The London Magazine Writing Retreat at The Mill, France
Next summer, join The London Magazine team at The Mill, France, for a week-long retreat with fellow writers and artists.
The retreat has been designed with a writer’s independence in mind. During the week, you’ll have the time and space to step away from everyday life and dedicate yourself to your writing. There will be opportunities for workshops, group writing, discussions and one-to-one editorial feedback with The London Magazine team, alongside long stretches of uninterrupted time in which to follow your own work wherever it leads.
As one of last year’s participants put it, the retreat offers a ‘really good balance of writing activities and solo time’. ‘I was inspired by the company, the location,’ another guest wrote. ‘The sense of shared endeavour to write seriously and entertainingly was palpable.’
Life at The Mill
Built in 1735, just three years after The London Magazine was founded, The Mill operated as a working flour mill until 2000. Today, lovingly restored by interior architect Nathalie Edwards, its original stone walls, timber panelling and mill wheels have been carefully preserved alongside spaces designed for creative work. Set within a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of Aveyron, you can write in a quiet corner of The Mill while looking out at its surrounding wooded hills and hearing the sound of the River Cernon below you.
During your stay, you’ll have access to:
Riverside pathways and peaceful outdoor spaces for writing and al fresco dining
A library filled with books, desks and inspiration
Communal spaces for conversation and collaboration
Two fully equipped art studios with natural light
Wild swimming areas and outdoor bathing
The gardens, river and neighbouring countryside
The company of Maahes, The Mill’s resident cat
And, each evening, we’ll come together around the dinner table for a meal cooked by our host Nathalie – an opportunity to talk, exchange ideas and get to know the writers around you.
What’s included
Your retreat includes:
Six nights’ private accommodation at The Mill
One-to-one editorial feedback from The London Magazine team
Writing workshops and guided discussions
Optional focused group writing sessions
Home-cooked dinners
Access to a shared kitchen and outdoor BBQ
Use of The Mill’s library, salon and studio spaces
Access to the gardens, river and swimming areas
Optional showcase evenings, offering a relaxed opportunity to share your work
Film nights in the Salon
Yoga mats and quiet spaces for meditation and reflection
Optional local walks and excursions
Time to rest, read, explore and write at your own pace
Airport transfers to and from Montpellier
The retreat is intended to be as flexible as possible. You don’t need to arrive with a finished manuscript or a fixed plan. You might come with a novel in progress, a collection of poems, a half-formed idea or simply the desire to make time for your writing.
‘I received encouraging and thorough editorial feedback which helped me shape my work and build my confidence going forward,’ one guest wrote. ‘The Mill, with all its corners and spaces to write, was the ideal location for the retreat.’
The rooms
Rooms at The Mill are characterful, comfortable and individually designed, with original features throughout. Accommodation includes a range of rooms:
Miller’s and Mezzanine Nook – charming timber-panelled, cabin-style rooms with original mill features.
Hill View Room – a bright, airy room overlooking the Larzac Plateau.
Riverside View Room – a private en-suite room with a double bed and writing desk overlooking the river.
Garden Room – a guest favourite, opening directly onto the riverbank, with romantic vintage detailing.
The Artist’s Loft – a rustic industrial space tucked beneath the roof eaves, with two double beds and plenty of room to work.
All rooms have writing desks and comfortable bedding, with shared or private bathroom arrangements depending on the room.
We are delighted, also, to offer one concession place on the retreat, available in the Miller’s Nook. These two places will be offered first to writers shortlisted for The London Magazine Short Story Prize. Further details about the prize can be found here.
Places will be limited to preserve the intimacy and quiet that made last year’s retreat so special.
For enquiries about rooms, travel, payment plans or which week might suit you best, please contact Zadie at info@thelondonmagazine.org.
Please note that flights and travel insurance are not included. A non-refundable deposit will be required to secure your place.
