A READING RETREAT
A collaboration with Readings and La Gonette
September 14 — September 20, 2026
Twelve bookish strangers gathered for a week in a storied château in the south of France, lavender fields stretching as far as the eye can see, a medieval perched village where the bells have been chiming the hour across the centuries. It might sound like the plot of a novel, or a happy dream, but, in partnership with Readings Bookshops Australia, we are delighted to offer this experience to readers in the form of the inaugural Readings Readers Retreat.
More than ever, people are seeking forms of connection and communion through literature. Book clubs are multiplying, online group reading seminars are selling out in seconds, writers festivals are mobbed by happy readers. Readings were overwhelmed by the positive response to their call for book club members last year, and it made us all reflect on what other experiences we might be able to dream up for lovers of literature.
There is a myriad of retreats, residences and refuges for writers, but barely any opportunities for serious readers to come together in a residential setting. We are really excited to remedy this with a week-long immersion in literature, fine food and wine, and the French countryside.
We’ve put a lot of thought into crafting a meaningful, stimulating and enriching experience, and we’re thrilled to have Australian writer Alice Nelson facilitating our first retreat. Readings’ own Lou Ryan and Mark Rubbo will be along for the journey, along with La Gonette’s fabulous team of chefs and sommeliers. We’re also thrilled to announce that Pulitzer Prize winner, and dear friend of La Gonette’s, Michael Cunningham will be joining us for the week.
You will read, discuss, and spend languorous afternoons by the pool, in our sprawling gardens, or partake in a game of Bananagrams on the terrace. Food creatives and collaborators, Jeni Glasgow and Harriet Davidson, a unity of flair and finesse with an eye for detail and a hunger to satiate, along with local chef and sommelier Arie Teerink, all of whom are well-versed in the flavours of Provence, will be part of ensuring that your week in the country is an unforgettable one.
To learn more about the retreat, please download the Program Brochure here.
-
Please read the Program Brochure and complete the Application Form. Applications for the inaugural Readers Retreat open on Thursday 05 February and will be accepted on a rolling basis until all places are filled. We do anticipate that the retreat will sell out fast, so please do submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Readings will be in touch shortly after you’ve submitted your application. For successful applicants, a deposit of 50 per cent of the week’s fee will be due within 7 days to secure your place.
-
Wander into the country for a week with us here to explore writing, reading and words in a most nourishing environment. But that’s only the beginning.
It’s an all inclusive week. What, exactly, is included? Well, everything from the minute we whisk you away from Marseille …
Six nights accommodation in the historical home, La Gonette
Six breakfasts, lunches, apéros and dinners prepared by in-house cooks
Wine, cocktails, after dinner whiskey (all alcohol)Daily sessions facilitated by acclaimed writer Alice Nelson with Readings’ Lou Ryan and Mark Rubbo
Excursions to local cheese and wine producers, nearby villages, fabulous markets and restaurants, as well as a special lunch in a local olive grove with artist and olive oil producer, Manon Monge
Transfers to and from Marseille (airport or train station)
Time at La Gonette to relax, to read, to be — perhaps in a hammock, or in one of Robert Kime’s enormous feather-filled armchairs
For more details, please download the Program Brochure here
If you have any questions about any aspect of the retreat, please contact Lou Ryan at louise.ryan@readings.com.au
Please note that we encourage that you have travel insurance as the places are non-refundable given our limited spaces
-
Who is this week for?
This week is an opportunity for serious readers to come together in a residential setting for connection and communion through literature. We are really excited to be hosting this week-long immersion in literature with deep reading and stimulating workshops, fine food and wine, and the French countryside. If these are things that are of interest, this could be a week for you.
How do I get there?
The nearest major train stations to La Gonette are Avignon and Marseille (approximately 90 minutes drive). High-speed trains from Paris run regularly to these stations, and the journey takes around three hours. You can also fly into Marseille, which has an international airport. We will arrange group transfers from Marseille airport and train station, which is included in the program cost.
What facilities will I have access to?
Guests have access to the house and grounds of La Gonette, including gardens, terraces, pool and hammam. All utilities, including wifi, are provided.
Do I need to speak French?
While it is useful if you can speak any French, it is not necessary. Our program is run in English and fluency in English is needed to participate.How do meals work over the week?
Our in-house team of creatives and cooks will take care of all culinary needs. Breakfast, lunch, apéro and dinner are provided each day at La Gonette, as well as two lunch excursions in the area. All food is included in the program cost.If you have any questions about any aspect of the retreat, please contact Lou Ryan at louise.ryan@readings.com.au.
