Embroidered Journey tours are small, bespoke tours led by Sam Hunter. The Embroidered Journey is a unique project designed to capture personal experiences. This week is designed to allow you to enjoy the beauty of place, the harmony of a small group, and to discover the little-known treasures of South West France including the Pyrenees Atlantiques and the Béarn.
About this course:
Stitching takes place together in a relaxing and collaborative atelier environment reflecting the way women have stitched together in community over centuries. Our slow stitching workshop reflects the mellow pace of this very charming, almost undiscovered region.
The week includes tuition, creative instruction and collaboration with Sam Hunter. Sam will help you design and stitch the cover of a journal in a supportive, creative and relaxing way. She accompanies you every step of the way.
During The Embroidered Journal Project you will take inspiration from the week of activities to produce an intricate cover of your journal as an embroidery project. Exploring your surroundings you will capture elements in photos, and creatively adapt them to embroidery in the quiet peace of the Atelier and grounds. Throughout the week you will develop your journal content using writings, drawings, photos and ephemera that will serve as a cherished memento of your trip.
Embroidery starter kits will be supplied, as well as a selection of gorgeous threads from our thread sponsors.
This project is suitable for ALL levels of skill, and no prior artistic experience is necessary. The course is limited to 14 participants.
Price is the total of:
•Full Board Accommodation: 1295€ to 2495€ per week based on room choice & single or shared occupancy (paid to Atelier Clos Mirabel)
•The Embroidered Journey Tour Package 750€ per person (paid to Atelier Clos Mirabel)
•The Embroidered Journal Workshop Tutor’s Fee: $997, including a starter kit of embroidery and journal supplies (paid to the Embroidered Journey)
Our time together will be balanced between the our creative textile project and day excursions to explore the local area. There is also ample time to relax and enjoy the beautiful manor house and grounds.
The week includes:
• A meet and greet service at Pau airport and Pau train station
• Private access to the Clos Mirabel Domaine: Manor House, Park and Atelier
• Access to the Atelier at Clos Mirabel throughout your stay
• 7 nights accommodation (the rate depends on room choice)
• Buffet breakfasts of local and regional produce
• 3 lunches at Clos Mirabel with accompanying wines
• Apéritifs before each dinner
• 7 four course dinners with accompanying wines at Clos Mirabel
• 3 excursions with the services of an English-speaking guide
• Wine tasting
• 1 hands-on cooking class followed by dinner and accompanying wines
• 1 Champagne reception before the farewell dinner
• Departure Transfers to Pau Airport and Pau Train Station
• Optional trip to Lourdes – The city of Lourdes is one of the most important centres of pilgrimage in France. It is located a short distance from Clos Mirabel (24 miles away, 45 minutes by car or by train ). A visit can be organised for those who may wish to visit its cathedrals and sanctuaries on Wednesday.
Programme Outline:
Saturday – Arrival Clos Mirabel Atelier
• 4.00 Welcome drinks upon arrival
• Explore Clos Mirabel Manor, Park and Atelier
• An introduction to the Embroidered Journal project and the schedule for the week
• 6.30 Apéritifs and introductions, followed by 4 course dinner
Sunday – Royal City of Pau
• 8.30 Buffet breakfast of local & regional produce
• AMWalking Tour and visit to Pau’s Château accompanied by an English speaking guide
• Explore the city and château on a guided walking tour
• Light buffet lunch at Clos Mirabel
• PM Atelier
• 6.30 Apéritifs followed by 4 course dinner Clos Mirabel
Monday – Clos Mirabel Atelier
• 8.30 Buffet breakfast of local & regional produce
• AM Atelier
• Light buffet lunch at Clos Mirabel
• PM Atelier
• 6.30 Wine tasting followed by 4 course dinner
Tuesday – Bayonne, Pays Basque
• 8.30 Buffet breakfast of local & regional produce
• AM Travel by coach to Bayonne.
• Explore the city accompanied by a private guide
• Enjoy lunch (recommendations provided) and free time to browse.
• 6.30 Apéritifs followed by 4 course dinner Clos Mirabel
Wednesday – Clos Mirabel Atelier
• 8.30 Buffet breakfast of local & regional produce
• AM Atelier – continuing work on our journals and journal covers
• Light buffet lunch at Clos Mirabel
• PM Atelier – continuing work on our journals and journal covers or Optional trip to Lourdes – The city of Lourdes is one of the most important centres of pilgrimage in France. It is located a short distance from Clos Mirabel (24 miles away, 45 minutes by car or by train ). A visit can be organized for those who may wish to visit its cathedrals and sanctuaries.
• 6.30 Apéritifs followed by 4 course dinner Clos Mirabel
Thursday – Market Day Salies de Béarn and private visit to Tissage Moutet Weavers
• 8.30 Buffet breakfast of local & regional produce
• AM Travel by coach to Salies de Béarn – Market Day
• Walking tour
• Enjoy lunch (recommendations provided) and free time to browse.
• PM Tissage Moutet weavers – private tour
• 6.30 Apéritifs followed by 4 course dinner Clos Mirabel
Friday – Clos Mirabel Atelier, Cooking Class
• 8.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
• AM Atelier – continuing work on our journals and journal covers or optional trip to Pau
• Light buffet lunch at Clos Mirabel or lunch in Pau (recommendations provided)
• PM Atelier – continuing work on our journals and journal covers
• PM Cookery class – This cooking class is above all, a fun experience. It is hands-on and designed to demystify some of the elements of French cuisine. Along the way you will master a technique or two.
• 6.30 Farewell Champagne reception and dinner
Saturday
Buffet Breakfast and departure (Check-out time 11am)
The Creative Studio offers a spacious open plan layout of 75 m2. It is available at all times during your stay. Click here for more information.
