The London Magazine Writing Retreat at The Mill, France

Photo of The Mill, France, the location for The London Magazine writing retreat

The London Magazine Writing Retreat at The Mill, France

Sunday, June 14th – Sunday, June 21st 2026

You are invited to join The London Magazine for our inaugural week-long writing retreat, set within a UNESCO world heritage site in the heart of Southwest France. This is an invitation to slow down, immerse yourself in nature and return to your writing with space, clarity and renewed attention.

For seven days you’ll settle into life at The Mill, an eighteenth-century flour mill lovingly restored by interior architect Nathalie Edwards. Surrounded by wooded hills and the sound of the River Cernon running below your window, you’ll find yourself in a landscape that encourages quiet focus and imagination.

Whether you’re working on poetry, fiction or non-fiction, this retreat offers a rare chance to dedicate a full week to your craft without the distractions of everyday life. There will be slow, peaceful days of writing, reading and reflection, and nights spent gathered around the dinner table with fellow writers.

While the London Magazine editorial team will be on hand throughout the week to lead workshops, facilitate conversations and offer one-to-one editorial feedback, the retreat is designed so that you can write at your own pace. There’s guidance when you want it, privacy when you need it and a creative community for you to share your work with when you’re ready.

Book Now

About The Mill

The Mill France
7 Route de Linas
12100 Saint-Georges-de-Luzençon, Aveyron

Built before 1735, just three years after The London Magazine was founded, and operating as a working flour mill until 2000, The Mill retains its original stone walls, timber panelling, mill wheels and quiet corners. Its restoration was shaped by a single aim: to create a place where artists and writers can step away from everyday life and settle into their work.

Here you’ll find:

Riverside pathways and quiet outdoor seating for writing and al fresco dining
A library filled with books and inspiration
Communal spaces for conversation and collaboration
Private swimming area and outdoor bathtubs
Two fully-equipped studios with natural light
The friendly company of Maahes, The Mill’s resident cat

Interior shot of The Mill's Library, with the resident cat, Maahes, sat on one of the chairs. — The Mill’s resident cat, Maahes, sat in the library

What’s Included

Your seven-night stay includes:

Private accommodation (various room options available, see below for more details)
One-on-one editorial feedback from The London Magazine team
Writing workshops, guided discussions and quiet writing sessions
Six home-cooked dinners, plus access to a shared kitchen and outdoor BBQ
Use of The Mill’s Library, Salon and studio spaces
Access to gardens, river and canal for wild swimming
Optional showcase evenings – a gentle, pressure-free way to read your work to fellow writers
Film nights in the Salon
Yoga mats and quiet spaces for personal meditation
Optional local walks, including a guided excursion to dinosaur footprints
Ample free time to write, rest, walk or explore
Transfers from Rodez, Bezier or Montpellier airports

Table and chairs outside The Mill for al fresco dining — Al fresco dining at The Mill

Please note: flights and travel insurance are not included. Each booking includes a non-refundable deposit of £500. To discuss a payment plan, contact Zadie at info@thelondonmagazine.org.

Rooms

Rooms at The Mill are characterful, cosy and all uniquely designed. Highlights include:

Millers Nook & Mezzanine Nook – charming timber-panelled cabin-style rooms with original mill features
Hill View Room – bright and airy with views of the Larzac Plateau
Riverside View Room – private en-suite, double bed and a writing desk overlooking the river
Garden Room – a guest favourite, opening directly onto the riverbank with romantic vintage detailing
The Artist’s Loft – under the roof eaves, The Mill’s most rustic industrial space