This was my first retreat and I couldn’t have had a better time. The hosts were warm and welcoming, nothing was too much trouble for them. We were welcomed into their home and treated as part of the family. Food, excellent, from the first bite at breakfast to the last bite at dinner. Home made using Local, fresh produce. My friend and I were in the 2 bedroom gite, each with our own bedroom and bathroom. All guests had their own space. The days were a perfect mix of stitching time and excursions to French villages/towns. For me this retreat was a perfect blend of stitching (which I love) and immersion into rural France. And if like me, travelling across the oceans be sure to include time for a visit to Paris. This was not a negative for me, just be aware it is remote.

I attended the needlepoint retreat in La Faye, France, in September. Our goal was to create our own design on canvas and stitch it. I didn't finish mine, but I got a good start on it. I also had lessons in color tonality and in creating a repeating pattern and using it within a design that will stay with me. I had an absolutely wonderful time in La Faye. The hosts were warm and welcoming, their gîtes was charming and most comfortable, and my fellow stitchers (three from the US, two from Australia) were a delight. It was difficult to leave. Couldn't recommend the experience highly enough. The next retreat will be in Spring 2027. If I don't finish stitching my design by then, I might return —

It was both simple and exquisite living with Madeleine and Stephen guiding our retreat. An idyllic week! I’m leaving with lasting friendships and beautiful memories. Some of my favorite parts were morning exercises and lingering conversations over delicious meals. Exploring tapestry weaving together was fun!

I joined the inaugural retreat in May 2026 and had a very relaxing week. Madeleine and Stephen are wonderful hosts, really going the extra mile to ensure everyone's needs are being met. The gite itself is absolutely lovely, classic stone farmhouse complete with roses over the door, situated in tranquil countryside without any sound of traffic. Teaching was informal and suitable for beginners, and most of the week is just relaxing stitching time at your own pace. Food and drink are delicious and generous - Madeleine prides herself on offering homemade jams, kombucha and salads fresh from her potager, and the eggs are laid by the hens at the bottom of the garden. I enjoyed the outings to the incredibly picturesque surrounding towns and villages, these aren't guided as such so you are free to explore or to sit in a cafe as you choose. The rooms were comfortable, great water pressure with loads of hot water in the shower, log burner in the workroom for chilly mornings, tea/coffee/biscuits on demand from the kitchen - everything you need to enjoy a relaxing retreat. Highly recommended.