Video introduction by director Paul Roberts 

Paul Roberts plays ‘Au bord d’une source’ -
Beside a Spring - by Franz Liszt.

A typical day

Each day is centred on two intensive periods of piano study, interspersed with practising, relaxation and meals en plein air. The morning begins at 8am with breakfast on the terrace, followed by practice until class at 10am. The Intermediate and Advanced Classes usually run simultaneously until lunchtime (with coffee break), but there will be ample opportunity for participants in the Intermediate Class to observe the Advanced Class.

Everyone is timetabled to play every day, either in class or in an individual lesson.

Lunch is taken outside in the shade. Afternoons are free for leisure or practising, and classes begin again at 4pm. The evening relaxation begins at 7pm with drinks from the bar, followed by a recital and dinner. At the end of each course participants are encouraged to play in a concert, and the final dinner is followed by a party and cabaret. 

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FEES & ACCOMMODATION 2023

We anticipate a rapid take-up of places this year, so please give alternative dates and room preferences if at all possible. We will do our best to accommodate first preferences but this will not always be possible. Flexibility is the key to not being disappointed! 

Accommodation (prices in GB pounds and euros) per person

Please note that the prices below, while reflecting the relative comfort and privacy of each room, cover the whole course and not just accommodation (see Fees, right-hand column of this page)

• Marie Antoinette double bed, ensuite bathroom      £2650 (3000€)
• La Reine* double bed, ensuite bathroom                   £2650 (3000€)
• Chambre d’Or* double bed, shared bathroom          £2100 (2380€)
• Chambre Blanche* double bed, shared bathroom   £2100 (2380€)
• Chambre Biblio twin, shared bathroom                      £1900 (2155€)​​​​​​ 
• Maison du parc single bed, shared bathroom            £1850 (2100€)
• Chambre Écrivain twin beds, shared bathroom         £1750 (1985€)
• Cartier-Bresson single bed, shared bathroom            £1650 (1870€)
• Parc mezzanine* double bed, shared bathroom        £1650 (1870€)
• Chambre de la tour* double bed, shared bathroom £1650 (1870€)
• Chambre Zébra single bed, shared bathroom            £1350 (1530€)
• Chambre Bleue dormitory, 3 beds                                £1100 (1250€)
• Douve Attic dormitory, 5 beds                                       £1100 (1250€)​​​​​​​

* Double rooms marked with an asterisk can be booked as single occupancy at no extra charge

La tour and Zébra have compromised privacy - one room leads off the other, but both are fully private when the door is closed. These rooms are best suited to friends applying together. Zébra is small.

For further information on rooms, please see our blog post Budgeting with friends at Chateau d'Aix

Fees 

Fees for Music at Chateau d’Aix include full accommodation, all meals, refreshments, tuition at every level, and concerts. Table wine from the neighbouring vineyard is served gratis with the evening meal.

Non-playing partners receive a discount of 50%

Partners are welcome to attend all classes and concerts. Or they may choose to relax in the chateau grounds and beside the pool, or spend the day exploring the beautiful Lot region: its wild hillsides, valleys of sunflowers and lavender, and the vineyards of the famous black Cahors wine.

Extras

The only extras are for the bar, our local minibus to and from the airport, and one optional outing in the course of the week: the vineyard holds a weekly fête serving its own wine and regional dishes.  

• All prices are per person
• We accept only GB pounds and Euros
• See Booking Form for deposit and payment
• 50% discount for non-participating partners 
• Scholarships available for advanced students
• Deposit will be returned if booking is cancelled before 1 April 
• See Terms & Conditions 

TRAVEL

• Days 1 and 8 are for arrival and departure
• The most convenient airport for Chateau d’Aix is Toulouse Blagnac. Those coming by train will arrive at the railway station Toulouse Matabiau. Either way we organise a minibus direct from the airport with a pick up at the station
• The journey by road from Toulouse to Chateau d’Aix takes 90 minutes. The cost depends on the number of people sharing the minibus bus but in the past this has been around 40€ per head - compared to local taxis which cost around 250€. However, with the huge rise in fuel prices this year we cannot guarantee the low price, but we envisage in the region of 50€
• The bus will depart Toulouse airport no later than 5.30pm on the arrival day. There will be a pick up at the railway station (Toulouse Matabiau) at 5pm. Those arriving on morning or midday flights should plan to spend a few hours in the old city centre and join the bus at the railway station 
• Those travelling from outside Europe should fly to Toulouse via London, Paris, Frankfurt or Amsterdam. Those travelling from the UK can also fly into Bergerac (only 60 minutes drive to Chateau d’Aix) where they may hire a car or arrange their own taxi
• Those coming by car should not arrive at the chateau before 5pm
• Refreshments will be served on arrival from 5pm, followed by dinner at 8pm. Classes begin the next morning
• The return bus will depart at 9 in the morning on day 8. So please do not book flights or trains that depart Toulouse before midday