itinerary

invitation from alissa

A few years ago, I was sitting alone in my apartment trying to write my first novel after a heartbreak I wasn't sure I'd ever get over. I never could've imagined that one day writing would take me somewhere like this—or that I'd get to invite other women to come along.

I'm so excited to invite you to join me on this writing retreat! Whether you're working on a novel, hoping to start one, writing essays, journaling, or simply trying to reconnect with your creative side, this retreat is for you. You don't have to have a finished manuscript or even call yourself a writer. All you need is the desire to create.

We'll spend our days writing, sharing our work if we want to, connecting, reading together, and making space for the kind of conversations that only happen when you step away from your everyday life.

One of my favorite parts of being an author has been meeting readers and writers who remind me that so many of us are chasing the same dream. We all tell ourselves we'll make more time to write, someday we'll start taking it seriously, someday we'll book the trip. I hope this gets to be your someday.

Whether you come with fifty pages written or a completely blank notebook, my hope is that you leave with renewed confidence, new friendships, and a work in progress that's a little further along than it was when you arrived.

I can't wait to write with you! xx, Alissa

inclusions

• Workshops by Alissa

• 4 nights accommodation in an beautiful French manor house

• Brunch and dinner every day prepared by in-house chefs and made with organic ingredients from the farm that can tailor to any dietary requirement

• Trip to a local winery

• Visit to a nearby local village

• Daily yoga

• Goodie bag

• Transformative travel guidebook and journaling prompts from Aweventurer

meet your host

Alissa DeRogatis is the author of the viral debut Call It What You Want and How to Find Love in the Cereal Aisle. She lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she writes stories about modern love, self-discovery, and the relationships that shape us. When she's not reading, she's rewatching her favorite rom-coms, curating sad girl playlists, or hanging out with her dogs Asher and Oliver.

FAQs

How can I join?

Please secure your place by paying a deposit. Confirmation will take place via email. There is a limited number of places available on this retreat, so act fast.

How do I get there?

We will be picking up guests at 2pm on day 1 from an appointed spot in Le Mans.

What is the rooming configuration?

The trip has options for private and shared rooms.

How can I pay?

Click pay now and follow the booking process. You can spread the payment over instalments or pay in full.

What should I pack?

• Day pack for carrying essentials.

• Comfortable walking shoes with good grip.

• Sun protection - a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen.

• Insect repellent and hand sanitiser.

• Light layers for the daytime

• Warmer layers for night time.

• Swimmers.

• Electrical adaptor.

• Water bottle.

Will I need a visa?

Obtaining a visa is the individual responsibility of the traveller. Please note that entry requirements can change at any time. France is in the European Schengen area. Most travellers can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. Be sure to check with your government’s foreign travel advisories and consular websites to ensure you have the correct information.

What does the Aweventurer team do?

We provide the most thorough support for you to have an epic travel experience with us. From an on-the-ground local host to our team at HQ, there is always someone available to help solve any issues you may encounter. Throughout your expedition, a local host will accompany you and your fellow travellers to make sure you have everything you need for an inspiring and safe journey. You are also able to reach out with any concerns or questions – before, during and even after your trip. We pride ourselves on prompt responses and are happy to hear from you, whether by email, phone or via a Zoom call, on how we could improve your stay or anything we need to prepare before your arrival.

our last creative retreat - the creative writing retreat with emma gannon in tuscany

“The Tuscany retreat with Aweventurer completely exceeded my expectations. I'd never been on a creative/writing retreat before and wasn't sure if it was a going to be an expense I could justify. Within 24 hours of the group's coming together at an astonishing one-thousand-year-old restored Italian manor set in the heart of the lovely Tuscan countryside, with yoga each morning, delicious big vegetarian meals twice a day, stretches of writing and interesting conversations, and charming villages nearby, I was ready to sign up for the next one. Tara's quiet and meticulous attention was evident throughout. Two weeks later, I'm still in a glow!” - Kristen