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Upcoming Crochet Retreat

WELCOME

6-Night Crochet Retreat in Cognac, France

Stitch, relax & unwind — 14–20 June 2026

Your hosts - Paul & Anne

We moved from Watford to Challignac in 2020 to begin a new chapter in the peaceful countryside of South West France. Since then, we’ve restored parts of our Maison de Maître and added a swimming pool for guests to enjoy. We share our home with Jessie the cat, who loves meeting new people — and “helping” with crochet whenever she gets the chance!

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Relax, Create, and Explore at La Maronnière

Join Emma, founder of Oh So Pretty and Clever, for a 6-night all-inclusive crochet escape at La Maronnière, a beautiful maison de maître in the Cognac region.​

 

Over five days of expert-led workshops, you’ll:​

 

  • Receive guidance from Emma (30+ hours)

  • Work from 3 exclusive crochet patterns

  • Get all yarn supplied and a special goody bag

 

​Mix, create and connect with a small group of like-minded crochet enthusiasts while enjoying full board accommodation, home-cooked meals, and transport from the airport or train station. Relax, stitch, and immerse yourself in the rhythm of French country life!​

 

Key Details​

 

Dates: 14–20 June 2026

What Do I get?

Here is an overview…

6 nights in our beautiful Maison de Maitre

Built in 1833 and located next to a vineyard and set in the historic Cognac region

 

Daily Crochet Workshops

Expert-led sessions every morning and afternoon.
(Not suitable for complete beginners.)

Welcome Pack

A fabulous gift bag with curated gifts.

Crochet items

Selected patterns + all the wool you'll need to create your retreat projects.

Private Chef All Week

Buffet breakfast each morning and delicious lunches and dinners prepared daily using locally sourced seasonal produce.

Wines & Apéritifs Included

Selected by our local wine expert and served throughout the week at no extra charge.

Pool & Garden Access

Swim, relax, or enjoy peaceful time between workshops.

Teas, Coffees & Snacks

Available during all crochet sessions.

Local Experiences Included

  • Wine-tasting afternoon

  • Guided Hennessy Cognac distillery tour

  • Crochet session in Cognac’s beautiful riverside park

  • Experience a mixture of tradition and modernity at a fabulous local restaurant

 

The Cognac Region

 

Our retreat is set in the heart of the famous Cognac region, a landscape of rolling vineyards, sunflower fields, and charming French villages. Just an hour north of Bordeaux, the area is renowned for its world-class Cognac houses, lively local markets, and rich history. Guests can enjoy leisurely walks through the countryside, sample the region’s celebrated food and drink, and soak up the authentic atmosphere of rural South West France. It’s the perfect backdrop for relaxation, creativity, and a taste of French life.

 

​What Awaits You

 

An all-inclusive stay at La Maronnière is designed for comfort, creativity, and connection. Daily crochet sessions invite you to learn new skills, share ideas, and enjoy the calming, therapeutic rhythm of stitching. It’s a chance to unwind, recharge, and connect with like-minded makers in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.​Beyond the workshops, you’ll savour freshly prepared French cuisine and local wines, with teas, coffees, and irresistible pâtisseries always at hand. Guided excursions — including a tour of a Cognac distillery — offer a taste of the region’s charm, while quiet moments by the pool or in the gardens let you simply soak up the beauty of South West France.​​​​​

 

 

 

 

 

Schedule

🗓️ Daily Activity Schedule

📅 Sunday – Arrival & Welcome

  • Afternoon arrival

  • Welcome drinks & snacks

  • Receive your welcome pack (patterns + all wool provided)

  • Time to relax by the pool or in the garden

  • Welcome dinner by our private chef

  • Wines & apéritifs included

 

📅 Monday – Crochet Begins

  • Buffet-style breakfast

  • Morning crochet session

  • Teas, coffees & snacks

  • Chef-prepared lunch

  • Relaxation time by the pool or in the garden

  • Afternoon crochet session

  • Dinner with wines & apéritifs included

 

📅 Tuesday – Create & Unwind

  • Buffet-style breakfast

  • Morning crochet workshop

  • Teas, coffees & snacks

  • Chef-prepared lunch

  • Free time (pool, gardens, quiet relaxation)

  • Afternoon Wine Tasting Experience

  • Dinner with wines & apéritifs included

 

📅 Wednesday – Crochet & Wine Tasting

  • Buffet-style breakfast

  • Morning crochet session

  • Pool or garden time

  • Afternoon crochet session

  • Dinner at a great local restaurant

 

📅 Thursday – Cognac Day

  • Buffet-style breakfast

  • Morning crochet session or free time

  • Guided Hennessy Cognac Tour & Tasting

  • Afternoon crochet in the beautiful Cognac park

  • Dinner by the chef with wines & apéritifs included

 

📅 Friday – Final Crochet Day

  • Buffet-style breakfast

  • Morning crochet session

  • Afternoon Showcase and social

  • Final relaxation time around the pool or gardens

  • Farewell dinner with wines & apéritifs included

 

📅 Saturday – Departure

  • Buffet-style farewell breakfast

  • Guests depart with new skills, handmade creations, and warm memories

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