2025 Paris, France Writing Retreat

June 10-15, 2024

A Writer’s Sanctuary Mentorship Retreat hosted in a charming Picardy chateau in the quaint town of Villers-Saint-Frambourg-Ognon outside of Paris!

BE OUR GUEST this Summer of 2025 for the enchantment of a lifetime!

Escape to the French Countryside for a Writing Retreat Like No Other

Join us for Reverie, an unforgettable mentorship writing retreat set in the charming Château de Garmeaux tucked in the quaint historic village of Villers-Saint-Frambourg-Ognon near the magical Castle of Pierrefonds (Merlin, anyone?), the magnificent Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Senlis (Joan-of-Arc), and the famed Chateau De Chantilly. You’ll be a 25-minute car ride (or 2 hours by bus) from Charles De Gualle Airport and a 50-minute train ride from downtown Paris.

You’ll wake each morning to the charming elegance of the French countryside at Château de Garmeaux, nestled in the picturesque village of Villers-Saint-Frambourg-Ognon, just south of the River Oise. Only a short train ride from Paris, this serene haven offers the perfect environment for focused writing—whether you're tucked away in the expansive house with its beautiful, spacious bedrooms, sitting areas, outdoor patios, media room, and more, lounging by the estate’s heated pool, or soaking up the ambiance of the nearby forests of Halatte, Compiègne, and Ermenonville.

Begin your mornings with a coffee (or tea!) and croissant on the pretty stone terrace, overlooking the neatly kept garden. Then, gather for our morning teaching, a time dedicated to encouragement and empowerment, where we’ll set the tone for your day of writing before we serve brunch.

Beyond the estate, you’ll find history and culture at every turn. Within an hour’s drive, visit the historic commune of Senlis, the grand castles and Musée Condé at Chantilly, or even take a day trip to Paris or the Palace of Versailles.

What You’ll Get:

  • 5 days, 5 nights with morning croissants, daily brunch, and evening drinks and dessert (plus ALL the coffee and tea ;))

  • Daily in-depth teaching sessions followed by practicums / live critiques

  • Deeply impactful focus on your writing and career

  • A day to tour Paris as a group or individuals

  • Nearby options to explore such as some of France’s most captivating sites:

    • Senlis: Spend an afternoon discovering the rich history of this medieval town, including the heroic story of Joan of Arc, who led her troops to victory in the historic battle of Montépilloy. Visit the Senlis Cathedral, an imposing Gothic structure with a 78-meter tower, and see the commemorative plaque honoring Joan of Arc’s achievements.

    • Château de Chantilly: Just a short drive away, this magnificent castle is home to the Musée Condé and features stunning gardens, grand halls, and a world-class art collection.

    • Château de Pierrefonds: Explore the iconic castle used in the filming of the TV show "Merlin." This 19th-century reconstruction, built atop a 12th-century fortress, offers a journey through history with its many chambers and gardens.

    • Paris: Enjoy the proximity to Paris, where you can recharge with visits to iconic landmarks like the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and Palace of Versailles. Whether it's art, history, or simply the charm of Parisian streets, the city offers endless inspiration.

  • And more!

  • Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday Schedule

    9:00 AM – Croissants & Coffee
    Start the morning with fresh croissants, coffee, and tea as we gather and ease into the day.

    9:30 AM – Teaching Session
    Engage in a one-hour focused teaching session with our bestselling authors, covering essential writing craft and career topics.

    11:00 AM – Brunch
    Enjoy a delightful brunch, allowing time to recharge and connect with fellow writers.

    12:00 PM – Mentorship Practicum
    Participate in a practical mentorship session where you’ll receive personalized feedback on your writing or career goals, with hands-on guidance from mentors.

    1:00 PM – Free Time
    Afternoon dedicated to personal writing, relaxation, or exploring France. Feel free to have lunch at a place of your choosing, enjoy the scenery, or retreat to your writing space for uninterrupted focus.

    5:00 PM – Dinner Out
    Relax and unwind by exploring dining options in town and in the nearby village of Senlis. 

    8:00 PM – Dessert & Community Time (Except for Friday (day trip). Note: Saturday, dessert starts at 7pm)
    Gather for dessert and two hours of relaxing community time.

Friday - tour Paris all day!

  • Expenses are on each individual, but we plan to take a taxi then train to Paris to explore, returning later in the evening.

Saturday: we’re hosting a Monte Carlo Quiz Night!

  • Feel free to come with a costume (if desired) that will glamor up the evening, plus bring your best James Bond-like skills ready to compete with your team on a wide array of quiz topics to win the trophy!

The retreat includes croissants in the morning, coffee and tea all day, a mid-morning brunch, and drinks and dessert at the chateau in the evenings. For lunches and dinners, guests are encouraged to explore French cafes, shops, and eateries in the quaint nearby village of Senlis (6 km away).

Join us for a memorable Friday in Paris during the retreat! We'll take the train (not included in retreat fee) into the heart of the city, where you're free to explore the sights that inspire you most. Whether it's visiting iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, strolling through the art-filled halls of the Louvre, or enjoying a leisurely walk along the Seine, the day is yours to spend as you wish. Reconnect with the group in the evening at the chateau to share your Parisian adventures!

Reverie invites you to a week of inspiration, rejuvenation, and personalized mentorship with bestselling, award-winning authors Mary Weber and C.J. Redwine, all set against the backdrop of the enchanting French countryside. Our goal is to refill your creative well while offering lots of writing time, daily teaching and practicums, and community.

Be pampered, refreshed, and empowered as you enjoy the charm of Parisian cafés, leisurely walks in historic villages, and the camaraderie of writing friends.

Come for the retreat or extend your stay to discover Paris, Versailles, and the picturesque landscapes of northern France. We cannot wait to share this unforgettable experience with our beautiful community of writers and creatives.

15 beds available!

5 nights, 5 days, too many croissants, brunches, evening desserts, mentorship, sightseeing, community, and in-depth, personalized focus on you, your writing, and your career!

Reserve your spot A.S.A.P.

Get a Day Pass!

All beds have sold out, but you can still attend!

Grab a hotel room or airbnb for yourself or with a group of friends! You’ll still be able to join in the retreat activities, including morning croissants, brunches, evening drinks & dessert, teachings and practicums, sightseeing, community, and in-depth, personalized focus on you, your writing, and your career!

Reserve your spot A.S.A.P.

Number of day passes available: 9

Register below for a day pass!

A Day Pass to attend is $1500 total for the retreat

Payment plans are available!

Includes all served meals (croissants, brunches, & evening dessert) at the house, daily access to the venue from 9am-9pm, writing sessions, teachings and practicums, sightseeing, and community. Does not include housing.

To Grab a day pass to the REVERIE WRITING RETREAT, register below!

How to Register!

Registration is a 2-step process.

Step One: Pay the $300 non-refundable deposit to hold your spot via the Paypal button below.

Step Two: Once you’ve completed Step One, click on our Registration Form below and fill it out in full. You will receive a confirmation email within 24 hours after we receive both payment and form.

1. Purchase Here:

2. Fill Out this Form:

*all sales non-refundable

We’re excited to see you there!

Previous Retreat Magnets!

  • Savannah, Georgia

  • Inverness, Scotland

  • Myrtle Beach

  • Cambria, California

  • Smoky Mountains

  • Hollywood, California

~Ani’a Dutton, fantasy author

“The Writer’s Sanctuary is a rare gift. Mary & C.J. have cultivated a caring community that eradicates what can be a very lonely career. With humor and kindness they share their vast experience, guide you in the grittier aspects of publishing, and approach everything with 100% authenticity. After every conference and online workshop, I have walked away with new knowledge and friends. Mary & C.J. hold up candles to light the way for the rest of us, and I am so grateful for everything they have poured into the lives of those involved in the TWS group!”

~Becky Gaines, author of The Soul Crier

“What I love most about TWS is how much information Mary and C.J. pack into their events. Even as an author who is no longer interested in pursuing a traditional publishing career, there's still great info I can apply to my indie path when it comes to writing, editing, and marketing a book. I also appreciate how they take a longterm view of things. They really want you to build a successful writing career.”

“TWS events are amazing, and I always learn something new. I love that they teach things many conferences do not and that the presenters are open and honest in their teachings and discussions. There’s plenty of humor and everyone is accepting and friendly. Ten out of ten. Will attend events again!”

~Joan Stradling, writer of magical things

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Code of Conduct

The Writer’s Sanctuary is dedicated to an experience that is free from discrimination and harassment for every person. We have a zero-tolerance policy regarding discrimination and harassment in any form toward any of our participants, at our retreats and in the online and in-person forums. This includes unwelcome and inappropriate sexual, racist, bigoted, or threatening comments or attention, touching, stalking, photographs, intimidation, or coercion – or discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, political affiliation, sex, gender, sexual orientation, nation of origin, disability, or age. Any retreat participants who violate this code may be sanctioned or expelled immediately without refund. If you are the victim of harassment or should a complaint arise at this event, please contact our staff here .