Let beautiful surroundings inspire you to make beautiful things at La Videlerie’s in Aveyron, southwest France. You can choose from workshops teaching beginning skills in silversmithing, chainmail weaving, glass fusing or wire work.

The trip fee includes transportation from the nearest airport (Rodez, France), private accommodations in a restored farmhouse in the French countryside, all breakfasts and lunches, instruction and all class materials. The location in Aveyron, France offers beautiful scenery while being well off the beaten tourist path. Students can enjoy privacy and serenity of the rural location, or use the time between classes to visit the adjacent the cathedral town of Conques or the nearby medieval town of La Couvetoirade, once a stronghold of the Knights Templar order. Fishing is also available if you want to vary your activities, or if you are traveling with a spouse or friend who is not a crafting enthusiast.

Classes range from short 2-3 day breaks to one-week workshops. Students can book one of the regularly scheduled classes, or arrange their own private or semi-private class to cater to their scheduling needs and jewelry-making interests. Class size is kept very small (usually no more than 4 people) to give students the opportunity to experience personalized instruction.

La Vidalerie is owned by expert jewelry maker Karen Sarll whose designs and kits have been featured in the UK-based Making Jewellery magazine and Bead magazine. Sarll moved to France from Yorkshire five years ago. She can arrange trips to local spas or historical spots depending on student interests.