Photographic retreat to the south of France
13.09.2024 - 18.09.2024
Cordes-sur-Ciel
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Jon Davison
photography
2975 EUR
This is a photographic, gastronomic and cultural retreat to Cordes-sur-Ciel in the historic Occitanie region of southern France. The retreat is run by professional photographer Jon Davison and his wife Jude. For our group tours with 5 or more guests, we are joined by Western Australian guest photographer Kingsley Klau. The area is a stunning visual feast of rolling farmland, hills, medieval villages, pigeonniers, gorges, rivers, forests and more. Its history, food and wine will leave you enchanted. Included in the cost of your tour is your accommodation, all meals and wine, airport pick up and drop off, plus all travel during the tour.
We will also be joined by Jon’s daughter Tess, a Michelin trained chef. She will be creating some stunning gastronomic delights. Her winemaker partner Charles will offer you an understanding of biodynamic and natural wines.
The area was once known as the Languedoc (the language where ‘Oc’ meant yes, compared to the Northern French ‘Oui’ for yes) and was not part of France. In the 13th century the Languedoc was the centre of the tragic Albigensian crusade, created to wipe out the 'Cathar heresies'. It was also one of the first wine growing regions of France at nearby Gaillac. So the retreat takes in the historic villages and cities of; Albi, Cordes-sur-Ciel, Penne, Puycelci, Bruniquel, Najac, Montricoux, Varen, St Antonin Noble Val, Chateau Grandval, Ambialet, Castlenau-de-Levis, Belcastel and more.
We will also have the chance to visit some of the homes in Cordes, visiting local metal sculptors, carpenters, stone masons, artists and jewellers. As well as gaining that all important 'photographer's eye', you will be immersed into the culture and history of Occitanie, as well as gastronomic meals. Jon will also demonstrate shooting with a drone, plus free sessions in Photoshop where you get to see just how important post production is now to the craft of photography.
Accommodation, meals, guest speakers and tutorials will be at La Borie Grande, a lovely twelve bedroomed estate at the hamlet of Campes, five minutes from Cordes.
