Singing and Choir Holiday in France

13/03/2023

Hi folks,
I am very happy to announce that I am now accepting bookings for the singing course in France, this September, 2023.

WHEN
Sunday September the 3rd to Saturday September the 9th, 2023.

WHERE
I made the decision to take us back to the sunshine, so we're heading back to the south of France, in the Luberon district, an area called Caseneuve which is east of Avignon and north of Aix-en-Provence. You can read more about Luberon here. More details will come about potential excursions that we will be planning for you throughout the week, in addition to the singing, of course.

TRAVEL
The gîtes isn't near any major rail stations, but there are various ways to travel, including:

Flights to Aix-en-Provence, Marseilles, or Lyon. Aix-en-Provence is closest and will require less local travel/shuttle time, Avignon is also close.
The Eurostar to Paris and then a train to Marseilles, then an additional train to Aix-en-Provence.

Shuttle pick ups can be arranged for an additional fee, but there may be limited spaces depending on the availability of cars. I will send out more travel info soon, but I suggest you allow ample time on the leaving day for flights out as we are at least 1 hour and 15 mins from Aix-en-Provence and as mentioned above, shuttles may be limited.

ACCOMMODATION
Les Laurons is a rustic collection of 5 gîtes that are nestled in the countryside. Initially I will be hiring the 2 largest gîtes and if we have enough interest I will be adding further ones. There IS a swimming pool... in fact, there are a few! :o). There are also HORSES! Yes, you read that correctly. There is more info on the website.

One gîtes has a large communal space where all the singing will occur, and we are spoiled for outdoor space so some of the rehearsals may occur outdoors.

PRICES
As you will all be aware, the cost of living has risen substantially, however, as the gîtes is slightly more rustic I have decided to only raise the prices by £25 to cover the extra food costs, and this year spirits and soft drinks will be included! I'm sure last year's gin ladies will be happy to hear that. ;O)

There are a few gîtes with ensuite options (prices below) but I've yet to receive a proper plan of the gîtes so please let me know if you'd prefer one and I will note it, subject to availability.

£925 - Single room

£725 - Shared Double Room (per person)

£575 - Non participant

£75 - en suite additional cost

*Airport and Train Station Shuttle prices TBC

AVAILABILITY

The combined 2 larger gîtes have space available for 8 private rooms, so I would encourage you to book at your earliest convenience. As mentioned above, I will be able to add more spaces should these get booked up, which will mean more singers on the course. I haven't enquired about the possibility of camping or bringing your own campervan, but I can do that if need be.

FEEDBACK

You spoke, and we've listened. I will be making some changes to the music learning (i.e. starting with a more simple piece that gets us all going!) and upgrading the menu. I will be in touch soon to get some input ahead of any major planning. :o)

INSURANCE AND VACCINATIONS

It is your personal responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel insurance for the holiday and that you meet the vaccination requirements laid out by the French government.

After such a long break from what has always been such a wonderful week away, I am really looking forward to making this happen this year. I do hope that you will consider joining me. I really do enjoy making music and spending time with all of you!

Please note:

*Travel to and from the gîtes is not included.

**All prices include meals, wine/spirits/soft drinks and tuition - minus one potential meal off site that is not covered.

Please do get in touch if you have any questions, or of course to enquire about booking. A 25% deposit will be due upon booking, and the remaining 75% will be due by July 1st, 2023.

I hope to hear from you soon.

Take Care,
David

Location de gîtes avec piscines en pleine campagne en Provence. 2 gîtes possèdent des piscines privées. Wi-fi gratuit. Location de poneys et chevaux pour balades sans accompagnateur, en toute liberté. Activités équestres encadrées.

31/03/2022

Hi folks!

I am happy to announce that I will be having a singing course this year. Enrolments have been open for a few weeks to past participants, so there are now only 2 single rooms left. We have 12 singers signed up with almost even numbers across SATB, so all parts welcome. All the info you need is below. Please email [email protected] for further information or to book a space.

WHEN
September 4th to 10th, 2022.

WHERE
As mentioned previously, the course will be taking place in Brittany, in the Morbihan district, roughly 10 minutes from the medieval city of Auray. You can read more about Auray here. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auray

It is also close to Vannes, which you can read about here. https://www.brittanytourism.com/destinations/the-10-destinations/southern-brittany-morbihan-gulf/vannes/

More details will come about some excursions that we will be planning for you throughout the week, in addition to the singing, of course.

TRAVEL
There are various ways to travel to the gîtes, including flights to Nantes, flights or the Eurostar to Paris and then trains to Vannes, or of course you can drive and take a ferry to Brittany. Shuttle pick ups can be arranged for an additional fee.

ACCOMMODATION
The Kérhys is a beautiful 4 building gîtes which is newly renovated and is of a much higher quality than what we have had in the past. According to Gaby and Norman (former course participants and all round wonderful people) who went to see the venue, the pictures do not give it justice. It is brand new, all rooms have double beds, and I've been assured that a pool will be going in this Spring. You can get a sneak peak at the venue here.

The gîtes has a very large communal space where all the singing will occur, which opens out into a gorgeous garden so we can have plenty of fresh air.

PRICES
As you will all be aware, the cost of living is rising substantially, however, I have decided not to raise the prices from the cancelled 2020 summer rates, and have lowered the Shared Double Room price.

The gîtes has a different layout than what we've had in the past, so there are options to 'upgrade' your experience (prices below). There is one gîtes that is entirely private, and there are 4 bedrooms that have private ensuite bathrooms. These will be offered on a first come, first served basis.

£900 - Single room
£700 - Shared Single Room (if both singing and sharing a bed)
£550 - Non participant
*Airport and Vannes Shuttle prices TBC

AVAILABILITY
I have 2 single rooms available, both with double beds, so couples are welcome, with a reduction in fee for non participants. Should the course sell out, I have had a quick look online and there are some lovely private Airbnb options available in Auray, and we would arrange a shuttle for you to come to and from the gîtes for the full day. There is the possibility of camping, but you would have to bring your own equipment.

INSURANCE AND VACCINATIONS
It is your personal responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel insurance for the holiday and that you meet the vaccination requirements laid out by the French government.

CORONA AND REFUNDS
Should the course be cancelled due to Corona, the gîtes have agreed that a full refund would be issued, so you will of course be entitled to a full refund of your course fee. Please be aware of cancellation policies when booking your personal travel.

After such a long break from what has always been such a wonderful week away, I am really looking forward to making this happen this year. I do hope that you will consider joining me. I really do enjoy making music and spending time with all of you!

Please note:
*Travel to and from the gîtes is not included.
**All prices include meals, wine, and tuition - minus one meal off site that is not covered.
***Alternatives to wine will be available at a small cost.

Please do get in touch if you have any questions, or of course to enquire about booking. A 25% deposit will be due upon booking, and the remaining 75% will be due by July 1st, 2022.

I hope to hear from you soon.

Take Care,
David

There is so much to do in Vannes, the capital of Morbihan. It’s a marina, a fortified town, a medieval town, a Town of Art and History, and so on. With

10/03/2021

Hi folks! Apologies for not posting in such a long time. For obvious reasons there hasn’t been the opportunity to plan anything, however, I am looking to put something together for the summer of 2022, so keep an eye out for more news in the future. Take care and stay safe.

18/10/2019

Hi folks! Stay tuned over the next few months for info about a brand new venue for summer 2020.

08/02/2019

Hello folks!

We still have a few places left on the Singing and Choir holiday in France. There are glamping tents which come complete with a mattress with bedding (duvet etc.), a towel, a clothes rail and hangers, a small drawer unit, fairy lights, and a rug.

Get in touch if you want to know more. xd

28/11/2018

Pre-Christmas booking offer.

Receive £50 off the regular price if you book before Christmas.

£850 - single room

£675 - Shared Twin Room

£675 - Sole Occupant Bell Tent (provided)

£500 - Bring your own Tent

£500 - Non participant

All prices include most meals, wine, tuition, and lessons.

Please note - travel is not included.