Time, Space, and Words: a writers' retreat at Château de Détilly

Chateau de Détilly and the Magnolia Fountain

When writers think about going on retreat, the first question is usually a simple one: what do I actually need right now?Is it long, uninterrupted stretches of time to write? A chance to step back and think? Or the motivation that comes from being around other writers who understand the highs and lows of the creative process?

At Château de Détilly, we’ve shaped our retreats around those very questions. We offer structure, but we’re not running a boot camp. Our days have a rhythm rather than a rigid timetable, with shared mealtimes anchoring the day and plenty of freedom in between. You choose when you write, how long you write, and where you settle in. Some writers like to keep regular hours; others follow the flow of energy as it rises and falls. Both approaches are welcome here.

One of the pleasures of writing at the château is choosing your space. You might find yourself working in the medieval chapel, a place of remarkable stillness where the Knights Templar once gathered, and where it’s easy to sink into deep concentration. On warmer days, the rose garden calls—ideal for reflective passages or simply thinking through a tricky section with birdsong in the background. The orangery, flooded with light, suits longer writing sessions, while private rooms offer complete peace when you need to shut the door and focus entirely on the page. Many writers move between spaces over the course of the retreat, letting the setting support whatever stage of the work they’re in.

Staying focused doesn’t mean working in isolation. For those who want it, we offer one-on-one mentoring for debutant writers, as well as gentle group check-ins where we share what we hope to achieve that day and reflect on what we’ve managed. Feedback sessions are another important part of the retreat. Sharing work-in-progress and hearing thoughtful responses from other writers often brings clarity, confidence, and renewed motivation.

Of course, writing well also means stepping away from the desk. Conversation over meals, informal chats, and shared laughter are as much a part of the experience as the writing itself. We also build in space for small excursions—perhaps a visit to a nearby village, vineyard, market, or château. These moments of breathing space are not distractions; they’re often when ideas settle into place.

We also believe that rest is not a luxury but a creative necessity. A good night’s sleep in a quiet, comfortable room makes a real difference to the day ahead. Mornings begin with a hearty breakfast on the terrace, a gentle transition into writing rather than a rush.

At Château de Détilly, we aim to create focused time, supportive structure, meaningful feedback, and a strong sense of community, all in a setting that invites calm and concentration. If you’re looking for a writers’ retreat that respects both your work and your wellbeing, this is a place where you can write seriously—and still enjoy the experience of being a writer.