Writing Retreat
FAQs

Our retreats are for writers of all levels—whether you're just starting out or working on your third draft. Each retreat focuses on a specific theme, like fiction, memoir, or personal storytelling, so you’ll be surrounded by others with shared goals and interests.

Not at all! Our retreats are designed for both seasoned writers and total beginners. As long as you’re open to exploring your voice and putting pen to paper, you’re in the right place.

• Daily writing workshops and guided sessions

  • One-on-one personal feedback

  • Comfortable accommodations and shared meals (as noted in your booking)

  • Scheduled group activities and curated local experiences

• Travel to Provence (airfare, transportation)

• Personal expenses and extras

• Travel insurance (recommended)

• Any spontaneous meals, treats, or off-itinerary experiences

Transport from the Aix-en-Provence TGV train station (Gare d'Aix-en-Provence TGV) to the retreat location and local transport to and from planned events are provided.

We’re located just 10 minutes from the center of Aix-en-Provence, making travel easy whether you’re arriving by plane, train, or car. We’re happy to assist with planning your journey.

✈️ By Plane

The nearest airport is Marseille Provence Airport (MRS), about 30 minutes by car. (*depending on traffic)

You can also fly into:

• Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (approx. 2 hours away)

• Paris Charles de Gaulle or Orly, then connect to Aix-en-Provence TGV via the TGV INOUI high-speed train from Paris Gare de Lyon train station

We suggest booking a flight that arrives in Marseille before 3:00pm if you plan to use our transfer service.

🚄 By Train

Take the TGV INOUI to Aix-en-Provence TGV Station.

From Paris: Gare de Lyon train station, the journey takes about 3 hours and 20 minutes

Direct trains are also available from Lyon, Marseille, Avignon, and other major cities

We typically arrange group pickups around 4:00pm on arrival day from the Aix TGV station.

You can book your train tickets via the SNCF website

🚗 By Car

We're about 10 minutes by car from central Aix en Provence.

We'll send easy step-by-step directions ahead of your arrival

Free parking is available on-site.

🚐 Group Transfers

We offer complimentary pickup and drop-off on arrival and departure days from:

• Marseille Provence Airport

• Aix‑en‑Provence TGV Train Station (located 18K outside of Aix en Provence
  (NOT to be confused with Gare d’Aix‑en‑Provence -Centre , which is located in the center of Aix- and not a high speed train)

Timing:

• Arrival pickup: around 4:00pm

• Departure drop-off: by 11:00am

If you’re arriving outside these windows, we’re happy to help arrange a private taxi or transfer.

Our retreat villa is located in a quiet, private provincial setting. You can stroll through vineyards and enjoy local beauty, but access to the local town or stores requires planned outings, or private Uber/taxi service at your expense.

Our retreats are hosted in a charming, historic Provençal villa, just 10 minutes from the center of Aix-en-Provence. The home is full of character and soul—it’s not a modern build, but that’s part of its charm.

The traditional stone walls help keep it naturally cool in summer and warm in winter, so there’s no air conditioning, but each room has a fan. The villa also features a cozy indoor fireplace, perfect for cooler evenings or quiet moments by the fire. Each bedroom has its own private shower and sink, with shared toilets located in common areas (one for every two bedrooms).

Please note: since this is a private villa, not a hotel, there’s no daily housekeeping or linen service in personal spaces—though we do our best to keep shared areas tidy and welcoming throughout your stay.

Outside, you’ll find a peaceful vineyard, tennis courts, a pool, and even horses that graze right up to the property line. There are plenty of quiet nooks—both indoors and out—for writing, reading, or simply recharging.

We reserve the right to change the villa if circumstances require, with the same care taken to select a place that reflects the spirit and quality described above.

This can be arranged depending on the villa / room setup. Please inquire directly to discuss specific arrangements.

We’re happy to accommodate vegetarian and pescatarian (fish-based) diets.

If you have serious allergies or life-threatening dietary restrictions, please reach out before booking—we’ll do our best to advise you on whether the retreat is a good fit.

Comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing (note: the villa does not have AC but stays naturally cool due to its structure). It can be hot during the day and cool at night.

Bring writing materials- laptop/notebooks, and personal items.

A suggested packing list will be provided upon booking.

France is an active country. Although we drive to cultural outings, you must comfortably walk at least one mile and navigate stairs.

Due to planning logistics, the retreat is non-refundable. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Limited to 7–12 participants for a personalized experience.

The retreats are led by Shannon and Juliette—bilingual, bicultural hosts who’ve made Provence their home.

They’re onsite throughout your stay to guide and support the group, alongside guest authors and experienced writing mentors who lead the workshops, bringing insight, structure, and inspiration.

Accepted applicants will receive a booking link to reserve with deposit payment via credit card.

You’ll hear back from us within two weeks of submitting your application. We’ll send a confirmation by email as soon as your spot is approved.

Item descriptTo keep our retreats accessible, flexible, and legally compliant, each professional involved in the retreat invoices their own service:

• Venue

• Coach

• My Provence Chapter

This structure is transparent and protects both the providers and participants.ion