A 7 night retreat with 4 days of tutored time in a beautiful airy studio where you will explore hand building, decoration and glazing workshops with spectacular outdoor firings, together with free time to relax, swim, walk and enjoy the French country way of living! (Scroll down to see our gorgeous accommodation options!)
Your ceramics tutor for the week will be Helen Ashton - a teacher from The Clay Studio, East Sussex, specialising in Raku techniques, and also a ceramic artist in her own right. She has over a decade of experience in outdoor alternative firing techniques, she guides Raku and Obvara workshops, together with weekly classes and sculptural courses. With her scientific background she developed a fascination for the interaction of glaze components and the raw surface of clay. Her pieces are hand built, thrown and sculpted, both decorative and functional.
Your time at The Mill will include:
Kurinuki, pinching and other hand building techniques
Experienced support through all processes and outdoor firings.
Japanese Raku gas firing method, an ancient technique producing colour from fire
An Obvara firing – the fiery finale
In addition to the course activates led by Helen, you will be nurtured at The Mill, with comfortable bedrooms, plenty of communal areas, including the peaceful Library, and outdoor seated areas to relax in.
Rustic Mediterranean inspired meals, featuring locally sourced produce will be served outdoors under our shady Pergola.
River swims on the doorstep, and plenty of walking/ hiking trails directly from The Mill.
You will have the opportunity to visit the Farmers Market in the bustling Medieval heart of Millau Town Centre, and will also be able to visit the Millau Viaduct Centre for those of you who have an interested in Norman Fosters Masterpiece.
*Please let us know in advance of any specific allergies.
Course Only Booking
Course only option for local residents or to stay elsewhere in local area accommodation.
The cost to attend the course with all workshops, time in studio and lunches as per the course details is £695 / €798.
Accommodation Including Course Booking
For those staying at The Mill, all breakfasts and lunches are included, as well as 5 of your evening meals.
Miller’s Nook
Second floor single bedroom. The Miller’s Nook shares a bathroom and WC with the Mezzanine Nook. Please note, there are no external windows in this room, but internal windows open out onto a hallway with natural day light from the East and West.
BOOKING:
OPTION 1: For 1 person, attending the Raku course: NOW £782
Mezzanine Nook
Second floor room with 2 single beds. One is up a ladder, so best for someone mobile. The Mezzanine Nook shares a bathroom and WC with the Miller’s Nook. Please note, there are no external windows in this room, but internal windows open out onto a hallway with natural day light from the East and West.
BOOKING OPTIONS:
OPTION 1: Single occupancy with Raku course: NOW £782
OPTION 2: For 2 people, with one person attending Raku course: NOW £723 for course attendee, £430 for additional person (total £1,153)
OPTION 3: For 2 people sharing, both attending course: NOW £723 per person (total £1,446)
Hill View Room
First floor room with an option for 2 single beds, or 1 double. Private WC and shower-room.
BOOKING OPTIONS:
OPTION 1: For 1 person, including Raku course: NOW £782
OPTION 2: Shared occupancy for 2 people, with both attending Raku course: NOW £723 per person (total £1,446)
OPTION 3: Shared occupancy, second person not attending Raku course: NOW £506 for second person (total £1,153)
Riverside View Room
First floor double room with private bathroom
BOOKING OPTIONS:
OPTION 1: For 1 person, including Raku course: NOW £825
OPTION 2: Shared occupancy for 2 people, with both attending Raku course: NOW £731 per person (total £1,462)
OPTION 3: Shared occupancy, second person not attending Raku course: NOW £430 for second person (total £1,161)
Canal View Apartment
Second floor apartment with its own wc, shower and kitchen. Minimum occupancy 2 people, sleeps up to 3 people.
Layout: 2 single beds in the open plan living area, and a double bed. Areas are separate with curtains for added privacy - suitable for three friends.
BOOKING OPTIONS:
OPTION 1: For 2 people, both attending Raku course: NOW £723 per person (total £1,446)
OPTION 2: For 2 people, with one person attending Raku course: NOW £723 for course attendee, £430 for additional person (total £1,153)
OPTION 3: For 3 people sharing, all attending course: NOW £723 per person (total £2,169)
OPTION 4: For 3 people sharing, 1 person attending course: NOW £723 for course attendee, £430 for additional guests (total £1,583)
OPTION 5: For 3 people sharing, 2 people attending course: NOW £723 for course attendees, £430 for additional guest (total £1,876)