Turning Clay into Memories: Our First Pottery Wheel Retreat with Elizabeth Bell

Toulouse, June 2026

This retreat marked a huge milestone for Madame Voyage as it was our very first pottery wheel retreat. We had dreamed of creating an immersive ceramics experience in France, and sharing it alongside the incredibly talented Elizabeth Bell made it everything we had hoped for, and more!

The week also happened to coincide with one of the biggest heatwaves France has experienced in years, with temperatures soaring to 40°C every single day.

Yet not once did it dampen the spirit of the group. Instead, everyone embraced the slower pace of Southern France, taking refreshing dips in the pool between pottery sessions, enjoying long lunches in the shade, and making the most of every beautiful moment together.

The atmosphere throughout the week was simply wonderful.

From complete beginners to experienced potters, everyone encouraged one another, celebrated each other's creations and discovered just how rewarding throwing clay on the wheel can be. Watching confidence grow throughout the week was incredibly special.

As always, our wonderful chef Dalila spoiled us with spectacular meals every day. Fresh local produce, beautiful French wines, homemade desserts and generous shared dinners became some of our favourite moments together. Around the table, conversations flowed effortlessly, friendships blossomed, and strangers quickly became lifelong friends.

Of course, pottery was only part of the adventure.

One of the highlights was our visit to the charming village of Giroussens, famous throughout France for its rich ceramic heritage. Wandering through its artisan studios and picturesque streets gave everyone even more inspiration before returning to the wheel.

We also spent a day exploring beautiful Toulouse, affectionately known as La Ville Rose, between bustling markets, elegant architecture, café terraces and hidden laneways, the city offered the perfect balance to our creative week in the countryside.

By the end of the retreat, every guest left not only with beautiful handmade pottery, but with unforgettable memories, new friendships and a renewed sense of creativity.

Our very first pottery wheel retreat exceeded every expectation, and we couldn't have asked for a more generous, supportive and inspiring group of women to share it with.

To Elizabeth, thank you for sharing your incredible talent and calm guidance.

To every guest who joined us, thank you for embracing the heat, the clay, the laughter and every magical moment in between.

We can't wait to do it all again.

À bientôt. 🤍

Making Memories in 40°C