Creative retreats
Make something together, in a linen bleachworks in the French countryside.
A creative retreat in western France
BLANC BLANC BLANC welcomes groups for creative retreats: several days away from the city, in a restored 18th-century linen bleachworks in Mayenne, to make things by hand together. Natural dyes, leaf prints, linen and cotton, and time to slow down.
Who a retreat is for
Makers and teachers
Bring your own group and use our workshop to teach and practise. We also work with local craftspeople who can lead sessions for you.
Friends, families and clubs
Take the whole house and try natural dyeing together. No experience is needed.
Or simply stay
You do not have to make anything. If you would rather just come, the house is also available as a holiday house for your group: the rooms, the long table and 180 hectares to wander, with no programme. See Stay.
What the house offers
- Up to 36 guests in 19 bedrooms, each with its own bathroom
- One bedroom on the ground floor for guests with reduced mobility
- A textile workshop in the old dye house
- Vegetables from our own market garden, with or without a chef
- 180 hectares of woods, ponds and meadows
What you can make
Natural dyes from onion skins, walnuts, flowers and leaves, on linen and cotton. Leaf prints on cards, tea towels and napkins. See the craft page for the two ways in, from a taste of craft to a full workshop.
Getting here
One hour ten by TGV from Paris to Laval, then about ten minutes by taxi. Sainte-Suzanne and the Caves of Saulges are close by: see the Estate and surroundings.
Questions about our creative retreats
What is a creative retreat?
A few days away from daily routine to make things by hand, with other people. At BLANC BLANC BLANC, a group stays overnight in a restored linen bleachworks in Mayenne, France, and works in a textile workshop with natural dyes made from onion skins, walnuts, flowers and leaves.
Where is your creative retreat in France?
In the heart of western Mayenne, near Laval, in a place still little known. From Paris, take the high-speed train (TGV) to Laval in about one hour ten, then a taxi of about ten minutes. No car is needed.
Can I bring my own group and teach?
Yes. We welcome makers and teachers who come with their own group and use our workshop. We also have a network of local craftspeople who can lead sessions.
Do I need to be an artist or have experience?
No. Natural dyeing with onion skins, walnuts, flowers and leaves needs no previous experience.
How many people can join a retreat?
Up to 36 guests. The house has 19 bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, and one bedroom on the ground floor for guests with reduced mobility.
How long does a retreat last?
From a weekend to several days or more. We only host overnight stays, never day visits.
What about meals?
Our market garden on site grows all the vegetables. The house can be rented without a chef, so your group is free to cook for itself. As an option, a chef takes care of all the catering. Dietary needs are confirmed before the stay and we adapt without difficulty.
Can we just stay, without a workshop?
Yes. The house can also be rented as a holiday house for your group, with no programme: you enjoy the rooms, the table and the grounds.
Can I come on my own?
We host groups only. If you lead a workshop or a club, or have friends who would like to make something together, write to us.
How do I book, and what are the payment terms?
Send us an enquiry with your group size and dates, and we reply within two working days with a proposal. A 50% deposit confirms the booking. It is refundable until one month before the day of departure.
Planning a creative retreat?
Tell us who is coming, when, and what you would like to make. We reply within two working days.