Activity holidays usually focus on physical, outdoor pursuits such as cycling or trekking. But at the French House Party you can stretch your mental muscles with a series of courses in the creative arts, led by expert tutors.
The all-inclusive, short-break holidays are held in a beautifully renovated, 200-year-old stone farmhouse a few miles west of Carcassonne. The program was developed by journalist and author Moira Martingale, who offers the courses from her spacious holiday home, complete with a swimming pool and surrounded by lovely grounds. The venue provides a relaxed and intimate setting that encourages creativity to flow.
Songwriting Course with Dean Friedman
In July I attended the four-day Summer Songwriting Course with Dean Friedman. Best-known for hits such as Lucky Stars, Ariel, Lydia and Woman of Mine, Friedman's music career spans 30-plus years. With his soaring melodies, clever and often quirky lyrics, and an innovative style that includes elements of pop, rock, jazz, blues and country, he is known as one of the best composers in the business.
Our group of six ranged in age from 15 to over 60, and included a classically trained pianist, a guitar teacher and several self-taught beginners. Most had never written a song before. But the difference in musical skills and interests enhanced the workshop experience as we learned from each other as well as from Friedman.
"People don't have to be professionals. Everyone can write songs," he said. "I am more moved by the meaning behind a song than a sophisticated phrase. Every person brings that to the table.
"Inevitably a song will reflect the personality of the person writing it. I enjoy hearing that expression – the more idiosyncratic, the better."
The workshops were relaxed and informal, held around the grand piano in the atrium or outside on the patio beside the pool. Friedman taught us the craft of songwriting by showing us a variety of ways to take lyrics and melodies from inspired idea to finished song.
In between sessions, we found peaceful spots within the beautiful grounds to work on our compositions. On the final evening, to everyone's delight, we all took to the stage in the atrium to perform our songs.
Food and Accommodation at the French House Party
The body as well as the soul is well nourished at the French House Party. The holidays include all meals, wine and snacks, from the generous buffet breakfasts to afternoon tea and cakes to aperitifs before dinner.
Lunches are light and leisurely, with a variety of salads, quiches and other delicious fare. The four-course dinners are outstanding, with such entrees as duck in cherry sauce or stuffed breast of chicken wrapped in Parma ham, followed by scrumptious desserts. Meals are accompanied by a fine selection of wines, primarily from vineyards in the surrounding Languedoc region.
The meals are normally eaten al fresco, around a large table at the end of the terrace, enhancing the convivial atmosphere. The food is freshly prepared on site by the catering team, working from the French House Party's enormous kitchen that doubles as the venue for its cookery courses.
Eight comfortable, en-suite bedrooms, each uniquely decorated in French country style, are ranged around the two-storey atrium. They are equipped with air-conditioning, CD players, hair dryers and other amenities. Two ground-floor rooms are suitable for guests with limited mobility.
Individual and Group Courses
Holiday learning courses are held in April, May, June, July, September and October. Each course can accommodate up to 16 people. In addition to the songwriting course, held in July, individuals can join courses in creative writing, digital movie-making, and several popular cookery courses.
The French House Party also organizes creative holidays for people booking as a group and bringing their own tutor. These can include sketching, painting, mixed media and other arts courses, books or drama courses. Bespoke group holidays centred on activities from golfing to fitness can also be arranged.
Activities in the Surrounding Area
Non-participating spouses and partners are welcome at the French House Party, for a slightly reduced fee. There is plenty to keep everyone occupied.
The lovely grounds are surrounded by sunflower fields with views of the distant Pyrenees. They contain a tennis court, boules court, covered table tennis area, a games room with pool table and jukebox, and a large swimming pool and sunbathing terrace.
Guests can borrow bicycles for a scenic ride along the nearby Canal du Midi, visit the walled medieval city of Carcassonne which is only 20 kilometers away, or go wine-tasting at the local vineyards.
How to Book a Creative Arts Learning Holiday at the French House Party
The next Summer Songwriting Course with Dean Friedman will be held at the French House Party, July 20-23, 2012.
For information on this and other creative arts learning holidays, visit the French House Party website, or tel: 01299 896 819 or 07900 322791 (outside the UK tel: (+44) 1299 896 819).
Donna Dailey - Donna Dailey is an award-winning travel writer & photographer. Her work appears in newspapers, magazines, websites and guidebooks ...
