CREATIVE RETREAT IN SOUTHERN FRANCE
A Week-Long Retreat in Southern France for Songwriters and more.
(1 hour SW of Toulouse)
Come to a week-long retreat with 6 songwriters* (and/or writers, choreographers, etc.) that I am hosting at my country home, close to The Pyrenees in France this Summer.
This is a self-guided, creative retreat in a comfortable setting, with room to spread out.
If you are looking for spaciousness, shared inspiration, and deep creative time, this softly structured routine, with morning and evening gatherings and delicious dinners together, is a week designed to support your process amongst fellow creatives who value focus and mutual respect.
There are plenty of opportunities beyond the farmhouse for local hikes, runs, swimming or to visit markets in nearby Medieval villages. Bigger excursions are also possible: Up the mountains for a picnic, to an art exhibition in a converted 11th century Monastery or watching the Tour de France race by!
Pricing is $700 / week and includes lodging in a shared or single room, Meals (all vegetarian), and a weekly pick-up and drop-off at TLS airport or train.
This is a friends-and-family style stay where each guest contributes to keeping the space tidy as they cohabitate for the week.
Air/train travel to the Toulouse airport or nearest station is not included in the cost.
*Up until now, these retreats have been intended for songwriters only but this year we are excited to open up to other artistic disciplines!
"Joy’s retreat was one of the highlights of my creative life. You’ll write. You’ll revel. You’ll get a guided tour through the villages and countryside of southern France. If you’ve got fire in your belly, and you're craving an atmosphere that’s conducive to a potent burst of creativity, look no further. "
Dustin Lowman (songwriter, 2025)
"Last I wrote, I was about to head off to the Pyrenees, back to Joy’s house, to go live the high life for a while, but also to be the chef for her annual summer songwriting retreat.
….I got back to Joy’s and it was time to get to “work.” Joy would drive me to shop at the local markets twice a week and the supermarket down the road if we needed something quick. It had to be vegetarian (great for me, a vegetarian), and vegan-friendly, for Joy. My days didn’t change all that much. In the morning, we’d all have breakfast alone together, after which the writers would disperse and start writing, some with a guitar, some with a keyboard, some in their rooms, some out on the lawn. I would suit up and set out for a ride. But this time, after returning and vegging out watching the Tour, I’d start to prep dinner, usually around 4pm. I’d put some music on and get to it. It was a pleasure and a joy. I love to cook. I’d give the gang a heads up about dinner ETA, but almost always hit the 7:30pm dinner time bang on… I’d call em all down, I’d put some dinner tunes on, pop a bottle, and we’d eat!"
Tomek Miernowski (chef and cyclist, 2025)