# The Story You Are Meant to Tell - The Art and Craft of Memoir Retreat with Author Brooke Warner in France

Find your story in the heart of the French countryside on a memoir writing retreat with memoir teacher, publisher, and author Brooke Warner. Drawing on over 20 years of experience with memoirists, Brooke will guide you from your very first pages through the inner and outer work of telling the story you are meant to tell, blending honest, warm-hearted teaching with practical craft tools to help you write with clarity and intention.

The retreat welcomes all levels. Whether you are starting fresh or bringing an existing draft, Brooke will meet you where you are, offering guidance and feedback to help you move forward with confidence.

Beyond the workshop classes, venture out into the heart of Dordogne to discover charming villages and historic towns bursting with inspiration. Visit the dramatic hilltop castle Château de Beynac in Beynac-et-Cazenac, wander the cobbled streets of Issigeac, and soak up the lively atmosphere of Eymet's vibrant local market.

Stay at a charming French countryside estate, in one of the five fully renovated traditional gîtes, and savor delicious chef-made food paired with fine wines from one of France's most celebrated wine areas. Enjoy a wine and cheese tasting experience, and find inspiration for your story in the local culture of southwestern France.

## Details

- **Dates:** June 5 - 12, 2027
- **Location:** Eymet, Dordogne, France
- **Starting Price:** $4,750
- **Currency:** USD
- **Status:** open
- **Group Size:** Max. 15 guests
- **Category:** [Writing](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/retreats/writing) · [Browse on uptrek.com](https://uptrek.com/retreats/writing)

## Overview

**What's included**

1. Writing sessions, individual tuition and a programme with author Brooke Warner
2. Workshop space equipped with: tables, chairs, a printer-scanner, printer paper, portable chairs, professional studio lights, yoga mats, laptop/writing desks, and writing lamps
3. 7 nights of accommodation at a spectacular private estate in southwestern France
4. Exclusive use of the entire 25-acre estate with a private heated pool, workshop space, indoor and outdoor lounge areas, beautiful gardens, terraces, private woodland, and natural pond
5. All meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners carefully prepared by a private chef
6. All diets catered for, including vegetarian, vegan, diabetic, gluten-free, and lactose-free
7. Afternoon snacks, coffee, tea, and water available throughout the day
8. Local award-winning wine served with dinner
9. Non-alcoholic drinks served with lunch and made available during dinner service
10. A wine and cheese tasting experience at the venue
11. Half-day trip to the medieval town of Issigeac
12. Full-day trip to Beynac-et-Cazenac, with a guided visit of the hilltop castle Château de Beynac
13. Entrance ticket to the Château de Beynac castle
14. Half-day trip to Eymet market (self-guided)
15. Writing opportunities on location for all trips
16. Private transportation for the trips to Issigeac and Beynac-et-Cazenac
17. English-speaking guide or chaperone for all planned trips and activities (except for the Eymet trip)
18. Round-trip transfers from/to Bergerac train station at prearranged times
19. All local tourist taxes and fees
20. Experienced retreat admin and UpTrek host on location
21. Fully staffed venue with drivers, cleaning and maintenance staff, and chef and kitchen staff
22. Access to a private Facebook group with Brooke Warner and the other retreat participants four months before the retreat

**Not included**

- Airfare
- Travel insurance
- One lunch during the full-day trip to Beynac-et-Cazenac
- Materials — a list of workshop materials recommended by author Brooke Warner will be provided five months before the retreat takes place
- Tips for staff — tipping is customary in France
- Other expenses guests might incur on their own

## Program

### The Story You Are Meant to Tell - The Art and Craft of Memoir Retreat
Write your way through the stunning French countryside on a memoir writing retreat with memoir teacher, publisher, and author Brooke Warner. Drawing on over 20 years of experience working with memoirists, Brooke will guide you from your very first pages through the inner and outer work of telling the story you are meant to tell, with each session building naturally on the one before.

Brooke's teaching style is rooted in honesty, warmth, and the conviction that every writer's story deserves to be told. Rather than following a rigid formula, you will learn to meet your material where it lives, confronting fears and your inner critic, and developing the craft tools that will help you shape your story with clarity and intention. The atmosphere will be supportive, sometimes humorous, and always generous, with plenty of space to write, share, and make meaningful discoveries at your own pace.

The week weaves together focused craft sessions and exciting trips in the heart of Dordogne. Explore the winding medieval streets of Issigeac and the clifftop fortress village of Beynac-et-Cazenac, and walk to the nearby Eymet market for a morning of sensory immersion.

The retreat welcomes all levels of experience. If you are currently working on a piece, you are warmly encouraged to bring your draft/manuscript on the retreat. Brooke will offer guidance and feedback throughout the week, meeting you wherever you are in your writing journey and helping you move forward with greater confidence and clarity.

**Some of the topics covered in your classes with Brooke include:**

- Anchoring yourself in the time, place, and body of a past moment for true sensory presence
- Understanding the "then" narrator versus the reflective narrator and how each serves memoir differently
- Applying reflection and takeaway to deepen scenes and connect your story to universal experience
- Developing a framework for evaluating which scenes have earned their place in your memoir
- Recognizing how your memoir's "aboutness" should drive scene selection and meaning-making
- Distinguishing between first draft and revision goals and why completion is itself a craft act
- Identifying your inner critic's most common messages and building strategies for moving through them
- Sustaining momentum through a long project, including spotting the inner critic in disguise as procrastination or perfectionism
- How to read published memoirs with a craft eye for scene, narration, reflection, and structure
- How to leave with a clear sense of your next steps, whether returning to a draft, starting fresh, or entering revision with new tools

Your home for the week will be an elegant historic estate set on 25 acres in the heart of Dordogne, surrounded by vibrant gardens, secluded woodlands, a natural pond, and a heated pool. Delight in the region's culinary heritage with daily chef-prepared meals, and savor the local wines through a wine and cheese tasting experience. Share meals, laughter, and late-evening conversations about writing and life with a small group of fellow writers, all in a welcoming environment where vulnerability is met with kindness and everyone feels safe to write, share, and grow together.

### Day 1: Arrival
Catch the 3:30 PM shuttle from Bergerac train station to your retreat venue, a stunning 25-acre historic estate in the heart of Dordogne. Upon arrival, settle into your cozy accommodations, take a moment to unwind, and meet the lovely Brooke Warner, your instructor for the week.

Start your experience with a guided tour of the estate, showcasing its charming communal spaces, the vast gardens, sunlit terraces, a heated swimming pool, serene woodlands, and a tranquil pond. The day concludes with a warm welcome dinner featuring exquisite French cuisine and fragrant local wine, setting the tone for the inspiring week that’s ahead.

### Day 2: Classes at the venue
Start your day with a filling breakfast, fueling up for a productive and creative morning. Over coffee, connect with Brooke and fellow writers as you go over the day's plan and settle into the rhythm of the retreat.

The morning session begins with introductions to your fellow writers and a writing exercise to ease into the writing process. Share what brings you to the retreat and what you’re working on, as well as anything that’s historically held you back.

After lunch, dive into “Quieting the Inner Critic to Write and Finish Your Story” with Brooke. This talk draws from Brooke’s intensive work with memoirists over the past 20 years and her understanding that critical voices must be met head-on. You will be guided to begin by clearing a path forward and by recognizing that writing a memoir requires confronting fear, shame, or guilt (or oftentimes, all three).

Under Brooke's guidance, you will take on the "Who cares?" attitude and the ways your inner critic might show up in disguise. Giving voice and space to your inner critic is a necessary preamble to embracing the full potential of the days ahead. You will do this in a supportive environment that can even bring some humor into challenging realities.

The late afternoon is open for you to recharge. Take a walk, unwind by the pool, or spend time writing. Brooke will be available to read or listen to your work and offer feedback throughout the day.

The day wraps up with a delicious three-course dinner prepared by the private chef and paired with a glass of fragrant wine.

### Day 3: Trip to Issigeac
Begin the day with a refreshing breakfast, setting the stage for what’s ahead. Over coffee, get to know Brooke and the other writers as you go over the plans for the day. Then, head out for a visit to the historic village of Issigeac.

Dating back to the 6th century, Issigeac’s winding streets and half-timbered buildings offer plenty of inspiration. As you walk through this medieval town, pay attention to the small, defining details: a café coming to life in the morning, the way sunlight moves through narrow alleyways, and the textures of stone and wood that hold centuries of history. Visit the church of Saint-Félicien or simply take in the everyday rhythms of the village, allowing new ideas to take shape.

Back at the venue, sit down for a relaxed lunch and reflect on the morning’s impressions before shifting into the afternoon’s craft talk: “Two Voice, One Story.”

Brooke will guide you to a deeper understanding of the two narrative voices in memoir. She will explain how you can reflect on your experiences without abandoning the past, as well as the roles of each narrator: one shares the experience while the other conveys its meaning. You will also work on identifying the difference between summary and scene and why scene will always bring your writing to life.

You will also learn about embodied writing and how to focus during this time away from your daily routine. The session will end with a guided exercise that encourages writers to fully immerse themselves in a past moment in time.

As the class comes to a close, the late afternoon is yours to enjoy however you like. Take some time to rest and recharge. Brooke will be available to read or listen to your work and offer feedback throughout the day.

Join Brooke and your fellow writers for a delightful three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef and paired with a glass of French wine.

### Day 4: Classes at the venue & wine and cheese tasting
The day begins with breakfast, a time to get ready for the sessions ahead. Over coffee, connect with Brooke and fellow writers as you review the schedule and prepare to dive into the work.

The morning session starts with a series of prompts designed to support writers to get past stuck places that memoirists tend to hit up against. Brooke will offer some readings to support writers in thinking about their own writing practice and what gets in their way. You will have the space to share your own obstacles if you wish to. Following this, there will be dedicated time for writing.

Enjoy a leisurely lunch, then continue the afternoon with another craft talk and discussion: "Choosing Your Scenes — How to Make Your Scenes Earn Their Ticket into Your Story." A stumbling point for all writers is the inclusion of scenes that don’t deserve the attention they’re given. In this craft talk, Brooke will encourage you to think about the idea that a scene ought to be "privileged" to be included.

You’ll cover what makes a scene necessary, how to make your characters come alive on the page, in what ways you should be using theme as a barometer for what to include in your work, and finally, how “aboutism” (what your book is about) should be your North Star when it comes to making meaning and deepening your reflection in your work.

Take some time to unwind and recharge before dinner. Throughout the day, Brooke will be available to read or listen to your work and offer feedback. In the evening, indulge in a wine and cheese tasting experience at the venue, savoring authentic French flavors. Reflect on the stories and moments you have shared today with your group over a wholesome chef-prepared dinner.

### Day 5: Trip to Beynac-et-Cazenac
Begin the day with a hearty breakfast, getting ready for a full-day visit to the charming town of Beynac-et-Cazenac.

This medieval village rises above the Dordogne River, its narrow stone streets winding up toward the imposing 12th-century Château de Beynac. As you explore, take in the details that make this place distinct: the weathered steps leading to the fortress, the hush of a shaded alley, and the slow movement of the river below. Whether it's the towering castle, the riverside views, or the quiet rhythm of village life, allow the setting to leave its mark.

Pause for lunch at a local restaurant, then visit the imposing Château de Beynac, a medieval fortress set on a limestone plateau high above the river. Take a guided tour of the castle grounds, and as you explore, Brooke will offer a sensory exercise that invites you to be in deeper observation of your environment beyond what you see, smell, hear, taste, and feel. You’ll draw from this embodied exercise in the following day’s craft talk.

Head back to the estate in the late afternoon. Throughout the day, Brooke will be available to read or listen to your work and offer feedback. Enjoy some spare time to recharge, then gather with Brooke and the your fellow writers for another chef-prepared three-course dinner, sharing reflections of the day over a delicious meal paired with a glass of fragrant French wine.

### Day 6: Trip to Eymet market
Kick off the morning with a satisfying breakfast and a chance to connect with Brooke and your fellow writers before heading out for a short walk to the Eymet market.

Located just 15 minutes away, the market is full of life, offering a mix of voices, movement, and sensory details. Wander at your own pace, noticing the sounds of conversation, the scent of fresh produce and baked bread, and the variety of textures and colors that make a place feel real.

Return to the venue for a relaxed lunch, then continue the day with another class.

In the afternoon’s craft talk, “The Power of the SFD — Writing Toward Revision,” Brooke will make a case for completion as a craft act in itself. Revising as you go is a solid strategy for writers who hope to achieve a relatively clean first draft. However, for many writers, this approach can also hinder them from completing a messy first draft, which is a necessary stepping stone to the real work of revision.

This talk will focus on the difference between generative writing and revising. You will learn how to give yourself permission to just bring that first draft onto the page, as well as strategies for how to deal with the overwhelming amount of content or the challenge of not feeling like you can extract enough.

Brooke will guide you in organizing your work to make your writing easy to manage and locate. She'll also give you tips for keeping the big picture in mind so you don't get lost in the details of your content. Remember, you can't revise what doesn’t exist! Messy first drafts are part of the process, and they are acts of discovery, not perfection.

As the late afternoon unfolds, you can either continue writing, take a walk, or relax. Throughout the day, you will have another opportunity to share your work and receive individual feedback from Brooke. The evening wraps up with a hearty three-course dinner, bringing everyone together to reflect on the day and the progress made.

### Day 7: Classes at the venue
Begin the final day with a refreshing breakfast, followed by free writing time.

Before lunch, you’ll gather with Brooke and your fellow writers to share what you’ve noticed about yourself and your writing over the course of the past week. You’ll also share goals and commitments.

After a midday break for lunch, you’ll have an “open mic” event for everyone to read a short piece, a space to celebrate and reflect on.

The retreat concludes with a "Share Your Work and Celebration" session, an opportunity for you to read your work aloud and receive feedback from the group.

As the late afternoon settles in, take a walk, sit with your thoughts, or discuss with fellow writers. The retreat wraps up with a chef-prepared farewell dinner, a time to celebrate the connections made, the stories written, and the inspiration that will carry forward beyond the week.

### Day 8: Departure
Enjoy a final breakfast with Brooke and your fellow writers before it's time to part ways. Departing at 9:00 AM, you'll head to Gare Bergerac train station, arriving around 9:45 AM.

As you make your way back home, you will take with you a heart brimming with inspiration and lasting memories.

## Instructors

- [Brooke Warner](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/brooke-warner) — Author, publisher, and memoir teacher

## Accommodation

### Historic countryside estate
Situated on the tranquil banks of the River Dropt, your home for the retreat with author Brooke Warner will be a charming French estate, reserved exclusively for your group. This 25-acre historic property provides the perfect setting for creative inspiration, featuring well-appointed living spaces, a dedicated workshop studio, a heated pool, gardens, terraces, woodlands, and a peaceful pond.

Your classes with Brooke will be held indoors in a spacious, well-lit studio measuring approximately 500 sq. ft. (50 sq. m.) and outdoors on the beautiful terraces and gardens. You’ll also have the chance to paint en plein air in the scenic countryside surrounding the estate.

The venue has a rich history, dating from the Napoleonic era to its time as a World War I equestrian center. Local craftsmen have renovated it carefully, turning the old stable block into five large gîtes (French villas) that blend modern comforts with classic French charm. These beautifully restored spaces feature exposed brickwork, heating, and high-quality bedding for your comfort.

Throughout the retreat, you can relax and connect with fellow writers by the heated pool, on the airy terraces, or during peaceful strolls around the estate’s pond and private woodland, home to a variety of wildlife.

### Shared standard room
Three standard rooms are available for shared occupancy. You will share this room and its private bathroom with another same-gender participant. The shared standard rooms can be outfitted with either a double bed or twin beds, on request. They are spacious, tastefully decorated, and feature private bathrooms with showers or bathtubs. Blackout shutters and sound insulation walls ensure privacy and a quiet, good night's sleep. The windows provide great views of the countryside.

### Shared superior room
Two superior rooms are available for shared occupancy. You will share this room and its private bathroom with another same-gender participant. The shared superior rooms are spacious, with wide windows overlooking the splendid surroundings, and have private bathrooms with showers. Blackout shutters and sound insulation walls ensure privacy and a quiet, good night's sleep. One room located on the first floor has a private terrace with direct access to the courtyard. They can be outfitted with either a double bed or twin beds, on request.

### Single standard room
Three standard rooms are available for single occupancy. You will be enjoying your own private room, equipped with a comfortable double bed, a private bathroom, and shared access to a fully fitted kitchen. Blackout shutters and sound insulation walls ensure privacy and a quiet, good night's sleep. The common lounge area features floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto a huge lawn. The rooms benefit from superb views of the Dordogne countryside.

### Single superior room
Two superior rooms are available for single occupancy. More spacious than the standard rooms, the superior rooms feature comfortable double beds and private bathrooms. Blackout shutters and sound insulation walls ensure privacy and a quiet, good night's sleep. You will share access to a common lounge area with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto the gardens and a fully fitted shared kitchen.

## Food

Savor the rich flavors of the Dordogne region during your retreat with Brooke Warner in France. Using the freshest local ingredients, the chef will craft a range of dishes that capture the essence of the region’s culinary heritage.

You'll be treated to a variety of culinary experiences, from elegant seasonal canapés to hearty BBQs. Each day will start with delightful breakfasts, followed by delicious lunches, and end with indulgent three-course dinners featuring regional wine. The retreat culminates in a special farewell dinner that celebrates your creative journey. A wine and cheese-tasting session is also included to enhance the experience.

Throughout the day, you'll have access to water, coffee, tea, and a selection of snacks, including seasonal fruits and cakes.

Please inform us of any dietary requirements at least one month before the retreat. While we strive to accommodate most needs, we may not be able to cater to severe, life-threatening allergies. We are unable to accommodate dietary changes announced less than a month before the retreat, switch diets during the retreat, or fulfill last-minute requests on-site. The menu will vary based on seasonal ingredient availability.

All meals are included, except for one lunch during the full-day trip to Beynac-et-Cazenac.

For more details on the food offerings during the retreat, see the section below.

## Getting There

The venue for your retreat with author Brooke Warner is a picturesque countryside estate in southwestern France. Nestled on 25 acres overlooking the banks of the River Dropt in the Dordogne region, the property is surrounded by woodlands, renowned vineyards, and timeless stone houses. Rich in historical significance, the River Dropt region was once a vital trade route where goods like wine and wood were transported by barges. The area offers a window into its medieval past, with landmarks such as the Romanesque Pont du Bretou bridge and the quaint bastide towns dotting the riverbanks.

Just a 10-minute walk from the retreat venue, you'll find the charming town of Eymet, offering convenient access to its inviting restaurants, cafés, bakeries, pharmacies, craft shops, and local boutiques. Bergerac, the designated pick-up and drop-off location for transfers, is about 16 miles from the venue. As part of the retreat, you'll explore the medieval town of Issigeac, located 15 miles away, as well as the historic town of Beynac-et-Cazenac, approximately 50 miles from the estate.

**To be transferred to the retreat venue, please arrive at Bergerac train station:**

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.

**How to get to Bergerac:**

The best (quickest and most affordable) option is to fly to Paris or Bordeaux and catch a train to Bergerac from there. It's a very pleasant train ride, either from Paris (3h 40 minutes) or from Bordeaux (1h 15 minutes), during which you can enjoy the beautiful sights of French landscapes, towns, and cities.

You can book train tickets to Bergerac from the French National Railway Company, SNCF: [https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/](https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/)

Some guests traveling from Europe may also opt to fly to Bergerac Airport directly, then catch a bus or take a taxi to Gare Bergerac train station (15-minute ride).

**How to get from Bergerac to the retreat venue:**

Private transfers at prearranged times to and from Gare Bergerac train station are included. The transfer journey to the retreat venue takes approximately 35 minutes. Check-in at the retreat venue starts at 4:00 PM on June 5, 2027. Check-out is after breakfast on June 12, 2027, by 9:00 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.**

- Arrival transfer: **June 5, 2027 — 3:30 PM** (leaving from Gare Bergerac train station, arriving at the retreat venue around 4:05 PM)
- Departure transfer: **June 12, 2027 — 9:00 AM** (leaving from the retreat venue, arriving at Gare Bergerac train station around 9:45 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 Paris, Bordeaux, or Bergerac pre-/post-retreat, and catch the transfer shuttles from/to Gare Bergerac train station.
- Grab a taxi to the retreat venue (address: La Palanque, 9 Rte de la Sabliere, 24500 Eymet, France; estimated cost: US$100 per way). Please note that taxi fares may vary.

## Reviews

**Reviews from past UpTrek retreats at this venue:**

- "This is my second UpTrek retreat, and I had another wonderful time. The venue was beautiful. I loved the accommodations and how they were centrally located around a courtyard space. It felt very communal, while also providing ample space for people to spread out."

- "The venue was spectacular, in a glorious location and the team couldn’t have been more lovely and helpful."

- "The evening dinner chef and assistant were amazing. The food was varied and delicious every night. They provided excellent service. The venue's location and ground were beautiful."

- "I loved everything about the retreat! The location, the food, the people, the excursions, and the instructors. Everything was a dream. I was especially impressed and honored by their ability to accommodate my food requirements. They even packed me lunches for our days away so I would be sure to have something to eat. The grounds are beautiful and full of flowers and whispering trees."

- "Overwhelming! Beautiful room. The pool much appreciated. Fantastic food! Really helpful staff, Tasha and Marie."

- "Everything was perfect, done to the last detail."

- "Tasha and Marie and Katie and Scarlet were such a big part of making the retreat so cozy and inviting .... they were always available and welcoming. This retreat was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had and I will remember it fondly. And lastly .... the food was the best I’ve ever had!!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Thank you!!!!"

- "The venue itself was absolutely remarkable, and the hosts went above and beyond to ensure our every need was met. Tasha was so easy to talk to and had a wealth of local knowledge which was valuable. The grounds and immediate area are beautiful to explore whether on foot or bike. It really was a huge bonus that Eymet was within walking distance for use of ATM and pharmacy. The menu from breakfast, lunch and dinner was truly exceptional, offering a first-class dining experience. The local wines were also delicious - with the wine tasting a highlight. Each and every one of the excursions provided was of exceptional quality and added to my overall experience. I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of these outings, as I’m a history geek and they provided a perfect balance between education and time to sketch on location."

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Is this retreat available to all levels?**

This retreat welcomes all levels of experience, though you’ll benefit most if you already have some prior writing experience, as well as familiarity with Brooke Warner's work and style of teaching. **If you are currently working on a piece, you are warmly encouraged to bring your draft/manuscript on the retreat.**

**When is the retreat available?**

The retreat with author Brooke Warner takes place between June 5 - 12, 2027.

**Are there any check-in and check-out hours?**

Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 4:00 PM on June 5, 2027. Check-out is after breakfast on the last day at 9:00 AM, on June 12, 2027. **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.**

**How do I get to the retreat venue?**

Please plan to arrive at the Gare Bergerac train station. The retreat venue is located approximately a 35-minute drive from Gare Bergerac, the main train station in the area that has a direct connection with Paris. 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. Private transfers from/to Gare Bergerac train station at prearranged times are included.

Please read the [Location tab](https://uptrek.com/retreat/the-story-you-are-meant-to-tell-the-art-and-craft-of-memoir-retreat-author-brooke-warner-france#location) for more information. Please refrain from booking flights until the retreat becomes guaranteed and you are charged for your participation.

**What’s the weather like in Eymet, France, in June?**

The weather in Eymet in May is usually sunny and pleasant. You can expect average highs of 25°C / 77°F during the day that drop to around 12°C / 54°F at night. However, in recent years, temperatures have varied unpredictably. We recommend you check the weather yourself before your departure and pack accordingly.

**What should I pack?**

Please pack appropriate clothing, insect repellent, a raincoat, a swimsuit, sunscreen, a sun hat and sunglasses, a jacket for chilly evenings, comfortable shoes, 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.

**What supplies do I need for the workshops?**

A detailed list of materials recommended by author Brooke Warner will be provided five months before the retreat takes place.

Tables, chairs, a printer-scanner, printer paper, portable chairs, professional studio lights, yoga mats, laptop/writing desks, and writing lamps are included and will be available at the venue. **Students are responsible for bringing their own workshop materials, based on the instructor’s recommended list.**

**Is there a local currency I should acquire before arriving?**

The currency is the euro. Credit cards are widely accepted in most places. However, it might be a good idea to take out some euros from the ATM at the airport for taxis, small purchases, visiting the market, and tipping. Make sure you notify your bank that you'll be using your card in France.

**How many people are expected at the retreat?**

Maximum of 15 participants.

**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.

**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.

**Can a non-participating guest join me?**

We do not accommodate non-participants at our retreats. This policy is in place to ensure the creative and immersive nature of our retreats remains intact for all participants.

**Is the retreat available to guests with limited mobility?**

Unfortunately, the retreat venue and day trips are not well suited to host people with limited mobility.

**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](https://www.agentmaxonline.com/agentmaxweb/storefront/index.html#/home/?emaillinkcode=ABIYU4TLWGBGTNHC6ZWLRSKAR7AIBWE33AAW7OYIPBPWYZZAHMNGET6NBV6WWVRS2EB7AEOQYOO5E24K3G6NKNN4EK62FALFDXR675FDOJI3PUILIAN7IKMAEL67FVJ7). Please review our [cancellation policy.](https://staging.uptrek.com/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.](https://uptrek.com/protect-your-trip)

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](mailto: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/the-story-you-are-meant-to-tell-the-art-and-craft-of-memoir-retreat-author-brooke-warner-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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**Canonical URL:** https://uptrek.com/retreat/the-story-you-are-meant-to-tell-the-art-and-craft-of-memoir-retreat-author-brooke-warner-france
**Last updated:** 2026-05-25