Chateau Ventenac Writing Retreats

Join us at Chateau Ventenac for our special Writer’s Retreats

Your stay can be anything from 3 days to 7 days, You can design your own break away from the stresses of everyday life. Prices are for a week so please ask if you would like to stay for a different number of nights

Your stay at Chateau Ventenac is all about you and your writing - you set the rules! We won't interrupt but we're here to help you at all times The retreat weeks have been designed to give writers peace and quiet in an inspiring and supportive environment. It is the opportunity to get on with work in progress whilst we look after you.

Here in the quiet relaxing spaces of the Chateau and it’s gardens you can finish your manuscript, start that project that's been nagging at you, or develop the tricky bit that’s been holding you up!. We specialise in helping overcome your writer’s block!! There are no tutors during these weeks although coaching help can be arranged. Please ask if interested.

There are no qualifications required for Chateau Ventenac retreats, no compulsory activities, just an opportunity for writers or other creative people to develop their work in progress in a peaceful and stunningly beautiful environment. We aim to provide you with the space for you to relax, focus and find the inspiration to finish the novel, those poems or that short play you've been working on. Or indeed any other creative project .

Writing demands solitude and focus but that need not mean isolation and deprivation. Our sole purpose is to provide an ambience conducive to creativity and to assist writers in reaching their goal. In the company of other writers who are just here to write, come and find some space, some quiet, and some serious creativity, Sometimes writers on our retreats run readings in the evenings or organise trips out together, but there is no need to join the group. If you prefer it you can even take meals in your room.

Writing retreats in the South of France

Everyone has a single room and most of these are en-suite.(although friends coming together can share for a reduced fee) The spacious bedrooms each have a table or desk, chair and reading lamp. The house has an extensive library of books for your use and there is a wireless printer available for use with your own laptop. Photocopying is charged at cost.

The Drawing Room, Snug, Dining Hall and outdoor spaces are at your disposal throughout your stay. Tea, coffee, herbal teas and soft drinks are available throughout the day.

We ask you to help yourself to breakfast and lunch (which is prepared for you and served as a buffet). Mealtimes are flexible…we want you to feel at home. Dinner is available as an optional extra and is cooked by our team of willing helpers and served in the Dining Hall or outside on the terrace, weather permitting. Vegetarians and people with special dietary needs are catered for – please let us know in advance (see booking form).

Our retreats are open to everyone, at all ages and level of experience and in whatever genre or language they choose to write.

We aim to provide you with a “Home away from Home” which is spacious, relaxing and peaceful set in the beautiful and inspiring landscape of the Languedoc in southern France.

Price for a week in a single room including breakfast and a buffet lunch is from £545.

If you opt to join us for dinner, the cost will be £25 per person per night for 3 courses including wine and aperitifs.

For two people sharing or for stays of fewer nights please email