Actors will mingle with guests as the plot unfolds over the three days. Before the weekend you will receive your character briefing and newsletters providing important background. Arrive at your leisure on Friday, meet your fellow guests and hosts and start your adventure. The luxurious Chateau de la Motte Henry is the superb backdrop, and our guests have exclusive use of the Estate, set in 27 acres. Everything you need is included during your stay. Delicious food and drink, luxurious en-suite accommodation, enjoyable excursions to local markets and a cheese and wine tasting. You will have the opportunity to have a relaxing massage or treatment, join a yoga class and utilise the gym, hot tub and hiking trail. But remember to keep your mind on the task at hand, solving the crime and determining the motive.

Led by bestselling novelists, our creative writing retreats include seminars on research methodology, plot design, character development, and getting published. In addition, you will be given creative writing exercises and one-to-one sessions to discuss your thoughts, ideas, frustrations and anxieties with your host. You will have plenty of time to focus on your own work, and to relax in our stunning grounds, enjoy the luxury of our 'fairytale' Chateau and explore the charm, beauty and heritage of the Pays de la Loire. Leave us with fond memories and a clear understanding of how you can reach your potential.

Escape to the Chateau for a fun-filled weekend, making music with others. This retreat, facilitated by leading session musicians will help you progress your own music making and writing, whilst enjoying eclectic group sessions, designed to excite and intrigue. You will also relax in the company of like-minded individuals, exploring the local area and music. All food and drink is included.

Our landscape photography retreats, led by Paul Mitchell, will make the most of the Spring bloom and Autumn colours in our wonderful corner of the Pays de la Loire. Time will be well spent in ancient woodlands, by wonderful meandering rivers, imposing gorges and on the Chateau grounds. You'll also spend plenty of time in our cosy Chateau, being guided through the editing and production of your work, relaxing and enjoying delicious homemade food. Paul has had numerous exhibitions in London and the South East and has had articles and images published in many photographic magazines. Paul has also been successful in the prestigious Landscape Photographer of the Year competition, winning the Sunday Times Choice Award in 2013, the Urban Category winner in 2015 and being commended in 2017 and 2018. He is a Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society, current Chair of the Visual Art Distinctions Panel and serves on the Landscape Distinctions Panel. A member of the prestigious Arena group of photographers and a founder member of the Landscape Collective UK, Paul is also a well respected photographic judge and lecturer. Accompanying partners are welcome and will enjoy therapeutic massages, restorative treatments and yoga or pilates classes. Everyone will come together for a wine tasting excursion and trip to our local French market. All bookings in 2023 also benefit from our comprehensive Covid Guarantee.

Our landscape photography retreats, led by Paul Mitchell, will make the most of the Spring bloom and Autumn colours in our wonderful corner of the Pays de la Loire. Time will be well spent in ancient woodlands, by wonderful meandering rivers, imposing gorges and on the Chateau grounds. You'll also spend plenty of time in our cosy Chateau, being guided through the editing and production of your work, relaxing and enjoying delicious homemade food. Paul has had numerous exhibitions in London and the South East and has had articles and images published in many photographic magazines. Paul has also been successful in the prestigious Landscape Photographer of the Year competition, winning the Sunday Times Choice Award in 2013, the Urban Category winner in 2015 and being commended in 2017 and 2018. He is a Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society, current Chair of the Visual Art Distinctions Panel and serves on the Landscape Distinctions Panel. A member of the prestigious Arena group of photographers and a founder member of the Landscape Collective UK, Paul is also a well respected photographic judge and lecturer. Accompanying partners are welcome and will enjoy therapeutic massages, restorative treatments and yoga or pilates classes. Everyone will come together for a wine tasting excursion and trip to our local French market. All bookings in 2023 also benefit from our comprehensive Covid Guarantee.

Hone your skills on our fine art break. The beautiful and varied landscapes of the Loire provide a stunning backdrop: grand Abbeys; medieval streets and castles; artisanal villages and meandering rivers, speckled with working locks and cliff-hugging villages. Known as one of verdant wonders of France you will learn from our experts whilst enjoying some time to reflect and relax at our stunning Chateau with friends, old and new.