Description
Pyrenees Writing Workshop
At the foothills of a sacred mountain
For over 10 years many of you have been asking us a repeating question: “When are you going to hold another workshop in the Pyrenees?” We have also longed to return to this region of France since our previous workshops, where we were deeply inspired by the story of the Cathars, the story of Mary Magdalene, the story of the Templars and the Holy Grail.
Last spring, Kristin Flood and I (Merle Levin) returned to the area. We followed the recommendation of our friend, Danish author Lars Muhl, who has held retreats in the area for many years and stayed at “Chez Emma”, a lovely Gite in the quaint village of Fougax-et-Barrineuf, close to the sacred mountain of Montsegur. We were thrilled to meet Emma Hawkins the proprietor and chef and to see that her venue would be perfect for our upcoming writing workshop.
Then we were fortunate to be able to reconnect with old friend, author Henry Lincoln who co-wrote the bestseller “Holy Blood Holy Grail”. He has agreed to meet our group and talk about his experience of mystery writing.
As you can see I am writing this invitation in English because I am organising this workshop but you are free to write to me in Norwegian if that is more comfortable for you.
The Workshop
We will be using our method of writing, self-enquiry, meditation, sacred walks in the area and cultural exposure to the region to deepen self awareness and to nourish your writing.
Where
We will be accommodated in various Gites around the village of Fougax-et- Barrineuf, population 450. The quaint village is nestled at the foothills of the sacred Cathar mountain Montsegur.
We were intrigued to discover that several authors have been inspired by this village: Samuel Beckett mentions the village in his play Oh les beaux jours and a French author Yves Le Pestipon wrote a book entitled Samuel Beckett in Fougax-et- Barrineuf. The Danish author Lars Muhl has written several books based on this region, most well-known is his book “The Seer” (also published in Norwegian).
Transport
This village is 1.5 hours from Toulouse Airport where you have good connections to Norway. We suggest renting a car. We will send you a group list so that you can organise car sharing. The car rental is approx. 1500 NOK for a week. Price: 795 GBP (British Pounds). This includes accommodation in double room, full board (3 meals when eaten at Chez Emma) and teaching.
Single room supplement: 130 GBP.
This price does not include transport costs, nor museum fees or meals eaten away from our home base Chez Emma.
Deposit: 250 GBP. (This deposit is non-refundable).
Rest Payment: also in GBP.
Bank Transfer
Merle Levin, 18 The Pines, Chase Road, London N144EX
IBAN: GB63BARC20297743972828
Barclays Bank, 18-24 Chase Side, Southgate, London N14 5PB
Confirmation of Workshop: Do not buy flight tickets before you receive a letter from us confirming the workshop. We need a minimum of 15 participants.
We look forward to sharing this amazing adventure with you.
Best wishes,
Merle and Kristin
