Art and Yoga - Artist Holiday, Yoga Retreat, Painting Holiday in France.

Picture a house in the French countryside among rolling hills and gentle views and sleepy villages where you wake to the sound of cicadas and church bells. Stay in a traditional rural Maison with twin, double, triple and single rooms where rest and comfort is a priority.

Refresh, recharge and relax as you learn to draw and paint and improve your yoga practice in a supportive, creative and inspiring environment. Acy Holidays are run by Karen Stamper, a working artist and yoga practioner and teacher. These holidays are suitable for all levels from absolute beginners upwards. Yoga classes are held each morning and early evening in the house or on the yoga deck. It is Iyengar yoga, using supports to help you gain the most for your body in a safe and suitable way.

Art workshops are in the morning, they are designed to inspire confidence and creativity using a variety of materials and techniques. Concentrate on learning to look and see with paints, charcoal, pastels, collage before choosing your chosen way of working. Karen will guide you carefully to help you develop your strengths. NEW for 2012 a painting course with Francis Boag (see website)

Afternoons are free for you to laze by the pool, explore or return to the studio if you wish.

The south of France is the ideal destination. The climate is not too hot and the journey time is short.

Maison Verte is in a village called Roujan, near Pezenas. This is a  grande maison full of character with a good size swimming pool, art studio and yoga space. Delicious non vegetarian and vegetarian meals are beautifully presented and served with local wines. There is an afternoon free to visit the picturesque town of Pezenas.

Gardoussel is on the edge of the Cevennes mountains in a small village called St Andre de Valborgne. The swimming here is in the crystal clear river or in a pool. There is an art/ yoga studio and a yoga deck by the stream. Delicious vegetarian food is lovingly prepared based on Ayurvedic principles. You can also enjoy a massage and laze in one of the many hammocks suspended in the trees.