Just back from a fantastic week at a fantastic holiday cooking school in France – except Mrs R and I didn’t avail ourselves of the opportunity to cook, but instead spent the week learning to paint (Dawn) and taking some intermediate-level photography classes (me) at the same venue.

It really is a great setup which Jim and Lucy Fisher have at Bombel, and I’d thoroughly recommend it. Situated in the heart of the Dordogne region, their converted farm and barns can accommodate something like 16 people who can be taking any combination of courses in cookery, painting or photography, making it a great opportunity for couples who have differing interests.

So, how does it all work? In our week, there were 12 guests, of which 3 were doing photography, 4 painting and 5 cooking. Each group has their own tutor for the five days. The “cooks” spend their days creating meals for everyone, and therein lies the greatest attraction of the whole setup – whatever you’re learning, you get to eat awesomely good lunches and evening meals, and it’s all inclusive.

The working day typically runs from 9am to 12.30 and 2pm to 4pm, although the cooks end up back in the kitchen around 7pm to serve up the evening meal. If you ever wanted to get an idea of what it must be like to work in a real restaurant, without quite the same responsibility, this is it. There’s a nice little swimming pool to relax in and by, at the end of the day.

The photographers spend their week under the expert tutelage of David Quinn, who I thought was terrific fun to learn from, and the artists work with Gill Mitchell. The five days are spent in and around the course venue, which is fairly remote, although there’s a morning trip to the famous market at Sarlat la Canéda, which is a great opportunity for the cooks, artists and photographers.

The 5 day/6 night holiday is £695 (2009) which is something of a bargain when you consider the food is to a fantastic standard (I bet even if the cooks weren’t that good, Jim wouldn’t let anything mediocre out of his kitchens), the wine is included, and there’s little chance to spend any money during the week. As a result, for the two of us, the total outlay for the trip was about £1800, including flights and all spending money. When you think about what you might spend on most holidays, including holiday cash, £300/day for a couple is very competitive even disregarding the fact you’re getting a course thrown in!

Here are a small selection of the photos I took during the week. I’m an enthusiastic amateur, but a lot better enthusiastic amateur than I was a week ago!