BLAND BADGER IN FRANCE
An immersive and informal week of creativity, relaxation and feasting
This year we are thrilled to invite you to join us in Sommières, an ancient Roman market town nestled between Montpellier and Nîmes, and one of the Mediterranean's best kept secrets.
Tucked away in the centre, our Bland Badger home for two weeks is a magical place of calm and eccentric beauty — inspiring creativity, curiosity, relaxation and fun. Abundant local produce and wine are included in the price of the retreat.
With exclusive use of the space, we have put together an exciting programme of workshops and tutors. Whether you are interested in art, floristry, photography and craft in the first week — or memoir, cookbooks, newsletters and novel writing in the second week — this is for you. Of course, you may just need an excuse to escape the everyday and immerse yourself in a great area with lovely people and eat amazing food. You would be most welcome.
THE EXPERIENCE
Simple pleasures, thoughtful productivity
The structure for both retreats includes morning workshops after breakfast, followed by lazy lunches and afternoons of focused work or relaxation before aperitif and dinner. There is a trip to the brocante and food market on Saturday as well as the opportunity to explore more of the local area. Or spend the day by the pool.
Much of Bland Badger’s popularity and success is due to the expert tutors who join us every year, to share their knowledge, as well as supporting and encouraging the individual and relaxing with our guests at the end of the day.
THE TOWN
Sommières
We are staying in the heart of Sommières, making it an easy wander along the cobbled streets full of boulangeries, patisseries, vintage shops, a natural wine store, an incredible chocolatier and cafés. On Saturday we head to the iconic market with our straw baskets — food stalls, beautiful squares, and the thriving brocante by the river.
THE VENUE
Where we will stay
We have taken over a stunning 17th Century mansion house hotel in the heart of Sommières where faded French grandeur meets chic comfort — the ideal home for our retreats this year. With beautiful courtyard gardens, a swimming pool and cosy corners to escape to, it is the place of daydreams and actual dreams, because the beds are so comfy!
EATING AND DRINKING
The food
Food is at the heart of every Bland Badger retreat. We are excited by the fantastic local produce which we will enjoy throughout the week — fruit, yogurt, croissants and jam for breakfast in the courtyard; artisan cheese and charcuterie for lunch in the kitchen garden surrounded by lemon trees; aperitif and snacks on the pool terrace; and a two-course dinner under the stars or by the fire.
Tom the owner's exceptional BBQ night is always a highlight. As you would expect for the Languedoc region, the wine flows freely — sourced from local winemaker friends. Drink, as well as food, is included in the price.
The Sommières market is the perfect place to stock up on local specialities — it is one of the finest in the region, with food stalls, boulangeries, an incredible chocolatier and a natural wine store all within easy walking distance of our venue.
'Life is more complicated than we think, yet far simpler than anyone dares to imagine.'
— LAWRENCE DURRELL, WHO MADE SOMMIÈRES HIS HOME
Join us for simple pleasure, thoughtful productivity and joyous restoration.
GETTING THERE
Take the train
Sommières is wonderfully easy to reach by rail — and the journey is part of the pleasure. From London, take the Eurostar to Paris (around 2 hours 20 minutes), then a direct TGV from Paris to Nîmes (3 hours). Nîmes to Sommières is a short taxi or local train to Lunel and then a taxi from there to Sommières. Door to door from central London, you can be there in under 7 hours with none of the stress of flying — why not spend a few days in Paris on the way!
2h 20m London → Paris Eurostar
3h Paris → Nîmes Direct TGV
30m Nîmes → Sommières taxi or local train
Flying
Montpellier and Marseille airports are both within easy reach of Sommières — Montpellier is around 45 minutes away and Marseille approximately 90 minutes. Both have excellent connections from across Europe and beyond.
Arrival
Creative Retreat — Arrival from 3pm on Thursday 8 October. Welcome drinks before dinner at 8pm. Checkout by 10am on Thursday 15 October.
Writing Retreat — Arrival from 3pm on Thursday 15 October. Welcome drinks before dinner at 8pm. Checkout by 10am on Thursday 22 October.
Travel insurance
It is a condition of booking that you have personal travel insurance arranged in advance, including cancellation for medical reasons, pandemic disease, redundancy, jury service and other unforeseen circumstances. Bland Badger cannot be held responsible for travel cancellations or schedule changes. Please read the Terms & Conditions before booking.
Two retreats. One extraordinary location.
SIX YEARS IN A ROW
"I have been indulged six years in a row by the magical Bland Badger retreat. Do as much or as little as you wish. A week with Bland Badger extends the summer in beautiful surroundings and the warm and joyful atmosphere creates a very special experience."
— CAROLINE, LONDON, GUEST
Our 2026 Retreats
We are offering two retreats at our Sommières venue in October 2026 — a Creative Retreat 8–15 October and a Writing Retreat 15–22 October.
WEEK ONE
Creative Retreat
WEEK TWO
Writing Retreat