Residential Mosaic Courses

Together with mosaic artist Angie Weston we are pleased to offer residential mosaic courses at Bigno Garrigo from March, 2008.

Angie trained as a fine art painter in the 1980's and more recently has turned her hand to the creation of mosaics, latterly in France where she has offered regular mosaic courses for those interested in learning this wonderful art form.  Much of her work is inspired by Mythology and Celtic traditions and her courses specialise in the creation of practical pieces for everyday use in the home and garden.  Click here to see Angie's website. 

She has undertaken a number of client commissions, has exhibited her work in England and has just finished writing a book, Mosaic Magic which will be published (David and Charles) from April 2008.  Angie is particularly interested in the flow of a design.  Her work is bright and vibrant, she is an excellent artist and teacher and her enthusiasm cannot fail to inspire you.

Bigno Garrigo is a former wine “chai” (wine store) and stands in grounds of nearly 3 acres, with colourful garden areas, an olive grove and a large area of “garrigue” with wild herbs and a variety of flora and fauna.  Make the most of our picturesque setting - unwind over a glass of wine (or two) after your day's hard work and enjoy the superb views over the vineyards across the beautiful green valley.  If you are feeling energetic, you can enjoy the 50 sq m heated pool (enclosed and alarmed for child safety), or work off surplus energy playing table tennis, badminton and other games on the large recreational area, or in a more leisurely way playing boules.  Click here for details on how to find us.

The Studio is a light and airy galleried room with huge picture windows offering lovely views of the valley.  You will have unlimited access to the studio facility for your stay and if you wish to work into the evening or early mornings then you are most welcome.

Your hosts - Sarah, Steve, Charlotte and Emily look forward to welcoming you to Bigno Garrigo and to this lovely part of France.  In 2005, we gave up the stresses and strains of the City and swapped it for life here in the Languedoc.  It is very different to what we were used to and we have enjoyed every minute of it.  Charlotte attends the local school in Quarante and has picked up French without any problems.  Emily, born here in June 2006, and so a true Languedocienne, will, no doubt, soon be doing the same. 

We are around most of the time and are always available to help you with any queries or problems that may arise.  Our aim is for you to have a great holiday and we will do our best to make your stay with us memorable.  2007 was another good year and we really enjoyed meeting all our guests.  We are thrilled that so many have booked to come back in 2008 (and the year after!!) as they have obviously enjoyed their stay.

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Price 600 euros per person

The price includes:

Full Board Accommodation (5 Days/ 4 Nights: Monday - Friday): Bed, Breakfast,
Lunch and Evening Meals - see below for sample menus.
21 Hours Tuition - 3 Days @ 7 hours per day.
All Materials and Tools.
Unlimited Refreshments, Internet Access (free WiFi connection) and Parking.
See below for transport option extras 

Non-mosaic partners are also welcome - there is plenty for them to see and do in the local area.  Please contact us for prices.

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Course Itinerary
Monday:
Arrive.  A chance for you to look around and settle in.  Depending on the time of your arrival we will supply Lunch or Afternoon Tea + Evening Meal.  See below for sample menus

Tuesday:
9am - 1pm, 2.30pm - 5.30pm: We will start with the basics of Mosaic Making Practice Tile Cutting and Shaping,Study Andamento and Various Opera,Tile Laying Techniques for Line, Flow and Definition) Health and Safety, Materials and Tools.
Plan your personalised project, Discuss and Experiment with Colour and Design, Direct and Indirect Mosaic Applications, Adhesives.
6 -7pm: Aperitifs on the Terrace (weather permitting)
7.30pm - 9.30pm: Dinner

Wednesday:
9am - 1pm, 2.30pm - 5.30pm: Tile Your Mosaic - It is possible to create a mosaic artwork measuring approx 40cm x 40cm during your stay.  Today we will aim to complete the surface mosaic tiling ready for overnight drying.

Thursday:
9am - 1pm, 2.30pm - 5.30pm: Grouting , Complete your project with grout. We shall also look at the effects which can be achieved by changing grout colour.

Acrylic and Pigment Colouring Techniques for Ready Mix and Powder Grouts.
Final Polishing and Finishing Techniques.

Friday:
Depending on the time of your departure we will supply Breakfast and Lunch.

• It is recommended that you bring a pair of shoes with covered in toes, a long sleeved sweater and sturdy leg wear (such as jeans) for working in the studio, as pieces of glass/ceramic can sometimes fly off with some force when being cut and shaped.

• Please be prepared for insect bites as we are in a rural environment.

• There is no pressure to decide on your mosaic project in advance, however if you would like to discuss possibilities and designs beforehand Angie is always happy to do so. As a general guide a completed square mosaic that measures 35cm x 35cm or a circular mosaic of a 42cm diameter should be achievable over the 5 days, depending on the complexity of the design.
 

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Sample Menus

Steve is an accomplished cook and is looking forward to cooking for you.  Meals are prepared using fresh, local ingredients every day. Do let us know if you have any allergies and we will prepare a menu accordingly.  

Breakfast: Served between 8.00am - 9.00am
A Selection of Cereals, Croissants, Bread, Cheeses, Jams, Yogurt, Fruit Juice. Tea (Herbal/Fruit or Breakfast) or Cafetière of Coffee.

Lunch might include one of the following: Served between 1pm - 2.30pm
(Served with a Glass of Wine and a Bottle of Water)

Grilled Goats' Cheese Salad
Jacket Potato with Tuna Mayonnaise Salad
French Onion Soup served with fresh bread
Home Made Quiche and Salad

Weather permitting, meals will be served outside on our patio.

Evening Meal: Served between 7pm - 9.30pm

Weather permitting, we aim to have a BBQ one evening during your stay. 
Evening meals include 1 bottle of wine per two persons.
 

In addition to our wines, we offer Digestifs or Cocktails (charged as extras)
Aperitif: Pastis, Cassis, Martini or Scotch with Nibbles, Olives, Peanuts, Potato Crisps.

Starters:
Melon Salad with Cucumber, Tomato and Feta cheese  - A refreshing salad served with a mint dressing.

Melon with Ham – A favourite local dish - served with a Parma-style ham.
BBQ Garlic Prawns - Served with a green salad

Smoked Salmon Canapés - Pain Grillé with layers of Marinated Smoked Salmon and Egg
Roasted Tomatoes with Garlic – Tomatoes Scattered with Whole Garlic Cloves, brushed with Olive Oil and roasted until Sizzling. Served with French Bread.
Spinach Stuffed Mushroom Topped with Cheese – Mushrooms in a Garlic, Lemon Juice, Thyme and Olive Oil marinade, baked and topped with seasoned Spinach Cheese.

Main Courses:
Boulangère Potatoes - Layers of thinly sliced Potatoes flavoured in a vegetable stock and baked until crisp. Served with Seasonal Vegetables.
Home Made Lasagne – Served with salad and garlic bread

Roast Chicken - the chicken is marinated either with herbs or lemon and is served with roast potatoes, vegetables and/or a salad.

Boeuf Bourgignon - served with rice or potatoes and a salad.

Desserts:
Tarte Tatin - Caramelised apple tart served with cream/fromage frais

Tarte au Citron - Delicious tart with a creamy lemon filling.

Clafoutis au Cerises -  An exquisite French classic.  Cherry clafoutis is a cross between a flan and a tart and is served with cream.

A selection of fresh fruit and cheeses.

Coffee or Tea (decaf available)

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Accommodation

Le Caprier: ground floor level with a double bedroom, living room/kitchen, shower room and separate wc. 

La Lavande: top floor level with a double/twin bedroom, living room, open plan kitchen, shower room and separate wc.  Huge terrace with superb views.

La Sarriette: next door to La Lavande and almost its mirror image (including the huge terrace!).

La Passiflore: two large bedrooms, living room, open plan kitchen and a large patio area with a vine-shaded terrace.

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Optional Extras
Airport/railway station pick up and drop off

Béziers Railway station - 30 euros

Béziers Airport - 40 euros

Carcassonne Airport - 60 euros

Montpellier or Perpignan Airport - 70 Euros (including motorway tolls)

Toulouse Airport - 120 euros (including motorway tolls)

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How to Book

To book a place on one of our courses simply e-mail your choice of dates to:

holidays@bignogarrigo.com
or
Tel:  +33 (0)4 6738 0612

        +44 (0)871 717 4289

Mob: +33 (0)6 2608 6584

Your booking is confirmed with a deposit of 30%, and the balance is due one week before your course.

If you would like to pay your deposit via Paypal we will send you an invoice via e-mail.
Payment can also be made by International Bank Transfer (details available on request).

On confirmation of your booking we will send you a receipt.
Angie will contact you a week before your course to confirm all arrangements.

Please note:
•Cancellation received more than 2 months prior to arrival will receive a refund of deposit minus 20% for administration.

•Cancellation less than 2 months prior to arrival will forfeit deposit in full.

• You are advised to purchase Independent Travel Insurance and to bring your European Healthcard with you.
 

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Our Address:

Steve and Sarah Over

Domaine Bigno Garrigo

Hameau de Barrès

34310 Quarante

France

Tel:  +33 (0)4 6738 0612

        +44 (0)871 717 4289

Mob: +33 (0)6 2608 6584

e-mail: holidays@bignogarrigo.com

How to get here

There are a number of airports within an hour of Bigno Garrigo.  Click here for details on who flies where, as well as how to get here by car or train.

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2008 Dates:

March: Mon 24th - Friday 28th

Please contact us for enquires on further dates and availability.