Creative and Autobiographical Writing in Southern Champagne (Women's Retreat or Individual)

Celles-en-Bassigny, France
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Summary

Learn the basics of creative and autobiographical writing and bring your own writing project to life.

We’ll use inspiring writing prompts, short theory sessions, and a variety of writing exercises.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

You’ll receive creative tools that help you generate new ideas and topics and get into the flow of writing.
You’ll learn how to give your characters polish, depth, and personality.
You’ll practice weaving exciting stories.
You’ll develop a complete story from a basic idea.
You’ll learn how vivid scenes emerge from memories and how to infuse your writing with suspense, emotion, and depth.

We’ll also take a look at the following genres:
Autobiographical writing
Novels and longer narratives
Crime fiction

After the week:
To help you continue your writing process, online coaching is available after your return.

In the afternoons, the focus is on exploring the surroundings. Depending on your mood, you can stroll through the charming towns of Langres and Chaumont, either alone or in a group. Or perhaps nature beckons: a walk in the woods, a trip to one of the four reservoirs, or a detour to the canal connecting the Marne and the Saône. Free days at your own pace—eventful, relaxed, and full of new impressions.

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This is one of a total of 8 exciting themes for which I offer women’s retreats. My name is Susanne Hoffmann and my project is called Chrysalide. I live and work in 52360 Celles-en-Bassigny, a small village in the Haute-Marne department. Here, I offer women traveling alone in midlife the opportunity for an inspiring and relaxing vacation in the French countryside.
The main language during the week is German, though depending on the theme and activity, there will of course also be French moments, with translation always provided.

On set dates throughout the year, I offer "Oasis Days" and women's retreats on specific themes, where 2–3 women share a house as roommates and plan their vacation together.
If you prefer to spend your vacation on your own or the dates don’t work for you, all the main themes are also available as individual stays. Just send me a message with your preferred dates and interests.

To explore all other themes and dates: go to the homepage and select “France >>> Grand Est” under the country selection.

Arrival and departure days are Sundays.

Please also take advantage of the opportunity for a free introductory chat via video call (WhatsApp, Teams, or Zoom). During this call, I can answer your questions, and we can discuss together whether my offer is a good fit for you. Feel free to message me here under "Contact Provider" with a suggested date.

The price listed here of 1,200 euros includes a commission for the operator of this website. Therefore, it might be worth looking for alternatives.

There is a discount for two participants who register together (girlfriend, sister, daughter, etc.) and share a room. Since there are only 5 single rooms available, early registration is recommended.

Well, now I look forward to meeting you soon!

See you soon :-)

The retreat at a glance

The most important facts in a nutshell:

Categories
Consciousness, soul, senses & spirit, Mindfulness, Creative Retreats, Creative Writing, Communication, Detox Retreats
Language(s)
French, German
Level
Beginner
Group Size
4
Place
Celles-en-Bassigny, France
Accommodation
Overnight stay included
Catering
Half board
Services
  • 2–3-hour daily writing workshop

  • Accommodation in a single room

  • Breakfast and one hot meal a day

  • French country life just a 3-hour drive from the German-French border

  • Available year-round as a single-night stay (without half-board); please contact me for more information!

  • A dog may be brought along with the consent of the other participants

  • Extensions are available upon request.

Accommodation

Du wirst in einem von 2 geräumigen Häusern untergebracht, in denen wir auch die Küche und das Wohnzimmer für unsere gemeinsamen Tätigkeiten nutzen.

Möchtest du weitere Personen mitbringen, dann teile mir das gerne mit. Der Preis richtet sich nach der Dauer des Aufenthaltes und der Anzahl an Personen.

Auf Anfrage und gegen eine kleine Gebühr kann ein Haustier mitgebracht werden.

Free bicycle
Free parking
Free Wi-Fi
Internet access
Multilingual staff
Smoke-free property
Wireless internet
Dining area
Kitchen
Library
Garden
Terrace
Pet care / grooming

Rooms

  • Doppelzimmer
  • Doppelzimmer
  • Doppelzimmer
  • Doppelzimmer

Doppelzimmer

from $1,412 / room

Es gibt 2 Zimmer zur Auswahl, aber das ganze Haus steht Dir zur exklusiven Verfügung !!!! Das ist ein großer Untersch...

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Catering

The organizer will provide croissants and/or baguettes for breakfast. Coffee, tea, butter, jam, and milk will be available.

The main hot meal will be served at noon or in the evening, as mutually agreed. Either everyone will cook together, or the organizer will arrange for food to be delivered. For those with allergies or food intolerances, two kitchens are available for self-catering. There are small and large shopping options within a 10 to 20 km radius.

Please note that this is not a hotel and only the above-mentioned items are provided. Participants are responsible for bringing their own fruit, snacks, and specific foods and beverages according to their preferences.

sequence

The writing workshop takes place every morning, leaving plenty of time to explore the surrounding area.

Arrival

The easiest way to get there is by car: just 3.5 hours from Saarbrücken and Freiburg, 5 hours from Cologne and Frankfurt, and 7 hours from Dortmund and Munich. Just look it up on Google Maps: 52360 Celles-en-Bassigny

Traveling by train is theoretically possible, but in practice it’s likely to be rather complicated. The nearest train station is Culmont / Chalindrey. However, there’s a well-established ride-sharing service (Blablacar) within France that works really well!

Since we’re a family-run business, we ask for your understanding that we do not offer any transportation services.

Rue de la Planche 3, 52360 Celles-en-Bassigny, Grand-Est, France

Cancellation policy

If you cancel up to 60 days before arrival, you will receive a 95% refund of the booking price.
If you cancel up to 30 days before arrival, you will receive a 50% refund of the booking price.
After this, the booking is non-refundable.

If you cancel less than 30 days before arrival, the full price will be charged. However, in that case, I’d be happy to offer you the option of participating on a different date.
You may also have travel cancellation insurance.

Dates

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$1,412 / 8 Days

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