Sunday 5th - Saturday 11th July 2026
French Guitar Adventurers
Transform your playing in the French Countryside
Now in our tenth year!
Immerse yourself in your guitar playing under the guidance of concert guitarist, composer & teacher Richard Durrant.
Explore and strengthen your technique in a supportive group setting
Develop your musicianship and sight-reading skills
Fully understand and develop your playing as a standing guitarist
Perform in an end of week public concert
Becoming a Guitar Adventurer is an opportunity to learn to play standing up (Richard’s speciality and default position), improve technique and experience preparing for a performance. Participants spend time developing their relationship with their hands in an intense and meaningful way to help realise a stronger and more mindful physical connection with the instrument.
The week concludes with a public concert where participants perform specially written ensemble piece by Richard.
Meet the teacher…
Richard Durrant ‘transposes’ his years of experience into an inviting and informative educational retreat with daily workshops, one-to-one guidance and an end-of-week group performance.
Concert guitarist and composer Richard Durrant has spent the last four decades touring, recording and composing in a uniquely broad career. Classically trained at the Royal College of Music, Richard’s playing exudes a sense of ‘musical curiosity‘, extending beyond the classical canon and feeling equally at home in free improvisation, British and European folk styles, and his own original compositions.
For the musically curious: Listen to Richard play Bach on Tenor Banjo
The combination of technical practise and musical curiosity is key to the FGA workshops. Richard will explain how to use a simple, efficient and stylistically neutral playing position to strengthen technique and increase accuracy and agility.
Uniquely as a concert guitarist, Durrant performs standing up. As a stand-up, barefoot guitarist, Richard encourages fellow musicians to understand the physicality of playing music with a mindful approach between musician and instrument.
FAQ’s
Who is it for?
French Guitar Adventurers is suitable for inquisitive guitarists with a suggested playing level of Grade 6 or equivalent (ABRSM/Trinity) upwards. Grade 5 theory (ABRSM) is also encouraged*. Guitarists are welcome to bring a guest for an additional fee. Each course is for between 10 to 15 guitarists – depending on guest numbers and room sharing arrangements.
Each participant will receive a one-hour consultation with Richard (in person or over Zoom) at least six weeks before the course.
The week is also open to observers. Both guitarists and observers are welcome to bring a guest for an additional fee.
*Grades are mentioned only as a rough guide - over the years many musicians have attended who do not have formal qualifications. Musicality and experience on the instrument are equally important.
Where is the retreat?
French Guitar Adventurers takes place in The French Retreat, situated just outside the town of Chalais. Accommodation is full board (guitarists and guests) with en-suite, double and twin rooms available and all dietary needs covered. The French Retreat includes comfortable rooms, an outside dining area, a large workshop space/rehearsal room (with excellent acoustics), a swimming pool and beautiful surroundings.
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The Pool
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![Guitars By The Lake]()
Guitars By The Lake
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The French Retreat
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![End Of Week Concert]()
End Of Week Concert
Keen to become a Guitar Adventurer?
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For more information about accomodation, pricing and availability email info@richarddurrant.com.
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Each participant receives a private lesson with Richard at least six weeks before the residential retreat either in person or over Zoom.
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Check in time: Sunday 5th July
Check out time: Saturday 11th
Nearest station: Chalais
Nearest Airport: Bordeaux
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After you’ve booked, all information will be sent to you. Join the FGA Facebook page to connect with other guitar adventurers, and please be in touch if you have further questions.