Writing Retreat France October 2025

* Please note that we are not opening these tickets for sale here. You can sign up (or apply) here rather. **

Join author and literary agent Sarah Bullen founder of The Writing Room for an immersive writing retreat in the picturesque Dordogne region of France. Explore the craft of storytelling, refine your manuscript, and develop a deeper understanding of structure, character, and the writing process as you visit the historic villages of Eymet, Issigeac, and Beynac et Cazenac, gathering inspiration from their rich history and atmosphere.

Set within a historic estate, this retreat offers daily discussions and writing sessions with Sarah, focusing on key techniques, industry insights, and one-on-one feedback. Mornings begin with quiet writing time, while afternoons provide space to refine your work and explore advanced storytelling methods. Share meals and connect with fellow writers in a welcoming and supportive environment, leaving with new skills, fresh ideas, and a clear direction for your creative journey.

WHO SHOULD JOIN?

Both advanced and novice writers are welcome.

This is a structured writing workshop for writers of all levels who want to tell their story or write their book. We also welcome scriptwriters, academic writers and poets.

It is right for you, if you need an adventure, plus the gift of time and space in a quiet setting. You don’t need to be a writer or to have a grand project in progress. You may be halfway through a novel, or on your second one.
You can be working on a memoir, poetry, workbook, online course, photography-based book, life story or just a creative writing project.

This is for writers who just need dedicated time away from ordinary life to totally immerse in a creative environment to write, write and write. The time is both a deep-dive into your own book, and a task-based programme to get your word count up, or finish your book ready for submission.
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The course is a daily combination of technical writing techniques, working through your blocks, finding ways to access your memories and plan your story. ​

$4,450 per guest

1. Writing sessions, individual tuition and a programme with literary agent Sarah Bullen
2. 7 nights of accommodation at a spectacular private estate in southwestern France
3. Exclusive use of the entire 25-acre estate with a private heated pool, studio, indoor and outdoor lounge areas, beautiful gardens, terraces, private woodland, and natural pond
4. All meals at the venue carefully prepared by a private chef
5. 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners
6. Afternoon snacks
7. Coffee, tea, and water available throughout the day
8. Local award-winning wine served with dinner
9. A wine and cheese tasting experience at the venue
10. Trip to Issigeac
11. Trip to the Beynac-et-Cazenac
12. Trip to the Eymet market
13. Private transportation and guide for all planned activities
14. Round-trip transfers from/to Bergerac train station at prearranged times
15. All local tourist taxes and fees
16. Experienced retreat UpTrek host available throughout the day, fully-staffed venue
17. Access to a private Facebook group with Sarah Bullen and the other retreat participants four months before the retreat

• Airfare
• Travel insurance
• Materials — a detailed list of materials recommended by Sarah Bullen will be sent to you five months before the retreat
• One lunch during the full-day trip
• Tips for staff
• Other expenses guests might incur on their own

Is this retreat available to all levels?

This retreat is ideal for writers of all levels.

When is the retreat available?

The retreat takes place between October 4 - 11, 2025.

Are there any check-in and check-out hours?

Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 4:00 PM on October 4, 2025. Check-out is after breakfast on the last day at 9:00 AM, on October 11, 2025.

How do I get to the retreat venue?

Please plan to arrive at the Gare Bergerac train station. The retreat venue is located approximately a 35-minute drive from Gare Bergerac, the main train station in the area that has a direct connection with Paris. We advise allowing extra time for long-distance international travel. Arriving in France a day before the retreat starts helps mitigate potential issues due to flight delays, allows for rest post-travel, and facilitates adjustment to the new time zone. Private transfers from/to Gare Bergerac train station at prearranged times are included. Please read the Location tab for more information. Please refrain from booking flights until the retreat becomes guaranteed and you are charged for your participation.

What’s the weather like in Eymet, France, in early October?

The weather in Eymet in early October is usually sunny and pleasant. You can expect average highs of 21°C / 70°F during the day that drop to around 9°C / 48°F at night. However, in recent years, temperatures have varied unpredictably. We recommend you check the weather yourself before your departure and pack accordingly.

What should I pack?

Please pack appropriate clothing, insect repellent, a raincoat, a swimsuit, sunscreen, a sun hat and sunglasses, a jacket for chilly evenings, comfortable shoes, personal care items, and any personal Medic*tion you might need.

Can I do laundry while on the retreat?

Laundry facilities are available at the retreat venue and you are welcome to use them for free during your stay.

What supplies do I need for the retreat?

A list of materials recommended by Sarah Bullen will be provided upon booking, five months before the retreat.

Is there a local currency I should acquire before arriving?

The currency is the euro. Credit cards are widely accepted in most places. However, it might be a good idea to take out some euros from the ATM at the airport for taxis, small purchases, visiting the market, and tipping. Make sure you notify your bank that you'll be using your card in France.

How many people are expected at the retreat?

Maximum of 15 participants.

I am vegetarian/vegan. Can I book this retreat?

Please inform us of any dietary requirements at least one month in advance. We may not be able to accommodate severe, life-threatening allergies. Additionally, we cannot cater to dietary needs announced less than a month before the retreat, switch diets during the retreat, or accommodate last-minute requests made on the spot.

Is Wi-Fi available?

Yes.

Do I need a visa?

Guests from the US, Canada, EU, UK, and/or Schengen member states can enter France for tourism without a visa. If this policy changes, we will inform you promptly. For additional assistance, please reach out to us.

Are there any age restrictions?

There are no restrictions whatsoever. Please keep in mind that you must be 18 years of age to travel independently.

What language is used during the workshop and other activities?

The retreat is available in English.

Can a non-participating guest join me?

We do not accommodate non-participants at our retreats. This policy is in place to ensure the artistic and immersive nature of our retreats remains intact for all participants.

Is the retreat available to guests with limited mobility?

Unfortunately, the retreat venue and day trips are not well suited to host people with limited mobility.

Do I have to pay a deposit?

No. Once the number of guest reservations reaches the minimum number required for the retreat to become guaranteed, UpTrek charges the guests the cost of the retreat. Guests who reserved will be notified 48 hours in advance that their payment method on file is about to be charged.

Will I receive a full refund if the retreat is not guaranteed?

UpTrek does not charge the payment method we collect until the retreat becomes guaranteed. Once the retreat is guaranteed, there will be no reimbursement. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements.

Will I receive a full refund if the guaranteed retreat is canceled by the instructor or by UpTrek?

If the retreat is canceled due to force majeure events or circumstances out of UpTrek's and/or the instructor's control, UpTrek will let you know as soon as possible, refund the total cost of the retreat, and help you find another option for your vacation.

What happens if I need to cancel?

All bookings are nonrefundable under any circumstances. Once payment is made, it is considered final. In the event of cancellation, regardless of the reason, no refunds will be granted.

Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. This insurance should cover any potential losses incurred due to cancellation or no-show, including but not limited to medical emergencies, travel disruptions, or personal circumstances. We are not affiliated with any travel insurance providers. It is your responsibility to secure appropriate insurance coverage that includes trip cancellation and interruption protection. We highly recommend reviewing the terms and conditions of your chosen insurance provider to understand the coverage and claim process.

We will gladly provide the essential documentation to support refund claims with the insurance provider.

Through in-depth discussions, hands-on writing time, and personalized feedback, you will develop your storytelling skills, strengthen your manuscript, and gain a clearer understanding of the writing and publishing process.

Mornings begin with quiet writing sessions, offering uninterrupted time to focus and build momentum before the day's discussions. Sarah will lead practical and engaging sessions covering everything from structuring a strong story to world-building, dialogue, and self-editing. Individual feedback is a key part of the retreat, with Sarah offering guidance tailored to each writer’s needs. Whether you are shaping a new idea or preparing a manuscript for submission, you will gain valuable insight into improving your work.

Throughout the week, visit three inspiring locations: the medieval town of Issigeac, the historic village of Beynac et Cazenac, and a lively French market. Each place offers an opportunity to absorb details and observe the world with a writer’s eye. From the history etched into stone walls to the energy of a bustling market morning, these experiences will help you bring richness and authenticity to your writing.

The topics covered during your lessons will include:

• Planning the basics of a compelling story
• Identifying the key elements of structure
• Navigating the business side of books and screenplays
• Mastering short-form writing – LinkedIn, Twitter, Substack, and magazines
• Researching and perfecting the art of the interview
• Creating realistic characters
• Crafting strong beginnings, starts, and hooks
• Self-editing and refining editing styles
• Handling point of view effectively
• Working with dialogue to enhance storytelling
• Working through personal blocks with confidence
• Adding depth and layers, tone, and voice
• Sourcing tips and techniques for effective writing
• Understanding what an author brand is and how to build one
• Launching your brand and developing publicity ideas
• ...and many more.

Your accommodation will be in an elegant historic estate from the Napoleonic era, set amidst vibrant gardens, secluded woodlands, a natural pond, and a heated pool. Delight in Dordogne’s culinary heritage with daily chef-prepared meals and savor the local wines through a cheese and wine-tasting experience.

Also check out other Arts events in Bordeaux, Literary Art events in Bordeaux, Workshops in Bordeaux.