# Building a Powerful Novel - A Guided Retreat with Bestselling Novelists Lisa Genova and Jacquelyn Mitchard in France

Find yourself in the countryside of Occitanie, southern France, at a transformative writing retreat in the company of two novelists who between them have sold millions of books and changed the way readers think about what fiction can do.Jacquelyn Mitchard and Lisa Genova will work with you on the novel that has been living in your head. Every session will move your manuscript forward, from finding the true heart of your story to understanding how structure and plot function not as technical concerns but as emotional ones. You will leave with powerful writing tools, new insights on writing craft, and a confidence in your ability to complete your project. The week moves between one-on-one sessions and focused writing exercises that you will return to long after the retreat ends. Pitch your story directly to Jacquelyn and Lisa and walk away knowing exactly what your novel needs next.Stay at an elegant rural estate, where carefully prepared meals and an inspiring, supportive atmosphere create the perfect setting to dive into your writing process. Savor authentic French flavors, connect with your fellow writers over a glass of wine, and leave with unforgettable memories.

## Details

- **Dates:** October 1 - 8, 2026
- **Location:** Teyssode, Occitanie, France
- **Starting Price:** $9,850
- **Category:** [Painting](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/retreats/painting) · [Browse on uptrek.com](https://uptrek.com/retreats/painting)

## Overview

What's includedWriting sessions, individual tutoring, and a programme with novelists Jacquelyn Mitchard and Lisa Genova Workshop space equipped with: tables and chairs, a projector, TV, screen, printer–scanner, power outlets and extension cords, high-speed wireless Internet throughout the estate, a Bluetooth speaker, and foldable outdoor chairsA wooden laptop and writing stand for bed and an extra lamp in each room for individual writing time7 nights of accommodation at a gorgeous French countryside estateExclusive use of the entire 5-acre property with a saltwater pool, hot tub, spacious reconverted barn used as a workshop space, fruit orchard, private gardens, and terracesAll meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners carefully prepared by a private chefAll diets catered for, including vegetarian, vegan, diabetic, gluten-free, and lactose-freeCoffee, tea, water, and homemade snacks available throughout the dayPlentiful, delicious wine during dinner service every dayWelcome and farewell dinners with cocktails and canapésHalf-day trip to Lisle-sur-Tarn, with opportunities for writing on-locationHalf-day trip to a French vineyard estate, with a guided tour of the cellar and a wine tasting experienceHalf-day trip to Castres, with opportunities for writing on-locationPrivate transportation and chaperone for all trips and planned activitiesRound-trip airport transfers from/to Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS) at prearranged timesAn experienced retreat admin and an UpTrek host available on locationFully staffed venue with drivers, cleaning and maintenance staff, and chef and kitchen staff All local tourist taxes and feesAccess to a private Facebook group with Jacquelyn Mitchard and Lisa Genova and other retreat participants four months before the retreat takes placeNot includedAirfareTravel insuranceMaterials — a detailed list of materials recommended by Jacquelyn Mitchard and Lisa Genova will be provided five months before the retreat takes placeTips — tipping is customary in FranceOther expenses guests might incur on their own

## Program

### Building a Powerful Novel - A Guided Retreat
What does it take to turn a story that lives in your head into a novel that lives in the world? Find out in the countryside of Occitanie, southern France, writing alongside Jacquelyn Mitchard and Lisa Genova. Whether you write fiction or memoir, the week will meet you where you are and move you somewhere new.The retreat will help you find the heart of your story and understand how to build it. Jacquelyn and Lisa bring the full weight of their careers into every session, and the work they do with you is specific, direct, and focused on what your writing actually needs.The topics covered during your time with Jacquelyn and Lisa include:How to find the true heart of your story and build it with structural confidenceHow to translate lived experience into characters that feel authentic on the pageHow to create scenes that carry emotional weightHow to write dialogue that rings true, drives plot, and reveals characterHow to pitch your story with the clarity and conviction the industry demandsWhat the road from manuscript to publication (and film adaptation) actually looks like, and how to navigate it…and much more!The week takes you beyond the page too. Half-day trips to the medieval towns of Castres and Lisle-sur-Tarn feed directly into the writing work, with exercises that use place as a storytelling tool. A visit to a nearby vineyard estate marks a more celebratory turn in the week, and the retreat closes with readings, a mini-exhibition of the work produced, and a farewell dinner around the table.Your home for the week is a restored estate in the French countryside. Outside of classes, you’ll enjoy wholesome French cuisine, relax by the pool, and connect with your fellow writers in a welcoming, supportive atmosphere.Come with the story you most need to tell. Leave knowing how to tell it.

### Day 1: Arrival
Arrive at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport and join the 3:00 PM transfer to your retreat venue. After settling into your room, take a moment to unwind and absorb the tranquil surroundings. Meet your fellow artists and get acquainted with novelists Jacquelyn Mitchard and Lisa Genova, your instructors for the week. As part of an orientation tour, explore the estate’s charming garden, the historic watchtower, and inviting communal spaces. In the evening, toast to the start of your creative journey with cocktails and bite-sized canapés, followed by a delicious three-course dinner prepared by the private chef and complemented by local French wines.

### Day 2: Classes at the venue
Morning light and the aroma of fresh coffee set the tone for the day as you gather for breakfast before meeting Jacquelyn and Lisa for the opening workshop of the retreat.The morning will open with introductions that focus on building community and supporting each other. Who are you beyond writing? What hobbies or skills are a big part of your life? Jacquelyn and Lisa will also take part in this exercise, with insight into the experiences that shaped their paths as authors. Share your dreams and goals for the week and the projects you have brought with you. Why have you chosen to tell this story? Who is your audience?Discussion will then turns toward the books that shaped you. What is your favorite book? What do you love most about it? What is the book you wish you had written?From there, Jacquelyn and Lisa will guide the conversation toward the writing process itself. Start focusing on how a project begins, how momentum is sustained, and how writers continue forward when the work becomes difficult.A midday pause will brings everyone together for lunch before the afternoon work begins. Take part in dedicated 1:1 slots with Jacquelyn or Lisa, focusing on your work and your direction as a writer.Building on the morning session, turn toward the people who inhabit your pages. Explore who your characters are and how your own experiences inform them. How do you incorporate what you know about yourself and your life into the characters you create?A descriptive writing exercise will follow, centered on translating real people into compelling fictional characters. Learn to identify the traits that make characters fully realized on the page. Continue writing, engaging in a flash writing exercise that applies these ideas in practice. Share your work with the group and encourage each other!As the afternoon settles into evening, walk through the estate gardens or return to your room to recharge. Enjoy a three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef, accompanied by a glass of fragrant wine.

### Day 3: Trip to Castres
A filling breakfast and a freshly brewed coffee wait for you as the morning opens with a short brainstorming session drawing from the previous day's writing. Return to the scenes, observations, and questions that stayed with you overnight.From there, make your way to Castres for a half-day trip into a town that has been accumulating stories for centuries. Colorful half-timbered houses cling to the edge of the River Agout, their balconies suspended above the water, remnants of a past as a thriving textile hub. The Renaissance mansions built for magistrates settling cases between Catholics and Protestants are personal statements that still decorate the city nearly four centuries later.Move through Castres with observation and imagination as your primary tools, practicing how to take in what you see and turn it directly into writing. Sit at a cafe and people-watch with purpose. Invent backstories for the people passing by, place your own characters into the scenes unfolding around you, and ask how the streets, the river, and the weight of this town's past might shape the people who inhabit it.Building on the character work you did on Day 2—where you explored who your characters are and how your personal experiences influence them—take this exploration further here. How do you incorporate what you know about yourself and your life into the characters moving through a world like this one? Use writing exercises to test those questions against what you observe.After lunch, sit down with Jacquelyn or Lisa for your individual 1:1 slot. Come with the pages that are troubling you most and use the time without hesitation.The afternoon continues the thread of observation and imagination. Through focused writing exercises, work on scene and setting as active forces in your narrative. Consider how a location shapes what your characters feel, how it can reflect or contradict their interior states, and how you can make the scene itself carry emotional weight. How does setting drive plot forward? How does it deepen or complicate the emotions your characters move through? Explore these questions in your writing, and bring what you have to the group for feedback as the afternoon draws to a close.Enjoy some well-deserved time to rest, and gather for a well-earned dinner with wine.

### Day 4: Classes at the venue
Start your day with a short brainstorming session about the previous day and a delicious breakfast.Lisa will lead the conversation toward emotional honesty in storytelling. Focus on how to engage deeply with your material and craft emotionally authentic content that lends your narrative both weight and integrity. Examine how emotional truth will shape character, dialogue, and interior monologue. Writing exercises will follow, based either on the work you will be developing during the retreat or on personal projects that feel closest to you.Consider how you might place your characters (either from your personal projects or created during the retreat) in various stories, what they want, and what could stand in their way.Midday brings everyone together for lunch and conversation about the work unfolding throughout the retreat. The afternoon opens with one-on-one slots with Jacquelyn and Lisa, creating space for focused discussion about your manuscript and your direction as a writer.Jacquelyn will guide the discussion toward understanding cause and effect in a story. All prose unfolds through a sequence of events, where one larger event leads to a series of smaller developments that shape the direction of the narrative.Place this idea into perspective through a narrative breakdown and careful diagnosis of your chosen written work. Jacquelyn and Lisa will work alongside you to troubleshoot structural challenges and identify opportunities to strengthen the narrative. Additional exercises will follow, focusing on narrative structure and encouraging you to refine the architecture of your story.Later in the day, take a refreshing break from writing. Stroll through the gardens or immerse yourself in thoughtful reflection on the ideas sparked during the workshops. As evening falls, gather around the dinner table with Jacquelyn, Lisa, and fellow writers to enjoy a delicious three-course meal crafted by the in-house chef, accompanied by a glass of fragrant wine.

### Day 5: Trip to Lisle-sur-Tarn
Over breakfast, gather your thoughts and bring the previous day's writing back into the room with a short brainstorming session.From there, make your way to Lisle-sur-Tarn for a half-day trip into one of the most storied bastide towns in the south of France. The town itself appears in Tracy Chevalier's novel "The Virgin Blue," and its streets carry the kind of layered, inhabited history that fiction is made of. The central square is one of the largest covered squares from the Middle Ages in Occitania, magnificently preserved, its facades richly decorated, and its arcades full of life.Move through it and notice how people occupy space or how a street corner can hold an entire backstory. Use the town as raw material for structure exercises guided by Jacquelyn and Lisa, working with place as a narrative tool and practicing how a setting can do the work that exposition cannot.After lunch, the afternoon turns inward. Sit down with Jacquelyn or Lisa for your individual 1:1 meetings and bring whatever needs the most attention, be it your characters or a scene that refuses to work.Reconvene for an afternoon focused on dialogue. Through specific exercises built around arguments and charged discussions, work on making your characters' traits, personalities, and emotions come alive through what they say and how they say it, without relying on description or narration to do that work for you.Push further into driving conflict and plot by dialogue alone, letting the tension between voices carry the story forward. The afternoon closes with group feedback on what you have so far.Dinner will bring the day to a close, a three-course meal accompanied by wine.

### Day 6: Trip to a French vineyard & wine tasting
Begin your morning with a wholesome breakfast, then settle in for your individual 1:1 meetings. Take advantage of this dedicated time with Jacquelyn or Lisa to speak directly about your project.Once the group comes back together, a short brainstorming session about the previous day will reconnect everyone with the ideas and discoveries that emerged during earlier writing. Revisit scenes, narrative choices, and questions that surfaced during the retreat, using the shared conversation to generate new possibilities for your work.The morning will continue with a Q & A panel led by Jacquelyn and Lisa. Take part in a wide-ranging conversation about both craft and the professional realities of publishing. Drawing on their own experience as working authors, Jacquelyn and Lisa will speak candidly about the path from manuscript to publication: how relationships with literary agents develop, what agents look for when evaluating a project, and how manuscripts are presented when they reach publishers.Jacquelyn and Lisa will also speak about the commercial life of a book once it enters production. Topics may include how cover art is approached, how publishers think about audience and positioning, and how a novel is introduced to readers through catalog copy, endorsements, and publicity. You will have the chance to explore how a manuscript can reach a broad readership while remaining faithful to the voice and story that brought it into being.Enjoy a refreshing lunch before stepping away from the venue for a leisurely half-day visit to a nearby vineyard, complete with a wine tasting. Strolling through the peaceful vines offers a gentle change of pace and a chance to soak in the beauty of the surrounding landscape.Gather once again for a delightful dinner with Jacquelyn, Lisa, and the other writers.

### Day 7: Classes at the venue
Wake up to a relaxed breakfast and a fresh cup of coffee, ready to soak up every last moment in France with pen in hand.Bring the previous day's writing back into the room with a short brainstorming session, returning to the ideas, scenes, and breakthroughs that surfaced on the page. Jacquelyn and Lisa will guide the conversation as you review the week and the progress you've made.Continue with readings where each of you will take the metaphorical "podium" to share a short excerpt of your proudest work. Receive supportive feedback from your fellow writers and celebrate your achievements!Following a delightful lunch, it is time for your individual 1:1 meetings with Jacquelyn or Lisa. Take this opportunity to ask any lingering questions!The afternoon will continue with a second round of short readings. Carry that spirit of celebration forward as you acknowledge the work completed and the momentum each of you will take back into your writing life.Dinner, accompanied by wine, will mark the retreat’s closing celebration. Around the table with Jacquelyn, Lisa, and fellow writers, you’ll share toasts and stories, honoring your creative journeys ahead.

### Day 8: Departure
After enjoying a satisfying breakfast with Jacquelyn, Lisa, and the group, it's time to bid farewell and exchange any last contact details. Prepare for your transfer to Toulouse-Blagnac Airport, scheduled for 10:00 AM, with an estimated arrival time of 11:00 AM.

## Instructors

- [Jacquelyn Mitchard](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/jacquelyn-mitchard) — #1 New York Times Bestselling Author
- [Lisa Genova](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/lisa-genova) — New York Times Bestselling Author & Neuroscientist

## Accommodation

### Historic French Estate
Tucked away in the heart of Tarn, Occitanie, your venue for the writing retreat with novelists Jacquelyn Mitchard and Lisa Genova is a sprawling countryside estate with a rich history. This lovingly restored farmhouse combines rustic elegance with modern comforts, featuring original wooden beams, stone fireplaces, an imposing watchtower, and terracotta tiles that capture the rural charm of southern France. With no other buildings in sight, you can enjoy uninterrupted views of the rolling hills and a patchwork of lush fields.The 5-acre estate features a main house, a cozy guesthouse, and a repurposed barn transformed into a well-lit indoor workshop space. Your classes with Jacquelyn and Lisa will take place in the indoor workshop space or out and about in the gardens of the venue. Beyond your daily classes, enjoy the outdoor amenities present at the estate: two swimming pools (a saltwater pool and a hot tub), sprawling French gardens, and a fruit orchard.Please note that getting around the accommodation spaces, the workshop space, and the main building where meals are served requires a short walk. This retreat may not be suitable for participants with low or limited mobility.

### Shared ensuite attic room
One ensuite attic room is available for shared occupancy. This spacious attic room and its ensuite bathroom will be shared between two same-gender participants.The attic is a large space measuring 900 sq. ft. (85 sq. m.) located on the third floor of the main house, with two distinct sleeping areas separated by curtains. The room can be outfitted with either twin beds or a double bed, on request. It also features an ensuite shower bathroom equipped with toiletries, towels, and hairdryers. The attic has beautiful wooden beams crossing the ceiling, giving the space a cozy and romantic look.

### Shared standard ensuite room (female only)
One standard ensuite room is available for shared occupancy.The room and its ensuite bathroom will be shared between two same-gender participants. It can be outfitted with either twin beds or a double bed, on request. The bathroom is equipped with toiletries, towels, and hairdryers. Located in the main house at the venue, on the second floor, the room is decorated in a beautiful French style and offer gorgeous views over the surrounding countryside.

### Shared superior ensuite room
Three superior ensuite rooms are available for shared occupancy.Each room and its ensuite bathroom will be shared between two same-gender participants. The shared superior rooms can be outfitted with either twin beds or a double bed, on request. They also feature ensuite bathrooms equipped with toiletries, towels, and hairdryers. Located on the first and second floors of the main house at the venue, the rooms have large French windows with views of the beautiful garden.

### Single room with shared bathroom
Two rooms with shared bathrooms are available for single occupancy.You will share the bathroom with another same-gender participant, but you will have the room all to yourself. These rooms feature comfortable double beds and are beautifully decorated in a charming French manner. The two rooms and their shared bathroom are located on the second floor in the main house at the retreat venue. The bathroom is equipped with toiletries, towels, and hairdryers.

### Single room - adjacent bathroom
One room with adjacent bathroom is available for single occupancy.The room is located on the second floor of the guesthouse. It is furnished with a double bed and offers Wi-Fi access. The private shower room, located adjacent to the bedroom, is equipped with a toilet, shower, hand basin, toiletries, towels, and a hairdryer. The room also features beautiful views of the surrounding garden.

### Single standard ensuite room
Two single standard ensuite rooms are available for single occupancy.The rooms are furnished with comfortable queen-sized beds and feature Wi-Fi and a TV. One is located on the second floor of the guesthouse with beautiful views of the venue's gardens. The other is in the main house on the second floor, decorated in a beautiful French style with gorgeous views over the surrounding countryside. Both bathrooms are equipped with toiletries, towels, and hairdryers.

### Single superior ensuite room
One single superior ensuite room is available for single occupancy.Spacious and full of character, the room is located on the second floor of the main house. It features air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and a dedicated desk perfect for sketching, journaling, or catching up on inspiration between sessions. The private ensuite bathroom comes with a shower, toiletries, towels, and a hairdryer.

## Food

Indulge in the robust flavors of Occitanie with every meal during your writing retreat with novelists Jacquelyn Mitchard and Lisa Genova. The private chef crafts traditional southern French cuisine, featuring regional specialties like the beloved cassoulet, brimming with savory meats and beans, and the ocean's bounty in a classic bouillabaisse.Wine enthusiasts will appreciate the area's renowned crisp white wines, served during dinner. Your culinary journey begins with welcome cocktails and appetizing canapés and concludes with a memorable farewell dinner. Enjoy delicious meals and stay refreshed with available water, coffee, and tea throughout the day.All meals are included. Dietary needs can be catered to if announced in advance. However, please keep in mind that we may be unable to accommodate severe, life-threatening allergies.For further details on the culinary experience awaiting you at the retreat, please see the information below. The exact menu may vary absed on the availability of seasonal ingredients.

## Getting There

The writing retreat with novelists Jacquelyn Mitchard and Lisa Genova takes place in the Occitanie region, in southern France. This area is famed for its stunning countryside landscapes, charming French towns, and fantastic food. Your venue, a sprawling countryside estate, is a gateway to the past, surrounded by villages with centuries-old buildings and cobbled streets. This historic estate is located an hour from Toulouse by car.The tranquility of the countryside, the warm smiles of locals, and the untouched natural beauty provide a serene backdrop for your classes. Explore the architectural marvels of Albi (an hour away from the venue), wander through a lush botanical garden, and visit a vineyard estate (both only 30 minutes away).Check-in at the retreat venue starts at 4:00 PM on October 1, 2026. Check-out is after breakfast on October 8, 2026, by 10:00 AM. Please note that we cannot accommodate early check-ins and late check-out requests, so we kindly ask that you plan your arrival and departure accordingly.To be transferred to the retreat venue, please arrive at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS). We strongly recommend planning more time for long-distance international travel because of the current disruptions in flight schedules. It is best to arrive in France a day before the retreat starts to prevent any inconveniences caused by flight delays, rest after the long travel, and adjust to the new time zone. Please hold off booking your flights and train tickets until the retreat becomes guaranteed and you are charged for your participation.How to get to Toulouse:If you cannot find good connecting flights from your departure airport to Toulouse, we recommend you fly to Paris and fly domestically to Toulouse (local roundtrips starting from US$100, 1 hour and 20 minutes of journey time; fares may vary).How to get from Toulouse to the retreat venue:Private transfers at prearranged times to and from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS) are included. The journey takes approximately one hour.Arrival Transfer:October 1, 2026 — 3:00 PM (leaving from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport, arriving at the retreat venue at 4:00 PM)Departure Transfer:October 8, 2026 — 10:00 AM (leaving from the retreat venue, arriving at Toulouse Blagnac Airport at 11:00 AM)If your travel arrangements don't work with our pre-set transfer times, please consider the following options:Spend extra days at a hotel in Toulouse pre/post-retreat and catch the transfer shuttles from/to Toulouse-Blagnac Airport.Grab a taxi to the retreat venue (address: Domaine d'En Naudet, 81220 Teyssode, France; estimated cost of US$200 per way). Please note that taxi fares may vary.

## Reviews

Reviews from previous UpTrek retreats at this venue:"The venue was just what I was hoping for -- I love the rural area. It was very clean, hosts were professional and pleasant. Food by all three caterers was wholesome.""Beautiful location. Our hosts were wonderful, lovely, and accommodating. I highly recommend it!""UpTrek: all transfers, tours & venues were great. It was perfectly charming and Sophie & Nicolas (the hosts) were absolutely wonderful & really adapted to all of our requests beyond what I expected! The week was made fabulous by our great group of women, the snacks, wine & the bond we all formed. We learned from each other & have formed lasting friendships!""I had a perfect week in France. The venue was beautiful and Sophie and Nicolas (the hosts) did everything in their power to make our stay comfortable. The trips were perfectly timed and provided much inspiration for our paintings. I thoroughly enjoyed the company of my fellow painters and would definitely use your company for travel again.""The venue was so beautiful and comfortable. I was happy with my room and the circumstances that allowed me a comfortable single room. EVERYTHING we asked for was provided by the following day or meal! I enjoyed the pool and the outdoor dining and painting. Such care was given to us by our lovely kind hosts.""Stunning venue; delicious food and wine; wonderful hosts. Lots of painting time. Interesting day trips. I definitely want to do another retreat!""I had a wonderful time! I also loved getting to know the fun, encouraging women who were with me on this retreat. The setting was gorgeous - like a postcard!""The food, the hosts, the accommodations, and the views were wonderful. The field trips were enjoyable and educational. I would take another trip with UpTrek." "The trip organization and warm, professional service from Uptrek, and the amazing service, delicious food, and high quality from the venue, Domaine d'En Naudet. And the other retreat participants were truly lovely! From the start, UpTrek provided prompt, careful service that was carried right through to our arrival at the retreat. Communication is key, especially when travel is just getting going again, and Andra (the retreat coordinator) was always ready with a response. I really appreciated the sensible, yet friendly approach, as well as the clear policies that were upfront from the start. Meeting Ted (CEO of UpTrek) and Andra put faces to the business - this human touch adds value and reassurance. Sophie and Nicolas (the venue hosts) were charming, attentive hosts who looked after many needs. They served us tasty treats throughout the day, they kept us shaded and they helped find solutions when required. I wish we had 48 hours in which to enjoy each day even more. The venue was excellent. The setting was magical. I was very comfortable and there was plenty of space for a group of this size. The rooms were very clean and the use of laundry facilities was much appreciated. It was lovely to feel at ease to use the pool, the hot tub, the fridge, the common areas, and the grounds - after being cooped up for over two years, this was a wonderful physical release. Having access to a well-lit space for us to enjoy Sketchbook Night Club each night was the icing on the cake: we were able to keep making art, have some laughs and get to know one another better. I would highly recommend each component and hope to have the opportunity to travel this way again. This retreat was truly like a dream come true. I loved it. I thank each of you from the heart."

## Frequently Asked Questions

Is this retreat available to all levels? This retreat welcomes all levels of experience, though you’ll benefit most if you are familiar with Jacquelyn Mitchard's and Lisa Genova's work and style of teaching.When is the retreat available?The retreat with novelists Jacquelyn Mitchard and Lisa Genova will take place between October 1 - 8, 2026.How do I get to the retreat venue?Please plan to arrive at the Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS). The retreat venue is located approximately an hour's drive from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport. We advise allowing extra time for long-distance international travel. Arriving in France a day before the retreat starts helps mitigate potential issues due to flight delays, allows for rest post-travel, and facilitates adjustment to the new time zone. Roundtrip airport transfers from/to Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS) at prearranged times are included.For more information, see the Location tab. Please hold off booking your flights until the retreat becomes guaranteed and you have been charged for your participation.Are there any check-in and check-out hours?Please make your travel arrangements to arrive at the venue after 4:00 PM on October 1, 2026. Check-out is after breakfast on the last day at 10:00 AM, on October 8, 2026. Please note that we cannot accommodate early check-ins and late check-out requests, so we kindly ask that you plan your arrival and departure accordingly.What supplies do I need for the workshops?A detailed list of materials recommended by novelists Jacquelyn Mitchard and Lisa Genova will be provided five months before the retreat takes place.Wooden laptop and writing stands for bed, lamps in each room, tables and chairs, a projector, TV, screen, printer–scanner, power outlets and extension cords, high-speed wireless Internet throughout the estate, a Bluetooth speaker, and foldable outdoor chairs are included and will be available at the venue. If you are currently working on a written piece, you are warmly encouraged to bring your draft/manuscript on the retreat.What’s the weather like in Teyssode, Occitanie, France, in early October?The weather in Teyssode, Occitanie, in early October is usually sunny and pleasant. You can expect average highs of 22°C / 72°F during the day that drop to around 10°C / 50°F at night. However, in recent years, temperatures have become harder to predict accurately, and averages may vary. Please check the weather a week before traveling and pack accordingly.What should I pack? Please pack appropriate clothing, a swimsuit, sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable shoes, a cardigan for chilly evenings, a waterproof raincoat, a water bottle, personal care items, and any personal medication you might need.Can I do laundry while on the retreat?Laundry facilities are available at the retreat venue and you are welcome to use them for free during your stay.I am vegetarian/vegan. Can I book this retreat?Yes. Please inform us of any dietary requirements at least one month in advance. We may not be able to accommodate severe, life-threatening allergies. Additionally, we cannot cater to dietary needs announced less than a month before the retreat, switch diets during the retreat, or accommodate last-minute requests made on the spot.Is Wi-Fi available?Yes.How many people are to be expected on the retreat?Maximum of 16 participants.Do I need a visa?Guests from the US, Canada, EU, UK, and/or Schengen member states can enter France for tourism without a visa. If this policy changes, we will inform you promptly. For additional assistance, please reach out to us.Are there any age restrictions?There are no restrictions whatsoever. Please keep in mind that you must be 18 years of age to travel independently.What language is used during the workshops and other activities?The retreat is available in English.Is the retreat available to guests with limited mobility?Unfortunately, the retreat venue and day trips are not well-suited for people with limited mobility. The trips involve plenty of walking on uneven, cobbled streets. Getting around the studio, the accommodation spaces, and the main building where meals are served at the venue also requires a short walk.What happens if I need to cancel?Once the retreat is guaranteed, all payments are final and nonrefundable. Bookings are nonrefundable under any circumstances. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. After your payment is processed, you may purchase insurance through the following link: Purchase insurance. Please review our cancellation policy.Do I need travel insurance?Yes. Since all bookings are nonrefundable, travel insurance is mandatory for all UpTrek travelers. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. We strongly advise that your chosen policy provides cover against lost or delayed baggage, loss of personal belongings, trip cancellation, trip interruption, accidents, illness, injury, medical expenses, death, and emergency repatriation.For your convenience, UpTrek is affiliated with Allianz Travel and is a Registered Travel Retailer under AGA license. Click here to purchase your insurance plan.Please note that UpTrek is not qualified or authorized to answer questions about coverage, benefits, exclusions, or conditions of any Allianz Travel Insurance plan. If you have questions about your plan, please contact Allianz Global Assistance directly at CustomerService@AllianzAssistance.com or by phone at 1-800-284-8300. Be sure to provide the reference code F215276 so Allianz knows you are purchasing protection for an UpTrek trip.We strongly recommend reviewing the terms and conditions of any insurance policy you purchase to fully understand the coverage, benefits, and claims process. We will gladly provide the essential documentation to support refund claims with the insurance provider.Do I have to pay a deposit?No. Once the number of guest reservations reaches the minimum number required for the retreat to become guaranteed, UpTrek charges the guests the cost of the retreat. Guests who reserved will be notified 48 hours in advance that their payment method on file is about to be charged.Will I receive a full refund if the retreat is not guaranteed?UpTrek does not charge the payment method we collect until the retreat becomes guaranteed. Once the retreat is guaranteed, there will be no reimbursement. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements.Will I receive a full refund if the guaranteed retreat is canceled by the instructor or by UpTrek?If the retreat is canceled due to force majeure events or circumstances out of UpTrek's and/or the instructor's control, UpTrek will let you know as soon as possible, refund the total cost of the retreat, and help you find another option for your vacation.

## Book This Retreat

👉 **[Reserve your spot on uptrek.com](https://uptrek.com/retreat/building-a-powerful-novel-retreat-bestselling-novelists-lisa-genova-jacquelyn-mitchard-france#book)** — no deposit required.

See [cancellation policy](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/cancellation-policy) and [travel insurance requirements](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/insurance).

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**Last updated:** 2026-04-01