Group Writing Retreats at Chalet La Giettaz

Our group retreats have no more than 20 guests, to facilitate the harmony and energy that every creative retreat needs. We have had both published and unpublished writers stay with us at Chalet La Giettaz, and adapt our retreats to suit the needs of each individual guest in the group. 

A weekend might focus on smaller exercises, so that by the end of it every writer will have perfected a few scenes, an overall structure, a plan for a single piece of work or the opening pages of a story. A week-long retreat will focus on more sizeable chunks of work - perhaps creating a short story or focusing closely on your work in progress. Writers are welcome to book extra days of untutored time in order to take advantage of the peace and beauty of the local environment and to get the words down in long stretches. 

Upon arrival, you'll have time to settle in, before enjoying a welcome meal, an introduction to the shape of what’s to come over the following days, and the chance to discuss what has brought you to La Giettaz and what you hope to achieve during your stay - the group has a say in what they would like to focus on, and individual time with the tutor is available for everyone. 

The retreat is a friendly and nurturing environment. The purpose of the workshops is to encourage spontaneous thought and trust in the creative process no matter what stage of your writing career you are at.

Following lunch, you will have free time in which to pursue your own project, go for a long walk to clear your mind, visit the spa, work on any exercises you might have taken from the morning session, or sample some of the cultural and sporting attractions offered by the French Alps. It is also a great time to schedule a one-to-one session with the tutor. 

In the evening we will serve you with a three-course meal in our bar and after dinner, you may simply want to chat and perhaps participate in brief readings of either your own work or that of your favourite authors. You might wish to head back to your apartment and carry on with a project or - if you’re keen to create something fresh - your tutor will always be happy to round off the evening with a quick writing exercise, which can be reviewed the next morning; the choice is yours.