| The
Writers' Retreat in
Loire Valley, France |
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[A
year-round residential retreat]
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The
Writers' Retreat in Loire Valley is a magnificent hilltop castle just south of the
Loire Valley. The retreat provides a sanctuary for those seeking peace and
tranquility in an unforgettably beautiful setting, and offers a perfect
introduction to the pleasures of French country living. Residents in
this peaceful, unspoiled heart of France are touched
by timeless magic. Intriguing gardens and terraces surround
the castle, and the
large swimming pool commands outstanding views of the surrounding
countryside.
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Rich
in history and filled with great natural
beauty,
this unspoiled region
holds many attractions from the Brenne wildlife sanctuary, to the
Atlantic seashore, and the great châteaux of the Loire Valley.
The
winters are generally mild, and the building
remains
cozy with heated floors and a
massive
open fireplace. The
castle’s rooms retain a mediaeval ambiance, while providing
comfort and privacy in which to write.
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Many
attractions are to be found within easy distance.
The healing waters of La-Roche-Posay, only a five-kilometer
bike ride from the retreat, have drawn visitors since Roman
times. Guests can indulge themselves with a variety of massage
and spa treatments. The old town with narrow winding streets
offers a famous casino, a golf course, an equestrian center,
and a racetrack, in addition to many shops and other
facilities.
Walkers,
cyclists, horseback riders, and
naturalists will enjoy the network of ancient trails and
footpaths that weave through the surrounding woods and fields,
while local rivers provide delight to swimmers, kayakers, and
canoeists.
The villages, hamlets, and farms that dot
the landscape hold unexpected architectural delights. Local
markets in nearby towns offer an endless profusion of tempting
delicacies, including regional wines, cheeses, and pâtés,
together with a wealth of fresh fruits, vegetables, and
seafood. The area is well known for its profusion
of delicious goat cheeses.
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The
accommodations
include five
studios, each with a sitting area. A
spacious, high-beamed room adjacent to the kitchen opens
onto a lush garden. Guests are welcome to use the fully
equipped kitchen and common room complete with a library,
a computer, broadband Ethernet connection, a TV, VCR, and DVD
player.
Enter
the castle
Rates
and Reservations
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| Retreat
mentor Joyce
Scott is a published writer, who has recently
completed Entwined:
Of loss, reunion and transformation.
She has a BA in psychology and has taught and led
workshops in the Bay Area for more than twenty years. She
is married to Dr. John Cooke, also a published writer, who
taught at
Oxford
University
for ten years and has long experience as tutor and editor. |
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Residents receive a
complimentary critique of their work.
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Location: The
retreat
is located just south of the
Loire Valley between the great historic cities of Tours and Poitiers. It is
located on the D5 midway (five kilometers) between the town of La-Roche-Posay,
and the village of Lésigny-sur-Creuse. The nearest large town, Chatellerault,
is a twenty-minute drive, and can be reached by TGV (high-speed train) from
Paris (Montparnasse) in an hour and twenty minutes. TGV service to Poitiers is
available direct from the airport (CDG). Automobile rental is available in Châtellerault.
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Nearest airport: Paris
Charles de Gaulle International Airport—CDG Airport. RyanAir has regular flights between London (Stansted) and Poitiers (Biard).
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French
Tourist Office:
Explore
this Web site if you wish to discover the beautiful region.
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Restriction:
Smoking outside only.
Circular stone stairway may not be
suitable for the elderly or very young. Telephone
on site for local calls; residents are asked to use a calling card for
long distance.
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