Schedule:


26 September to 2 October 2004
Check-in: 4pm, Sunday, 26 September
Check-out: Noon, Saturday, 2 October

Cost:

 

The price is $1500 US* per workshop attendee, based on double occupancy, and includes:

  • The six day workshop
  • Six nights logement charmant
  • Aperitif and hors d'oeuvre to welcome you on Sunday
  • Petit dejeuner— french breakfast
  • Dejeuner— french country lunch
  • Dinner and wine at Le Lavandin four of the six nights
  • Dinner at local restaurants two of the six nights

A 50% nonrefundable deposit will be collected at the time of reservation. The remaining nonrefundable balance is due 90 days prior to the workshop. If the reservation is made within 90 days of the beginning date of the workshop the entire fee will be due at time of reservation.

*The price is based on the current exchange rate of $1.24 equals 1 Euro as of 16 January 2004. Due to fluctuations in currencies Le Lavandin may adjust the workshop price. We will only make adjustments if the exchange rate changes by more than 10% of the rate quoted above; and, if necessary, this will occur seven days prior to the workshop and subsequent to the final payment.

In this time of increased unpredictability, your host recommends travel insurance to protect against loss of fees due to cancellations. Please consult your travel agent. In the event that Le Lavandin should cancel any reservation or workshop, all moneys paid shall be returned.

The days in late September come in shades of blue and gold and fade to orange purple and sapphire when the sun drops behind the hills. You are invited to spend a week with Nina Begue and Valerie Williams at Le Lavandin, Provence with a group of women who share a passion for literature, lively conversation, good food and travel.

A typical day might unfold as follows:
9 am: Petit dejeuner in the main house
10 am: Facilitated book discussion
12 am: Break for dejeuner, either something light at Le Lavandin or at one of the delightful villages nearby
Afternoon: Explore the countryside, sun by the pool, swim, read, paint, nap or …….

We hope that those who love to cook will help plan and prepare the evening meals we have together at the main house four of the six days. Trips to the local farmer's markets will be arranged for those who want inspiration for the fresh and sumptuous meals. Nina, Valerie and Georgia will be available to assist with shopping and preparation and, of course, everyone is invited to bring favorite recipes. There will be an opportunity to dine at local restaurants featuring specialties of the region at least two evenings.


The countryside around Le Lavandin abounds with interesting towns and villages. Some offer sophisticated shopping for clothes, food specialties and art; others beg the sketchbook and camera. We strongly recommend one car per three people. This arrangement will best accommodate luggage, parking and touring. Nina and Valerie can assist with car rental arrangements.

Betsy Burton and Barbara Hoagland, owners of "The King's English" bookshop in Salt Lake City will provide a list of suggested books to read for discussion. However, as this is a loosely structured week, please feel free to offer your own ideas. If you already lead book club discussions and would like to do so during the week let us know.