Get Inspired - Writers' and Artists' Retreat Southern France

La Muse from the river in the valley

“Thank you so much for sharing not only your space but your vision. It has been a privilege to be here.” Rhea Tregebov, Canadian poet and novelist
Kerry Eielson and John Fanning, directors of La Muse

“La Muse? Better to say ‘Les Muses!’ Kerry and John, you truly are just that! You both added a quality of magic to the sojourn.” Daniel K. Brown, American visual artist
La Muse from the terrace

“Thank you so much for your extraordinary support and friendship. I’ve enjoyed the walks, the weather, the terrace, and the books, but most of all, the time and the mental space in which to work. My best wishes to you and yours in all your endeavors.” Edward Porter, American writer
New York Artist Nicole Mayhew painting the back of La Muse

“Sometimes it takes traveling to a completely different country to find people who feel like family. Thank you for the space and serenity to be creative in. I have felt free to create, like a child, and without boundaries.”
Roses at La Muse

“The magic of the landscape and the roses and the decaying houses! My head feels clearer than when I came. I am taking lots of pictures and ideas with me.” Annett Heibel, German writer
American Playwright Nora Seilheimer in Erato

“‘MERCI!’ I can’t believe how relaxed and productive I have been here. I may have grown up a little too. I will never forget our mind-bending conversations and goat cheese pizza. I am sincerely sad to be leaving. What an amazing contribution to the world you have created. Until next time.”
View down the valley from the retreat

“The house, the lovely little paths of the valley – they wrote the piece for me!” Derek Ball, Scottish composer
January retreat 2013

“I really enjoyed my time at La Muse. What I was looking for more than anything was stillness. John, I really enjoyed our chats and was grateful you took the time to give me some very valuable advice and the benefit of your own experience.” Barry Malone, Irish journalist
Our Valley in Autumn

“This place in autumn has been beautifully inspiring from the colour changes to the crisp evenings where the sky is littered with stars. So much inspiration for a children’s writer about fairies, dragons, and the like. Now I’ve seen where they live!” Kimberley Young, New Zealand writer
Australian novelist John Clanchy

I came. I sat. I wrote. La Muse not only works so well for me in thinking and writing but it’s natural ambience and friendly Musing fellows have made the few months we’ve now spent here each year a joyful period in our lives. Vive La Muse!
Roses

“Spring at La Muse, lucky me. Thank you for your kindness, nurture and happiness. I had such a beautiful time exploring the rose; finding new colours and new shapes. I now understand European art and motifs. I’ll always have this landscape in my heart.” Sarah Parker, Australian artist
American novelist Robert Olmstead and Irish writer Julianne Mooney

“As always, thank you so much for the most wonderful stay. They say third time lucky, but I feel lucky every time I come to La Muse and it is so fantastic knowing I will love, love, love coming here always. I can’t wait ‘till next time.” Julianne Mooney Irish writer and TV presenter
Thalia

“I feel like a Queen when I sit in Thalia! With love and many thanks to you lovely people.” Ophelia Redpath, English artist and writer
One week August retreat, 2012

“Being back at La Muse is telling. But better to go back after such a marvelous stay – invigorated: I feel it in my legs, on my mind, and in my heart. Many thanks for your care and your company.” Judith Mok, Dutch opera singer and writer
The Living Library

“Thank you so much for opening your library to us, haven’t read so much since I had to read in college – choosing was enlightening.” Anna O’Malley, Irish screenwriter
American artist Julie Baugnet

“Voila, La Muse! What an inspiration. I came to Haut Cabardes to seek tranquility and I found it. I painted for 60 days – I feel ‘drunk on life.’ John and Kerry, you’re invaluable. A true example of two people working together cultivating creativity when we most need it in this world. Merci!”
American artist Dwight Cassin sketches fall leaves

“There have been many beautiful moments in these last months: epic meals at Christmas and Thanksgiving, an exhibition, trick-or-treating, a wicked September thunderstorm and a divine December snowfall, gorgeous walks in the mountains and tall glasses of whiskey with les chasseurs, fresh figs… It’s all been with the wonderful people that are La Muse.”
New Zealand artist Dave Beazley with American writer Cindy Willis

“We feel incredibly privileged to have been enveloped in La Muse’s creative and inspiring embrace. Above all, it is the people we have met that have made our time here truly life-shaping.” Andrea Simper, New Zealand jewelry designer
Our church St. Andre at Sunset

“In a word: Magical.” Artis Henderson, American writer