Deep Writing & Reflection Retreat in Paris

3 days, 2 nights dedicated solely to you 

December 4,5, 6 2024

Confirmation of your attendance with deposit by Sept 30th

Imagine…

The light in the morning. The smell of  fresh morning breeze bellows off the Tuileries, we walk down the narrow lane of trees.  The vendors at the shops on the periphery are unlocking their doors, unveiling exquisite clothing, jewellery and Epice scarves.

Deep Writing and Reflection Retreat Paris: Unleash Your Creativity in the City of Light

At my signature "Deep Writing and Reflection Retreat" in Paris, we do equal parts exploration of luxury, beauty, fashion and writing to reflect on what we saw.  This retreat offers an unparalleled opportunity to write, discover parts of yourself, while immersed exquisite ambiance of the French capital. Here’s what awaits you:

Writing in an Authentic Paris Studio

Imagine crafting your stories in a quintessential Parisian studio, with the city's artistic spirit permeating every corner. The atmosphere is designed to foster deep reflection and creativity, providing the perfect setting for you to unlock your full writing potential.

Private tour | Dior Gallerie

Throughout this 3 day, 2 night experience, we will have a thruline.

The parallels between jewelery, luxury, fashion---- and writing.

Jewelry Making Workshop | Van Cleef and Arpels

This hands-on experience allows you to create your own piece of jewelry, guided by expert artisans. The intricate process of designing and crafting jewelry offers profound insights into the creative journey, mirroring the meticulous attention to detail required in writing.

 

Ecole Van Cleef & Arpels: 
Location: L'École des Arts Joailliers, Hôtel de Mercy-Argenteau, entrance at 16 bis boulevard Montmartre, 75009 Paris
  • You will be guided by three teachers, including a jeweler and a stone-setter.
  • You will take home as a souvenir the wax stick you will have been working on during the course.
  • You are welcomed by your teachers before the class starts: a chance to meet each other and share experiences..
  • Participate in the course "From Design to Mock-up", in order to fill out your grasp of the jewelry making process.
  • After each class, teachers deliver a list of books, podcasts, websites, museums related to the course attended.

Christmas Market Strolls

There are 7 Christmas Markets in Paris from November 16, 2024 to January 1, 2025. 

We will pick one to walk for inspiration. 


Culinary Adventure

Dinner at the Michelin starred "Jules Verne" restaurant in the Eiffel Tower.

Reflection and Parallels

In the studio, we engage in deep writing and reflection exercises, drawing parallels between the jewelery making and the writing process. The structured yet organic nature of my exercises allow for self-discovery.

Exploring Paris

Take time to explore the City of Lights, during free time. This exploration fuels your imagination, offering new perspectives for your writing.

Dates and Additional Details

The Deep Writing and Reflection Retreat in Paris is a three-day, two-night experience designed to immerse you fully in the world of writing and creativity. The dates for the retreat are Dec 4, 5th, 6th. Cost $4997. Limited to 5 women

You are in charge of flight and hotel. A list of suggested hotels will be provided below.

I take care of everything on the ground.

Airport to Fly Into: Charles De Gaulle or Orly

Conclusion

Whether you are a seasoned writer or just beginning your journey, the Deep Writing and Reflection Retreat in Paris offers an extraordinary blend of inspiration, education, and adventure. Join us to unlock your creative potential in one of the most inspiring cities in the world. Secure your spot today and embark on a journey that promises to transform your writing and your life.

RSVP now to reserve your place in this exclusive retreat.

For more information and to register, please put down your deposit below.

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Day 1 Dec 4

Morning:

CHECK INTO HOTEL AND SETTLE IN (Hotel subject to change based on time of year)

European flights traditionally arrive in the morning hours.  Take in the sights and sounds of Paris from the balcony of your hotel.  We will plan to meet at noon

 

Suggested hotels (in the 1st arrondissement, walking distance to most things)

  • Le Petit Beaumarchais Hotel & Spa $175/night
    8 Boulevard Beaumarchais, Paris, Paris, 75011

 

  • Le Bellune Paris Hotel $238/night
  • 35 Boulevard Victor, Paris, 75015

 

  • Hotel Brighton $386/night


Afternoon:

1PM GMT LUNCH and FIRST DEEP REFLECTION

LE DALI, Le Meurice Hotel

Address

228 Rue de Rivoli

Lunch reservation under Joya Dass

The Le Dali restaurant (named for famed artist Salvador Dali) in the Le Meurice Hotel is one of my favorite destinations in Paris for lunch or breakfast.   Le Dali observes a ‘smart casual’ dress code.

Reflection Questions

  • Here are some powerful questions to kick off your deep writing and reflection retreat. Answer them ahead of time and bring them for discussion at lunch.

    When was the last time you felt truly connected to yourself?.
    What is one story you’ve been telling yourself that you want to change?
  • What are you most proud of but don’t talk about often? 
    What is the story you are afraid to write? 
    What do you need to let go of to move forward?

    We walk the Tuileries Garden afterwards and discuss the answers.
 
 

Evening:

330pm CHANEL SPA AND DINNER, RITZ PARIS


330pm No better way to shake off the jetlag from a long flight than a luxurious spa visit. Walk 5 minutes, and are at the Chanel Spa at the Ritz Paris,  the city's most opulent hotel.  Coco Chanel lived in this famed 5-Star hotel for over 30 years. Aptly named, the signature massage is "Le massage de Chanel."  

6:00 We can have a alcoholic or non alcoholic drink before dinner at the Hemingway Bar. 

6:30pm And finish the evening with dinner at Bar Vendome in the Ritz Paris

 
Address
Ritz Paris, 15 Pl. Vendôme, 75001 Paris, France


Reflection Questions

Post-Spa Reflection  

  1. How did the 90-minute massage make you feel, both physically and emotionally?
  2. What does luxury or indulgence mean to you, and how often do you allow yourself to experience it?
  3. Coco Chanel once said, “Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.” How does this resonate with where you are in your life right now?

Legacy and Inspiration at the Hemingway Bar

  1. Coco Chanel lived in this hotel for over 30 years, shaping her legacy. What aspects of your life do you hope will become your legacy?
  2. If you were to write a story about yourself today, what would the title of this chapter be, and why?
  3. The Hemingway Bar is known for its history and storytelling. What story have you been telling yourself that you’re ready to rewrite?

Dinner at Bar Vendôme (Connection and Closing Reflection)

  1. As you enjoy this luxurious setting, what is one thing you’ve realized today about how you want to show up for yourself moving forward?
  2. This day has been filled with intentional moments of care and reflection. What is one commitment you can make to integrate similar intentionality into your daily life?
  3. What about this evening’s experience has felt most aligned with who you are becoming?
 
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Our Guide

Géraldine Bretault

A graduate from the École du Louvre, Paris, Géraldine Bretault is a professional lecturer and translator in the cultural field. Her lectures favor crossdisciplinarity, opening the history of art to architecture, dance, literature. Long stays abroad (in Milan and New York) allowed her to weave singular links with these cities and their culture, and to develop her appreciation of all kinds of publics.

Phone: +33 (0)6 72 42 81 76
Email: gbretault@gmail.com

Géraldine Br.

Day 2 Dec 5

Morning:

 

 

11am Private Tour of La Galerie Dior 

Address: 

Galerie Dior

11 Rue François Ier Paris 8e

galeriedior.com

We will join professional guide, Géraldine Bretault, as she takes us through the collection. Her tour is presented in English and will last on average 1 hour 15 minutes. 

Afternoon:

LUNCH AND DEEP WRITING AND REFLECTION

1:00PM-5:00PM

Address: 19 Rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris

Hosted in a stunning Hausmann apartment, this part of the retreat is designed for those ready to dive deep into their personal stories.

Focused writing sprints, guided reflections, and meaningful conversation, all in Saint Germain, across the Seine and my absolute favorite part of the city. Let the beauty of this historic space awaken your creativity and open the door to profound personal insights.

Host Sylvie will be catering our lunch.

Reflection Questions

Creativity and Self-Expression

  1. What piece or exhibit resonated with you the most, and why?
  2. Dior revolutionized fashion by introducing the "New Look." In what areas of your life are you ready to introduce your own "new look" or fresh perspective?
  3. What does the concept of elegance mean to you, and how do you embody it in your daily life or work?

Vision and Innovation

  1. Christian Dior famously said, “The most important thing is to dare.” What is one area of your life where you need to dare more boldly?
  2. Dior’s designs often balanced tradition with modernity. How do you balance honoring your past with embracing innovation in your own life?
  3. If you could design a signature piece that represents your essence or story, what would it be and why?

Legacy and Inspiration

  1. The legacy of Christian Dior lives on through art, fashion, and storytelling. What part of your personal or professional journey do you hope will leave a lasting impact?
  2. What inspiration did you take from Dior’s attention to detail, storytelling, or craftsmanship? How might you apply this to your own work or creative projects?
  3. After seeing Dior’s legacy of beauty and design, what does beauty mean to you beyond aesthetics?

Personal Alignment

  1. How did walking through Galerie Dior make you feel about your relationship with luxury, self-worth, or creativity?
  2. Dior’s vision transformed the fashion industry. What is your vision for your own life or career, and how might you refine it after today’s experience?

 

Evening:

Stroll the Christmas Markets

  1. Jardin des Tuileries Christmas Market (2024): This popular Christmas market returns every year, featuring gift stalls, food vendors, and entertainment  

  2. Chalets de Noël de Saint-Germain: You'll find a charming market at Saint-Germain-des-Prés with handcrafted gifts and Christmas decorations 

  3. Marché de Noël de Notre-Dame: One of the city's most significant Christmas markets is held by the iconic Notre-Dame cathedral 

  4. Marché de Noël des Champs-Élysées: Featuring gifts, food, and entertainment along the famous Champs-Élysées boulevard  

  5. Christmas Market at La Defense: Visit this vibrant market for over 120 chalets selling gift items, food 

 

 
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DAY 3

Morning

HIGH JEWELRY MAKING AT VAN CLEEF AND ARPELS

 

9am- 11am GMT Trying Out the Jeweler's Techniques (2h)

Discover what it takes to create a High Jewelry masterpiece.

After a brief introduction, you will sit down at the traditional and authentic jeweler's workbench and you will participate in four different workshops, guided through every step by the artisans themselves. You will practice sculpting on a piece of jewelry modeling wax, you will use the jeweler's saw to make cuts into a piece of metal, you will do some polishing, and finally you will learn one of the most essential gestures to the setter by "lifting the grain" in a piece of metal.  

This course gives you the opportunity to get up close and personal with the richness of the "métiers d'art" (the artistic professions).

2h hours, 2 teachers 

 
Address:
L'École des Arts Joailliers
Hôtel de Mercy-Argenteau, entrance at 16 bis boulevard Montmartre, 75009 Paris
 
Upon arrival, you will be asked for a code twice (carriage entrance and gate); the code is: 6857.
 

Afternoon

 

12pm GMT 

Palais Royal Restaurant for a gourmet French lunch. 

Address
110 Gal de Valois
Paris, IDF 75001

Reflection Questions

The Craftsmanship and Creative Process

  1. Which part of the workshop (sculpting, cutting, polishing, or lifting the grain) did you find most challenging, and what did it teach you about patience or precision?
  2. As you worked with the materials, how did it feel to physically shape something with your hands?
  3. Jewelry-making is about both creativity and technical skill. How do you balance these qualities in your own work or personal projects?

Attention to Detail and Meaning

  1. High Jewelry is about storytelling through intricate details. If you were to design a piece of jewelry that told your story, what would it look like, and why?
  2. What surprised you the most about the process of creating a jewelry masterpiece?
  3. How has this hands-on experience changed your perception of craftsmanship and the value of bespoke artistry?

Connection to the "Métiers d'Art"

  1. The "métiers d'art" emphasize tradition, skill, and artistry. What parallels do you see between these values and your own life or work?
  2. How did engaging in the process of jewelry-making connect you to a sense of legacy or tradition?
  3. What is one insight or lesson you will carry with you from working alongside artisans today?

Personal and Professional Alignment

  1. Creating jewelry requires patience, vision, and attention to detail. How can you bring these qualities into your daily life or work?
  2. If you could take one aspect of this experience and incorporate it into your creative or professional practice, what would it be?
  3. What emotions or reflections came up for you as you engaged in the detailed and methodical process of jewelry-making?

130-3pm 90 MINUTE SPRINT OF WRITING & REFLECTION

Evening  

We wrap up three beautiful days with dinner at a restaurant that has a manifesto that there is no superficiality or artificiality when you go to the heart of a defining moment, to the table of History and all its human, universal creations.

After having reflected on your defining moments, we will enjoy a meal that honors the past while looking forward.

Address:
Café de l'Homme

17 Pl. du Trocadéro and 11 Novembre, 75016 Paris, France
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Your fee covers the following:

  • Spa visit
  • Dinners and lunches
  • Writing salons
  • Private tours
  • 3 90 minute coaching sprints

You are responsible for your flight and hotel

Confirmation of your attendance with deposit by Sept 30th