Lonely Planet (the world leader of travel guides) has just announced its new TOP 10 list of destinations not to be missed in 2012. The Poitou-Charentes is amongst the 10 regions recommended… in the world!
This selection was voted for out by the teams at Lonely Planet, and from bloggers and travellers. Islands of Ré and Oléron, La Rochelle, the vineyards of the Cognac area, and Green Venice attracted the attention of team as the ideal region to slow down, relax, to take advantage of the peace and tranquility and to enjoy all the good things in life.
(Best of 2012 of Lonely Planet)
A Planned Retreat – Painting Holidays
If the best painting holidays can feel like effortless experiences, it is easy to forget the meticulous planning involved. As one French retreat prepares to host its first painting holiday, we spoke to its owners and curse leader to find out what it takes.
“A Christmas dream” is how Donna Sowerby describes the birth of her new painting holiday programme. Donna and her husband Peter are the owners of La Maison de St George, a cottage retreat in the small French village of Villemorin.
For the past four years, the couple had been hosting short art classes, but it was only when painter and regular guest Stephen Hand came to stay for Christmas, that the idea of a week-long painting course really took shape.
“Stephen said that he had had a dream to give up his job and paint full time,” says Donna. “He asked if we would be willing to provide the accommodation if he provides the clients.”
The first step was to find plenty of potential course-goers. When Stephen went back to the UK, he started talking to all of the students he had been teaching in his evening classes, getting as much feedback as possible.
Combined with the artists from an open exhibition that he took part in, Stephen began to compile a list of names of people who would be interested in coming on a painting course.
Back in France, Donna and Peter had been laying their own foundations. “We have been doing the tourist slant,” says Donna, who had been in contact with the press in France. “We want the course to include regular Francophiles who think: ‘I would like to give that a go and take my hobby that bit further.’”
Catering to all abilities can be important, especially for new courses, to ensure you appeal to the widest audience possible. The La Maison de St George course will open to artists of all levels, using both watercolours and acrylic paint in a variety of techniques. The plan is to give guests a chance for experimentation. “Teaching to people you have never met does add a complication but I try to build in aspects that will cater for a range of differing abilities,” says Stephen. “The aim is to work from sketches of the surrounding towns, villages and countryside and then build from these into a complete painting.”
Local knowledge can be an important factor to a successful course. “Aulnay-de-Saintonge is our local market town and the market happens to be on Sundays – which is the first full day the guests are there,” says Donna. “So Stephen’s going to set them up drawing in the market. Then there will be a trip to Talmont, which is one of our favourite places. Stephen’s going to take them there because there are quaint streets, there’s a church which goes out into the estuary so there’s seascapes and great skies too.”
In fact there is so much going on in the surrounding Charente-Maritime region that Donna and Peter’s main concern is how to ensure the guests have a taster of everything on offer in just one week. “It’s got to be a whistle-stop visit to each place because the area provides so much,” says Donna. “It’s full of contrasts too: you can go inland and you are on the route of Santiago de Compostela with all of those fantastic churches and architecture.”
With so much on offer that can be enjoyed without a sketchbook in hand, non-painting other halves won’t be left twiddling their thumbs. “We pull people together for the big evening meals for the chance to get them to gel outside the painting session,” says Donna. “We want to make sure everyone has a really good experience.”
www.lamaisondestgerge.com
Words by Martha Alexander. Taken from Artists & Illustrator magazine: October 2010
painting by Stephen Hand
Real Life Feature – Marketing Tips
Opportunity Knocks
“The economic climate might be tough but people are still going on holiday – so make sure they come to you”, says Peter Sowerby
Economic challenges?
According to the global economy many of those in business should throw in the towel and call it a day. Sometimes we have to remind ourselves that such economic challenges can, in fact, encourage us to react, to sit up, to review and readjust our business planning. They stretch us into looking at our businesses with fresh eyes and the European tourism industry is no different.
Our own holiday cottage business located within the Cognac environs in south-west France is now heading for its ninth season, having opened in summer 2003. We continue to enjoy the lifestyle of taking care of our guests and we have over many years gained a reputation for top quality guest service and hospitality. The loyalty of these ‘friends’ has been vital during these testing times.
HOLIDAY DATES
At the beginning, our marketing plan was, no doubt, much like everyone else’s. There was a need to place your adverts before Christmastime in some of the popular brochures and websites, and then just wait for the enquiries. The peak season and school holiday dates were easily filled with very little effort. However, with an increase in the number and choice of accommodation available, plus the economic crisis it has become ever more essential to create your own businesses ‘uniqueness’ and the thing that sets you apart from your competitors. What makes the holiday experience that you currently provide different or a little more special than, for example, the 4-star villa with a large pool and children’s play area on the outskirts of your village? Something to think about and work on as we all prepare for the 2011 season.
There are plenty of holidaymakers visiting France. In fact, tourist figures show that it remained the no.1 destination in 2009 with 74.2 million visitors. As an accommodation provider – whether it be chambres d’hôtes (Bed & Breakfast), gîte businesses (holiday cottages) or caravan and camping sites – we are each only wanting to draw a small percentage of these to our own piece of paradise!
But take a look at the tourist trends in general. Here we will discover through the World Tourism Organisation that there is an upward trend in travel. With limited time off, people are generally taking shorter breaks and ones where they can experience a new venture or activity or indulge in their favourite hobby. In fact today’s client is pretty discerning. They are actively seeking out great value, super quality, excellent service and a wonderful experience too! Our flexibility on arrival and departure days helps link promotions with budget airlines and cross channel operators. In other words, we have to be ‘accommodating’ in the widest sense of the word, to secure the bookings! The ‘uniqueness’ of your own business may even entice a repeat visit and keep them coming back time and time again!
NETWORKING SITES
In this age of technology with its social networking sites, travel review sites and the like, it is still the good old ‘word of mouth’ that increases our businesses. Our own loyal ‘fans’ or clients are our own special marketing tool to go out and spread the good news of our holidays – so it is up to us to ensure we take great care of them!
At La Maison de St George Retreat it is our spontaneous weekly activities and celebrations that provide our slogan: ‘treasured memories last forever.’ From the staging of a pudding & petanque party or an old-fashioned teddy bears’ picnic by the river to an evening of fun golf; or from a night safari with champagne to a jelly rabbit kid’s party – there is always an excuse for time to get together and to share in the many special qualities of living in France. This may even mean supplying hot chocolate with whipped cream whilst star gazing …it is being there as little or as much as your guests need – that is what counts!
THEMED BREAKS
Several years ago we launched a series of themed activity breaks. The programme has grown and for the forthcoming season we are launching the first of our residential Painting Courses led by one of our valued guests and great artist – Stephen Hand. A chance to enjoy experimenting with various media whilst being spoilt on a full board basis for the week! Non-painting partners can try their hand at floral design or photography. Other residential courses include a long weekend of heavenly patisserie tuition with sugar craft plus more by patisserie chef, Giles Denton. The list continues to grow with guitar making and tuition, golf weekends through the Cognac vineyards, llama trekking in the forest and inspirational ladies’ conventions – we issue a special brochure on these if you wish to take a peek!
We feel most fortunate to report that we welcome back over 60% of our guests year on year. During these past years we have made many new and fabulous friends, and feel apart of their family as much as they are apart of ours.
HANDY HINTS
So here are a few of Peter and Donna’s own top business tips:
- Guest service and hospitality. Go that extra mile to be accommodating. Make everyone feel special!
- Quality of accommodation. Those little extras and attention to detail really make a difference to any holiday.
- Communication. Keep in contact with your loyal clients throughout the year. That regular newsletter or circular helps them keep in touch with your news.
- Pricing. Establishing loyalty schemes for your regular clients reminds them that they are special to you. Circulate Early Bird and Last Minute Offers to them first or tempt them with free upgrades or a food hamper.
- Not giving all our secrets away! Come and find out for yourself, we would love to welcome you!
Donna & Peter Sowerby www.lamaisondestgeorge.com
Written by: Donna Sowerby. French Property News magazine: April 2011
