks and wine are included at lunch and dinner.

Tea and coffee-making facilities are available in the studio.

Single person in a double room: €1600 (£1390) + tutor fee £250

Painters sharing a double or twin room: €1300 (£1130) per person + £250 tutor fee each

Non painting partners sharing a room: €1100  (£956) plus fee of £100 payable to the tutor

N.B. The £250 tutor fee is paid directly to Pam Smart and this will be the deposit to secure your booking. You will pay then pay the balance of the holiday directly to the hotel in Euros. 

What is included

5/6 days of tuition with Pam Smart

7 nights accommodation in a double/twin room with en suite or private bathroom 

7 breakfasts

6 lunches

6 dinners - a 3 course dinner  

Wine or soft drinks with lunch and dinner

Tea and coffee in the studio

Use of the studio

Use of the pool - pool towels provided

Excursions to local villages, markets, museums and gardens

Transport between venues

Not included

Flights - you must arrange your own flight (see information below)

1 dinner 

Travel Insurance

Airport pick up will be between 1pm and 3pm at Carcassonne airport.

Recommended flights

Ryanair, Manchester to Carcassonne 0910 arrives 1210

Ryanair, Carcassonne to Manchester 1240 arrives 1345

Carcassonne is a lovely historical city if you choose to travel a day or two earlier and make your way to the airport for the pick up.

Usually a transfer is included from Toulouse airport but with no flights from the north to Toulouse there will be a small supplement to cover the transfers from and to Carcassone airport. (€20-40)

N.B The first week will be a smaller group: only 6 rooms in total