Former South African artist Louis Jansen van Vuuren now shares his expertise and the magic of being an artist in a tranquil village in rural France.

Having lectured at the universities of Stellenbosch and Cape Town, Louis Jansen van Vuuren has exhibited widely in South Africa and abroad, including solo exhibitions in Paris, London and Monte Carlo. He was involved in the advancement of art in South Africa and has organised a number of art auctions for charity.

In 2000, he and partner Hardy Olivier purchased a petite and elegantly proportioned châteaux called La Creuzette in the Limousin region of France. They have now turned it into a luxurious residence, where visitors are charmed into a magical atmosphere.

The property has a two-hectare park with giant old cedars, wild hawthorns and flowering chestnut trees and now boasts fields of irises, roses and peonies. Near the chapel-like dovecote is a kitchen garden and, between, the ancient coach houses have been turned into a demonstration kitchen and a sweeping upstairs studio.

La Creuzette offers a unique Art Holiday where artists can indulge in their sense of the romantic and the unexplored. Several art and cookery courses run each year, as well as combined art and cookery programmes. Famous gardens and châteaux, picturesque villages and tapestry workshops in Aubusson are visited during the stay.

is €2750, which includes everything, except the air ticket to Charles de Gaulle airport, where guests are met and transported to La Creuzette.

More information on www.lacreuzette.com or e-mail: info@lacreuzette or jansen-van-vuuren@wanadoo

In South Africa, contact Berdine on 021 762 2114 or 082 555 4125 or e-mail: vdmescht@iafrica.com