A Private Writing Intensive in France
April 14 – 21, 2024
Paris & French Countryside Seine River Cruise
(Offer ends February 26, 2024)
Praise for the Retreats
“Love traveling with the magic of Betsy. She is a storyteller that inspires loving creativity.”
— Ingrid Sato, Somatic Psychotherapist
Bali Retreat
Praise for the Retreats
“The writing retreat changed my life!! And the book I started in Bali with Betsy is healing my heart and will heal the hearts of millions.”
— Tatiana Arias, www.tatianaarias.com
Bali Retreat
Praise for the Retreats
“I have such gratitude for how gentle and encouraging you were with my writing and how that feeling of safety allowed me to dig deeper.”
— Elisabeth
France Retreat
A Private Writing Intensive in France
April 14 – 21, 2024
Paris & French Countryside Seine River Cruise
(Offer ends February 26, 2024)
Praise for the Retreats
“Love traveling with the magic of Betsy. She is a storyteller that inspires loving creativity.”
— Ingrid Sato, Somatic Psychotherapist
Bali Retreat
Praise for the Retreats
“The writing retreat changed my life!! And the book I started in Bali with Betsy is healing my heart and will heal the hearts of millions.”
— Tatiana Arias, www.tatianaarias.com
Bali Retreat
Praise for the Retreats
“I have such gratitude for how gentle and encouraging you were with my writing and how that feeling of safety allowed me to dig deeper.”
— Elisabeth
France Retreat
Overview
What to Expect...
Paris, the City of Lights, is your lighthouse for the stories to be written during your Private Writing Intensive Retreat that begins in France. Your base for the retreat is S.S. Joie de Vivre, a chic and sophisticated “super yacht” on the Seine River where you’ll spend eight nights in a luxury cabin as you cruise through the French countryside.
Your floating pied-à-terre in France begins and ends in the heart of Paris, a city that has inspired writers, painters, and artists for thousands of years. What book will it inspire for you?
Your Private Writing Intensive offers one-on-one writing guidance for anyone ready to commit to writing a book. Betsy’s focus is personal history (memoir). You may be writing your first book and don’t know where to start or you have written a collection of short stories that are ready to live beyond your journal. The Writing Intensive begins in France with Betsy April 14-21, 2024, where you’ll tune into your writer’s voice and why your story matters.
As you cruise the Seine onboard your boutique hotel, there are daily stops and excursions to quaint villages and famous chateaus. You’ll visit Claude Monet’s home and the gardens that inspired his paintings. You’ll have the option of insider tours of some of France’s most historic spots, including the beaches of Normandy, the Palace of Versailles, and where Joan of Arc stood and died in her truth.
You’ll join Betsy for daily writing circles and evening dinners. You’ll get started on the book you’ve dreamed about writing while discovering your muse among the magic of the Seine River.
You’ll have most of your days to use as you please. The daily excursions are included. Or you may want to book treatments at the onboard spa or spend time reading and writing on the top deck of the S.S. Joie de Vivre. The idea is to give yourself the gift of time and space to listen to the heartbeat of the story that is calling you, along with encouraging writing guidance from Betsy.
After the retreat, you’ll continue to meet weekly with Betsy for eight weeks to support your writing.
The Private Writing Intensive includes:
+ Single luxury Deluxe French Balcony room onboard the SS Joie de Vivre April 14-21, 2024. (Bring a partner/friend to share your room for a $2,000 surcharge.)
+ Weekly writing check-ins for 10 weeks. Two weeks before the retreat and eight weeks after.
+ Mock-up of potential book cover.
+ Up to 20,000 words of editing from the manuscript written during your private writing intensive.
Cost: $20,000 – The investment in the writing intensive is payable-in-full upon booking. (Offer ends February 26, 2024)
On this retreat, you’ll discover:
- The quickest path to discovering your writer’s voice
- Get clear on the story behind your story – and why it matters
- A luxury stateroom, 3 farm-to-table meals on board, all beverages, inducing wine, beer and premium spirits, non-alcoholic beverages and coffee and tea, all included daily excursions, all onboard gratuities, airport transfers and more!
- Eight days and seven nights to explore both France and your stories as you cruise on the famous Seine Rive past quaint towns and historic villages.
- Daily writing circles and writing guidance with Betsy
- Stop talking about writing your book and start writing it
Overview
What to Expect...
Paris, the City of Lights, is your lighthouse for the stories to be written during your Private Writing Intensive Retreat that begins in France. Your base for the retreat is S.S. Joie de Vivre, a chic and sophisticated “super yacht” on the Seine River where you’ll spend eight nights in a luxury cabin as you cruise through the French countryside.
Your floating pied-à-terre in France begins and ends in the heart of Paris, a city that has inspired writers, painters, and artists for thousands of years. What book will it inspire for you?
Your Private Writing Intensive offers one-on-one writing guidance for anyone ready to commit to writing a book. Betsy’s focus is personal history (memoir). You may be writing your first book and don’t know where to start or you have written a collection of short stories that are ready to live beyond your journal. The Writing Intensive begins in France with Betsy April 14-21, 2024, where you’ll tune into your writer’s voice and why your story matters.
As you cruise the Seine onboard your boutique hotel, there are daily stops and excursions to quaint villages and famous chateaus. You’ll visit Claude Monet’s home and the gardens that inspired his paintings. You’ll have the option of insider tours of some of France’s most historic spots, including the beaches of Normandy, the Palace of Versailles, and where Joan of Arc stood and died in her truth.
You’ll join Betsy for daily writing circles and evening dinners. You’ll get started on the book you’ve dreamed about writing while discovering your muse among the magic of the Seine River.
You’ll have most of your days to use as you please. The daily excursions are included. Or you may want to book treatments at the onboard spa or spend time reading and writing on the top deck of the S.S. Joie de Vivre. The idea is to give yourself the gift of time and space to listen to the heartbeat of the story that is calling you, along with encouraging writing guidance from Betsy.
After the retreat, you’ll continue to meet weekly with Betsy for eight weeks to support your writing.
The Private Writing Intensive includes:
+ Single luxury Deluxe French Balcony room onboard the SS Joie de Vivre April 14-21, 2024. (Bring a partner/friend to share your room for a $2,000 surcharge.)
+ Weekly writing check-ins for 10 weeks. Two weeks before the retreat and eight weeks after.
+ Mock-up of potential book cover.
+ Up to 20,000 words of editing from the manuscript written during your private writing intensive.
Cost: $20,000 – The investment in the writing intensive is payable-in-full upon booking. (Offer ends February 26, 2024)
On this retreat, you’ll discover:
- The quickest path to discovering your writer’s voice
- Get clear on the story behind your story – and why it matters
- A luxury stateroom, 3 farm-to-table meals on board, all beverages, inducing wine, beer and premium spirits, non-alcoholic beverages and coffee and tea, all included daily excursions, all onboard gratuities, airport transfers and more!
- Eight days and seven nights to explore both France and your stories as you cruise on the famous Seine Rive past quaint towns and historic villages.
- Daily writing circles and writing guidance with Betsy
- Stop talking about writing your book and start writing it
Itinerary
Here’s a look at the plan and the ports-of-call for each day of your writing adventure.
Day One: Paris (Embark)
Let’s toast our arrival with champagne on the top deck of S.S. Joie de Vivre. With the Eiffel Tower sparking in the background, this is sure to be the start of a memorable Write in France Retreat on the Seine River.
Day Two: La Roche-Guyon, Vernon, Giverny
Today is a celebration of northern France’s natural beauty, with an excursion to a splendid château and gardens situated in an equally grand setting, plus a chance to immerse yourself in the very landscapes that inspired Impressionist master Claude Monet. Visit the hilltop Château de La Roche-Guyon, surrounded by beautiful gardens and offering sweeping views over the Seine. Later, you can visit the home and gardens of Claude Monet. Or take in the beautiful French countryside in a more invigorating way, with a guided bike ride from Vernon to Giverny.
This evening, a special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.
Day Three: Rouen
Walk in the footsteps of greatness in Normandy’s medieval capital, a city with a historic quarter that remains amazingly intact. From the cathedral Monet painted dozens of times to the cross marking the spot where Joan of Arc was martyred, Rouen is a treasure trove for the culturally curious. The roll call of famous people who lived or died in Rouen is long and varied—Richard the Lionheart, Joan of Arc, Gustave Flaubert and Claude Monet are among them.
Day Four: Caudebec-en-Caux (Honfleur or Étretat)
Caudebec-en-Caux, a lovely little town on the right bank of the Seine Estuary, is your base for one of two very different excursions. You could drive through the beautiful Calvados countryside to Honfleur, a delightful seaside harbor and city of painters, or head to the windy cliffs of Étretat for a game of golf.
Day Five: Rouen (Normandy Beaches)
There are moments when we travel that move us on an otherworldly level—experiences that stir a profound emotional connection. The Normandy beaches certainly have that effect. On your full-day outing, you’ll visit Normandy’s beaches, including Utah Beach and Ste-Mère-Église, with a choice to venture to either the American, British and Australian or Canadian beaches. After, you’ll go to the American cemetery and partake in a private ceremony at the Omaha Beach Memorial—a sentimental remembrance of Operation Overlord.
Day Six: Mantes-la-Jolie (Versailles)
How did France’s rulers live over the centuries? Step into the private rooms of the Palace of Versailles, the lavish palace built by the Sun King, to find out.
A special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.
Day Seven: Paris
Whether you’re a first-time visitor to the “City of Light” or you’ve been here many times before, there’s something for everyone today in Paris. Enjoy a panoramic overview of the city, join a local expert for a walk through two much-loved neighborhoods, or pedal your way along the Left Bank, a fresh and fun way to take in the sights.
Day Eight: Paris (Disembark)
You’ll depart with a journal or laptop full of inspiration for the next stories to write.
Itinerary
Here’s a look at the plan and the ports-of-call for each day of your writing adventure.
Day One: Paris (Embark)
Let’s toast our arrival with champagne on the top deck of S.S. Joie de Vivre. With the Eiffel Tower sparking in the background, this is sure to be the start of a memorable Write in France Retreat on the Seine River.
Day Two: La Roche-Guyon, Vernon, Giverny
Today is a celebration of northern France’s natural beauty, with an excursion to a splendid château and gardens situated in an equally grand setting, plus a chance to immerse yourself in the very landscapes that inspired Impressionist master Claude Monet. Visit the hilltop Château de La Roche-Guyon, surrounded by beautiful gardens and offering sweeping views over the Seine. Later, you can visit the home and gardens of Claude Monet. Or take in the beautiful French countryside in a more invigorating way, with a guided bike ride from Vernon to Giverny.
This evening, a special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.
Day Three: Rouen
Walk in the footsteps of greatness in Normandy’s medieval capital, a city with a historic quarter that remains amazingly intact. From the cathedral Monet painted dozens of times to the cross marking the spot where Joan of Arc was martyred, Rouen is a treasure trove for the culturally curious. The roll call of famous people who lived or died in Rouen is long and varied—Richard the Lionheart, Joan of Arc, Gustave Flaubert and Claude Monet are among them.
Day Four: Caudebec-en-Caux (Honfleur or Étretat)
Caudebec-en-Caux, a lovely little town on the right bank of the Seine Estuary, is your base for one of two very different excursions. You could drive through the beautiful Calvados countryside to Honfleur, a delightful seaside harbor and city of painters, or head to the windy cliffs of Étretat for a game of golf.
Day Five: Rouen (Normandy Beaches)
There are moments when we travel that move us on an otherworldly level—experiences that stir a profound emotional connection. The Normandy beaches certainly have that effect. On your full-day outing, you’ll visit Normandy’s beaches, including Utah Beach and Ste-Mère-Église, with a choice to venture to either the American, British and Australian or Canadian beaches. After, you’ll go to the American cemetery and partake in a private ceremony at the Omaha Beach Memorial—a sentimental remembrance of Operation Overlord.
Day Six: Mantes-la-Jolie (Versailles)
How did France’s rulers live over the centuries? Step into the private rooms of the Palace of Versailles, the lavish palace built by the Sun King, to find out.
A special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.
Day Seven: Paris
Whether you’re a first-time visitor to the “City of Light” or you’ve been here many times before, there’s something for everyone today in Paris. Enjoy a panoramic overview of the city, join a local expert for a walk through two much-loved neighborhoods, or pedal your way along the Left Bank, a fresh and fun way to take in the sights.
Day Eight: Paris (Disembark)
You’ll depart with a journal or laptop full of inspiration for the next stories to write.
Meet Betsy
Author & Writing Coach
Betsy Murphy leads writing retreats all over the world and this one will be unforgettable.
Whether staying at a private chateau in France, floating over a river in a bamboo pod for a writing class in Bali, picnics in stunning Cape Town wine country, or waking up to walks with rhinos and ellies in Zimbabwe, Betsy’s retreats are considered once-in-a-lifetime journeys that many people return to do again. The writing retreat on the Seine River in France will be a magical place to cruise with the most powerful version of your writer’s voice.
“Betsy has a presence as powerful as any human I have ever met but the impactful part of how she has chosen to use it. She is changing what it means to be – and how it is to be – a woman in the world.”
Meet Betsy
Author & Writing Coach
Betsy Murphy leads writing retreats all over the world and this one will be unforgettable.
Whether staying at a private chateau in France, floating over a river in a bamboo pod for a writing class in Bali, picnics in stunning Cape Town wine country, or waking up to walks with rhinos and ellies in Zimbabwe, Betsy’s retreats are considered once-in-a-lifetime journeys that many people return to do again. The writing retreat on the Seine River in France will be a magical place to cruise with the most powerful version of your writer’s voice.
“Betsy has a presence as powerful as any human I have ever met but the impactful part of how she has chosen to use it. She is changing what it means to be – and how it is to be – a woman in the world.”
What’s Included During Your Private Writing Intensive?
Pre-retreat: Two weeks of 60-minute consultations to prepare.
Retreat in France: Includes eight nights accommodations in a single en suite room, all onboard meals and drinks including alcohol, daily writing circles, optional daily excursions, and transport to and from CDG airport (if arrival/departure aligns with cruise requirements). You are responsible for any extra charges for special excursions and spa bookings.
Post-retreat: Eight weeks of follow-up consultations to support your writing, mock-up of potential book cover, up to 20,000 words of editing from the manuscript written during your private writing intensive, plus guidance on traditional and self-publishing options.
Full payment is due upon booking. Email betsy@betsybmurphy.com to book.
FAQ
Can I bring my partner/friend?
The private writing intensive is just for you. If you would like to bring a partner or share a room with someone who doesn’t want to do the writing portion of the retreat, we can add them to your room for an additional $2,000.
Do I need to be a writer to join the retreat?
Many of the people joining the retreat don’t consider themselves writers when they arrive. They have a story to tell and they aren’t sure where to begin. The retreat will support you in moving from getting those thoughts out of your journal and into story form with a beginning, middle, and end. You’ll start writing stories others want to read. You’ll start writing stories others want to share. WARNING: By the end of the retreat, you may call yourself a writer!
What happens if I need to cancel the retreat portion?
We are unable to offer you a refund for any reason. If you are unable to make it to France after booking the retreat, Betsy will still honor the 10 weeks of working together on your book through weekly online consultations. Travel insurance is advised which often covers cancellations. Please consult with your airlines and travel insurance to see what is covered. Uniworld, the booking agent for the river cruise, offers travel insurance. You can learn more and opt-in here. You can add Uniworld’s insurance after booking the retreat.
Can I arrive early or stay longer?
Your booking includes airport transfers to and from S.S. Joie de Vivre. You are also welcome to arrive on your own if you plan to arrive early or extend your stay in Paris.
Why writing prompts?
Our daily writing circles include 15-minute writing prompts. We all write together based on a given prompt and then it’s optional to share what you’ve written. The great thing about the prompts is you aren’t trying to think of the story you want to tell, you read the prompt, and then start writing allowing your intuition to guide you. You’ll be surprised what happens when you take your intuitive spirit as a writing partner.
Can I skip a session during the retreat?
The retreat is designed to be spacious so you have time for yourself, excursions, spa time and more. If you need additional time to rest, write, and restore, you can skip any session. Betsy requests that you don’t come late or leave the writing circles early.
What's the daily schedule look like?
You’ll join Betsy for writing consultations (60-90 minutes) every day and dinner most evenings. Times will vary due to the ship’s schedule.
Schedule an Event
events@betsybmurphy.com
Contact Author
betsy@betsybmurphy.com