Inspire Your Creativity
Where Creativity Meets Tranquility
About Studio Préniac
We offer a range of courses created and led by experienced and well-known tutors, each of whom uses their individual styles and expertise to guide students through a week of ideation, experimentation and creativity, using the Préniac landscape and the local area as a source of inspiration. Courses are fully-catered, making the most of the wonderful local and regional produce, with all students and tutors staying on-site.
Préniac, originally an ancient hamlet, is a collection of traditional white stone buildings in the Quercynoise style. It is built around a delightful courtyard of a lovely 18th Century farmhouse, and is perfectly situated on the brow of a hill, providing stunning 360-degree views across the beautiful rolling countryside of the southern Lot. The buildings have been sympathetically converted into charming and tasteful holiday accommodation (mostly private en-suite rooms) as well as a large, well-equipped studio workshop.
Préniac is set within a large area of tranquil countryside, which includes a small lake as well as a 12 x 6 metre swimming pool with enchanting views across the valley from the sun terraces.
The immediate surrounding area is a haven for walkers and cyclists, with stunning views in all directions. It is also renowned for a large variety of flora and fauna, including an abundance of wild orchids, carpenter bees, tree frogs, wild boar and the beautiful hoopoe bird.
Close-by are many medieval/bastide towns and villages, such as Montcuq, Lauzerte and St Cirq-Lapopie. Cahors, the Prefecture of the Lot region, famous for its deep red wine, elaborate municipal gardens, the Pont Valentré (a medieval bridge with 3 towers) and the imposing Cathédrale St-Étienne, is a 20-minute drive away.
About Us
Hello, and welcome!
I'm Patrice, your host at Studio Préniac. Together with my husband, John, our son, Gabriel, and my oldest daughter, Marie-Pier, I am delighted to invite you to join us for one of our inspiring art workshops.
Moving to the south of France was a dream that began during our honeymoon in 2017. We fell in love with the beauty, culture, and pace of life here, and over the years, that dream gradually became a plan. Today, we are grateful to call Préniac home and to share this special place with guests from around the world.
I was born and raised in Quebec, Canada, just west of Montreal. After completing my master's degree, I embarked on an international career as a business consultant, working with organizations across several countries for more than 25 years. Throughout those years, my greatest passions have remained traveling, cooking, bringing people together, and discovering different languages and cultures.
John, who holds both American and Irish citizenship, is a urologic surgeon. He graduated from Stanford University and completed his specialty training at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. His career has taken him from Atlanta to Hawaii and back again, where our paths eventually crossed. Beyond medicine, John shares my love of traveling, lifelong learning, and meeting people from different backgrounds.
Gabriel is the youngest member of our family team. Since the age of three, he has attended an international school where every subject is taught in French one day and English the next. He is also being raised in Spanish by John and his Ecuadorian grandmother, making our household a lively blend of languages and cultures. When he is not at school, you'll usually find him immersed in Pokémon or discussing superheroes with great enthusiasm. His boundless energy and sense of wonder are a daily reminder of the joy of discovering the world through fresh eyes.
My oldest daughter, Marie-Pier, lives in Montreal and has dedicated her life to the performing arts. Her work has taken her from musical theatre productions and television appearances to festivals and street performances. She is a versatile entertainer with an impressive range of talents, including stilt walking, juggling, and even juggling while walking on stilts, a skill that never fails to amaze. Her artistic spirit and love of performance have undoubtedly influenced our family's appreciation for creativity and self-expression.
As a family, we share a deep appreciation for nature, animals, and the simple pleasures of rural life. One of the joys of living in this beautiful part of France is being surrounded by talented farmers, artisans, and producers whose passion is reflected in the quality of their work. Whenever possible, we support local agriculture by sourcing ingredients from nearby farms and markets, celebrating the region's rich culinary traditions. We also believe in being thoughtful stewards of the environment, making choices that promote sustainability, reduce waste, and preserve the beauty of this special place for future generations. These values are woven into daily life at Préniac and help shape the welcoming, authentic experience we hope to share with every guest.
I'm Patrice, your host at Studio Préniac. Together with my husband, John, our son, Gabriel, and my oldest daughter, Marie-Pier, I am delighted to invite you to join us for one of our inspiring art workshops.
Moving to the south of France was a dream that began during our honeymoon in 2017. We fell in love with the beauty, culture, and pace of life here, and over the years, that dream gradually became a plan. Today, we are grateful to call Préniac home and to share this special place with guests from around the world.
I was born and raised in Quebec, Canada, just west of Montreal. After completing my master's degree, I embarked on an international career as a business consultant, working with organizations across several countries for more than 25 years. Throughout those years, my greatest passions have remained traveling, cooking, bringing people together, and discovering different languages and cultures.
John, who holds both American and Irish citizenship, is a urologic surgeon. He graduated from Stanford University and completed his specialty training at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. His career has taken him from Atlanta to Hawaii and back again, where our paths eventually crossed. Beyond medicine, John shares my love of traveling, lifelong learning, and meeting people from different backgrounds.
Gabriel is the youngest member of our family team. Since the age of three, he has attended an international school where every subject is taught in French one day and English the next. He is also being raised in Spanish by John and his Ecuadorian grandmother, making our household a lively blend of languages and cultures. When he is not at school, you'll usually find him immersed in Pokémon or discussing superheroes with great enthusiasm. His boundless energy and sense of wonder are a daily reminder of the joy of discovering the world through fresh eyes.
My oldest daughter, Marie-Pier, lives in Montreal and has dedicated her life to the performing arts. Her work has taken her from musical theatre productions and television appearances to festivals and street performances. She is a versatile entertainer with an impressive range of talents, including stilt walking, juggling, and even juggling while walking on stilts, a skill that never fails to amaze. Her artistic spirit and love of performance have undoubtedly influenced our family's appreciation for creativity and self-expression.
As a family, we share a deep appreciation for nature, animals, and the simple pleasures of rural life. One of the joys of living in this beautiful part of France is being surrounded by talented farmers, artisans, and producers whose passion is reflected in the quality of their work. Whenever possible, we support local agriculture by sourcing ingredients from nearby farms and markets, celebrating the region's rich culinary traditions. We also believe in being thoughtful stewards of the environment, making choices that promote sustainability, reduce waste, and preserve the beauty of this special place for future generations. These values are woven into daily life at Préniac and help shape the welcoming, authentic experience we hope to share with every guest.
Subscribe to our mailing list to receive our newsletter!
(approximately once every 3 months)
Note: after completing the sign-up box below you will receive an email. You will need to click on the link contained within this email to confirm your subscription.
Creativity Holidays
Creativity Course Schedule
Textile Collage
Out of the Blue - Shibori and After Boro
Impressions of Landscape: Exploring the Essence of Time and Place Through Observation, Imagination, and Inspiration.
Folk Art House and Home
The Essence of Kantha
Creature Creation
Layered Impression - Print, Collage, Stitch
Watercolour Architecture and Landscapes
Textile Stories Through Stitch
Weaving the Land
French Textiles & Botanical Printing: An Immersive Ecoprinting Workshop
Metal & Thread: Inspired by the Lines and Textures of Nature
Floral Landscapes
Finding Views: Exploring place through inspiration, observation, imagination.
In and Out of the Sketchbook: On Location
Painting with Varvara Neiman (watercolour, acrylic & pastel)
Stitched Stories, Drawings and Marks
Weaving the Land
Exploring Watercolour: Contrasts Between the Past and Present
Joyous Monoprinting
In and Out of the Sketchbook: On Location
A Summer Sampler
Fragments of the Landscape
More Inspiring Watercolours with Liz Rogers in South West France
Exploring Metal as Textile
More Inspiring Watercolours with Liz Rogers in South West France
Textile Collage
Marks from the Land
Faces, Figures, Facts & Fictions
More Inspiring Watercolours with Liz Rogers in South West France
Exploring Colour Further with Ruth Issett
A Summer Sketchbook Inspired by Préniac
More Inspiring Watercolours with Liz Rogers in South West France
Fragments of the Landscape
Textile Collage
More Inspiring Watercolours with Liz Rogers in South West France
Chasing the Unknown and Unexpected: Exploring Dyed and Printed Colour, Surface and Stitch
Préniac - A Textile Diary with Jan & Jean
Colour and Pattern: Close Focus on Flowering Plants
Stitch-Sketch-Books: Textile Books
Landscape Unfolds; Exploring Place Through Inspiration: Observation: Imagination
Crossing Borders - Stitch Invasions
Exploring the Possibilities of Colour, Print & Paper Surfaces
More Inspiring Watercolours with Liz Rogers in South West France
Explore Colourful Surface Mark & Stitch
Landscape Unfolds; Exploring Place Through Inspiration: Observation: Imagination
Print Glorious Print; Fabric and Paper
Dancing Light and Layered Shadow
Préniac - A Textile Diary with Jan & Jean
Accommodation
Lavande Gîte
Private one-bedroomed gîte with its own terrace overlooking the countryside and swimming pool.
Learn More
Pavot Gîte
Private one-bedroomed gîte with twin/double bedroom, bathroom and kitchen/living space.
Learn More
Pricing
The cost of our creativity holidays is inclusive of the following:
- Course fees and basic materials
(except for any course specific materials that the tutor requests you bring with you) - Airport collection and drop-off
(allotted airports and times only) - Accommodation
(price varies by type of accommodation selected - we assume single occupancy by default unless you specifically request to share with a friend/partner) - Breakfast, lunch and dinner
(one meal taken at a local restaurant - to be paid by guests at the time) - Tea and coffee throughout your stay
- Aperitif and wine/beer with evening meal
- Transport to and from any excursions
- Bed linen and towels
- Access to all amenities throughout your stay
- Local tourist taxes
Prices per person for 2026 are as follows:
| Private en-suite bedroom (excluding Garden Room) | |
| Single occupancy | €1,920 |
| Double occupancy | €1,645 |
| Garden Room | |
| Single occupancy | €2,035 |
| Double occupancy | €1,750 |
| Lavande / Pavot gîte | |
| Single occupancy | €2,150 |
| Double occupancy | €1,815 |
| Non-participating partner | |
| Non-participating partner (sharing a bedroom with a course participant) | €1,135 |
Prices per person for 2027 are as follows:
| Private en-suite bedroom (excluding Garden Room) | |
| Single occupancy | €1,980 |
| Double occupancy | €1,690 |
| Garden Room | |
| Single occupancy | €2,095 |
| Double occupancy | €1,805 |
| Lavande / Pavot gîte | |
| Single occupancy | €2,210 |
| Double occupancy | €1,865 |
| Non-participating partner | |
| Non-participating partner (sharing a bedroom with a course participant) | €1,165 |
A non-refundable 25% deposit per person is payable at the time of booking. Payment by direct bank transfer or credit card (2% fee applies). We do not accept cheques. In the case of group bookings, there should be one single payment.
The balance of the holiday cost is payable 12 weeks before the start date of the course. If the booking is made within 13 weeks of the course start date, then the full amount will be due up front. If we do not receive all payments due in full by this date, we reserve the right to treat your booking as cancelled by you.
Flight Information
2026 Flight Information
Learn MoreThe Local Area
Gallery
Testimonials
Disclaimers and F.A.Q
Food and Drinks
While you come to Preniac for tutorials, we want the hospitality to be a memorable part of your vacation. As such, we prepare home-cooked meals to cater to different dietary requirements. We use local produce from nearby farms when possible. More importantly, we introduced collaborative menus. Instead of planning meals for the whole week in advance, we plan for only one or two days so we can adjust the menus based on guests' input. We have found that each group is different and that appetites vary from day to day, even for the same group. The weather also plays a critical part in menu selections. We will propose lunch and dinner options in advance and go with the group's majority view for the next day.
Breakfast consists of a continental buffet with yogurt, honey, cereals, toasts, jams, fruits, freshly baked croissants, hard-boiled eggs, orange juice, coffee, and tea. We have tasty gluten-free bread and cereal options available at all times.
Lunch is also served buffet-style, either outside or inside, depending on the weather. A typical lunch includes a hot meal with protein, salads, vegetables, baguettes, cheese, and refreshing light desserts, using local fruits when available.
Happy hour, or apéritif, starts an hour before dinner and includes cocktails, beer, and wine. We also serve nibbles from local artisans whenever possible. Occasionally, a cheese and charcuterie board is served before dinner.
Dinner is also tailored to the group's desire. Some groups enjoy a 3-course meal, while others collectively decide to skip the appetizer and let us know during the afternoon. We adapt to your needs on the go. We have a variety of appetizers, salads, mains, side dishes, and desserts to rotate throughout the week without repetition, unless, of course, you request it. Desserts tend to be more traditional and a bit richer at dinner time than at lunch, on purpose.
Breakfast consists of a continental buffet with yogurt, honey, cereals, toasts, jams, fruits, freshly baked croissants, hard-boiled eggs, orange juice, coffee, and tea. We have tasty gluten-free bread and cereal options available at all times.
Lunch is also served buffet-style, either outside or inside, depending on the weather. A typical lunch includes a hot meal with protein, salads, vegetables, baguettes, cheese, and refreshing light desserts, using local fruits when available.
Happy hour, or apéritif, starts an hour before dinner and includes cocktails, beer, and wine. We also serve nibbles from local artisans whenever possible. Occasionally, a cheese and charcuterie board is served before dinner.
Dinner is also tailored to the group's desire. Some groups enjoy a 3-course meal, while others collectively decide to skip the appetizer and let us know during the afternoon. We adapt to your needs on the go. We have a variety of appetizers, salads, mains, side dishes, and desserts to rotate throughout the week without repetition, unless, of course, you request it. Desserts tend to be more traditional and a bit richer at dinner time than at lunch, on purpose.
Dietary Requirements
We offer vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free options, and more, with advance notice. Please be sure to indicate your dietary requirements on your booking form. We will confirm the information you provided the week before to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Food Allergies
We take food allergy seriously and take precautionary measures to avoid mistakes. By law, we completed a food safety and hygiene certification. We follow precautionary measures, and we even place individualized signs in the kitchen by the plating area to remind ourselves of your allergies. We ask, however, that you help keep yourself safe by asking us if your dish is allergy-compliant when we bring it to you. We can never be too cautious with severe food allergies. If that is the case and you have life-threatening allergies, don't forget to bring your EpiPen, since we do not carry any.
Accessibility
Unfortunately, we are not wheelchair accessible. The dwellings consist of 200-year-old farm buildings that have been converted into living spaces over the years. There are quirks everywhere with steps and uneven grounds all around. That said, we have handrails, including in the pool, to help you walk around. Note that every room requires going up or down some steps, either outside or inside. If you have limited mobility and are unsure about getting around between the studio, your bedroom, and the dining area, please email us so we can answer your questions or schedule a call to discuss your needs in more detail.
Medical Care
There is a medical clinic in Montcuq, about 5 minutes away, with a few doctors who can see people the same day or the next day for urgent care during regular business hours. There is also a 24-hour emergency room in Cahors, about 20 to 30 minutes away. While we will do our best to take you, we may at times need to hire a driver. Please understand if logistics or meal service for other guests prevent us from driving you to a doctor. You should bring enough medication to last for the duration of the workshop, and, if necessary, a printed copy of any prescriptions you might need to fill at the pharmacy while you are here. The pharmacist may still insist on a prescription from a French doctor; in which case, the clinic in Montcuq can assist you.
Amenities
Guests can make use of the following amenities during their stay with us at Studio Préniac:
- Heated swimming pool
We have a 12x6 m chlorine-heated swimming pool with a handrail for easy access and enchanting views across the valley from the sun terraces. - Orchard
We are lucky enough to have a plethora of fruit trees on our land. Please feel free to help yourselves to any ripe fruit during your stay! - Water Pond
Across the road, but still on the property, is a beautiful pond surrounded by trees and filled with frogs that chant. Take a stroll in the evening and sit on the bench while you are being serenaded by a wild symphony. - Common lounge
We have remodeled the living room area of the main building into a guest lounge with increased seating capacity, laid out for conversation, with no television in sight. - Guest library
Don't run out of reading materials. Grab one of our extra books from the shelves in the lounge. Leave a book behind or swap a book if you wish to contribute to the library. - Gazebo
We have a covered seating area in the shade with new outdoor furniture. If you need cushions and pillows before we place them out for happy hour, please let us know, or help yourself. The cushions and pillows are located in the storage box on the front porch to the right of the kitchen.
Air Conditionning
There is no air conditioning on the property or in the minivan used for airport transfers. Clients enjoy battery-powered personal fans worn around the neck, especially while riding the minivan, but also while working in the studio, or at the dinner table on hot days. These portable fans are readily available online, inexpensive, and very effective.
Inside the house, the one-meter-thick walls made of field stone keep the temperature relatively cool. The studio building is even cooler due to the shade from the trees. Each room is equipped with a portable fan, and the wall windows have shutters to block the sun during the day. You are welcome to use our refreshing pool at any time. Be aware that heatwaves occur each year and can cause temperatures to rise above 40 Celsius. Unfortunately, we cannot control or guarantee the weather. We will, however, email everyone the week before their workshop to share the latest weather forecast so you can plan accordingly. Finally, please know that we are actively exploring air-conditioning options, but it is too early to provide a specific timeline. We will update the website once we have a firm date.
Inside the house, the one-meter-thick walls made of field stone keep the temperature relatively cool. The studio building is even cooler due to the shade from the trees. Each room is equipped with a portable fan, and the wall windows have shutters to block the sun during the day. You are welcome to use our refreshing pool at any time. Be aware that heatwaves occur each year and can cause temperatures to rise above 40 Celsius. Unfortunately, we cannot control or guarantee the weather. We will, however, email everyone the week before their workshop to share the latest weather forecast so you can plan accordingly. Finally, please know that we are actively exploring air-conditioning options, but it is too early to provide a specific timeline. We will update the website once we have a firm date.
WiFi
We have very high-speed fibre optic WiFi service in the main building, and we are working to bring the same service to the studio building and the gites. In the meantime, you are welcome to use the guest lounge, which is open 24 hours a day, to connect to WiFi. Please note that guests have different cell phone coverage experiences depending on their service provider, phone model, and even the weather.
Television
The studio does not have television service. Streaming is available through WiFi on your phone, tablet, or computer. If you plan to watch anything with sound in the lounge, please remember to bring headphones in case other guests are enjoying the lounge or trying to sleep in nearby rooms.
Pets and Wildlife
We do not have domestic animals to prevent adverse reactions for guests with pet allergies. We are, however, surrounded by wildlife. We get occasional visits from undesired visitors. That is why we have an ongoing service with a local provider, who can be called at any time to respond to emergencies. They also provide regular preventive maintenance.
Booking Form
Please complete this booking form for your chosen course and preferred accommodation options.
Please note that this is not a live booking form and does not guarantee your booking. We will contact you via email to either confirm your booking or to let you know the latest situation in terms of course and accommodation availability.
Please note that this is not a live booking form and does not guarantee your booking. We will contact you via email to either confirm your booking or to let you know the latest situation in terms of course and accommodation availability.
Contact us
- 345 Chemin de Preniac, 46800 Barguelonne-en-Quercy, France
SIRET: 102 719 747 00010
