Have you ever …

• dreamed of guilt free time to do nothing but read?
• wished you could get engrossed in your book without interruption?
• longed for time to read without responsibilities and demands on your attention?
• wanted to finally get to the end of your reading pile?
• liked the idea of spending time with other passionate readers books?
• believed you deserve to indulge in your favourite thing once in a while?

If the idea of having time, peace and beautiful surroundings, while being taken care of, then our reading retreat may be just what you are looking for. In a small group of no more than 8, you can have a much or little company as you wish!

What can we expect from the reading retreat?

Book therapy! Our reading retreat is a little different to our other tutor led skill based retreats. There are no set dates, retreats can be arranged for small groups throughout the year. There is no structure, timetable or expectations. You can chose to spend time alone or with other readers whilst we take care of all the cooking, cleaning and shopping. Plus you receive a complimentary Rural Retreat handmade bookmark!

Rural Retreat is set in 5 acres of farmland, with fields, meandering paths, garden, allotment and wildflower meadow. You can choose from variety of hideaways and quiet seating areas, from a sunny spot with a glorious view to the shade under a canopy of Horse Chestnut leaves to our new summer house with a comfy chairs.

Great Value

Our 5 night retreats are just €550, which includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation (travel not included). Accommodation in our purpose built, stylish Dortoir includes all bedding, towels, dressing gowns and toiletries. We keep our group numbers to no more than 8 people, to guarantee a relaxed and tranquil stay.

For any enquiries or to book your place, or to ask for a price for a group booking, please email sue@ruralretreatfrance.com

What we will do on the reading retreat

You need do nothing but read and eat (you can even read while you are eating) and you don’t even need to get dressed! You can choose to spend the day or part of the day on your own or share time with other readers.

We suggest a variety of activities and occasional outing. You choose when, and if, you join in any of our group activities. We share an optional daily mindfulness moment or you can take yourself off to a private spot, if you prefer. You are free to enjoy a stretch or yoga on the decking, if that’s something you do regularly. If the weather is good, we’ll offer a day out to read by the river in St Germain and take a picnic lunch.

Evenings

Evenings are an opportunity to spend time with others, when we get together for dinner. If cooking is your pleasure, you are encouraged to join us to chat over dinner prep. We dont expect you to do the washing up though!

We have games and puzzles and a big indoor space if the weather is cooler and a resident musician, who we may persuade to play us some guitar and piano. Sunset patio is glorious for the evening meal and watching the stars during the evening is a real bonus here on our dark sky site.

New for 2025

We’ve invited local author, Linda Quinn, to join us for dinner, to talk about her brand new book and to share her experiences of life as a writer. We’ll quiz her on what she is reading now and her recommendations and favourite books!

We are busy creating new structures in the gardens of Rural Retreat. The barbeque area is being redesigned too include a bread/pizza oven and our new summer house will provides undercover soft seating, as well as a sunny decked patio. The summer patio will be completed as will the outdoor kitchen, with cooker, fridge, kettle and microwave and large table, perfect to sit around and enjoy a coffee, croissant and a chat.