Painting Holidays with Bettina Schroeder

Nigel's Place is in the foothills of the French Pyrenees and has stupendous views of the legendary fortress of Montségur, which looms across the mountains from a precipitous rocky pinnacle.

Surrounding Nigel's Place are the Aude valley and the wild interior of the Ariège, which are dotted with appealing, picturesque hamlets, and spectacular rivers, gorges and lakes.

Nigel's Place itself is a lovingly-converted, rustic former farmstead with a dainty alpine garden nestling on a hillside. It offers comfortable bedrooms, modern bathrooms, and reposeful lounges for easeful evenings.

In addition to painting around Nigel's Place, we will make a number of painting trips to, for example, Mirepoix, a walled and well-preserved medieval town, and the nearby village of Camon, where the church and the ancient fortifications are reminders of a turbulent history.

Your stay will include a day without formal tuition when you can go on a special excursion - such as a visit to the famous cave paintings at Niaux or Bédeilhac.

A little further afield lie the ruins of the chateau of Roquefixade, set atop a jagged granite outcrop. Indeed, the whole of the area, with its rich local culture and breathtaking sights is an exceptional location for a painting holiday.

Most painting holidays run every year, so ask Bettina about future dates if you need to.