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The French Study Tour

French Study Tour  Cost: £650 (Deposit: £150, non-returnable)

July 22nd - 28th July 2012

The visit usually coincides with the harvesting and distillation of both lavender and clary sage - and not only includes lectures on the history of the area, the plants growing there and their therapeutic uses, but the opportunity to distil your own essential oil in our own small still (sitting in the sun and/or splashing in the river while waiting for it to distil).

The group will be harvesting calendula flowers at the beginning of the week and will see how they are macerated a few days later. It will be possible to see other medicinal plants which grow around the local river, including wild lavender, St John's Wort, chicory, walnut, lime blossom and many more. Field study trips will include a visit to a distillation plant, walks around herb fields and a botanical walk complete with picnic, revealing magnificent vistas over the Drôme valley.

A shopping trip will be made to the local market town on market day, also a visit to one or more caves to taste (and buy, if you wish) Clairette de Die, the natural champagne (no added bubbles!) of the area.

We usually have a party on the last night, so if you can act, sing or dance or recite, you can volunteer.

The course is based at the old monastery in the tiny village of Sainte Croix in the Drôme valley in south-east France. The local area is called the Diois (pronounced Dee-wa), based on the name of the nearby town of Die (pronounced Dee). Wonderful food and copious wines are provided by the manager (Thierry) and chef (Bernard).

The incredible energy of the atmosphere is also a contributory factor to a very relaxing and spiritually uplifting week.

Mid July to first week in August is the average time for the harvesting of lavender and clary sage. However, there are other aromatic plants we can see being distilled, should the tour miss lavender and clary sage.

Sunday:
Arrival and unpacking, welcome drinks, then dinner and relax.

Monday:
Morning: we hope to start by picking calendula - about 8.30 am - after an early breakfast. After a coffee break back at the monastery, a local farmer will give a talk outlining the history of the immediate area pertinent to the production of herbs and medicinal plants in the Diois.
Lunch at the monastery.
Afternoon: tour of herb fields in the Vallee de Quint, with some gentle walking to stretch your legs after the journey.

Tuesday:
Morning: we will be picking plant material available (hopefully lavender!) and later everyone will be participating in the process of its distillation in our small still.
Lunch at the monastery.
Afternoon: while distilling there will be lectures on distillation and hydrolats. All essential oil and hydrolat obtained will be shared equally between us.
Some time on this day will be left for splashing about in the river, or walking up the hill of oaks opposite the house - or just lounging in the sun. No doubt some sparkling wine will feature.

Wednesday:
Morning: Provençale market in Die; it is imperative to go early to be sure of a parking place as it is crowded in July and August. We must re-assemble in the car park at 12.15.
Picnic lunch by a small river.
Afternoon: expert botanist Claire Bonnelle (who has written a book on the traditional use of plants in the Diois) will lead us on a field trip to identify and discuss plants in the wild - Vallon de Combeau). You will need walking shoes, a pullover and a light waterproof - you never know in the mountains!
Evening: restaurant (food and pichet of wine included) - La Tonnelle in Die.

Thursday:
Morning: talk on clary sage, lavenders or/andthymes.
Lunch at the monastery.
Afternoon: visit to Plantes Aromatiques to see distillation on large scale - in action.
Visit to local Clairette de Die producer before an evening meal at the monastery.

Friday:
Morning: easy time; prepare for the party, pack, swim or just relax in the sun.
Lunch at the monastery.
Afternoon: visit to a local company to see the maceration process (eg calendula, melissa, St. Johns wort) in sunflower or olive oil for external use and alcohol and water for internal use. A visit to the Clairette de Die cave will be made - if time - to taste the local wines.
Evening: we usually have a get together on the last evening to chat about the week, and do our 2 minute party piece (singly or in small groups). Discussions can take place with everyone contributing - possibly exchanging case studies - so that all benefit from each other's experience.

Saturday:
Breakfast and then a sad farewell - but taking happy memories. We are sure you will savour and enjoy every moment of your time at Ste. Croix - a week to remember!

(Please Note: It is not always possible to stick to a rigid timetable.)