Loire Writers Retreat

What an amazing week! I highly recommend this writer's retreat for anyone that just needs the space for thoughts, inspiration, and focused writing. The cottage has been set up with a wonderful eye for detail. It is comfortable and private. The evenings spent in dinner and conversation with Derrick and Iris are a wonderful way to close each day of writing. They are truly gracious and generous hosts, and have such a keen interest in such a wide variety of life. I was also fortunate enough to receive a session of holistic therapy from Iris (great for getting re-centered), and Derrick took me for a wonderful drive into Saumur and the nearby abbey to see where Richard the Lionheart was laid to rest. An incredible experience through and through.

The Loire Writers Retreat (LWR) was everything I hoped for and more. I had a two-story French cottage all to myself. Breakfast and lunch appeared magically and were always delicious. I was never disturbed so I was able to write whenever I wanted. Dinner was spent with Iris and Derrick, the owners of the LWR. Iris is an incredible cook and the presentation of each dinner meal was as lovely as it was scrumptious. The valley is flat and inviting if you're inclined to take a walk. Last but not least, there's Moscow and Monet, two super friendly dogs. Don't pass up an opportunity to book a stay at LWR. You won't be disappointed.

An amazing retreat experience. Iris & Derrick have really thought through every detail in creating an environment that promotes creativity and productivity. The food was nourishing and delicious, the evening conversation delightful, and the writing time everything I’d hoped it would be!

Iris and Derrick are the most kind, generous, and considerate hosts I’ve ever met. The cottage provided a peaceful refuge in the scenic Loire valley for my writing. The food was more than lovely. The company of two doggy friends, Moscow and Monet, was also delightful :) I would definitely come back again!

I spent a wonderful week at the Loire Writers Retreat. The cottage is cozy and set up very well: the couch for reading, the desk for writing, the comfortable bed for sleeping! The ambiance of the cottage supports the intellectual and creative energies that are so important for writing. The food was so delicious and prepared with great care. Derrick and Iris are wonderful dinner companions and I greatly enjoyed our evening conversations. Every aspect of the retreat is remarkable. I must say that the best part of Loire Writers Retreat is Iris and Derrick, who are warm, kind, and loving. They supported me as a human and a writer, and I am so grateful for the time I spent with them.

I returned from the Loire Writer's Retreat less than a week ago and I needed a few days to process the experience I had there. I can't say enough good things about the retreat. Derrick and Iris who are your hosts could not be more wonderful and nuturing. If you are looking for a serious retreat where you can focus, undistracted from the outside world and get some real writing done this is the retreat for you. The setting is idyllic, peaceful and serene. The real bonus is Iris' cooking. She is a top-notch chef and the meals she prepares are 4-star. And you get the added pleasure of Derrick and Iris' adorable two dogs - Monet and Moscow. I can't wait to go back!

I thoroughly loved my stay at Loire Writer’s Retreat.Derrick and Iris have created the perfect place and situation for writers to get their words down. The setting is beautiful, peaceful, and infinitely conducive to creating, writing, reflection. In fact, I can’t imagine a better environment for this.Derrick and Iris put so much care and thought into creating this ideal experience for writers. No distractions.And I welcomed the delicious and nutritious meals prepared daily by Iris, a fabulous cook!I also enjoyed sharing evening meals and delightful conversations with them in their warm inviting home, next to the lovely and inviting writer’s cottage. There’s no obligation of course, but it was a welcome and relaxing yet stimulating break for me.Also loved the beautiful gentle doggies, Moscow and Monet, who are also very loving and respectful.I highly recommend for writers who really desire a nurturing, supportive, private setting to create. This is it! In fact I plan on returning soon, with a project we discussed during our dinner conversations. Immensely helpful.Infinite thanks to Derrick & Iris, and Moscow & Monet. Jeanette

Fantastic writers retreat. You just write in a quiet, cozy space and worry about nothing else while your hosts bring you breakfast and lunch - healthy and delicious things such as home-made leek and potato, or lentil soup. Nice country roads to walk on out the gate, and a beautiful garden also with a labyrinth. At the end of your day you relax with your hosts for dinner, (also two cute dogs) lively conversation and more wonderful meals with local wines. Oh, and desserts! The first night's dinner was salmon with local vegetables, and the last night's was duck with cherry sauce. Everything in between was great as well. Can't recommend this place highly enough. I hope to return.

AMAzing experience, relaxing and comfortable. Got a TON of writing done. I can tell that Derrick and Iris both enjoy caring for people, and they've really curated a space where writers can focus on their writing. I visited in December, and the space was well heated, and despite the rain, we had some spectacular views. I hope to come back again in the spring or summer to enjoy writing in the outside spaces. I would absolutely recommend this retreat, most especially for people who have done their prep and are ready to buckle down and just write. OR for people who just really need a break, and will enjoy the healing experience of being cared for.

This is a beautiful spot with kind and attentive hosts, Derrick and Iris.The environment is peaceful and supports writing and reflection. I loved walking the labyrinth and the many warm and delicious meals with the hosts accompanied by good conversation after a day of quiet writing time.Recommended!