Writing Retreat in France with Sarah Bullen October 2025

Join author and literary agent Sarah Bullen founder of The Writing Room for an immersive writing retreat in the picturesque South of France. Write your story, refine your manuscript, and develop a deeper understanding of structure, character, and the writing process, gathering inspiration from the 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.

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We stay at a historic domaine outside Montréal in the Aude region, France

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 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.​The course is a daily combination of technical writing techniques, working through your blocks, finding ways to access your memories and plan your story. ​

€4,100 ($4,800) for single occupancy

(Deposit €600, remainder payments of €1750 x 2)

€3,700 ($4,200) per person sharing

(Deposit €600, remainder payments €1550 x 2)

The two remaining payments will be due within 30 and 60 days of confirmation.

1. Writing sessions, individual tuition and a programme with literary agent Sarah Bullen
2. 7 nights of accommodation at a spectacular private estate in the Carcassonne region of France
3. Exclusive use of the entire estate, beautiful gardens, terraces, sauna gym and pool.
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. Trip to the magnificent Carcassonne with its fairy-tale turrets. Perched atop seemingly impossible peaks, Cathar castles stand as silent sentinels to a turbulent past.
9. Trip to the bustling and renowned market in Mirepoix, where local artisans showcase their crafts alongside produce and local cheeses—too much goodness for our sacks to hold.​​​​
10. Private transportation and guide for all planned activities1
11. Round-trip transfers from/to the airport at prearranged times from Carcassonne or Toulouse.
12. All local tourist taxes and fees

• Airfare
• Travel insurance
• One lunch during the full-day trip
• Tips for staff
• Other expenses guests might incur on their own

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.

We stay at Domaine Majou - a historic domaine on 8 1/2 hectares of former farmland and vineyards. This has recently been reimagined as a haven for creativity, connection, and celebration.

You will stay in:

* One of the 7 beautifully restored bedrooms in the main house.

* One of the 4 rooms in the charming gîte. A gite is a renovated traditional country cottage or barn conversion

Every corner invites you to gather, unwind, and be inspired.

You will fly to Toulouse (1 hour away) or if you are coming from the UK you may fly Ryanair into Carcassonne (15 mins away).

​You can also find your way to Carcassonne and we will transfer you from there.

Stretching between Toulouse and Montpellier, Aude is bordered by the Mediterranean on its eastern side, the Montagne Noire (Black Mountain) in the north.

While the Aude is named for its river, stretching from the Mediterranean Sea to the mountains of the Pyrenees, it is also known as “Cathar Country” after a group of religious dissidents active in the 12th to 14th centuries. Yet, above all, we prefer the romance of the region. In the medieval tales The Charlemagne Romances, Aude La Belle was the beloved of Roland, whose soul was lifted to paradise in The Song of Roland.

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 12:00 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?

You will fly to Toulouse (1 hour away) or if you are coming from the UK you may fly Ryanair into Carcassonne (15 mins away). ​You can also find your way to Carcassonne and we will transfer you from there. We will collect you from one of the two airports and transfer you to the centre.

What’s the weather like in E in early October?

The weather 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 12 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.

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.

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.

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