Name: Clay & Petals: A Pottery and Floral Retreat in Toulouse Countryside
Price: 1035.0 EUR
Availability: InStock

Dates: June 1st to 6th, 2027

Location: Toulouse, South of France

Discover a refined creative retreat in the South of France, thoughtfully designed around Janae Paquin-Bowden’s dual expertise in pottery and florals. Set within a beautiful estate near Toulouse, this immersive experience brings together four dedicated workshop days focused on hand-building pottery and floral design, balanced with curated cultural moments.

Throughout the week, you will learn to create Janae’s signature vase, exploring her distinctive approach to form, texture, and craftsmanship. You’ll be guided through hand-building techniques, gaining a deep understanding of the process before bringing your piece to life through decoration and glazing. Alongside this, you’ll dive into the art of flower arrangement, working with seasonal blooms to create vase arranging and signature bouquets.

Limited to just 12 guests, the retreat is structured to ensure depth, intimacy, and personalised guidance, positioning you at the centre of a high-quality, creative, and culturally rich experience.

Inclusions

Accommodation: Domaine d’en Maury is a beautifully restored country estate set around a peaceful courtyard surrounded by gardens and woodland. Offering individually styled bedrooms with private bathrooms, generous communal spaces, indoor and outdoor pools, spa facilities, and lounge areas with fireplace and bar, it combines comfort with Southern French character.
Room Options: You will choose between a private single room or a shared room, each thoughtfully appointed to ensure a comfortable stay. A curated selection of gifts will be waiting in your room, featuring Madame Voyage pieces and regional specialties
Host: Three dedicated Madame Voyage hosts will be on hand throughout the week to coordinate activities, answer questions, and ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.
Airport Transfer: We organise a private transfer to and from Toulouse Airport and Train station for your convenience.
On-Site Transportation: Chauffeur-driven transport for all scheduled activities.
All meals and drinks are included, and every bite is a taste of the region: Begin each day with buttery croissants and sun-ripened fruit, and end it with generous dinners. Chris, Janae's husband will be our private chef for the week! He will take care of all apéritifs, lunches, and evening meals, so guests can fully relax outside of class time. Every menu is crafted with fresh, local ingredients, fragrant herbs, seasonal vegetables, and the rich flavours of the South. Lunches are long and relaxed, dinners are warm and convivial. A glass of Champagne awaits on arrival. Vegetarian or gluten free requirements are seamlessly accommodated, with the same attention to flavour and presentation.

Activities (yes, also included!)

Pottery Immersion

Two dedicated pottery sessions, including intensive studio time and creation of Janae’s signature vase

Flower Farm & Floral Design

Visit to a local flower farm with seasonal picking experience
Learn how to create stunning vase arrangement as well as table arrangement each night before dinner

Giroussens Ceramic Discovery

Guided visit of the ceramic village of Giroussens, including the ceramic centre and museum
Exploration of the historic convent with panoramic views over the surrounding countryside

Toulouse Experience & Antic Market Stroll

Explore the charm of Toulouse with a visit to a famous antique market
Enjoy a delicious lunch in the city, live like a local!

ITINERARY

Day 1 - Welcome to Toulouse

We will pick you up from Toulouse airport or train station from 3:00 PM for a 4:00 PM arrival at the villa. Settle into your room, where a small welcome gift will be waiting for you. We ease gently into the week with your first hands-on pottery session, getting familiar with the studio and materials. In the evening, we gather over a glass of Champagne, followed by a relaxed welcome dinner prepared by Chris, Janae’s husband, who will be looking after us all week in the kitchen.

Day 2 - Pottery Day

A full day dedicated to pottery. You’ll spend the morning and afternoon creating alongside Janae, with time in between to enjoy a long lunch at the estate, lovingly prepared by Chris. In the late afternoon, everything slows down with some free time before dinner together at the villa, again prepared by Chris.

Day 3 - Flowers and Slow Living

After breakfast, we head to a local flower farm for a seasonal picking experience, a beautiful and creative moment in nature. The afternoon is yours to relax at the estate, by the pool, in the spa, or simply enjoying the calm of the countryside. In the evening, we come together for dinner prepared by Chris.

Day 4 - Ceramic Heritage

We begin the day with glazing your pieces before sending them off for firing. In the afternoon, we explore the charming village of Giroussens, discovering its ceramic heritage, local studios, and artistic atmosphere. We return to the villa for dinner, once again prepared by Chris.

Day 5 - Toulouse & Antic Finds

A day out in Toulouse, wandering through the city and exploring a local antique market. Enjoy a relaxed lunch in the heart of the city before returning to the villa. We end the day with a floral workshop and a final dinner together, beautifully prepared by Chris.

Day 6 - Au revoir

A slow final morning with breakfast together before we say our goodbyes. You’ll leave with your creations, beautiful memories, and a week that felt both creative and restorative.
GETTING THERE
For your convenience, Madame Voyage will organise a private group transfer from Toulouse Airport &Toulouse Train Station around 3PM.
INCLUSIONS

From the moment you arrive at the meeting point, absolutely everything is taken care of.

Your transport, your meals, your experiences, it’s all included, so you can fully relax and soak up the magic of your retreat.

Start your mornings with buttery croissants, pains au chocolat, and the classic tartine au beurre, plus a few savoury options if that’s more your style. Every meal is lovingly prepared by our private chef, using fresh, local ingredients to celebrate the flavours of the region. Expect long, generous lunches and cosy, shared dinners that feel like home, just with better wine.

Speaking of which… yes, wine is always included. From crisp local rosés to rich Burgundy reds, each glass is thoughtfully paired with your meal. And to kick things off in style, we’ll welcome you with a glass of Champagne on arrival.

You’ll enjoy a curated program of unforgettable activities, too, all organised for you. No extra costs, no logistics to juggle. Just bring your appetite, your curiosity, and a love for beautiful things. We’ll take care of the rest.

Dietary needs? No problem, we’re happy to accommodate vegetarian, gluten-free, or other preferences with care and creativity.
EXCLUSIONS
- Airfares and other transportation fares to and from the retreat

- Anything not explicitly listed above

- Travel Insurance: For complete peace of mind while travelling, we highly recommend taking out travel insurance. Australian guests can view our recommended partner here, and guests from other countries can find suitable options here.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the retreat be confirmed?

Please note that we require a minimum number of participants for this adventure to take place. We recommend that you wait until we confirm the retreat before making any travel arrangements, including booking flights. In the event that the minimum number of participants is not reached, we will notify you as soon as possible, and any payments made will be fully refunded.

What’s included in the retreat?

From the moment you arrive at the meeting point, everything is included, accommodation, all meals (prepared by a private chef), wine, activities, excursions, local transfers, and surprises along the way. The only things not included are your flights and travel insurance. (We do have a travel insurance partner – contact us for details!)

Do I need to speak French?

Not at all! All activities are led in English unless otherwise stated. A love for French culture is all you need.

What if I have dietary requirements?

No problem! We cater for vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and other common dietary needs. Just let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly.

Can I come alone?

Absolutely! Many of our guests join solo. Our retreats are designed to be warm, welcoming, and inclusive, you’ll feel part of the group from day one.

How do I get to the retreat location?

We’ll send you clear travel instructions ahead of time, including suggested trains or flights. Transfers from nearby stations are included. If you're unsure, we're happy to help with your travel plans.

How active are the retreats?

Our retreats blend culture, relaxation, and light activity (such as walking tours or market visits). You won’t need to be super fit, but expect to be gently on the move.

What’s the accommodation like?

We handpick unique, charming places, from countryside châteaux to boutique villas. Rooms are comfortable, beautifully styled, and often with private bathrooms.

What should I pack?

We’ll send you a tailored packing list before departure based on the season and retreat style. Think comfortable clothes, a touch of chic, and a good pair of shoes.

How many people will be on the retreat?

Most of our retreats are small and intimate, usually between 10 and 14 guests. This allows for a more personalized and relaxed experience.

Do I have to participate in every activity?

While we hope you’ll be excited about the itinerary, all experiences are optional! This is your retreat, feel free to skip an activity and enjoy some downtime whenever you like.

Can I get a refund if I cancel my booking?

Due to the nature of our tours, retreats and experiences, which require advance payments to accommodation providers, hosts, venues, guides, and other suppliers, we are only able to offer refunds for change of mind or other reasons other than emergencies or events outside of our control in accordance with the table below.

Months prior to the retreat or tour	Refund payable
More than 6 months	50% of any amount paid
More than 4 months until 6 months	30% of any amount paid
4 months or less	No refund

To learn more about our cancellation policy please read our Terms & Conditions

Working with clay, step by step

You’ll work alongside Janae Paquin-Bowden, whose practice sits at the intersection of ceramics and floristry. Guided by her intuitive, hand-building approach, you’ll explore techniques such as pinching, coiling and slab-building, gradually shaping your own vase. At the centre of the experience is the creation of a sculptural vase inspired by her signature work. Drawing from European urns and designed with flowers in mind, each piece is approached as both a functional object and a form of expression, with organic lines and a natural sense of movement.

Flowers, nature and creative moments

Beyond the studio, the experience opens up into the surrounding landscape. You’ll visit a local flower farm, gather seasonal blooms, and work with them in a gentle, creative way. There’s also time to explore the region’s ceramic heritage, from small villages to local artists, offering inspiration that naturally feeds back into your work.

A week to slow down and enjoy

This retreat is as much about the rhythm of the days as it is about what you create. Long lunches, dinners prepared by Chris, quiet afternoons by the pool, and simple moments shared together. It’s a space to step away, reconnect with your creativity, and enjoy a slower, more intentional way of being.

"The service Madame Voyage provided blew my expectations away! The food was amazing, the wine was flowing, and the hosts were friendly and ready to take care of any need"

Kiki D., Chicago

"What I loved about the retreat is the relaxation. It truly is a retreat. The scenery was amazing, I had the best view. La cuisine, was excellente! The weather, perfect timing. Madame Voyage picked the excellent time just to have everyone here in Provence."

Patricia, US

French Language Immersion, Provence, October 2024

"It’s been absolutely amazing. I didn’t know what to expect coming into this trip, but every single detail has been so thoughtfully curated, from the beautiful locations to the food, the people, the activities… I’ve just felt so welcomed and inspired the whole time. It’s been the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone—just do it!”

Sarah Gleason, US

French language immersion, French Alps, January 2025

"We had a very good time. I really appreciated the fact that even the tours were in French! The Truffeiere, The wine tastings, The Château, and beautiful French villages. Everything was very well organized and very well thought of. The balance between learning French in class and going on tours in French was just amazing."

Zainab, Dubai,

French Language Immersion, Provence, October 2024

“We booked the Lyon package in July 2023, and it was 5 stars all the way. Everything about it was amazing and life changing. You designed and orchestrated a very bespoke and tailored experience for us, like a maestro. Bravo and MERCI. »

Mona & Chris Hope, from Melbourne VIC

“Our chalet stay in January 2023 exceeded all our expectations. We don’t ski and yet we had a great time in the Alps. We loved the fully catered service of the chalet, specially the fact that the owners were driving us to the village or the slopes every day. Thank you Madame Voyage for such a perfect trip. »

Darius Watson, UK

"What an extraordinary experience we had thanks to the masterful organization of Madame Voyage in this magnificent place! The energy of the participants and the generosity of Laima (potter artist) also contributed to the success of this memorable week!"

Annie T., Montréal

"The pottery retreat was absolutely amazing. It exceeded any expectations I had and was so cohesive with meals, social time, studio time, and excursions. They really thought of everything to make it a luxurious week. When we first arrived, they let us know we can ask for anything - and they literally meant it. So above and beyond! Also, the food was delicious. I will 100% do another retreat in the future."

Elyse S., Seattle

"The service Madame Voyage provided blew my expectations away! The food was amazing, the wine was flowing, and the hosts were friendly and ready to take care of any need"

Kiki D., Chicago

"What I loved about the retreat is the relaxation. It truly is a retreat. The scenery was amazing, I had the best view. La cuisine, was excellente! The weather, perfect timing. Madame Voyage picked the excellent time just to have everyone here in Provence."

Patricia, US

French Language Immersion, Provence, October 2024

Janae is a ceramic artist based in Lyonville, Australia, where she creates hand-built vases from her studio on her flower farm. Trained in Visual Arts at Deakin and La Trobe University, her work has been strongly influenced by her travels through Europe, particularly French art, architecture, and traditional ceramics. In 2016, Janae and her husband Chris established their flower farm, embracing a slower, more seasonal way of living. Today, her ceramics and the farm exist in harmony, with each piece inspired by place, season, and the flowers grown just beyond her studio. Her work has been featured internationally, including London Craft Week, collaborations with Willow Crossley, and Nancybird’s Spring 2025 collection.

Originally from Canada, Chris moved to Australia in 2010 and later settled in Lyonville with Janae, where together they created their small holding inspired by seasonal, produce-led living.

With a deep passion for growing and cooking, Chris produces much of what he serves directly from the land, including vegetables, fruit, and cheese.

France has long held a special place in Janae and Chris’s lives. Janae spent time living there in her twenties, while Chris grew up learning French in Canada and later taught it himself.

They are drawn to the way each region expresses its identity through food, craft, and tradition, and to the deep respect for seasonality and craftsmanship found across the country. This shared appreciation is at the heart of their work and is something they are excited to share through this retreat.