Knitting retreats in Provence
We’re Creating a Space for Knitters in Provence
Introduction to Knitting
You’ve never knitted before and that’s exactly where we begin. This week is designed to feel easy, supportive, and quietly encouraging. No pressure to keep up, no expectation to perform. Just patient guidance, small wins, and the quiet satisfaction of making something with your own hands.
All meals, experiences and materials included.
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For Experienced Knitters
For those who already knit and want more, more refinement, more intention, more shared experience. This week offers guidance that meets you where you are, along with the rare opportunity to spend uninterrupted time in a community that understands the craft.
All meals, experiences and materials included.
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Club Garrigue Is A New Idea For Lifelong Learners
I’ve been sitting on the idea of Club Garrigue for a very long time. It was a secret desire that I didn’t share with anybody.
In my younger days, I grew up surrounded by wonderful, strong women, who took pleasure in teaching me their skills.
But when I moved to France, away from home, I deeply missed that presence and experience of shared learning.
Even when I became part of the founding team that turned Salemi Ceramics from a raw concept in Sicily into Europe’s most visited ceramics school, the itch to build something of my own never went away.
Club Garrigue is different — it’s not a ‘retreat centre’. It’s meant to be a home of knitting. A warm place where everyone feels invited and nurtured. Where no one has to apologise for wanting to relax and enjoy themselves.
This year, I’ve chosen Domaine de la Tuiliere as the venue. But, my vision is to go further than that. In the future, I want to find a permanent home for Club Garrigue, and create a year round home away from home for knitters from all over the world.
I invite you to join us for one of our introductory retreats and become one of the very first members of our Garrigue community.
I look forward to meeting you!
Rebeca.
INTRODUCING THE MAISON
A Welcoming Home for Knitters in the Countryside of Provence
Domaine de la Tuilierie is our venue for our first retreats. It’s the perfect place to knit and relax.
Meet The Team
We – Oriane and Rebeca – are your hosts for the week. We have put together a week long knitting program garnished with activities that reflect the atmosphere and magic of countryside Provence – and of course, ample ‘sitting by the pool’ time for those who want it.
Since 2018, Oriane has been a well loved member of the travel industry, serving visitors to Provence. Based in Marseille, she has worked as a tour guide and luxury retreat host in France, Belgium, Canada and Australia – developing a passion for personalized, high-end hospitality.
Rebeca Newton is renowned as the co-founder of Salemi Ceramics, one of Europe’s most popular Ceramics retreat centres. Now, with Club Garrigue, she is stepping out on her own.
Getting There
Location & Access
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The nearest airport is Marseille Provence (MRS) and the closest train station is Aix-en-Provence TGV. We offer complimentary transfers from both on the starting and ending date. The property is approximately 1 hour from Marseille and 35 minutes from Aix-en-Provence.
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Provence enjoys warm, sunny days in September with temperatures typically between 22–28°C. Evenings can turn cool, so we recommend bringing a light cardigan or wrap for after-dark knitting and al fresco dinners.
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We recommend arriving a day early to settle in and explore the area. After your retreat, consider visiting Aix-en-Provence, the Calanques near Marseille, or spending a night in the Luberon villages.
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Lauris is a charming hilltop village perched above the Durance valley in the Luberon. With its weekly market, local cafés, and stunning views, it offers an authentic taste of Provençal life.
Limited spots available
Club Garrigue Is A New Idea For Lifelong Learners
I’ve been sitting on the idea of Club Garrigue for a very long time. It was a secret desire that I didn’t share with anybody.
In my younger days, I grew up surrounded by wonderful, strong women, who took pleasure in teaching me their skills.
But when I moved to France, away from home, I deeply missed that presence and experience of shared learning.
Even when I became part of the founding team that turned Salemi Ceramics from a raw concept in Sicily into Europe’s most visited ceramics school, the itch to build something of my own never went away.
Club Garrigue is different – it’s not a ‘retreat centre’. It’s meant to be a home of knitting. A warm place where everyone feels invited and nurtured. Where no one has to apologise for wanting to relax and enjoy themselves.
This year, I’ve chosen Domaine de la Tuiliere as the venue. But, my vision is to go further than that. In the future, I want to find a permanent home for Club Garrigue, and create a year round home away from home for knitters from all over the world.
I invite you to join us for one of our introductory retreats and become one of the very first members of our Garrigue community.
I look forward to meeting you!
Rebeca.
Your Teacher
Maaike van Geijn
Maaike van Geijn is a Dutch-American knitwear designer and workshop teacher based in Schoorl, a small coastal village in the Netherlands surrounded by sea, dunes, and woods.
Maaike is a sought-after teacher who has taught in 5 countries across Europe, and whose work has been featured in magazines worldwide including most recently Laine Magazine and La Bien Aimée. Her workshops focus on the design elements and techniques present in her own work, particularly colorwork knitting.
Maaike’s core specialism is working with colour in knitting — be it stranded colourwork, marled knitting, or textured stitches. Her workshops are always grounded in…
Maaike van Geijn is a Dutch-American knitwear designer and workshop teacher based in Schoorl, a small coastal village in the Netherlands surrounded by sea, dunes, and woods.
Maaike is a sought-after teacher who has taught in 5 countries across Europe, and whose work has been featured in magazines worldwide including most recently Laine Magazine and La Bien Aimée. Her workshops focus on the design elements and techniques present in her own work, particularly colorwork knitting.
Maaike’s core specialism is working with colour in knitting — be it stranded colourwork, marled knitting, or textured stitches. Her workshops are always grounded in her own published designs and are hands-on and technique-focused.
When she became pregnant with her daughter, Maaike picked up her knitting needles again — and has not stopped since. She has since built a distinctive career as an independent knitwear designer whose work is known for elegance, playfulness and a deep sensitivity to colour and texture.Her designs have been published by some of the most respected names in the knitting world, including: Laine Magazine, La Bien Aimée, Kate Davies, Erika Knight Yarns, John Arbon Textiles, PRU Yarns and more.Upcoming publications include new work in Laine’s anniversary Best Of issue (end of Summer 2026) and further projects with La Bien Aimée.
Everything you need to know
Program and Inclusions
- 01 Program Sunday: Arrival, orientation and welcome dinner. Monday to Friday: A curated program of classes, activities and relaxation time. Expect to improve… Sunday: Arrival, orientation and welcome dinner. Monday to Friday: A curated program of classes, activities and relaxation time. Expect to improve your knitting skills, enjoy a couple of journeys into the Provencal countryside, and enjoy a wine or two. The formal plan for the week will be adjusted based on the projected weather and will be provided to you on arrival. Sit back and let us take care of the planning for you (you deserve it!) We will send you a packing list so that you know what to bring in order to maximise your learning and enjoyment. Saturday: Farewell breakfast and goodbye.
- 02 Accommodation Private bedroom with private bathrooms for all guests. (No shared accommodation options are available at this retreat.) Domaine de la Tuilierie is a… Private bedroom with private bathrooms for all guests. (No shared accommodation options are available at this retreat.) Domaine de la Tuilierie is a secluded, private Maison, located half an hour’s walk from the nearest town, Lauris. It is surrounded by olive groves, wineries and secluded local laneways. It features a pool with lounge chairs, ample gardens, and spacious rooms with lots of natural light. Picking a space where you can settle in and deeply relax was important for us. That’s why we chose this maison primarily for its many comfortable spaces – where you can share knitting time with others or find a corner for yourself for a little while.
- 03 Meals We can provide for most dietary needs but not for severe allergies of any form. Gluten Free, Vegetarian and Vegan options are available. If you have… We can provide for most dietary needs but not for severe allergies of any form. Gluten Free, Vegetarian and Vegan options are available. If you have questions, we will answer them gladly. However, in our experience of hosting retreats, it is often the case that people who ask for Gluten Free or other options change their minds once they see the delicious, high quality food available to them. Please take this into account when making your requests, as it is a lot of effort for our team to make these accommodations. Full board is provided in the French style, with all meals made using locally sourced ingredients. You will also be making a couple of visits to a couple of our favourite local restaurants – thoroughly tested by the Club Garrigue team!
- 04 Tuition and Kits Each week features 5 x 3.5 hour hand-ons tuition with your dedicated teacher who meets you at your level. Thoughtful guidance, personal attention, and… Each week features 5 x 3.5 hour hand-ons tuition with your dedicated teacher who meets you at your level. Thoughtful guidance, personal attention, and space to learn without pressure. Everything will be included for you, from yarn to needles and all necessary equipment to complete your project – so you can arrive empty-handed and be fully present.
- 05 Local Excursion During the week, we will go on a couple of local excursions, and also make space for optional walks and cultural visits. We’ve also lined up a delicious… During the week, we will go on a couple of local excursions, and also make space for optional walks and cultural visits. We’ve also lined up a delicious dinner at one of our favourite restaurants. We won’t tell you where, just yet – some things should be a surprise.
- 06 Transfers Arrivals pick up either from Aix-en-Provence TGV train station, Marseille Airport or Aix-en-Provence city centre. Once you’ve made your plans, advise us… Arrivals pick up either from Aix-en-Provence TGV train station, Marseille Airport or Aix-en-Provence city centre. Once you’ve made your plans, advise us and we can manage it. Please note; you do not need to do this before making your booking. In our experience of hosting retreats, we have seen people miss out on spots while trying to organise flights, etc. It is wiser to book your spot first, and then take care of those details. Departures drop off at either Aix-en-Provence TGV train station, Marseille Airport or Aix-en-Provence city centre. Only included on day of departure.
What’s Not Included
- 01 International Travel and Insurance International travel is not included. The nearest airport is Marseille Provence Airport and the closest train station is Aix-en-Provence TGV. Travel insurance is not required but we recommend it.
- 02 Personal Spending Personal shopping, meals, drinks or excursions outside anything that has been arranged as part of the program.
- 03 Additional Accommodation Additional accommodation before or after the retreat is not included, but we can accommodate one additional night before the start of the retreat at an additional cost. Please see the ‘Book Now’ page for the cost and availability.
- 04 Tips and Gratuities Tips and gratuities are at your own discretion.
What you can expect
A Day in the Life at Club Garrigue
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Breakfast
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast — French style — pastries, fresh fruit and coffee.
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Morning
Guided knitting workshop with your teacher, accompanied by tea and refreshing drinks.
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Lunch
Light, fresh, lunch at the maison. Filling but not overwhelming.
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Afternoon
Each day will vary — time to practice on your own, chill out by the pool, or organized local visits to nearby towns.
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Dinner
Dinner at the maison under the stars or a visit to one of our favorite restaurants.
FAQs
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Our Introduction to Knitting retreat is designed for complete beginners — no prior experience is needed. Our Intermediate retreat is for those with some prior knitting experience who want to develop their skills further.
We provide all materials and patient, expert instruction. -
Just yourself and comfortable clothing for knitting and relaxing by the pool, visiting local markets and nearby towns and a dinner or two at different restaurants. All knitting materials, equipment, and supplies are included in the retreat fee but feel free to bring your own needles.
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We offer complimentary transfers from Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) and Aix-en-Provence TGV train station. Full travel details are sent upon booking. If you prefer to arrive at the maison on your own, please advise us in advance and we will provide you with check in time and location details.
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Reservations can be made by paying a non-refundable deposit (or the full amount immediately) via our website clubgarrigue.com. We use WeTravel to handle all bookings and once your payment has been received you will receive confirmation from that platform. Subsequent installment requests will also be sent via WeTravel.
Installments will be required as follows:
- Deposit on booking
- Remaining balance to be received 60 days prior to starting date
For further questions please contact us at contact@clubgarrigue.com
Payment Methods
Deposits may be paid via our website, which accepts credit or debit card. Payments from a foreign currency may be paid by debit or credit card.
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You may cancel your booking at any time via our booking platform WeTravel.
- Deposit is non-refundable
- 60 days before starting date — no refund
- Less than 90 days before starting date — 50% refund
Note: If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.
Join the Garrigue Community
Sign up for updates on upcoming retreats, behind-the-scenes stories from Provence, and be the first to know when new dates are released or contact us directly at contact@clubgarrigue.com.
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