Learn, Make, Create

Spring 2027 Fiber Arts Retreat, South of France

May 10-16, 2027

Slow down and discover the charming village of Capestang in the South of France while you embark on a seven-day fiber journey. With fiber artists Mélina Be and Myriam, Mélina’s mother, as your hosts and instructors, you’ll make a pillow and/or wall hanging using four fiber arts techniques: weaving, wet felting, sewing, and embroidery.

Each day your creativity will be unleashed in Mélina’s workshop, which is located in La Maison Vigneronne in Capestang, not far from the Mediterranean Sea. (La Vigneronne is a 600-year-old building that was originally a winery and is now Mélina’s home.) Some evenings, you’ll be invited to participate in “field trips” and activities unique to the Occitanie region. You’ll also have time to explore on your own.

Itinerary

Day 1: Settle in and get familiar with the area. Mélina will lead a walk through the beautiful old village of Capestang and along its canal, share some of the village’s history, recommend unique shops and cafés that you can visit, and more.

Day 2: Begin your woven tapestry creation.

Day 3: Learn to wet felt. If the weather allows, you’ll play outdoors with fiber, water, and soap.

Day 4: Sew together nine patches of fabric of your choosing from Mélina’s large collection from all over the world.

Day 5: Embroider on a simple square of white, black, or colored fabric of your choice. Bring or sketch your own design.

Day 6: Using your four art pieces, assemble your pillow (or keep them separate). During an evening dinner and “show and share” celebration, admire all of the finished project(s).

Day 7: By 11am, depart filled with inspiration to continue making on your own. (If you want to stay extra nights at one of the spaces that Mélina is offering, email her to make arrangements.)

Included

6 nights lodging* in either of two private homes located in Capestang and the nearby village of Montels. There are five beds available between the homes. Bathrooms, kitchens and living rooms will be shared. Space is available on a “first paid, first choice” basis. We strongly recommend that you consider arriving two to three days in advance of the start of the retreat to adjust to the time change. Jet lag is real! If you would like to stay at the homes Mélina has to offer in advance of the retreat, email Mélina at hello@melinabe.com to discuss pricing.
(*If all five of the provided rooms are booked before you register/pay, or if you prefer, a quaint Capestang bed and breakfast, La Pause Sous le Pin, is offering their private rooms to retreat guests. Each room has its own bathroom and a hearty breakfast will be served daily. You also can enjoy the inn’s pool and beautiful garden. Make reservations directly through La Pause Sous le Pin website.)
Transportation from either the Béziers or Narbonne train station (a 25-minute car ride)
6 lunches (Days 1-6)
2 dinners (Days 1 and 6)
Materials and supplies
A goodie bag filled with special surprises to help you remember your experience in southern France

Not Included

Airfare and train fare. We recommend that you fly into/out of Marseille, France, or Barcelona, Spain, and then take a train to either Béziers or Narbonne. Please reach out if you need help coordinating your flights.
Accommodations outside of the official retreat dates. (If you’re interested in staying at one of the retreat lodgings beyond the retreat dates, email Mélina at hello@melinabe.com to discuss pricing.)
Accommodations during the retreat outside of either of the two private homes provided by Mélina. Retreat guests also can choose to stay at La Pause Sous le Pin, an inn in Capestang within walking distance of La Vigneronne. Each room has a private bathroom and breakfast is provided.
Breakfast each day of the retreat. You’re on your own to sample fresh-baked pastries from the local boulangerie, fruit from the market, meats and cheeses from the butcher—whatever your tastes desire each morning.
Dinners on days 2-5. Capestang has several dining options from which you can choose.
Personal snacks, souvenirs, and outings/activities not hosted by Mélina and Myriam.
Alcohol

Pricing

Early bird price before February 28, 2027 - $3,000 US

Late-to-the-party price after February 28, 2027 - $3,750 US

CANCELLATION POLICY:

Cancellations made 14 days prior to the first day of the camps or classes will receive 75% refund. The 25% retained by Mélina Be cover administration and credit card fees. Cancellations made less than 14 days before the first day of the camps or classes will receive a 50% refund.

Cancellations made on or after the first day of the camp or class session will not receive a refund.

Mélina Be teaches with patience, respect and energetic kindness. This transmits her values of slowness, gentleness and ease. By spreading her love of people and teaching, Mélina Be intends to create a kinder, gentler world.

Practicing fiber arts and crafts has always had a meditative quality for me and I enjoy sharing this practice with others. Teaching has been an excellent way to share my love of creating with others. I truly enjoy teaching. My students have often told me that they appreciate my patience. I believe that my twenty years of experience creating has helped me to clearly see where a student is at, and precisely what they need to learn to further their personal crafting journey.

CANCELLATION POLICY:

Cancellations made 14 days prior to the first day of the camps or classes will receive 75% refund. The 25% retained by Mélina Be cover administration and credit card fees. Cancellations made less than 14 days before the first day of the camps or classes will receive a 50% refund.

Cancellations made on or after the first day of the camp or class session will not receive a refund.