French Floral Retreat 2020: Course overview
This exclusive weekend retreat will take place at the stunning Château de la Ruche – a magical 18th century petit château set in 15 acres of secluded, private parkland and woodland, near Le Mans in the Pays de la Loire region of France.
Floral workshops will take place in and around the breath-taking house and grounds. Attendees will be able to use a wide selection of blooms and foliage and be shown how to forage for materials from the grounds of the chateau. Working in groups and individually, you will be designing foam-free arrangements to dress the house alongside a celebration tablescape for Saturday’s evening dinner.
Jackie, our resident photographer will be documenting your floral journey throughout the weekend and provide you with a collection of photographs of all the work you create. And of course, there will also be plenty of time to relax, unwind, drink a glass of your favourite tipple and watch the world go by as you enjoy the chateau and the wonderful welcome that hosts Tim and Rebecca provide.
Friday 24th April
4pm Retreat participants arrive
8pm Welcome dinner
Saturday 25th April – Workshop day 1
9am breakfast
10am workshop – dressing an entrance, we will design a welcome archway of flowers and dress the steps of the house also creating a staircase design that welcomes guests in. Jackie will also be guiding us through taking the perfect photographs inside and outside the venue.
1pm Lunch
2.30pm workshop – creating foam free designs for a celebration dinner that will enable us to sit and enjoy all our handiwork. Using the finest florals, we will create a suspended flower canopy for us to celebrate the evening away with.
8pm dinner
Sunday 26th April – Workshop day 2
9am breakfast
10am workshop – Time take to design your foam free urn, using a selection of beautiful vintage containers. Using the finest selected florals you can enjoy space to design and dream.
1pm Lunch
4pm – guests depart
Reserve your place today for just £50
Total cost just £1200, including all accommodation and food, materials and tuition.
£50 deposit payable online (see below) to secure your place
£250 to be paid by 31 December 2019
£300 to be paid by 29 February 2020
Final £600 to be paid by 31 March 2020
NB. Transport to and from Château de la Ruche is not included
Cancellation T&Cs are available here.