Get ready for an unforgettable sewing experience in the heart of beautiful rural France!
Spend your days immersed in creativity in our charming, converted barn studio, while soaking up the sunshine in the historic town of Confolens. Enjoy leisurely afternoons sipping tea by the serene River Vienne, and explore the quaint brocantes (antique markets) and hidden artisan shops. It’s the perfect blend of sewing, relaxation, and local adventure!
Confolens
What is included…
Start by choosing a sewing pattern from our range and then dive into 2.5 days of expert tuition with the designer in our beautifully converted studio, with an optional extra half-day of exclusive studio access to perfect your projects if your flight schedule allows. We’ve got you covered with complimentary airport transfers from Limoges for flights arriving on Monday and departing on Friday, including from Leeds/Bradford, Manchester, Stansted, and East Midlands.
The adventure kicks off on Tuesday with a full day in the studio, followed by a dinner next to the river—a perfect opportunity to relax and get to know your fellow sewists away from the sewing machine. Each day, you’ll enjoy convenient pickup and drop-off service right from Confolens town square, and on Wednesday, after a lovely afternoon tea, you’ll have free time to explore the town at your leisure.
All of this plus, enjoy delicious, locally sourced lunches on Tuesday and Thursday to keep you fuelled and inspired!
Travelling alone? Not a problem at all! We make sure everyone has the chance to connect before the retreat, so you won’t be alone for long. Arrive as strangers, leave as friends—it’s one of the many things that makes our retreat so special! You’ll quickly feel at home and part of the group.
If you’d like to extend your holiday or bring along a non-sewing partner or friend, that’s absolutely possible! Many guests have done just that. Just let us know your plans, and we’ll be happy to discuss them. The area is renowned for its stunning cycling routes and excellent fishing spots, so there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained while you’re busy sewing. It’s the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure!
Our 2025 retreats sold out quickly, so don’t miss your chance to join us in 2026! Secure your spot today with a deposit, and pay the remaining balance in February 2026. Book now to ensure you don’t miss out!
What’s Not Included…
Travel
Travel is not included in the retreat cost. Our itinerary is designed around Ryanair flights from Manchester, Leeds/Bradford, East Midlands, and Stansted to Limoges, which operate on Mondays and return on Fridays. However, there are plenty of other travel options to get to Confolens. The Eurostar offers a super-fast 5-hour route from London to Angoulême.
Alternatively, you can fly from Bristol or Southampton to Limoges or Poitiers, both of which are about an hour’s drive from Confolens, if you are considering any of these alternatives option please discuss with us as there may be an additional cost.
For those who prefer driving, France offers easy and scenic routes, with wide roads, quiet traffic, and well-priced motels. If driving from Calais, it takes approximately 8.5 hours to reach Confolens.
Accommodation
Confolens offers a variety of B&Bs that cater to different needs and budgets. We recommend staying in town for easy access to local amenities and to meet up with fellow retreat participants in the evenings. You can find a list of recommended accommodations here:
recommended is the fabulous, english speaking, 13Bees.
For best prices book direct on www.13Bees.co.uk or
get in touch directly via info@13bees.co.uk or +33 545 71 22 90
Located 5 minutes walk for the main square in Confolens.
Kevin & Amanda also offer afternoon beekeeping sessions and beeswax workshops which can be arranged to fit around the your sewing should you want to try something really different!
Chez Jack located in Confolens, offer a choice of accommodation, from single rooms to family suites. All rooms have a shared kitchen area and outdoor balcony for this who would like to cater for themselves in the evenings.
What to Bring
All basic sewing equipment will be provided, but you’ll need to bring your own fabric and notions. While we will have some essential haberdashery items available at the retreat, we advise bringing your own to ensure you have everything you need. To help with your planning, you can browse the available patterns here to decide which ones to bring along.
SURROUNDING AREA
You can find information here and here about the surrounding area.
Now booking for 2026:
Total cost £600/EURO 700.00 – Deposit £200 EURO234.00 Balance due Feb 2026
To check availability, book and pay your deposit click HERE
For any queries about the retreat, please contact Donna click HERE
Terms & Conditions
While we will do our best to be as flexible and helpful as possible, we cannot be held responsible for any travel cancellations or delays, and our retreat costs are non-refundable. However, we will make every effort to resolve any issues that may arise, ensuring that you can fully enjoy your time with us. Your experience is our priority, and we’re here to support you every step of the way!