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
5–11 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.)

•  – Arrival Day Guests arrive at St Cybranet and settle in. Evening welcome aperitifs followed by dinner in the Walnut Barn
•  – 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
•  – 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
•  – 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.
•  – 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.
•  – 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)
•  – Departure Day Breakfast, free time, light lunch followed by 16.30 (approx) departure with transfer to Bergerac Airport.

Included:
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). Airport transfers to and from Bergerac airport can be added at checkout if required.

Included for Non-Participants:
Non-participants staying with the group are welcome to join all scheduled excursions and local trips. They receive the same food package (six breakfasts, four lunches with drinks, three apéros, three three-course dinners with local wines) and the same agreed transport, including local transfers during the week. Access to workshops and creative sessions is not included.

Not included:
Flights, airport transfers, 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.

Local Resident Workshops
Great news – Meg will be running workshops for local residents 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.

Important Travel Information:
Guest Arrival – London → Bergerac
Friday 5 June 2026

Arrival window: Please aim to arrive at Bergerac by 16:00.
Group transfer: The group airport transfer pickup time will depend on the arrival times of all participants’ flights. We will do our best to coordinate the transfer schedule to suit everyone as smoothly as possible.

Typical London flight timings (direct):
Stansted (Ryanair): 1hr 40 mins

Arrival steps: Land 15:00 → collect luggage → look for Walnut Barn Retreats sign → depart approx 16:00.
If your confirmed flight is delayed, we will wait.
Later voluntary arrivals must arrange their own transport.

Notes: You may wait in the Arrivals cafés if landing early. Transfer time to Walnut Barn: 1 hour.

Guest Departure – Bergerac → UK
Thursday 11 June

Departure window: Please book an early evening flight from Bergerac between 18:30 and 20:00.

Group transfer: Leaves St Cybranet  16.30-17.30, arriving at Bergerac Airport around 17.30-18.00 (in time for evening flight)

Typical departure timings (direct):
To Stansted (Ryanair): 19.25

Earlier flights: please arrange your own transport.
If your flight is delayed, you can wait comfortably in the terminal.

Travel and accommodation are booked independently. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance, including cover for event cancellation. Please read our Terms and Conditions before booking.