The Brouzils Seminars

The Brouzils Individual Creative Retreat Program

Personalized support for writers and artists working in solitude or in mentored study.

The Brouzils Seminars Individual Retreats. Private workspaces, quiet surroundings, comfortable accommodations, individual tutorials in rural France for workers engaged in creative writing, the arts, language and music.

The Retreats. Each year, from March until July, and from September throug early November, The Brouzils Seminars opens the doors of its small, private chateau to visiting writers, artists, and students of all ages. The number of participants accepted into the Individual Retreat Program is quite small. No more than four rooms are occupied (single or double) at any one time. Participants specify the length of time required, the kind of work they hope to accomplish and the level of mentoring and instruction, if any, they wish provided. Please note that a non-academic mentorship program for those who are engaged in manuscript completion is also available. For additional details, email the Seminars: info at brouzils.org.

The accommodations. Quarters provided to participants are clean and simple: A bed, a writing desk, studio space when needed. If you are traveling with a companion, please consult us for arrangements. The baths are shared as are the common rooms. Participants are provided with daily continental-style breakfasts. The house is a quiet one and participants are expected to respect the need others have for work without distractions. Because of the age of the building, those with special needs should contact the Seminars before reserving space to make suitable arrangements.

Facilities. Internet access is available through a wireless connection. Ethernet and dial-up connections are not possible. A limited number of bicycles is available. The village and other nearby shops provide the usual array of provisions, including excellent wines and cheeses. Pay-as-you-go cell phones are available in limited number.

The area. Les Brouzils is adjacent to a large, historic forest, but otherwise surrounded by farms and fields. Bicycling is easy and walking is pleasant. A nearby rural station provides frequent service to Nantes (about 30 minutes) and to Les Sables d'Olonne on the Vendean coast (about an hour). SNCF's TGV trains connect Nantes to Paris.

The Brouzils Seminars Individual Retreat Program.

Participation in the retreat program is very limited. Accommodations are available on a first-come, first-served basis only.

Accommodations and fees.

  • Minimum retreat length: One week. Retreats may be scheduled to provide extra time for those pursuing one of the Seminar programs offered in July and August. Off-season (winter) residencies are available under certain conditions. Enquire for additional details.
  • Fees: From US$650 per room per week, breakfast included. Those requiring mentoring, academic credit, specific instruction should seek to make arrangements in advance. Individual instruction is charged separately.
  • Faculty for painting, drawing and illustration, music (including voice and piano), history, writing, costume and fashion, French and German are available. Fees vary. In accordance with Brouzils Seminars practices, all faculty are academically qualified, experienced, working professionals.
  • Studio space is available at no charge.

Fee payments may be made through PayPal or by check through the US agent: Brouzils Seminars LLC, 118 N. Locust St., Mankato, KS 66956. For additional information, please email info at brouzils.org. Refunds: 75 percent refunds for cancellations made at least 30 days in advance.

Not included: Air fare, accommodations, insurance, travel document fees (including valid passports), independent excursions, telephone charges, books, any personal items. NOTE: All retreat visitors participate at their own risk. You must provide your own insurance against illness, injury and travel disruption.

Transportation:

London and Brussels are often the most inexpensive destinations in Europe for participants coming from the US. Ryanair operates frequent, low-cost air service between London and Nantes and La Rochelle. Connections from Brussels and from Paris to Nantes by rail are fast and frequent. Car rental is available in Nantes and La Rochelle orarrange with us for transportation. SNCF-TER trains provide transportation to Nantes from the neighboring village (l'H�bergement-les-Brouzils). Trains to and from Nantes run several times daily; travel time is approximately 35 minutes. Travel time to the coast is approximately one hour.

Academic credit:

The Brouzils Seminars are an accedited educational program. In some cases, academic credit may be awarded for work done on retreats, either through our American academic partner or through your own institution. In those cases, evaluations based on performance will be issued. Credit fees may apply.

 

Les Brouzils. The village is largely unchanged since this photograph was taken a century ago.

 



:: The Brouzils Institute ::
Creative Arts Workshops | Memoir-writing Project | Mentorships and Fellowships | Individual Creative Retreats | Faculty
The Tripp-Turner Workshops

:: Home ::

Subject to change without notice. � 2007-2010 The Brouzils Institute.
Contact us: Chateau le Ligny, 2 rue Georges Clemenceau, 85260 Les Brouzils, France | email info@brouzils.org

tel +33 (0)1.78.40.00.50
US enquiry/message line 1 415 675 1616
Visit our American academic partner: Fort Hays State University | 600 Park Street, Hays, Kansas 67601-4099 | tel +1 785 628 FHSU