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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!
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This All-Inclusive Retreat Experience Includes:
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Accommodations and all meals
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Private on-site chef to prepare all meals, focused on comforting, traditional Bordelais cuisine. Chef Julien is happy to accommodate any dietary restrictions.
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Outings to wineries and other guided excursions.
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Access to the finest Bordeaux wines, with expert advice on pairings and options to acquire wines directly from local wineries.
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Free time for writing and relaxing and rejuivinating at a private chateaux in Bordeaux, with optional writing prompts and guided inspiration.
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Cozy, intimate atmosphere, perfect for creativity and connection.
Tentative Retreat Schedule
​Thursday, February 12: Arrival and Bordeaux Inspiration
Fly directly into Bordeaux 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: Dinner as a group in historic Bordeaux.
​​Friday, February 13: Settling Into Creativity at Rogue Bordeaux
Morning: Breakfast at leisure, followed by a scenic guided walking tour of Bordeaux
Midday: Picnic lunch along the Garonne River in Bordeaux and a scenic drive to the Rouge Bordeaux B&B
Afternoon: Get settled into your shared accommodation for the rest of our retreat together
Writing session in the garden or cozy salon, with guided creative prompts available
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 projects
Saturday, February 14: Love, Wanderings, and Reflections
Morning: Light breakfast, followed by an optional trip to Bazas and the beautiful open market, just ten minutes from Rogue Bordeaux
Afternoon: Individual or group writing time, fireside discussions, and a traditional cèpes mushroom omelette for lunch
Evening: Raclette night! Nothing says "Happy Valentine's Day" like melted cheese! Served with boiled potatoes, a selection of charcuterie (such as Bayonne ham, saucisson sec, and pâté), cornichons (small French pickles), and fresh 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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Sunday, February 15: Writing and St. Emilion Inspirations
Morning: Slow start with coffee and croissants, followed by a quiet writing session.
Midday: Lunch in the medieval town of St. Emilion
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, reflection, 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 the next day.
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Monday, February 16: Château La Corne Winery Visit
Morning: Leisurely morning writing session with light breakfast
Midday: Lunch at Château in the Graves vineyards, featuring a wine pairing from the winery's 400-year-old wine cellar!
Afternoon: Reflection time or a relaxed walk through the vines
Evening Celebration Dinner: Pumpkin soup and various cheeses, paired with Bordeaux wines.
Tuesday, February 17: 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!
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Wednesday, February 18: Final Moments and Departure
Morning: Closing reflections over breakfast before heading back to Bordeaux for departures
Accommodations
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All accommodations are included in your registration.
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Accommodations at the Adagio include a private room and private bathroom with amenities that include a refrigerator, microwave, shampoo/conditioner, body wash, hairdryer, etc.
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Accommodations at Rogue Bordeaux include a shared room with separate beds (pictured here as joined kings) and a private bathroom with amenities that include shampoo/conditioner, body wash, hairdryer, etc.
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Enjoy 'round-the-clock coffee and shared cozy spaces at Rogue Bordeaux.
Meet Your Hosts
​Megan and Julien own and operate Rogue Bordeaux and also live closeby, along with their two 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.
Investment
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Space at Rogue Bordeaux is extremely limited! This retreat will accommodate no more than 8 people.​
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All rooms are double occupancy: two separate beds in a shared bedroom with a private bathroom.
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Registration requires a $295 nonrefundable deposit. Three subsequent investments of $1235 each are due in September 2025, November, 2025 and January 2026.
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We are pleased to offer a $200 discount to up to three BIPOC writer-moms. Just select your registration tier at checkout.​
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Please reach out to hello@scribentematernum.com with any questions. Look for registration to open very soon!