Bordeaux is Calling

Write with us in Bourdeax, France - Registration Open for Paid Subscribers

Since the inception of Scribente Maternum, we dreamed of offering international experiences for our writers. We believe that exposing ourselves to different places and cultures offers us both inspiration and respite. Pair that with countless hours of uninterrupted writing, your meals taken care of, and a diverse community of writer-moms you have a recipe for magic.

With that, we invite you to that magic in the form of our inaugural international retreat to none other than Bordeaux, France on February 12-18, 2026.

There are only 8 spots available for this retreat (three of which are for BIPOC attendees who receive a $200 discount), so it will fill up quickly. This number is guaranteed to be intimate and cozy.

This Write Like a Mother retreat experience is a one-week, all-inclusive experience in the French countryside where you can invest in your writing and yourself. Join us for this cozy, inspiring escape where writer-moms have the freedom to connect, create, and indulge in the art of French living!

This All-Inclusive Retreat Experience Includes:

• Accommodations, all meals, guided experiences, and curated winery visits.

• Private chef on-site to prepare all meals, focused on comforting, traditional Bordelais cuisine. Chef Julien is happy to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Access to the finest Bordeaux wines, with expert advice on pairings and options to acquire wines directly from local wineries.

• Free time for writing, with optional writing prompts and guided inspiration.

• Outings to wineries and other optional daily excursions.

• A cozy, intimate atmosphere, perfect for creativity and connection.

Tentative Retreat Schedule

Thursday, February 12: Arrival and Bordeaux Inspiration

• Fly directly into Bordeaux or fly into Paris and take the two-hour train ride to Bordeaux

• Afternoon: Check into Adagio Hotel Gambetta, a comfortable aparthotel in the heart of the city​

• Evening: Dinner as a group in historic Bordeaux.

Friday, February 13: Settling Into Creativity at Rogue Bordeaux

• Morning: Breakfast at leisure, followed by a scenic guided walking tour of Bordeaux

• Midday: Picnic lunch along the Garonne River in Bordeaux and a scenic drive to the Rouge Bordeaux B&B

• Afternoon: Get settled into your shared accommodation for the rest of our retreat together. Writing session in the garden or cozy salon, with guided creative prompts available

• Evening: Enjoy a dinner of Chef Julien’s Bordeaux Cassoulet with fresh baguette and regional cheeses, plus lively conversation as we learn more about each other and our writing projects.

Saturday, February 14: Love, Wanderings, and Reflections

• Morning: Light breakfast, followed by an optional trip to Bazas and the beautiful open market, just ten minutes from Rogue Bordeaux

• Afternoon: Individual or group writing time, fireside discussions, and a traditional cèpes mushroom omelette for lunch

• Evening: Raclette night! Nothing says "Happy Valentine's Day" like melted cheese! Served with boiled potatoes, a selection of charcuterie (such as Bayonne ham, saucisson sec, and pâté), cornichons (small French pickles), and fresh salad. This can be paired with a crisp white wine from the Bordeaux region, like a dry Sauvignon Blanc, to cut through the richness of the cheese.

Sunday, February 15: Writing and St. Emilion Inspirations

• Morning: Slow start with coffee and croissants, followed by a quiet writing session.

• Midday: Lunch in the medieval town of St. Emilion

• Afternoon: Private wine tasting at an underground cave in the heart of St. Emilion.

• Evening Dinner: Chef Julien's French Roast Chicken with Carrots and Greens. This hearty and flavorful dish is a perfect way to end a day of writing, reflection, and wine-tastings. The tender chicken, roasted to golden perfection, is complemented by the sweetness of the carrots and the earthy flavor of the greens. It's a comforting and satisfying meal that will leave you feeling nourished and ready to face the next day.

Monday, February 16: Château La Corne Winery Visit

• Morning: Leisurely morning writing session with light breakfast

• Midday: Lunch at Château in the Graves vineyards, featuring a wine pairing from the winery's 400-year-old wine cellar!

• Afternoon: Reflection time or a relaxed walk through the vines

• Evening Celebration Dinner: Pumpkin soup and various cheeses, paired with Bordeaux wines.

Tuesday, February 17: Writing, Reflections and a Closing Celebration

• Morning: Guided walk in the countryside for inspiration, followed by a free writing session.

• Midday: Lunch: Light quiche with a side of French market greens.

• Afternoon: Individual or group writing time, fireside discussions.

• Evening Farewell Dinner: Duck confit with pommes sarladaises (garlic potatoes), paired with Bordeaux wine. Share some of the work you've created during our time together in France!

Wednesday, February 18: Final Moments and Departure

• Morning: Closing reflections over breakfast before heading back to Bordeaux for departures

Accommodations

• All accommodations are included in your registration.

• Accommodations at the Adagio include a private room and private bathroom with amenities that include a refrigerator, microwave, shampoo/conditioner, body wash, hairdryer, etc.

• Accommodations at Rogue Bordeaux include a shared room with separate beds (pictured here as joined kings) and a private bathroom with amenities that include shampoo/conditioner, body wash, hairdryer, etc.

• Enjoy round-the-clock coffee and shared cozy spaces at Rogue Bordeaux.

Meet Your Hosts

​Megan and Julien own and operate Rogue Bordeaux and also call it home, along with their two sons.​​ Megan is a native Minnesotan, dedicated to giving American guests a truly immersive French experience. Julien is a French chef who loves to share his love and knowledge of French food almost as much as he loves to prepare it.

Investment

• Space at Rogue Bordeaux is extremely limited! This retreat will accommodate no more than 8 people.​

• All rooms are double occupancy: two separate beds in a shared bedroom with a private bathroom.

• Registration requires a $295 nonrefundable deposit. Subsequent investments of $1235 are due in September 2025, November 2025 and January 2026.

• We are pleased to offer a $200 discount to up to three BIPOC writer-moms. Just select your registration tier at checkout.​