Creative Immersion in the South of France: TERRE/MER Ceramics Retreat by Women for Women

Let’s explore and discover creative retreats together.
Over a period of time, at MyFrenchLife.org Magazine we have been interested in Entrepreneurs and Creatives in France, and we have published an extensive series of interviews with many very inspirational people, and we invite you to read the interviews and stories.

We’re now introducing this new series of creative retreats in France
This is a ‘call-out’ for suggestions and nominations for quality creative immersive experiences in France.

If you are the owner/operator of a fabulous creative retreat,
or if you’d like to nominate a quality experience.
Please email us at info@myfrenchlife.org with the subject line CREATIVE FRANCE

We know how important it is to have a wonderfully long list of tempting opportunities available
when you’re planning to travel to France
and that’s the point of this series,
to introduce those immersive opportunities to you before your next trip.

This article (along with this other one) is just the beginning…
This new series is focused on discovering what outstanding creative experiences
can be found in specific geographic regions of France.
We expect to explore retreats specialising in a wide range of creative opportunities
ranging from writing, photography, visual art, and much more,

So let’s dive in and immerse ourselves…. Ready?

TERRE/MER Ceramics Retreat – for Women by Women
Ceramics and Culinary Workshops:
An immersive experience in La Ciotat in the South of France

The South of France has long drawn artists, cooks, writers, and weary travelers looking for respite. A place out of time and yet very much of its time, the Mediterranean is known for its crystal blue waters and rich terroir. Along the rocky white cliffs of the Calanques buzz bees raised by eco-conscious beekeepers; just a few miles away, deep black Grenache, Carignan, and Mourvedre grapes are grown for the region’s dry, pale pink rosés. 

Meanwhile in the heart of historic La Ciotat, young entrepreneurs including organic produce vendors, wine sellers, cheesemongers, and, of course, artisans like the ceramicists of ICI l’Atelier flourish, as the small city regains new life. TERRE/MER invites you to be a part of this space, with Emily and Camille as your guides.

TERRE/MER is not your typical vacation – nor is it your typical retreat.
Think:
Ceramics . Cuisine . Time . Immersion . Authenticity .

This is a trip based on slow travel and full immersion, it’s a brand-new way to take time just for you, all the while discovering the uniqueness of a typical, flourishing Mediterranean town. Let Camille share her passion for combining beauty and utility in the ceramics studio; glean no-waste cooking tips Emily has adopted after years of working closely with some of France’s top chefs.

…And above all, get back in touch with savoir-faire and art de vivre à la française.

TERRE/MER Ceramics Retreat – An immersive retreat by Women for Women

If you are passionate about art and cuisine and looking to discover the South of France in a small group of women and non-binary individuals, then TERRE/MER is the retreat for you.

Does this sound like what you’ve been looking for?

What Are Past Participants Saying?

From Andrea in 2022:

Being part of the Terre/Mer retreat was an amazing experience. I didn’t know anyone before I arrived (and speak no French), and each day was full of art, excellent food, and the most lovely people and company. La Ciotat is a gorgeous little town; having an insider experience with the local cheese madam, a passionate beekeeper, and others made our time together truly unique and special.

Camille is the most gentle, encouraging, amazing ceramic artist; our time in the studio was meditative and I created something I love (and started the ceramics workshop with no experience).

Emily kept us all happy and well-nourished with delicious meals and has incredible knowledge about everything having to do with French cuisine and wine. Their friendship and respect for each other facilitates a warm, accessible environment. And finally, the yoga and pilates instructors really kept the vibe peaceful and zen at the end of each day.

If you are hesitating, just do it! I dream of going back! And thanks to Camille and Emily for an unforgettable time, in an unforgettable place!”

TERRE/MER Ceramic & Cuisine Retreat –  FAQs

Do I need to be fluent in French and English?
No! Both Emily and Camille are bilingual, and we are prepared to welcome guests with familiarity in either language.

Do I need to have ceramics experience?
No! We are equipped to welcome anyone from beginner potters to advanced connoisseurs of clay.

Do you offer lodging?
No, but we are happy to facilitate connecting you with some of the fantastic local landlords and ladies to help you find the Provençal apartment or room of your dreams during your stay. We recommend the superb Les Chambres d’Odette, though there are other possibilities depending on your personal preferences.

Your subscription (free or paid) will be gratefully received, and will help me continue to build ‘le Bulletin’ – the weekly newsletter of MyFrenchLife.org Magazine to be even more rich- Merci Mille Fois

The Next Retreat: Ascension Weekend (May 18 to 21, 2023)

Over the course of four days, take full advantage of a 10-hour ceramics intensive with our product designer and ceramicist Camille Drozdz.

Enjoy seasonal meals prepared with care (and local ingredients), and take advantage of our hands-on culinary workshops, nature and artisan-driven excursions, and the bounty of the South of France.

• 10 hours of ceramics
• 3 hands-on culinary workshops
• 3 seasonal, local meals per day
• 2 guided tastings with artisanal, local products
• 2 yoga classes with local professionals ??
• 1 guided walk to discover the richness of La Ciotat’s natural surroundings
• Free time to take full advantage of your surroundings, complete with tips from Camille and Emily

Here’s how you can secure a place at one of these unique retreats

We still have a few spots left for our next long weekend – May 18-21 2023 at a cost of 830 euros, not including lodging and transport.
BOOK HERE and don’t forget to access the promo code by using #MyFrenchLife to gain a 10% discount if you’re a MyFrenchLife member!
You can join MyFrenchLife now here for free to rectify that immediately if not a MyFrenchLife member to access this preferred pricing)

Note: If you can’t make the May ’23 dates work, we suggest that you follow the TERRE/MER Experience Instagram account to get early notice of future upcoming retreats.

Have you ever experienced a creative retreat in the South of France? Do you love ceramics and/or cuisine? This is the perfect opportunity for ‘you-time’, in a caring, safe, creative environment. Please leave your comments and questions below.