Dordogne
Breaks
Relaxed friendly hands-on COOKING, PAINTING & DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY courses in the Dordogne, France
Bombel • 24290 • St Amand de Coly • Sarlat • Dordogne • France           GPS: N 45° 01.915 / E 001° 15.295          Tel: 0033 (0)553 302405

About  DordogneBreaks

DordogneBreaks is owned and run by me, Jim Fisher, and my wife, Lucy...

DordogneBreaks isn't another generic holiday directory site listing a collection of unrelated companies.

No, we actually host the activities we promote and are intimately involved in all aspects of each course.

We're a family business delivering a high quality personal service to guests from all over the world.

Talk to someone who knows what you want...

When you send us an email enquiry or phone us (0033 [0]553 302405) it'll probably be me who takes the call. I'll then know exactly what you want.

And, because I'm familiar with every aspect of all our courses, you'll know that you're talking to someone who has their finger well and truly on the pulse.

I can help you sort out your travel arrangements, tell you what the weather's doing, talk about the food, discuss our tutors and generally help you get the most from your time with us.

The Cooking...

Your cooking tutor is me, chef/owner, Jim Fisher. I'm a former BBC Masterchef contestant and have worked with top chefs Rick Stein, Tony Tobin and Alistair Little.

I'm also the webmaster, and take care of our three highly popular French activity holiday websites, Cookinfrance, Learntopaintinfrance and, of course, Dordognebreaks.

I moved to France with my family in 2000 and have completely fallen in love with France and it's food. I'm a passionate cook and believe that food is good and that cooking should be fun!

The Painting...

The painting is taught by experience qualified artists, Gill Mitchell and Lynn Ralph.

Both teach the whole range of media and subject matter, so, between them, they will give you the course you are after.

They live locally and take inspiration from the wonderful Dordogne countryside.

The Photography...

Digital Photography is the domain of pro photographer, David Quinn.

A passionate amateur shutterbug since he was a boy, David is now a self-supporting professional photographer.

Like the artists, he is adept in all subject matter and covers a range of digital media. He is particularly interested in photo-manipulation and the Digital Darkroom.

Is your French a bit shaky..?

My wife, Lucy, is bilingual in English and French, so can assist with translation of travel details, help with extra accommodation and generally ease the flow allowing you to relax and enjoy your holiday.

The Washing Up...

The washing up is taken care of by Liz, a former chef.

An ex-pat, like ourselves, Liz lives just down the road in a beautiful farmhouse which she and her husband John converted a couple of years ago.

Liz has made quite a niche for herself here and will also be on hand for any advice, etc.

Want a chat about our courses..?

If you have any questions about any aspect of our courses - me, our tutors, the venue, travel, food, etc - please email me or phone (0033 [0]553 302405).

I'm really looking forward to your call.

Jim










































































 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 






For recipes, food-facts, hints & tips, future events and courses...

Special reduced rates for all our Twitter friends and followers...

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Now in it's 7th year!

After 7 years, even in these difficult times, our courses are more popular than ever!.

Which means, I suppose, that you all still like to get away for that much- needed break.

And, if that includes great value activities such as cooking, painting or photography, well, we have just the thing for you!



Go to our Beat the Recession page now to see how we keep the cost of your holiday low

Are you worried about the Pound/Dollar/Euro exchange rate?

Read more to see how your holiday can beat the recession...



Gift Certificate - Cooking and Painting Course

Need a unique gift for someone special?

Then why not send them here on a course?

Infinitely flexible and valid for up to a year from date of purchase, gift vouchers can cover our full range of courses.

So, make someone's day a special one - order a gift voucher now and we'll get it to you today!



Five day/Five night Cooking, Painting & Digital Photography courses include:

• Expert hands-on tuition in English

• All ingredients, aprons, equipment, paints, paper, and art equipment, use of our camera, Photoshop, PC, etc, etc...

• An evening meal on the day of your arrival

• Breakfast and lunch each day

• Dinner (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday)

• Wine with meals

• Tea, coffee and snacks throughout the day

• En suite centrally-heated accommodation

• Entrance fees to places visited

• Private and secluded pool

• Internet and Email access

• Recipe pack containing all the dishes cooked during your stay

• Art and photography take-home packs

Some of the things you'll be doing on the cooking course:

Learn how to cook pastries, breads and soups

Select and prepare the best fish and shellfish

Butcher common joints of meat

Cook classic French and Italian sauces

Construct modern dressings

Master the art of stylish contemporary food presentation

Our day courses:

• Hands-on practical tuition with experienced friendly tutors

• All ingredients

• Utensils

• Aprons

• Breakfast

• Lunch

• Wine and beverages