Fireside book retreats

Fireside book retreats
Bring Your Book Group
A good book, the riverside or balcony in summer or a crackling fire and crystal decanters in winter, delicious french food, chocolate, wines and patisserie, the tranquility of the french countryside and some time to yourself in a beautiful french Chateau…what could be better?
Our book retreats are perfect for catching up on your reading or discovering a new author. Experience the beauty of the countryside and enjoy french cooking at Chateau La Grande Maison and local french restaurants. Meet with your group for fun and informal discussion in our beautiful newly restored library (as seen on Escape To The Chateau DIY) and wood-panelled dining room with cakes & french patisserie and of course chocolate/ Visit a local historic Chateau & winery….
Instead of your usual Book Club meeting, come to us with your chosen author’s work or explore the works of Joanne Harris with discussions led by Billie who has a BA (Hons) in literature.
Your chosen author or the works of Joanne Harris
If you would like to let us guide your group this is a great opportunity to reconnect with or discover Joanne’s novels, in particular Chocolat and Five Quarters of The Orange which is set in the Loire region and has traditional french cuisine at its heart. Joanne’s use of food (and of course chocolate) are central to the lives of her characters as well as being a vehicle for many of the books deeper themes. As well as her novels, Joanne Harris has co-written recipe books and you will be able to sample dishes from these during the informal lunches, afternoon teas and evening meals, one of which will be at an excellent local french restaurant.
Together we can explore the main themes of Joanne Harris’ works as well as particular passages from her books. The newly renovated Library with it’s raised gallery and marble fireplace or the beautiful orangery are the perfect locations to settle down with afternoon tea (or “le quatre heure” as they call it in France!) sampling chocolate recipes from Joanne Harris’ “The Little Book Of Chocolate” and enjoy sharing your passion for reading with others.
What Is Included?
The three day retreat (or longer if you prefer, just ask us!) includes three nights accommodation with breakfasts, lunches and evening meals with local wines, afternoon teas (cakes, patisserie, teas & coffees) during discussion groups, decanters and pre-dinner aperitifs of Loire Valley sparkling wines. Also included is a visit to the beautiful Chateau Oiron, once the home of Louis XIVs favourite mistress Madame de Montespan and now an art gallery.
Travel not included, airport transfers possible from designated airport depending on numbers, costs tbc.
Price
The price for the retreat is £425 per person
(minimum of 5 people)
How to get here
Plane - Our nearest airport is Poitiers (45 minutes) with Ryan air flights out on fridays & mondays Sunday to Stansted.
Train - Nearest TGV from Paris is Tours (60 minute)
Car - The ports on the French northern coast are 4 to 5 hours away depending on which one.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrivals / check in from 1400 onwards.
Settle in, orientation, refreshments.
1830 - Welcome apero - sparkling wines & nibbles
1930 - Welcome supper - traditional french cuisine
suggested reading itinerary/topics for discussion given
Day 2
09.00 - Breakfast in dining room
a.m. Reading by fireside, (teas & coffees provided)
1300 - lunch - Joanne Harris recipe.
p.m. Reading
1630-1730 - Group discussion in library with afternoon tea (“le quatre heure”)
1730-1900 - free time
1900 - pre dinner apero (local wines)
1930 - Dinner - french cuisine
Day 3
0900 - Breakfast in dining room
A.m. - Reading at your leisure
1300 - Lunch - french rustic
1400 - Chateau visit & wine tasting in Oiron
1700 - Fireside discussion group with afternoon tea
1830 - pre-dinner drinks at La Grande Maison
1930 - French cuisine at local restaurant
Day 4
0900 - Breakfast in dining room
a.m. - reading / informal discussions with mid morning coffee
1230 - lunch - french rustic
1330 - departures
Book Club Retreats At Château La Grande Maison