Name: French Ceramic Retreat with Laima Laurina in Toulouse Countryside
Price: 1035.0 EUR
Availability: InStock

Dates:

First Week: May 18th to May 23th, 2027

Second Week: May 25th to May 30th, 2027

Location: Toulouse Countryside, South of France

Join us for our third pottery retreat with Laima, a beautiful success and one we’re so excited to bring back! Set in a stunning golden stone mansion in the countryside near Toulouse, this retreat is designed as a perfect balance of creativity, slow living, and connection. You can see a recap of our 2025 Toulouse session here. We’re also heading to Bali with Laima in 2026 if this is more your vibe... See details here.

Over the course of the week, Laima (@LaurinsCeramics) will guide you through more than 12 hours of hands-on pottery sessions, sharing her signature techniques in an intimate and supportive setting.

Whether you’re completely new to pottery or already experienced, this is a space to learn, create, and take time for yourself, surrounded by nature, warm light, and the charm of the South of France.

With a group limited to 12 guests maximum, the experience remains personal, relaxed, and thoughtfully curated.

Accommodation: Stay for 6 days and 5 nights in an elegant 18th-century estate designed in a U-shape around a charming inner courtyard. Featuring modern décor, a pool, and an indoor spa (hammam, sauna and jacuzzi), it offers the perfect blend of historic charm and contemporary luxury.
Single room and shared room with bathroom: Stay in a private or shared room, offering a serene sanctuary to unwind after a day of activities and learning. Each room welcomes you with unique gifts upon arrival.
Meals: All meals and drinks are included. Relish in the flavours of the South of France which includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Experience the French culinary delights throughout your stay, with meals prepared by our private chef. Please note most dietary requirements are welcome.
Transportation: On-site chauffeurs to drive you to the activities are provided for convenience.
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.
Train station/ Airport transfer: Private transfer to and from Toulouse’s train station or airport will be provided for convenience.

Activities (yes, also included!)

Pottery Immersion

Over four days, you will design and craft a fully personalised tea set, from teapots to cups, saucers or jars, while mastering essential hand building techniques including pinching, coiling and slab construction.
Learn to mix pigments directly into clay to create unique custom tones and textures. Explore expressive decorative techniques

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 Art & Flower Pressing

Day in Toulouse exploring art galleries and gardens
Flower pressing workshop while enjoying tea and pâtisseries in an intimate and creative atmosphere
Lunch in the city

Slow Afternoon at the Villa

Free time to enjoy the spa, pool, and peaceful countryside setting

ITINERARY

Day 1 – Welcome

3:00 PM Transfer from Toulouse airport or train station

4:00 PM Arrival at the villa, settle in and find a little welcome gift waiting for you

6:00 PM A glass of Champagne to start the week together, a quick introduction, then a relaxed welcome dinner with Laima

Day 2 – Pottery Day

Breakfast at the villa

Morning pottery session with Laima

Lunch together at the estate

Afternoon pottery session

Time to slow down... enjoy the pool, the garden, or simply rest

Dinner at the villa

Day 3 – Pottery & Village

Morning pottery session

In the afternoon, we head to Giroussens, a beautiful ceramic village, to explore local studios and its rich pottery heritage

Dinner at a local restaurant

Day 4 – Glazing & Slow Time

Morning glazing session and sending your pieces for firing

Lunch at the villa

A quiet afternoon to enjoy the estate... swim, unwind, read, or do nothing at all

Dinner at the villa

Day 5 – Toulouse & Final Creations

Morning in Toulouse, wandering through art galleries and the city

Lunch at a local restaurant

In the afternoon, a gentle and creative flower pressing workshop

Back at the villa, your finished pottery pieces will be ready

Final dinner together

Day 6 – Au revoir

A last breakfast together

10:00 AM Departure and transfer to Toulouse

You’ll leave with your creations, new friendships, and a beautiful pause in the South of France!
GETTING THERE
For travel from Paris to Toulouse, we highly recommend taking the train — it’s a comfortable and scenic way to enjoy the French countryside. On Day 1, we will organise a private group transfer from Toulouse train station or Toulouse airport to the villa.
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, 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: To protect your investment and travel with peace of mind, we highly recommend taking out travel insurance. We’ve partnered with PassportCard, a trusted travel insurance provider — you can explore your options here: PassportCard - Purchase Policy

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Pottery skills & creative time

Over the week, you’ll spend more than 15 hours working alongside Laima, learning her approach to pottery in a very hands-on way. You’ll explore the basics, pinching, coiling, slab-building, and slowly create your own pieces, including a tea set from start to finish. There’s also time to play with decoration, colours, and textures, and make each piece feel truly yours. Whether you’re new to pottery or already have some experience, it’s really about enjoying the process and gaining confidence along the way. You’ll head home with your creations, including at least one bisque-fired piece.

A place shaped by ceramics

We’ll spend time in Giroussens, a small village known for its ceramic heritage. It’s a beautiful and inspiring place, with studios, galleries, and a real connection to the craft. It adds another layer to the week, seeing where pottery lives beyond the studio.

A taste of the South of France

Between classes, we take the time to enjoy where we are. A visit to Toulouse, a long lunch, a glass of wine, simple moments that make the experience feel balanced and easy. It’s not just about creating, but also about enjoying the rhythm of the South of France.

A space to slow down

The retreat takes place in a peaceful countryside estate, with a pool, spa, and quiet surroundings. It’s a place to step away from daily life, take things slowly, and reconnect, with yourself, your creativity, and the people around you. The group is small, so it always feels relaxed, personal, and easy.

Born in Latvia, Laima Laurina is a ceramic artist and sculptor whose creative journey is rooted in a deep connection to nature and a passion for working with her hands. Guided by intuition and a love for tactile expression, Laima found her true medium in clay.

She honed her craft through formal studies, earning a ceramics diploma from the Arts Academy of Latvia, and expanding her vision during a semester in Spain studying Product Design. Her time on the island of Mallorca as a ceramics apprentice further shaped her artistic voice, infusing her work with Mediterranean influences and a refined sense of form and function.

Today, Laima’s work is a delicate balance of precision, playfulness, and organic beauty. Each piece is handcrafted using her own techniques, often featuring soft colour gradients and the textural elegance of porcelain.

Her art tells a quiet, powerful story, one of curiosity, patience, and an enduring respect for the natural world.