The International French Jazz Summer School is located in the stunning Chateau du Bijou in the beautiful Ardeche countryside in the South of France.
The pretty village of Chomerac, with its shops, cafés, bars and restaurants, is a very pleasant 15 min. walk and the hill town of Privas is a 15 min. drive.
The Chateau is set in a beautiful high location in the Ardeche overlooking the Rhone Valley with its medieval villages and with the snow-topped Alps in the far distance.
The Chateau is fully restored to a high standard and offers top quality accommodation and facilities for the school, including 2 swimming pools, 3 Gites and musical workshop rooms.
Single, shared (2 people), double and group rooms are available and there is also the option to camp or stay in nearby off-site accommodation.
Internet connections are available in the computer room – bring your own laptop.
We are proud of our French Chef – Hugue. He was born and lives in the Ardeche and has prepared food for restaurants, ski-resorts and back-stage music events.
He specialises in, and is proud of, his Ardeche regional food and is happy to provide for vegetarians and people with special dietary needs. (If you happen to be in the kitchen between 8 – 9 a.m. he will also treat you to his wide-ranging music collection – from Boby Lapointe to Trance – it’s the only time we let him play it!).
Breakfast and evening meals are included. Lunch can be bought at the Chateau for about 3 - 4€, or you can eat in the local cafés in Chomerac and elsewhere if you prefer. The ever-helpful Rob is available throughout the day to oversee the kitchen and our general needs and Francoise – our French caretaker – manages the cleaning, bedding etc.
By Train: Travel high speed to Valence TGV (from London Waterloo to Valence direct, with a platform change at Lille – depart 8.30 a.m. – arrive 3.30 p.m. approx).
Book via Eurostar & Rail Europe
By Car: The Chateau is 20 mins. From the main Paris – Orange A7 autoroute.
By Plane: Fly to Lyon St. Exupery Train to Valence TGV or Valence Ville
Taxis from Valence to the Chateau: We will collate people’s arrival times so you can share taxis to the Chateau.
“A fantastic way to learn from the masters how to develop your talent while meeting fantastic like-minded people – and all in the Mediterranean sunshine!”
J.B 2006
"The location is stunning, the food is great, the people have been welcoming, warm and generous. The tutors are second to none and as a result I have had a life changing experience. Thank you all so very much"
A.R. 2007