the chateau reading retreat in france
the chateau reading retreat in france
$0.00
22 may - 26 may, 2026
you are invited to spend five transformative days in the enchanting countryside of northern France, just two hours from Paris and the Atlantic coast. this retreat offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with your creative spirit through reading, journalling, daily gentle yoga and cultural experiences such as wine tasting and a perfume atelier. set in a peaceful manor surrounded by rolling lavender fields and olive groves, northern France provides the perfect setting for personal growth and reflection. this is a rare chance to explore your creativity, deepen your connection with nature, and create lasting bonds with like-minded women.
a beautiful setting - a 15th century manor and it’s artist designed gardens
since 1448, this manor house has been steeped in history and elegance. nestled in the heart of the french countryside, this beautifully preserved manor - officially listed on the inventory of historic monuments - offers a rare glimpse into centuries past. once the residence of an aristocratic family, the original manor and outbuildings have evolved from a medieval stronghold into a refined country retreat.
surrounding the manor is a garden unlike any other. designed in the spirit of english cottage gardens, these gardens are a living work of art. winding paths lead through themed spaces - rose gardens, orchards, and peony collections - all lovingly restored and reimagined by current owners with the guidance of versailles trained landscape architects.
a grand tree lined alleyway leads to a majestic square courtyard, where you’ll be welcomed by a sense of calm and timelessness. the restored français garden, replanted with over 1,000 iceberg roses, offers a daily spectacle of light, colour, and fragrance.
itinerary
day one
ARRIVE in the storybook countryside of northern France, where quiet lanes and sun-dappled fields welcome you
NESTLE into your charming manor room - rustic beams, garden views, and vintage French touches
MEET your new creative circle over welcome drinks in the courtyard
SET INTENTION during a gentle opening ceremony to ground, reflect, and begin your creative journey
DINE farm-to-table beneath lantern-lit oaks, with seasonal dishes and soulful conversation under the stars
day two
MORNING yoga to gently awaken body and mind, surrounded by birdsong and countryside stillness
JOURNAL morning pages in the sun-dappled garden
BREAKFAST of flaky pastries, seasonal fruit, and local honey served with freshly brewed coffee and herbal teas
BIBLIOTHERAPY led book club discussion on the reading list
SELF TIME to wander the olive groves, read, take a quiet moment for meditation, or simply be with your journal
DINNER shared at the manor table - a slow, candlelit meal filled with flavour, laughter, and creative conversation
day three
MORNING yoga to ground your senses and gently awaken body, breath, and intention
JOURNAL reflections on yesterday’s discoveries - what stirred you, what shifted, what inspired
BRUNCH long and leisurely, with nourishing seasonal dishes and fresh French flavours
READING time from the trip’s reading list
SELF TIME for rest, reading, creative flow, a countryside stroll, or quiet connection with fellow guests
DINNER under soft candlelight, slow, soulful, and savoured together
day four
MORNING yoga for renewal, breath by breath
JOURNAL morning pages and set creative intentions for your final day
BRUNCH of seasonal quiche and garden-fresh greens, shared at a sun warmed table
SHORT READ book club day
WINE tasting at a family-run domaine, where every sip tells a story
DINE at a farewell feast beneath lantern lit boughs - celebrating creativity, connection, and the magic of the week
day five
MORNING yoga for the final time, anchoring in gratitude and presence
BREAKFAST as you reminisce over your retreat and savour one last slow morning together
CLOSING circle to reflect, share, and gently transition from retreat to return
FAREWELLS and transfers with hearts full and creatively reawakened
why a reading retreat?
Come for the books. Stay for the people who love them like you do. There’s something rare about finding your people. It’s those who speak in dog-eared quotes, who light up at the mention of a beloved author, who know the joy of a day spent in silence together, each lost in a different world. A reading retreat is about more than finishing the books that have been quietly waiting on your shelf. It’s about rediscovering your creative spark, remembering what moves you, and letting literature do what it’s always done best and remind us we’re not alone.
These retreats are crafted for curious minds and open hearts. Whether you’re a writer, a deep-feeling reader, or simply someone longing to connect over something real, you’ll feel at home here.
What you’ll find:
Like-minded women who value meaningful conversation and time to reflect
A thoughtfully curated reading list by a professional bibliotherapist, designed to match the place and its stories
The luxury of uninterrupted time to read what you’ve been meaning to, with no guilt and no pressure
Workshops, journaling prompts and inspiring rituals to gently awaken your creativity
The joy of talking about books under the stars, over spritzes, in tucked-away cafés and sun-drenched courtyards
You’ll leave with your TBR pile lighter, your heart fuller, and a few new lifelong friends — the kind who understand why a book can change everything.
We’ve hosted journalists, novelists, first-time solo travellers, and women who just needed a beautiful pause. Everyone leaves a little more inspired. A little more themselves.
“A dream week under the Tuscan sun. Hard to out into words what a memorable and incredible experience it was. From the food to the company to the wild swimming and tarot reading, it’s a week I will never forget!”
exclusions
Flights to and from France
Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
Tips and gratuities
Travel insurance
Any optional add on activities
inclusions
Bibliotherapy one on one with book prescription prior to retreat
Thoughtful reading list
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
Daily yoga
Wine tasting
Goodie bag
Return transfer from Le Mans rail station
Transformative travel guidebook and journaling prompts from Aweventurer
why a reading retreat?
Come for the books. Stay for the people who love them like you do.
There’s something rare about finding your people. It’s those who speak in dog-eared quotes, who light up at the mention of a beloved author, who know the joy of a day spent in silence together, each lost in a different world.
A reading retreat is about more than finishing the books that have been quietly waiting on your shelf. It’s about rediscovering your creative spark, remembering what moves you, and letting literature do what it’s always done best and remind us we’re not alone.
These retreats are crafted for curious minds and open hearts. Whether you’re a writer, a deep-feeling reader, or simply someone longing to connect over something real, you’ll feel at home here.
What you’ll find:
Like-minded women who value meaningful conversation and time to reflect
A thoughtfully curated reading list by a professional bibliotherapist, designed to match the place and its stories
The luxury of uninterrupted time to read what you’ve been meaning to, with no guilt and no pressure
Workshops, journaling prompts and inspiring rituals to gently awaken your creativity
The joy of talking about books under the stars, over spritzes, in tucked-away cafés and sun-drenched courtyards
You’ll leave with your TBR pile lighter, your heart fuller, and a few new lifelong friends — the kind who understand why a book can change everything.
We’ve hosted journalists, novelists, first-time solo travellers, and women who just needed a beautiful pause. Everyone leaves a little more inspired. A little more themselves.
“The locations we visited were also amazing and curated to our “book retreat” theme. The Jane Austen museum was my personal favourite”
FAQs
What is a reading retreat?
Aweventurer Reading Retreats are immersive escapes designed for women who want more than just a holiday. Think of them as part literary salon, part wellness retreat, part creative reset. Each retreat blends quiet time for your own books with guided discussions led by bibliotherapists, authors, and special guests. We dive into themes like creativity, reinvention, and awe—not just what’s on the page, but how literature can change how we see our own lives. Mornings might begin with yoga or meditation, afternoons with book club circles or journaling prompts, evenings with shared meals, fireside conversations, or simply curling up with a novel in a sunlit corner. Many guests say the friendships they form are just as transformative as the reading itself. We go deeper than a book club, pairing the act of reading with practices of reflection, wellness, and creativity. You leave not only rested, but also inspired with new ideas, clarity, and a renewed connection to yourself.
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 Le Mans railway station, a 40 minute drive from the chateau. TGV Paris trains run a fast service to Le Mans.
What is an OPT IN activity?
These activities are optional and will be at an extra fee. You will be able to purchase your add-ons closer to the trip.
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.
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
