Join acclaimed author, narrative expert and coach Lexa Hillyer at Atelier Clos Mirabel for an inspiring creative writing retreat in the French Pyrenees, South West France. This immersive writing workshop focuses on building creative clarity, artistic inspiration, and self-trust, helping you unlock your unique literary voice within our soothing estate surroundings near Pau.
About this course:
This is a course for writers who are returning to a stubborn project they haven’t been able to crack or complete, or for those returning to writing altogether after a long hiatus. You may also use this course to do a deep dive on a long-avoided or difficult revision / reimagining of an old project.
The course will focus on making space to ideate and trouble-shoot your individual project, while also building clarity, inspiration and self-trust as you dive back in. It can be scary to return to something that has challenged or intimidated you in the past; this week is about unleashing that fear and inviting the excitement back in. You’ll leave with creative breakthroughs you didn’t see coming and tangible tools to keep you going.
Outline Schedule:
Saturday
4.00 – Check-in time from 4pm onwards
Guests arrive, settle in and explore Clos Mirabel.
6.00 – Welcome drinks and dinner
Sunday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 12.00 Orientation & Goal-Setting for our time together as well as group visualisations, journaling, and prompts.
12.00 – 1.00 Craft Conversation #1
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 4.00 Scheduled one-on-one breakthrough ideation sessions with Lexa + Free time to journal or write individually or brainstorm with like-minded course participants
4.00 – 6.00 Independent Writing Time
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Monday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 12.00 Group visualisations, journaling, and prompts
12.00 – 1.00 Craft Conversation #2
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 4.00 Scheduled one-on-one breakthrough ideation sessions with Lexa+ Free time to journal or write individually or brainstorm with like-minded course participants
4.00 – 6.00 Independent Writing Time
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Tuesday
8.30 – 9.15 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
9.30 – Depart for a half day in the mountains (gentle or intermediate hike) or simply relaxing in inspiring landscape
11.30 – 12.30 There will be approximately one hour for prompts in a scenic environment, discussion and group brainstorming.
1.00 – 3.00 Lunch in a local village restaurant and generative writing en plein air – bring your notebook – transport provided.
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House
Non-writing partners are welcome to join, and non-hikers can enjoy the views from the picnic area. Please note this program may be subject to change depending on the weather. Please ensure you bring sensible walking shoes, layers, waterproof jacket, water bottle, sunscreen and a hat.
Wednesday – Open Inspiration Day (Lunch is not provided)
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
Free time to explore Pau or beyond. The Clos Mirabel team is available to provide suggestions and organise transport.
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Thursday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 12.00 Group visualizations, journaling, and prompts
12.00 – 1.00 Craft Conversation #3
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 4.00 Scheduled one-on-one breakthrough ideation sessions with Lexa + Free time to journal or write individually or brainstorm with like-minded course participants
4.00 – 6.00 Independent Writing Time
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Friday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 12.00 Group visualizations, journaling, and prompts
12.00 – 1.00 Craft Conversation #4
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 4.00 Scheduled one-on-one breakthrough ideation sessions with Lexa + Free time to journal or write individually or brainstorm with like-minded course participants
4.00 – 6.00 Independent Writing Time
6.00 – Reading Night: share your work over aperitifs followed by 4 course farewell dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Saturday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast and departure (Check-out 11am)
Non-writing guests: we are more than happy to welcome non-writing guests, accompanying partners, family or friends. There are plenty of activities to experience around Clos Mirabel, that will make your holiday unforgettable Click here for more information.
The Creative Studio offers a spacious open plan layout of 75 m 2. It is available at all times during your stay. Click here for more information.
