creative journeying
What needs to be said? What wants out? Come with an idea, a notion, a fragment or a chapter (or two) of something you want to explore or progress, written or spoken. Experiment with options for getting your story out there – dramatic monologue, short story, poem, play, spoken word, memoir, flash fiction. You may want to play around with narrative, style, genre, or take a deep dive into character journey or an interior landscape. This is a place to try things out, word- play. Also to reflect, allow in the silence. Sessions are one on one coaching. You can share with the group if you choose, or with a writing buddy – or not. It is not a course. You won’t be taught how to write your first novel or be given a lecture on classic story structure (though that’s available if you want it). You will be encouraged to let your own voice dictate and see where that takes you – or, if you have work already in development, drill down and decide how you want to take it forward.
The Dordogne offers a wonderful setting to write. We are surrounded by nature and the River Dordogne. A place to focus and feel inspired. At Les Joncailles we aim to create a home from home. There are plenty of spaces to write – from cosy caravans hidden near the forest to our 400 year old rustic farm house with a roaring fire. As part of the programme we offer daily yoga and pranayama classes – you don’t need to be flexible beginners are welcome – or if you prefer you can take a walk along the petite randonée. All of our food is sourced locally – seasonal vegetarian and vegan dishes to whet the appetite and nourish the soul.
This is an English speaking course.
Di Sherlock
In her own creative journeying Di has worn many hats. She started out as an actor in theatre, multi-media performance and television before focussing on writing.
- Schedule
- Accommodation
- Getting here
- FAQ
Creative Journeying Retreat – Date: April 29th – 3rd May
Friday
- Arrive afternoon/evening settle (meet your fellow writers) partake in a relaxation stretch and Pranayama (breathing) class followed by delicious dinner + discussion about the retreat.
Saturday
- Coffee, tea, fruit available from 7.30.
- Optional stretch, followed by a wholesome breakfast (A shared session will be part of breakfast) 8.15 – 9.15
- Individual writing sessions x4 (A) 9.30 – 10.20 (B) 10.25 -11.15 (C) 11.20 -12.10 (D) 12.15 – 1.05.
Those who are not in an individual session can either take to write or take a mindful walk along the petite randonnée 10.00 – 11.00.
- (Throughout the morning coffee + homemade cake is available ……you’re yourselves, bring me a coffee too!)
- Healthy vegetarian prepared lunch 1.00- 2.00.
- Individual writing sessions x4 (E) 2.15 – 3.05 (F) 3.10 – 4.00 (G) 4.05 – 4.55 (H) 5.00 – 5.50
Morning writers can take the time to write and reflect on individual sessions or take a mindful walk along the petit randonnée.
- Re-group for a short Pranayama Session 6.00 – 6.30.
- Deliciously prepared dinner 7.00
- Invited guest speaker (History of the Dordogne) 8.00
Sunday
- Coffee, tea, fruit available from 7.30.
- Optional stretch, followed by a wholesome breakfast 8:15 – 9.15
- Excursion to St Cyrpien and its historical market after breakfast 9.30
- Healthy vegetarian prepared lunch back at Les Joncailles 1.00 – 2.00
- Inspiration Sunday, writers to take time in the afternoon to reflect on their work (Di is available for chats throughout this time).
- Group nature forest stretch 5.30 – 6.30.
- Deliciously prepared dinner 7.15
- Movie night (select a movie, French, Spanish, Italian) 8.30.
Monday
- Coffee, tea, fruit available from 7.30.
- Optional stretch, followed by a wholesome breakfast 8.15 – 9.15
- Individual writing sessions x4 (A) 9.30 – 10.20 (B) 10.25 -11.15 (C) 11.20 -12.10 (D) 12.15 – 1.05.
Those who are not in an individual session can either take to write or take a mindful walk along the petite randonnée 10.00 – 11.00.
- (Throughout the morning coffee + homemade cake is available ……you’re yourselves, bring me a coffee too!)
- Healthy vegetarian prepared lunch 1.00- 2.00.
- Individual writing sessions x4 (E) 2.15 – 3.05 (F) 3.10 – 4.00 (G) 4.05 – 4.55 (H) 5.00 – 5.50.
Morning writers can take the time to write and reflect on individual sessions or take a mindful walk along the petite randonnée.
- Re-group for a short Pranayama Session 6.00 – 6.30.
- Deliciously prepared dinner 7.00
- Shared evening, to talk about your direction, ideas 8.30.
Tuesday
- Coffee, tea, fruit available from 7.30
- Optional stretch or group walk, followed by final wholesome breakfast 8:15 – 9.15.
- Drop ins with Di from 10.00 just to tidy up loose ends.
- Depart…
We offer community based living here at the centre de creation, all our rooms are quiet and clean and offer a home from home experience. The accommodation is inclusive in the retreat price and our best rooms are offered to those who book early. All our rooms have shared bathrooms. We also serve delicious vegetarian and vegan food and homemade cakes.
Double room
Shared room
Single room
The centre de création is located in Le Buisson-de-Cadouin, we are a 45-minute drive from Bergerac airport and around 2 ½ hour train from Bordeaux airport.
Travelling by plane
- Ryanair flight to Bergerac 45mins from C.D.C (please check your outgoing airport) Regular flights from Bristol and Stansted. We recommend this flight.
- Sun Soul Retreat Flights (Currently)
- Going to out – Thursday 27th August Bristol – Bergerac £73.47
- Coming back – Monday 31st August Bergerac – Bristol £82.70
- Alternatively EasyJet, British Airways, to Bordeaux 2 ½ hours away (please check your outgoing airport) LGW or Luton for Easyjet or LGW and London City for BA.
Travelling by train
Travelling by train is also a good option, and the best website to book the journey by train is trainline.com.
The simplest route by train (from London) is:
• London to Paris by Eurostar;
• Change stations from Gare Du Nord to Montparnasse;
• Take TGV to Bordeaux or Perigueux or Libourne;
• Change to local train – ideally to Le Buisson or possibly Bergerac.
It takes around 8-9 hours (You could even stop overnight in Paris or Bordeaux en route).
Our Address :Centre de Création
Les Joncailles
1024 Route des Cervidés
24480 Alles-sur-Dordogne
France
To see all frequently asked questions :
cancellation and refund policy
We understand that there are times where you may be unable to attend once payment has been made and we will always try to help where we can.
You may cancel your booking at any time provided that the cancellation is made by the person submitting the booking form and is communicated to us in writing.
Cancellation of your booking should be confirmed and notified by email.
CDC reserves the right to cancel any class and offer an alternative date or a refund.
All payments include a non-refundable deposit of 30%.
You may cancel your booking at any time provided that the cancellation is made by the person submitting the booking form and is communicated to us in writing.
Cancellation will take effect from the day that the written request is received by us.
Cancellation 12 weeks plus before the start of your Atelier: 100% refund, minus the deposit.
Cancellation 6 to 12 weeks before the start of your Atelier: 50% refund, minus the deposit.
Cancellation Up to 6 weeks before the start of your Atelier: 0% refund will be given.
After that, there is no refund unless the booking is cancelled by CDC, in which case we will offer the option of rebooking an alternative date, or a full refund.
Once your Atelier has commenced, no refund or part refund or unused portion of your booking will be repaid in the event of cancellation by you.
We are exempt from fulfilling our contractual obligations for causes that could not be anticipated and/or are beyond our control, including an act of God, act of man, act of government, and other impersonal events or occurrences. That being said, we have integrity and will endeavour to provide you with the services mentioned.
If a booking is cancelled by CDC due to French government imposed COVID-19 travel or social distancing restrictions, an alternative date will be offered within 12 months for the same price. If the participant prefers a full refund will be made.
CDC cannot be held responsible for any participants’ costs and expenses, in any circumstance, other than booking fees received. For example, CDC cannot be responsible for travel cancellation charges or bank charges incurred or loss of earnings or any other costs other than the fees received from the participant.
CDC reserves to right to replace the teacher or supervisor at CDC discretion.
CDC reserves the right to cancel classes or any activity for any student for health and safety reasons or disruptive behaviour.