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An International Retreat for Moms Who Write
We are thrilled to present an international Write Like a Mother retreat experience. Make time for mindfulness, community, and stillness, all among the rolling hills and wineries of Bordeaux, France. Join us for this cozy, inspiring escape where writer-moms have the freedom to connect, create, and indulge in the art of French living!
Thanks to our spectacular hosts at Rouge Bordeaux, we are able to offer this retreat for significantly less than any other comparable international retreat experience! This is a personally curated, once-in-a-lifetime writing opportunity that you absolutely do not want to miss. Reach out to us for additional funding help or more flexible payment plan options. We are here to work with you to make your retreat dreams a reality!
This inclusive retreat experience will include:
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All accommodations - one night double-occupancy hotel in the historic city of Bordeaux (double occupancy available for an additional charge); five nights single- or double-occupancy in the charming Rouge Bordeaux B&B.
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Transportation from Bordeaux to Rouge Bordeaux B&B and all local transfers
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Nearly all meals, most prepared by a private on-site chef, focused on comforting, traditional Bordelais cuisine. Chef Julien is happy to accommodate any dietary restrictions. Many evening meals also include at least one wine pairing.
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Daily outings to wineries and other guided excursions
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Introductions to the finest Bordeaux wines and winemakers, with expert advice on pairings and options to acquire vintages directly from local wineries
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Plenty of free time for writing (or just relaxing) at the private Rouge Bordeaux chateaux
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Optional writing prompts, writing groups, and guided inspiration
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Cozy, intimate atmosphere, perfect for creativity and connection​
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Privacy! We will be the only guests at the chateaux!
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Registration opens in November!
Early registration opens Friday, November 7th for past retreat attendees and paid subscribers to the Scribente Maternum Substack newsletter. General registration opens Monday, November 17th.
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This retreat can only accommodate 6-12 (depending on single-occupancy registrations), so be sure to register right away! At the new, more affordable price for this experience, tickets are sure to go quickly.
Tentative Retreat Schedule
June 25: Arrival and Bordeaux Inspiration
Fly directly into Bordeaux airport (BOD) or fly into Paris and take the two-hour train ride to Bordeaux.
Afternoon: Check into Adagio Hotel Gambetta, a comfortable aparthotel in the heart of the city​
Evening: Free time to explore! Plus, enjoy an optional dinner as a group out in historic Bordeaux.
June 26: Settling Into Creativity at Rouge Bordeaux
Morning: Breakfast at leisure on our own at the hotel, followed by an optional guided walking tour of historic Bordeaux
Midday: Picnic lunch from Chef Julien along the Garonne River in Bordeaux, followed by a scenic drive though the French countryside to Rouge Bordeaux B&B
Afternoon: Get settled into your accommodation for the rest of our retreat together. Join a writing session in the garden or cozy salon, take a nap, or enjoy a glass of wine in the kitchen with our hosts
Evening: Enjoy a dinner of Chef Julien’s Bordeaux Cassoulet with fresh baguette and regional cheeses, plus lively conversation as we learn more about each other and our writing and set our intentions for the week to come
June 27: Love, Wanderings, and Reflections
Morning: Light breakfast at the chateaux, followed by an optional trip to Bazas and the beautiful open market (a classic French experience!), just ten minutes from Rouge Bordeaux. Or spend more time writing in the garden or take a dip in the pool.
Afternoon: Individual or group writing time, discussions under the trees in the garden, and a traditional cèpes mushroom omelette for lunch
Evening: Raclette night! Melted cheese served with boiled potatoes, a selection of charcuterie (such as Bayonne ham, saucisson sec, and pâté), cornichons (small French pickles), and a fresh, seasonal salad. This can be paired with a crisp white wine from the Bordeaux region, like a dry Sauvignon Blanc, to cut through the richness of the cheese
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June 28: Writing and St. Emilion Inspirations
Morning: Slow start with coffee and croissants, followed by a morning of writing
Midday: Lunch on our own in the medieval town of St. Emilion with additional time to explore or find a quiet cafe to write
Afternoon: Private wine tasting at an underground cave in the heart of St. Emilion.
Evening Dinner: Chef Julien's French Roast Chicken with Carrots and Greens. This hearty and flavorful dish is a perfect way to end a day of writing, exploring, and wine-tastings. The tender chicken, roasted to golden perfection, is complemented by the sweetness of the carrots and the earthy flavor of the greens. It's a comforting and satisfying meal that will leave you feeling nourished and ready to face more writing the next day!
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June 29: Château La Corne Winery Visit
Morning: Light breakfast and a leisurely morning of writing in the garden or by the fireplace
Midday: Lunch at Château in the Graves vineyards, featuring a wine pairing from the winery's 400-year-old wine cellar and a private tour with the owner of this unique biowinery! The setting is the perfect backdrop for some writing inspiration.
Afternoon: Quiet reflection or writing time or space for a relaxed walk through the vines
Evening Dinner: Pumpkin soup and various cheeses, paired with Bordeaux wines
June 30: Writing, Reflections, and a Closing Celebration
Morning: Guided walk in the countryside for inspiration, followed by a free writing session
Midday: Lunch: Light quiche with a side of French market greens
Afternoon: Individual or group writing time, fireside discussions
Evening Farewell Dinner: Duck confit with pommes sarladaises (garlic potatoes), paired with Bordeaux wine. Share some of the work you've created during our time together in France! This time to share work is a unique and special part of all our Scribente Maternum retreats.
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July 1: Final Moments and Departure
Morning: Closing reflections over breakfast before heading back to Bordeaux for departures
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Optional July 2 and Beyond: Your European Adventure
Interested in exploring Paris, other wine regions in France, or other parts of Europe? Need an extra day or two all on your own to keep the writing inspiration going? Our hosts can help with that too!
Accommodations
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Nearly all meals are included, all prepared by our private on-site chef. All dietary restrictions are accommodated!
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All accommodations are included
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Accommodations at the Adagio include a shared room and private bathroom with amenities that include a refrigerator, microwave, shampoo/conditioner, body wash, hairdryer, etc. Upgrade to a single room for an additional fee.
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Accommodations at Rouge Bordeaux include either a private king room (pictured here) or a shared twin suite. Both include a private en suite bathroom with necessary amenities such as shampoo/conditioner, body wash, hairdryer, etc.
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Enjoy 'round-the-clock coffee, nonalcoholic beverages and snacks, all in the shared cozy spaces at Rouge Bordeaux.
Meet Your Hosts
​Megan and Julien own and operate Rouge Bordeaux and also live closeby, along with their two young sons.​​ Megan is a native Minnesotan, dedicated to giving American guests a truly immersive French experience. Julien is a French chef who loves to share his passion for and knowledge of French food...almost as much as he loves to prepare it. They are eager to welcome our unique and wonderful Scribente Maternum community to Rouge Bordeaux!
Investment Options
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​Deposit + three installments: Pay only your nonrefundable $197 deposit today to hold your spot. We will send you a followup invoice on March 1 and will automatically withdraw your final payment on May 1. Bonus: all pricing tier discounts below still apply!​
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​Deposit + five installments: Pay only your nonrefundable $197 deposit today to hold your spot. We will send you a followup invoice on March 1 and will automatically withdraw your final payment on April 1, May 1, June 1 and July 1. Bonus: all pricing tier discounts below still apply!​
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One payment + discount: Register in full and save!
Investment Details
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Double Occupancy Options
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$197 deposit + 3 payments of $997
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$197 deposit + 5 payments of $597
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$3100 if paid in full
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- Single Occupancy Options
- $197 deposit + 3 payments of $1147
- $197 deposit + 5 payments of $697
- $3600 if paid in full
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​​All rooms can be either singles or doubles, and all have a private en suite bathroom.
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We are pleased to offer a $100 discount to up to three BIPOC writer-moms. Use code save100 at checkout.​
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Space at Rouge Bordeaux is extremely limited! This retreat will accommodate no more than 6-12 people, depending on how many rooms are reserved as single-occupancy.
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We always work to make our retreats as accessible as possible and are grateful to our friends at Rouge Bordeaux for helping us further our mission to get more moms writing by providing a substantial discount to us for this retreat. Please still reach out if cost is the only thing preventing you from going, and we will work with you. Don't ever let finances stand in the way of the retreat experience you deserve!
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Please reach out to us at hello@scribentematernum.com with any questions.