Paper Flower Retreat in the Dordogne with Meg Lowder of Floragami

Paper‑Flower Retreat in the Dordogne with Meg Lowder of Floragami

Artist

Meg Lowder

Dates

6–12 June 2026.

Number of Places

This is an intimate retreat with only ten participant places available, ensuring a focused and personalised experience.

Location

Hosted in the beautifully converted Walnut Barn in St Cybranet, in the heart of the Dordogne and close to historic Sarlat‑la‑Canéda. Set among peaceful countryside and charming stone villages, it’s an inspiring environment for a focused and creative retreat.

Overview

Join Meg for an immersive week of creative indulgence in the lush Dordogne countryside. Surrounded by natural beauty, you’ll delve into the art of paper‑flower making — exploring form, colour and texture — specifically flowers inspired by a the water gardens in Carsac, A week spent immersed in floral craft, balanced with local natural beauty, fresh locally produced food and wine and lovely people.

Who It’s For / Skill Level

Designed for all levels: from complete beginners to experienced makers. With expert tuition and small‑group attention, you’ll be supported at your own pace in a warm, encouraging environment.

What You’ll Learn

• Paper‑flower construction techniques: From stamens and flower centres to petal and leaf design and shape.
• A variety of flower styles
• Finishing techniques to bring your blooms to life.

What to Expect / Course Structure

The week has been designed to give you a balance of local interest, historic visits, culinary delights and half day workshops. (For awareness, a bit of weather or the odd surprise may change the flow.)

• Saturday – Arrival Day Guests arrive at St Cybranet and settle in. Evening welcome aperitifs followed by dinner in the Walnut Barn
• Sunday – Workshop & Water gardens of Carsac Leisurely breakfast at the Walnut Barn. Workshop 10am with Meg, followed by lunch at the Walnut Barn Afternoon visit to the Water gardens. Aperitifs followed by dinner at the Walnut Barn
• Monday – Workshop & opportunity for an afternoon swim or relaxation time Leisurely breakfast at the Walnut Barn. Morning workshop 10am, followed by lunch at the Walnut Barn Afternoon: Choice of a visit to a local swimming spot or time to relax, followed by evening aperitifs and dinner in the Walnut Barn
• Tuesday – Morning Kayak & afternoon Workshop Breakfast at the Walnut Barn. Morning kayak on the Dordogne, followed by picnic lunch by the river (weather permitting) or lunch at the Barn; Afternoon Workshop 2.30pm Evening meal off-site (at guests own cost), at recommended restaurants.
• Wednesday – Market Day & Creative Session Breakfast at the Walnut Barn. Visit to Sarlat market, followed by lunch in Sarlat (at guests own cost) Collection from Sarlat mid afternoon for return to St Cybranet Barn open to finish off any unfinished work, evening aperitifs and dinner at the Walnut Barn.
• Thursday – Workshop & Chateau Castelnaud Breakfast at the Walnut Barn. Morning workshop – 10am, followed by lunch at the Walnut Barn and workshop completion if necessary Afternoon excursion to Chateau Castelnaud, followed by off-site dinner near the Chateau (Suggest Les Machicoulis restaurant near Chateau at guests own cost)
• Friday – Departure Day Breakfast followed by 9.30am departure with transfer to Toulouse Airport.

Included:
Airport transfers to and from Toulouse airport, 6 x breakfasts, 4 x lunches with drinks, 3 x aperos, 3 x 3 course dinners with local wines, all local transport to workshops and excursions. Local pick up and drop off at Slow Village (approved accommodation partner).

Not included:
Flights, travel insurance, accommodation, off‑site dining, excursion entry fees, workshop materials beyond those listed.

Materials Included / What to Bring

All essential workshop materials and tools are provided. Floragami kits will be available to buy if you wish to make more paper flowers in your own time. You will need to bring reading glasses if you wear them and Meg recommends not having long nails as these can make shaping petals tricky. Meg will be driving back to the UK after the retreat and will be able to take your floral pieces home safely so you don’t need to worry about transporting them. Once home she will arrange either collection or delivery with you.

(See website Booking Page for options for non-participatory workshop guests, or guests traveling independently) Workshops for local residents are planned for Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 June, with a special ‘Paper Dying/Use Your Kit’ afternoon on Monday 15 June. Times and floral themes will be confirmed. Once booking opens, you’ll be able to reserve and pay for your place directly on the website.)

Full Travel Details and Options and Airport Transfers from Toulouse are on our Booking Page.