Students have returned year after year. Clearly this is one summer school that could become addictive

BBC Music Magazine

Last year was inspirational and my playing improved out of all proportion so I am hoping for the same miracle again

Julian Britton, retired surgeon

I have just stepped out of an enchanted experience in which, once again, magic was woven out of old stones, hard labour, high spirits and genius... Students go through genuine and profound change while they're there, and that opens them up to be bonded and elated and also protected from all the lowering grit of everyday life

Cynthia Kee, novelist

Travel & Maps


TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS are the responsibility of each participant. The fastest and often cheapest route from the UK is by air to Toulouse, and train from Toulouse to Albi.

We run a taxi service between the Priory and Albi station, about 15 miles (24 km) distant, for which there is a charge of 15 euros per person. This can be arranged at short notice, day or night. We can also arrange a longer-haul pick-up service direct from Toulouse airport (90 mins). Let us know if you require this service and we will confirm cost and availability.

Other low-cost flight routes worth investigating are Ryanair flights to Rodez (which has a rail link to Albi).

Those travelling from outside Europe will need to fly to Toulouse via London or Paris. There is also a high-speed rail link from Paris to Toulouse (five hours).

For those who choose to drive, there is ample parking at the Priory.

Arrival and Departure

Participants are asked to arrive between 4 and 6 in the afternoon on the first day during which time tea and refreshments will be served. The evening meal will be at 8.00. Classes begin the next day.

Each course ends after breakfast on the last day. Please make departure arrangements for that morning.

Past experience has shown that participants without their own transport are at little or no disadvantage. There are usually plenty of people able to offer lifts, and Ambialet village, with its shops and cafés, is within easy walking distance.





Download 2010 application form

Dates for 2010 at Ambialet

Ambialet Photo Gallery

The Venue - Ambialet

The magnificent Priory at Ambialet in the Tarn Gorge is the summer school's new home. Over the years it has maintained and developed the original vision of its founders: to nurture the highest standards of music-making in idyllic surroundings...