Writing Retreat - Speculative Fiction — Le Verger

Settle into the French countryside for five nights of focused writing, creative momentum, and the quiet space to deepen your speculative fiction practice. This retreat offers time to write, individual guidance from an acclaimed author, and the encouragement of a supportive group of fellow writers, all within the relaxed rhythm of rural Dordogne.

Your tutor
Una McCormack is a New York Times bestselling science fiction author and BSFA award-winner, with more than a dozen SF novels, numerous short stories, and audio dramas to her name. She brings twenty years of creative writing teaching experience, and in 2017 served as a judge for the prestigious Arthur C. Clarke Award for the Best SF Novel published in the UK. She is also the winner of the BSFA Best Fiction for Younger Readers award (2026).

Her teaching is praised for combining expert knowledge with generosity, humour, and practical insight. As Dr. Helen Marshall notes, Una helps writers strengthen core skills while developing their understanding of plot, character, and world-building. Novice writer Chris Palmer describes her feedback as motivating, inspiring, and full of useful tools that make writing feel enjoyable and productive.

Your hosts
David and Michèle Lambert have welcomed writers to Le Verger for more than 15 years. David holds a Masters in Creative Writing from UEA, has taught Creative Writing at Anglia Ruskin University, and published his novel The House in Bacolet with Peepal Tree Press in 2025. Their aim is simple: to help you eat well, sleep well, feel inspired, and write a great deal during your stay.

About the retreat
This retreat is designed for writers of speculative fiction, including science fiction and fantasy. It provides the time and space needed to work in a setting that supports concentration and creativity. Because everyone writes differently, your schedule is entirely your own. However, it is recommended that you arrive with a clear project in mind, such as a short story, a chapter of a novel, or an outline, so you can begin immediately and make the most of your time at Le Verger.

Your tutor will be available to read your work and offer one-to-one sessions focused on technique, clarity, and your writing goals. She can also help you think through your plans before you arrive.

When you are not writing
You will be in Dordogne, a beautiful part of South-West France. Relax in the gardens or explore the surrounding area on well-marked walks to Le Puy des Ages (2 km), the château-forge of Savignac-Lédrier (1.5 km), or the local village bar (1.5 km).

Accommodation
You will stay in a simple but comfortable room in the main house, with a desk and lamp, and usually a shared bathroom with one other writer. The Piggery, a separate gite in the grounds, can host two or more writers and includes a large open mezzanine space upstairs (4m x 6m) and further accommodation below (5m x 6m), divided by curtains. Two Writer’s Cabins are also available, each offering individual accommodation. WiFi is provided in all accommodation. Subject to availability, you may have your own room or share with another writer, or with an accompanying non-writing partner at an additional rate.

Meals
Breakfast is self-service and available whenever you choose. A buffet lunch is set out in the kitchen from 12.30–1.30. Tea and coffee-making facilities are available throughout the day. Dinner is served at 7.30pm and features home-cooked food made as far as possible with locally sourced products, along with wine. Writers are encouraged to join the group meal, and dietary needs or intolerances can be noted on the booking form. Guests take turns helping clear away after one evening meal.

Getting there
The course fee includes transfers between Limoges and Le Verger, a distance of 80 km. For this reason, everyone must travel on the same outward and return Ryanair flight to Limoges. Please wait to be told when you can book your flight or train. Train travelers can be collected from or dropped off at Limoges-Benedictins at a time that aligns closely with airport transfers.

If you cannot join the group transfer, a local taxi to or from Le Verger costs around 170 euros. Alternative pick-up may be arranged where possible, with a charge of 100–120 euros. If a Ryanair flight is rerouted to Poitiers or Bergerac, an adjusted transfer charge will apply.

What to bring
Travel light, as luggage space in the transfer cars is limited. A towel and hair dryer are provided. A warm jumper is recommended in every season, as evenings can be cool even after hot days in the Dordogne. Please bring any dietary essentials you need, along with personal medication such as travel sickness or hay fever remedies. An effective anti-tick preparation is also recommended, as ticks have been reported in the region, and mosquito repellent may be useful at night. Do not forget your European plug adapter.