Exclusive jewelry and lapidary retreats in the Upper Languedoc: create your own piece of jewelry.
Sometimes, what you need isn’t a vacation, but rather the chance to reconnect with manual work. In the heart of the Haut-Languedoc Regional Natural Park—far from screens and the frenzy of daily life—I will guide you through the design and creation of your own piece of jewelry, from the initial concept to the final touches. You will leave not only with a unique piece, but also with the pride of having crafted it yourself.
The place
I live in the Haut-Languedoc Regional Natural Park, in the Orb Valley, surrounded by chestnut and walnut forests. My workshop is located three kilometers from Olargues, in a small hamlet where the only sounds are a rooster crowing in the morning, the murmur of the river, and—now and then—the sound of a neighbor’s violin in the distance.
Who is accompanying you?
My name is Mònica, and I have been working with fire and stone since 1989: I started in a forge, then discovered jewelry making, and over the years, I dedicated myself to the craft of lapidary work. But what I love most is opening the door, cooking for my guests, and chatting by the fire as night falls.
A Glimpse of Daily Life
A homemade breakfast enjoyed at a leisurely pace, a workshop tailored to your own rhythm, a lunch that highlights produce from the valley’s farmers and herders, and free afternoons to stroll among the chestnut trees. [Discover what a typical day is like→]
Much more than just a piece of jewelry
Beyond the creation of a piece of jewelry, the idea is to disconnect from your daily routine for a few days—to take a pause and enjoy the process at your own pace. I will guide you through every step, ensuring that you feel comfortable, have the opportunity to learn, and are truly able to relax.