Courses & Hobbies

It’s never too late to pick up a new skill or hobby and our part of France is bursting with activities to try. From its world-renowned culinary scene to the scores of talented crafters and artisans who call the region home, there are a huge number of options. Here we offer some suggestions.

We are fortunate enough to be right on the doorstep of some of the world’s greatest wines, but there is much to learn beyond being able to recognise particular châteaux, grapes, and vintages. Alongside the usual range of guided tastings and vineyard tours, you can get right back to the soil itself with oenology, the science and study of wine. There are many courses available that explore the terroir of a particular area, the processes of cultivation, harvesting, fermentation, production, bottling, and even marketing and consumer habits.

Whatever your culinary ambitions, there’s bound to be a cooking course for you in this part of France. Explore our regional flavours by learning how to make your own duck confit or travel to the Far East by crafting handmade nems or gyozas. Vegans and vegetarians will find themselves well catered for, and it would be remiss to not mention the many patisserie schools that can teach you how to make beautiful desserts that taste as good as they look. Yummy!

Whether you are interested in dipping into the world of honey or aspire to build and maintain your own hives, there is a vibrant apiculture scene throughout the region. You can discover the healing properties of honey and how to cook with it or, at the other end of the spectrum, there are courses available that can teach how to identify and raise queen bees, harvest your honey, tackle illness in your hive, and help to prepare the hive for the challenging winter months.

Cross-stitch, as well as other textile techniques like macramé, has been steadily growing in popularity in recent years. While there are many online courses, there is also a wide variety of in-person workshops and ateliers that are happy to share their skills and expertise. Cross-stitch, for instance, is a relaxing hobby that has just three basic stitches - a cross, a line and a knot so you can get started and see results quickly. This versatile craft can be incorporated into a wide variety of projects from cushions, towels, decorative items, and even cards, so why not start now and you could have your Christmas gift-giving all sewn up! From throwing on the wheel to handbuilding and exploring different glazing and firing techniques like raku, our region is full of talented potters who run courses to suit all levels of experience and ambition. Whether you want to make beautiful bowls and vessels, practical items of simple tableware, or express yourself with something altogether more sculptural, it all starts with a simple lump of clay.

Crafting in general is experiencing a real renaissance at the moment, and breathing new life into vintage pieces is a popular pursuit, which you will often find referred to using the curiously English-sounding word, “relooking”. Knitting, crocheting and sewing skills can be put to work to create elegant furnishings and revitalised furniture. You could transform an ancient armchair into a stunning centrepiece at an upholstery course, warm a rustic bedroom with a cosy quilt, or light up the room with a unique hand-crafted lampshade. You could even learn to weave a wicker basket, perfect for storing logs by the fire ready for the winter months.

Roll up, roll up! Those with a flair for performance may wish to take inspiration from France’s enduring love of circus arts. There are circus schools scattered across the region offering you an introduction to the many skills you might find when the circus comes to town, from mime and clowning, to juggling and street arts. Those seeking a more active pursuit can test their flexibility and strength with courses in balance, acrobatics, aerial skills, and even the trapeze. Bon courage!

If something that smells nice is more your thing, the rich natural flowers and plants of the region lend themselves perfectly to creating your own cosmetics and beauty products. Scrub up on how to make a soap perfectly suited to your individual skincare needs, whilst understanding the chemistry necessary to safely master the soap-making process, or try making your own lip-balm, shampoo and conditioner, or personalised perfume. Perfect for treating yourself! You will find several courses in our website Business Directory pages under Education and Training