Writing retreats
Effective and enjoyable
Writing with other people in a dedicated space and time is one of the most effective ways of getting a project completed. My retreats are backed by scientific evidence to provide a supportive and enjoyable environment to get your writing project off the blocks or bring something to completion. As well as accountability and guidance, you’ll benefit from a range of wellbeing activities that will enhance your retreat experience.
bluebird retreats
How does it work?
The writing
Four complete days of writing will allow you to make substantial progress on a project. Each day consists of a mixture of planning, dedicated writing time, and reviewing.
Sunday evening begins with a group planning session where everyone outlines their objectives for the next four days. This helps get you off on the right foot, as being clear about your goals is essential.
Each day includes three structured 90-minute writing sessions, with opportunities to continue your work around this.
If you’re looking for more support, you can get feedback on your writing from a very experienced writer. I specialise in academic work, non-fiction and memoir, but can advise on all kinds of writing for clarity, organisation, and presentation. The group itself can also give peer feedback and suggestions about general writing issues such as dealing with blocks or organising ideas at the daily review sessions.
You’ll be writing in a beautiful rural setting with access to high-speed internet. All you need to bring is your laptop, notebook, or other device to write on and any supporting materials you need for your writing.
The retreat
Depending on group size you will either be staying in a self-contained gîte shared with other writers or in bed and breakfast accommodation. A range of room types are available, some with private bathrooms.
All meals will be provided, with a mixture of self-service, home cooking and visits to local cafés and restaurants. Tea, coffee, and still and sparkling water will be available throughout. Alcohol and soft drinks will be at your own charge.
Each day will include one group wellbeing activity, with opportunities to engage in other activities outside the structured programme. These will be simple and easy to access, requiring no special equipment or skill.
Typical wellbeing activities offered include mindfulness practice, music listening, card-making, painting, nature walks, and mindful photography. Additional activities vary according to season: if you want more strenuous activity you can hire bicycles (June to early November) or canoes (July to September), visit a local swimming pool (July to August) or attend drop-in yoga classes (year round). These additional activities are at your own charge. You can also simply enjoy the beautiful surroundings, engage with other writers, spend time reading or listening to your own music, or continue your own writing.
beautiful rural location
Where are these retreats?
The riverside village of Saint Germain de Confolens, in the Charente, south-west France, is the central location for these retreats.
By train, the closest stations are Poitiers or Angoulême, on the fast TGV line between Paris Montparnasse and Bordeaux. Car hire is available at both stations (at your own cost). Transfers may be available depending on numbers, at a small extra charge.
The nearest airport is Limoges, where car hire is available (at your own cost). However, airport transfers from Limoges on the dates below are provided free of charge. Other airports within a 2-hour drive include Poitiers, Bordeaux, Bergerac, and La Rochelle, with transfers at your own cost.
You can also travel under your own steam. Saint Germain de Confolens is approximately 5 hours’ drive from the ports of Caen and St Malo, 6 hours from Bilbao, and 8 hours from Calais, Turin, or Barcelona.
If you have any questions about the best way to arrive do contact me. I’ve travelled here from almost everywhere by almost every form of transport, and I love travel planning!
Travel and dates for 2026
The four-day retreat includes five nights’ accommodation, arriving on a Sunday and departing on a Friday. The schedule has been arranged to fit the current flight schedules from the UK to Limoges airport. Additional nights’ accommodation if you are travelling by other means can be booked separately.
If you are looking for a retreat outside of these dates, a shorter or longer retreat, or you want to make a group booking, please contact me.
8th-13th June
27th September-2nd October
11th-16th October
Costs for 5 nights in 2026
The cost is between €850 and €1,200 for a five-night package. A 25% deposit is required a week after the booking deadline, with the remainder due 14 days before your stay.
Exact costs are based on the luxury level of your accommodation (double or single, private or shared bathroom) and what’s available for the dates in question. Reservations are due by 8 April for the June date and by 1 July for the September and October dates, and accommodation options will then be discussed with you.