Extraordinary, immersive, arts and cultural retreats, in a stunning location in south west France, overlooking the Pyrénées

3 - 5 days of the most transformative experience of your life, participating in creative and artistic workshops that will inspire you to step onto the stage of life, building community with others, and changing the world

Imagine…..

Artistic Workshops

Taking part in some of the most inspiratonal and transformative arts and creative workshops, lead by visionary artist and cultural leaders, that will restore and revive head, heart and soul
Extraordinary Experiences

Dining under a starlit sky whilst you listen to a string quartet...or taking a boat trip down the Basque coast and dining in a Michelin-starred restaurant in San Sebastian..or picnic from a hamper in the Pyrenees whilst you listen to a poetry reading
Immersed in Nature

Engaging with the natural world, eating organic food and immersing yourself in some of the most stunning scenery in the world

The Pic du Midi d’Ossau
Evening picnic on the Plateau de Benou
Stunning views from Clos de Gaye
Soothing effect of the ocean
Dramatic waves
Award-winning cuisine
Culture
Heritage
History

Sample Retreat Schedule

Setting the Scene

Arrival in Pau and transfer to hotels
Brief performance introducing Gibson, Mendilow, Simonova, leading into Listening Lab
Introduction to The Centre for the Arts and Global Leadership, Clos de Gaye, and the Festival for the Arts and Social Change
Dinner in the gardens at Clos de Gaye
Listening to our Stories

Ponder to Page - day-long workshop
Evening walk through the mountains and Ten-Toasts Dinner at l’Etable d’Ossau
Building a New Narrative

Transfer to St Jean de Luz
Lunch discussion on building new narratives for change
Afternoon train trip into the Pyrenee mountains, overlooking the Basque coast
Workshop and dinner
Gibson, Mendilow, Simonova:
Focused solo creation time for final presentation, reflecting participants’ experiences through live, powerful spoken word, music, and sand/snow/oil paint animation
Revisions
Group rehearsal
When the show ends, what begins?

Transfer to Chateau de Pau for visit; lunch at Palais Beaumont;
Plan of action
Final closing ceremony including presentation of an original piece, reflecting
participants’ experiences through live, powerful spoken word, music, and
sand/snow/oil paint animation

Side trips to add to your itinerary

Paris

City of Lights, one of the most romantic capitals in the world, and host of the summer Olympics 2024. An easy train ride from Paris with lots to see and do, we recommend a few days stop here en route to Clos de Gaye when flying internationally.
Toulouse

Just two hours from Clos de Gaye, this gorgeous ‘pink city’ is unique in France for its distinct architecture and vibrant and youthful spirit. Our partnership with the Hotel des Arts provides a wonderful addition to your stay with us.
Basque Coast

With it’s dramatic landscape and Michelin-award winning cuisine, the Basque coast and the towns of Bayonne and Biarritz, St Jean de Luz and the Spanish city of San Sebastian make for a stunning driving holiday to finish off your trip.