Experiences at La Maison des mots
2024
Before my first experience visiting La Charité-sur-Loire in 2012, I had never heard of this ancient ville. We all have heard of the Loire River, and it runs through this town, slowing down to salute La Charité, relaxing on its half-way journey from the mountains to the Atlantic. So close to Pouilly-sur-Loire and Sancerre - can you not feel and taste these Elixirs trickling down your throat? Almost everyone I connect with in Canada, United States, United Kingdom, and yes even in Paris, know naught of this charming town and region with its deep history, both rustique and sophisticated culture, artisans, writers, vintners, and the precious Farmers – methinks the Farmers are the World’s true realists.
The French Countryside is France. Paris, albeit my favourite City in this World, is not the Heart of France. It is beautiful Paris.
Imagine yourself here: Maison des Mots, La Charité-sur-Loire, the Centre of France. Dream about what you may discover, feel, and take away with you. And if you enjoy browsing Cookery Books, my growing collection currently has about 500 titles to appreciate. If I work my luck well, there will soon be more shelves, and many more titles.
A few other points of interest…..
- UNESCO Heritage site, fortified monastic village
- castles, gardens, and heritage towns off the beaten path
- local markets, excellent wine, cheese, and seasonal local produce
- cafes, bookshops, artists, and craftspeople
- opportunities for gentle hikes through vineyards, cycling through the Bertranges forest, canoeing along the Loire
- brocantes (antiques and second hand sales), and cultural fêtes et festivals all through the summer
- access to other sites of interest in the region, Guedelon, Bourges, Chablis, Vezelay…
- authentic French countryside living
The big kitchen and dining room on the ground floor are reserved for Petite Dejeuner & Cooking Classes. Either myself or others will conduct classes - Mostly with recipes from The Cookery Book inhouse Library. Recipes will focus on traditional, seasonal and ingredient based French Cooking. For details and pricing, write to me and I will prepare a bespoke itinerary for you.
French Eating Between the Leaves
2 spaces available - Arrival Date: September 11th for 5 nights
I hold dear a memory, in that bookshop of remembrance past, where I offered a book club experience which we called Eating Between the Leaves. I long for this experience again, maybe you will too, or come for your first FEBTL adventure - this time in France!
In Advance…
I will send you two books to read via the French Postal Service. The authors are Colette and George Sand.
Arriving day. You settle in, tea is served. A guided walk about La Charité. Apéro Dînatoire served at 7.30pm.
Day One
We drive to Saint Sauveur-en-Puisaye. We tour the home where Colette grew up. Lunch in Saint Sauveur. After lunch we visit a pottery town. In the evening over dinner, we discuss the book we have read by Colette, and our observations on her growing up, and family home.
Day Two
We drive to Sancerre. Wine tasting, lunch, and tour the town. Apéro Dînatoire in the evening.
Day Three
Market Day in La Charité. Browse the market and the town in the morning. Cook lunch together. Enjoy 3 courses from 2pm-5pm. Flat-bottom boat tour along the Loire in the evening, return home for Salad, Cheese and Dessert.
Day Four
We drive to the Maison de George Sand, her country home in Nohant. We tour the house, enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. In the evening over dinner, we discuss the book we have read by George Sand, and our observations of her life in her country home.
5x nights accommodation, meals, and all scheduled activities included.
Price : 1950 euros per person
Cooking Together Weekend
Arrive Friday afternoon. 17h00 - Gather together for Apero Dinatoire class, enjoy together. Saturday: Petite Dejeuner, Farmers Market - Drive to Sancerre for a Superbe Lunch & Wine Tasting at a Vigneron Magnifique. Apero at 18h00 - Evening Entertainment to be a Surprise. Sunday: Petite Dejeuner, a tour about la Charite sur Loire. Gather together at 14h00 for Cooking Dinner Class - 3 courses plus fromage. Monday: Petite Dejeuner et au revoir. Price per person 750 euros. Includes: chambre for 3 nights, 3 Petite Dejeuner, 2 Classes, French Country drive to Sancerre, Lunch and Wine Tasting. Recipes & Apron.
2 person minimum, 4 person maximum. 950 euros for a single soul,
Please contact for dates available and further details.
Writers Retreat for Writerly Souls
La Charité-sur-Loire is the Ville des Mots. For many years there was a book festival, and when I first arrived, there were 17 bookshops! Today the festival has evolved into a word festival and is very much supported by the French community. We do have 4 bookshops, two selling new French books, one selling antiquarian French books, and one selling previously enjoyed English books. The feeling of words and urge to write is very much within this storied old ville. There is plenty to explore in the surrounding area as well. By train you can easily visit Pouilly sur Loire, Gien, Briare, Nevers, Moulin, Vichy. Car rental can be arranged, or a driver. If you want to spend time writing and communicating with like minded souls, join us for 2 weeks in a quiet old French home, with tranquil garden and inspiration galore. Et oui, the Maison is plentiful with desks and tables for writing, typing and drawing.
Includes 2 weeks accommodation, 3 luncheons, and 3 dinners. The kitchen in the third floor flat will be available for preparing petite dejeuner & other meals.
Dinner will be served on the day of arrival. Other lunch and dinner dates to be decided before arriving.
Minimum: 3 guests - Maximum: 5 Guests. Price: 1750 euros per person