If you are looking for more than just a relaxing place to stay then we can arrange various courses with local people, from painting through photography to Tai-chi.  If you have any other ideas then we will try to source an expert!

Photography

The owner, Chris, was a professional photographer for over 12 years, running a successful business back in England.  In 1994 he won the prestigious Professional Photographer of the Year competition, having submitted pictures for each month throughout the competition.  Since then he has worked for many magazines including Super Twins, Collect it!, 100% Biker, American-V, and Antiques and Heritage Lifestyle.  In addition he was the in-house photographer for KP Foods and MacVities (and yes we do miss the free samples!).

Whether you are using film or digital equipment, and whether you are a beginner or are looking to improve the quality of your results we can tailor a course to meet your needs.  Choose either mornings, afternoons or full day and the subjects you would like to cover and leave the rest to us! 

A full studio set-up with several professional flash units and backdrops are available for portraiture or still life images.

Charges:- Half day 20 Euros per person  Full day 35 Euros

Tai-chi

Chris is also in charge of the tai-chi courses!  Having studied the art for over 20 years he is qualified to offer a number of interesting possibilities!  For a complete beginner, the short form (in the Yang style) may take too long to completely learn in a week, but there would certainly be enough time for a very good introduction to the art.  For more experienced practitioners, he is able to offer courses in the following weapons forms:- 2 sword forms, and the truly elegant fan form.

Charges: Hourly rate 5 Euros per person

Taxi service

It can be frustrating to go to a restaurant for the evening and know that one of you is going to have to drive home, so someone has to miss out on enjoying the excellent bottle of red you've just ordered!  No problem - we will drive you there and get the owner to call when you're ready to be collected!  

Charges: Cheissoux - one free trip per week, 5 Euros per extra trip

             Bujaleuf - 5 Euros

             St Leonard de Noblat - 10 Euros

Bikers

Having been into biking ourselves (we own a Harley and a Suzuki and used to write for biker magazines) for about 30 years we like to think that we know a bit about what bikers like - and we will make you very welcome!  Bikes can be parked undercover in the barn - and we've plenty of polish and rags to hand if you really feel the need to spruce up the steed whilst you're here!  The roads in this region are superb for bikes - and the French have a very different attitude to bikes which makes for a very pleasant experience!  We can either offer advice on 'best routes' or, if you prefer, then we can accompany you on ride-outs tailored to your preferences.  We can also offer a picnic service - we will turn up at an appropriate time and place, lay out the goodies and all you have to do is turn up and enjoy!

Charges depending on picnic menu.

Gaming

No, we're not referring to an in-house casino!  But we do have rather a lot of games like Carcassonne (with pretty much ALL the expansions), Valley of the Mammoths, Ra, Trans-Europe Express, and of course our all time favourite Catan (Settlers) with absolutely ALL the expansions.  So if you're into gaming you can borrow any game we have in stock - and with very little persuasion we are happy to drop almost anything we're doing to join you! 

No charge !!

Push biking

We have two pushbikes available - one ladies and one gents.  They are road bikes rather than off-road, but with remarkably courteous drivers on the roads, riding around this beautiful area is a real pleasure!  Remember though, that this is hilly country not Holland so be prepared to work!

No charge !!

Naturism

Not necessarily at the gite (although it is entirely up to you, of course!) but we have a local naturist camp site and we've been given permission for our guests to spend the day at the site (free of charge).  Check out their website at www.loussuais.com