Any further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at:

augustine@augustineblaisdell.com 

GETTING THERE

The gorgeous Villa Cosima is located a twenty to thirty minute drive or train ride from the Nice Airport.

-CANCELLATION POLICY-

Deposits secure your spot on the trip and are not refundable. Nobody books a retreat with the intention of canceling it, but unexpected events do occur, so please consider purchasing travel insurance. Exceptions cannot be made for any reason, including weather, injury/illness, or personal emergencies. No refunds or credits will be granted for failure to attend, complete or for arriving late or leaving early.

The Gorgeous Villa Cosima

Saturday May 31—Saturday June 7, 2025

Villa Cosima is located on Cap d'Antibes, French Riviera, and offers magical views of the sea and Old Antibes. It has been thoughtfully renovated by a local family,  respecting the traditional 1930s' Italian style and using the most beautiful materials : terrazzo, stone, wood, marble... Covering 245 square meters, it boasts 6 bedrooms, each with sea view,  private bath/shower and air-conditioning. The gardens were completely re-done and come with an infinity pool.

The large outdoor/indoor living areas are perfect for gathering with family and friends. The house decor blends antique furniture with Italian designer lightings. The living room features a 1930s painted ceiling which is the highlight of the house.

Writers Retreat in the Côte d’Azur Application Saturday May 31—Saturday June 7, 2025!

Thank you for your interest in The Writers Retreat in the Côte d’Azur!

Please fill out the following application. I will follow up to set up a zoom interview with you to go over any questions you may have. Once accepted, I will send you an email with a payment link and further details.

More Photos of the Rooms at Villa Cosima

Take my word for it, but also read what the wonderful writers who came the last two years have to say!

From the very first moment that I heard about Augustine’s Writer’s Retreat I was drawn to it.

Getting the opportunity to immerse myself back into my love of Writing in the South of France like so many iconic Authors have before me? It seemed like an absolute dream.

I can whole-heartedly say with one hundred percent accuracy that the dream became a reality. When Augustine told us that she had “so many surprises,” planned for our group, she was not kidding. Upon arrival and after a long day of international travel, we were treated to a 15 minute chair massage and divine French rosé.

Over the course of the Retreat we worked on our Writing together every day, under Augustine’s masterful guidance. We bonded over our unique stories and mutual love of the written word. We had an extraordinary French chef who prepared us breakfast and lunch each day with all of the freshest, finest ingredients. We were well fed and spoiled with the gorgeous sunny weather of Antibes and the luxurious, beckoning, swimming pool at the Villa.

We went to town and had Espresso at a French café. We ate a glorious dinner at a beach restaurant at sunset with our toes in the sand. We were treated to a tasting where we got to try the Official Wines of Monaco from the local purveyor. We had a photoshoot with an amazing French photographer to capture the time and place of our trip, but, “make it Fashion.”

We had a wonderful woman who was a dancer, yogi, and Shaman come and give us an exhilarating manifestation and meditation New Moon experience. We spent nights drinking wine on the veranda and talking late into the evening about everything under the sun and beyond. We truly became family here.

My excitement about writing my own book only slightly pales in comparison to the excitement of getting to read all of the other fascinating books by my fellow outstanding women that were conceived over the course of these days and nights. This was a unique experience beyond anything that I could have ever imagined and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

—kaitlin stern

The scent of Jasmine overwhelms my senses. I have come to Antibes to find the long dormant writer inside of me. I am at Augustine Blaisdell’s Writers’ Retreat in a bougainvillea draped Villa in the Cote d’Azur.

Augustine is a passionate leader and mentor who provides an inspirational environment for writers to achieve their fullest potential. Sun drenched days are filled with a sense of camaraderie and accomplishment.

Both published and aspiring writers come here to listen, learn and achieve. Join Augustine in the South of France on her next writers retreat and write your next book or your first book. It is the opportunity of a lifetime and a writers dream come true.

—nancy sadler

All Your Questions Answered!

Why is it so expensive/ why doesn’t it cost more?

The cost of the villa is a huge factor in the cost of the retreat. That’s why each retreat is contingent on whether all places are filled, so tell your friends!

That’s just what it costs for a gorgeous, five star villa in the south of France, it is the French Riviera after all, quand même! This experience could easily be a much larger investment, but I have stayed true to the costs I incur, the taxes I will have to pay, as well as my own price point of proper pricing.

If you’re curious, I can send you the projected budget expense report. I think that you will find that for 800 euros a day, for all meals, plus a private room in your own villa, instruction and guidance from me for all generative writing masterclasses as well as individual attention on your work, 800 euros (approximately $900 US is correct.)

Do you offer scholarships?

Unfortunately not yet. My goal is by 2026 to offer equitable pricing on a sliding scale but I do not have the capacity to do this yet.

Why the South of France?

Because I live here, I love it here and I want to show you the incredible beauty and inspiration of this place. Antibes is particularly very special, as one of the largest ports in the Mediterranean, we have a very international community. Because of this I find the people who live here have an openness of spirit, generosity and acceptance in of people from all cultures. In addition to that, the village of the Old Town is a place where everyone does know everyone, which fosters a real sense of community.

Shouldn’t I be in a garret somewhere? Writers don’t really deserve this luxury do we? Shouldn’t I be able to write my book anywhere?

It’s been proven that to work on a project the best conditions are a place with no distractions, no worries, even Walden had his mom bringing him food and doing his laundry!

You’ll get over the fear of sharing, because of the structure of the retreat, we read what we write, in an encouraging and supportive environment. These are the best conditions to practice.

Your money goes to supporting women entrepreneurs just like you! And if you’re a writer, you’re an entrepreneur too! You’re a small business (or big business) owner. So claim that identity as well.

Only come if you are ready and resourced and it’s a joy to spend this money! Will you have doubts? Absolutely! Totally normal!

Your money supports the incredible team of The Writers Retreat in the Côte d’Azur. It is my absolute pleasure and honor to work with women I love!

Is it worth it? Do you make any money doing this?

I have seen the impact of women writing together and I can tell you there is no greater magic in the world than when we share what we know, what we’ve been through, what we’re questioning, what beliefs we’re changing. Being in the South of France giving yourself the gift of time, exploration, camaraderie, changes your own self concept of what you’re capable of, and what you can accomplish if you allow yourself to dream big. So yes it’s definitely “worth it.”

Yes, not only does your investment in The Writers Retreat supports me do my best work but also helps female entrepreneurs thrive!

Can I really write a book in eight days?

Perhaps a draft. I’ve had women finish their manuscripts here, get inspiration they would’ve never gotten otherwise, reconnect with themselves, their story and their creativity.

What if something happens to me? What if I need medical attention? Why should I trust you?

I’ve lived in France for over sixteen years, in Antibes for seven. I speak fluent French and am a French citizen, I have had both my children here, have bought three properties here, started a business here, in short I have done all of my ‘adulting’ in France. I have contacts with physicians, pharmacists and friends who would help if necessary. Plus, I know every single hospital in the area as well as we have access to the Princess Grace Hospital in Monaco, only an hour away, which is one of the best hospitals in the world.

I'm not sure I want to stay in a house with strangers. I'm a bit scared. What if someone else gets sick? What is the mask policy?

Hey, I totally get it, we've all been traumatized with what we've been through the past four years. But think of the Villa as your own private hotel with less people in it because that's in fact what it actually is. As the weather will be lovely in June, July and August we will be spending the majority of our time outdoors. That being said, in case it’s too hot, each room has air-conditioning. The Villas are all incredibly spacious, so there is ample space for everyone. If someone does get sick, they will be advised to do all that is necessary to protect themselves and others and follow the expertise of French doctors.

That being said, if you are traveling from outside of Europe, I highly recommend arriving a few days earlier to acclimate and get over jet-lag.

Please let me know if you would like to do this and I can make recommendations for your travel plans!

Okay! I’m ready take me to the application form!

Give Me All the Details!

What are we going to do? Is there a more detailed daily itinerary?
Yes! Please see below:

From Tuesday to Tuesday or Saturday to Saturday every day we will meet in the morning (10am--11:30am) and late afternoon for a writing prompt. (5pm--6:30pm) These 10 sessions are specifically tailored so that by the end of the week you will have a completed draft of a manuscript, or personal essay, or several or whatever project you plan to accomplish during the week. After lunch there will be individual meetings with each of you as well as quiet writing time or beach time or pool time, however you would like to use it.

Additional activities

• First Day: Arrive at the villa around 4pm and get settled into our rooms. We’ll have a welcome massage, Apéro Cocktail/Mocktail, Dinner and Dessert: Savoring French specialities from the open air market. We'll take the time to get to know each other and discuss our goals and intentions for the week.

• Second Day: Generative Writing Prompts in the morning and afternoon. Sunset Dinner with our toes in the sand in Juan Les Pins

• Third Day: Stroll through Old Town Antibes, Open air market and beach

• Fourth Day: Excursion to St. Paul de Vence for a delicious dinner

• Fifth Day: Meditation for creativity

• Sixth Day: The Grand Brunch and an afternoon Photo Shoot

• Seventh Day: Sunset Cocktails at the Fitzgerald Bar, Celebratory Dinner!!!

• Last Day: Farewell/See you again soon Breakfast!

Ok this all sounds great! How do I get there? What is the closest train? Airport? Etc?

The closest airport is Nice. The Villa is about half hour/45 minutes away. There is a direct flight from New York to Nice at about 8 and a half hours on United and Virgin Atlantic. Just as an example. By train, Antibes has its own train stop and is five hours by train from Paris.

If you have any other questions/concerns/need more details/ how do I get here/ please let me know! You can email me here: augustineblaze@gmail.com

The Fine Print in BIG Print: Cancelation Policy

Deposits secure your spot on the trip and are not refundable.

All Payments must be finalized by March 1, 2025. Payments made before March 1st minus the non-refundable security deposit are fully refundable. After March 1st, refunds are based on my ability to fill your spot in the villa.

Nobody books a retreat with the intention of canceling it, but unexpected events do occur, so please consider purchasing travel insurance. Exceptions cannot be made for any reason, including weather, injury/illness, or personal emergencies. No refunds or credits will be granted for failure to attend, complete or for arriving late or leaving early. 

I highly recommend booking travel insurance which may cover any non-reimbursable expenses. Please make sure you are covered for any and all circumstances. Thank you!

Because we live in an uncertain time, I reserve the right to postpone the retreat if I must, in which case your payment may be transferred to later dates to be determined or if you are unable to attend the new date, you will be fully refunded.

Please let me know if you have any questions. augustine@augustineblaisdell.com