South of France ~ An Idyllic Flower Journey
Somewhere down a winding country road, an hour south of Toulouse, there lies a tiny medieval village where copper artisans are hard at work on their wares. It is here, in Durfort, among unspoiled scenery of the Pyrenees mountain range that we discover a slow-living, authentic French way of life.
Seemingly, untouched by time, the region holds magic and charm that will steal your heart.
The first time I visited the South of France, I was struck by three things: the natural beauty of the region, their simple, unhurried way of life, and their love of flowers and beauty. The French don’t see flowers as a luxury – or something to have on special occasions…they see flowers as a necessity for their joie de vivre, and the art of living well. The French love fresh flowers on their table daily, flower boxes on their windows, vining, rambling roses, and sprawling garden spaces with hydrangeas, sunflowers, and lavender. The way they see it, flowers are for pleasure! This “pleasure factor”, lends itself to their slow-living way of life that I fell in love with. They don’t squander time, (au, contraire!) they savor time. Like the way in the small villages, the school children come home at Noon to sit down to a homemade family meal. The family finds pleasure in each other’s company and finds joy in discussing the activities of the day. The children return to school at 2:00, refreshed and eager to learn! (Can you imagine?!) It is this simple approach to life and living that I chose to host our weeklong floral retreat. Attendees get to not only embrace French culture and charm, but also savor a bit of local life, learn the French approach to floral design and their love of flowers. During our time in this idyllic setting, we draw creative inspiration from our surroundings, using local foraged blooms & greenery among the fields and small villages. We also get to savor the outdoors, surrounded by mountains, a river waterfall, and the lush
Mediterranean climate. Time is spent having open-air floral arranging, creating French-inspired bouquets, flower crowns, flat-lays, fine art botanical prints, and dining under the stars! Plus, I have found it is impossible to visit this part of the world without a visit to the famed French flea markets for treasures! Inspiration is everywhere! And, vases & French brocante’ abound to use in designs!
It is here, in this idyllic, unspoiled, unhurried, calm of life, the South of France, where one can really stop-and-smell-the-flowers! Time here stands still. Time here will change your perspective. And, most certainly, steal your heart.
Spaces are still available on our next journey. September 27 – October 4, 2018
Contact: Paula Coleman, Master Designer ~ Flower Lark
info@flowerlark.com (812) 945-3596 www.flowerlark.com
The itinerary can be found here.
Photography by : Rachel Red Photography