Experiences at La Maison des mots

Experiences for 2025

Before my first experience visiting La Charité-sur-Loire in 2012, I had never heard of this ancient ville. We all have heard of the Loire River, and it runs through this town, slowing down to salute La Charité, relaxing on its half-way journey from the mountains to the Atlantic. So close to Pouilly-sur-Loire and Sancerre - can you not feel and taste these Elixirs trickling down your throat? Almost everyone I connect with in Canada, United States, United Kingdom, and yes even in Paris, know naught of this charming town and region with its deep history, both rustique and sophisticated culture, artisans, writers, vintners, and the precious Farmers – methinks the Farmers are the World’s true realists.

The French Countryside is France. Paris, albeit my favourite City in this World, is not the Heart of France. It is beautiful Paris.

Imagine yourself here: Maison des Mots, La Charité-sur-Loire, the Centre of France. Dream about what you may discover, feel, and take away with you.   And if you enjoy browsing Cookery Books, my growing collection currently has about 500 titles to appreciate. If I work my luck well, there will soon be more shelves, and many more titles.

A few other points of interest…..
- UNESCO Heritage site, fortified monastic village
- castles, gardens, and heritage towns off the beaten path
- local markets, excellent wine, cheese, and seasonal local produce
- cafes, bookshops, artists, and craftspeople
- opportunities for gentle hikes through vineyards, cycling through the Bertranges forest, canoeing along the Loire
- brocantes (antiques and second hand sales), and cultural fêtes et festivals all through the summer
- access to other sites of interest in the region, Guedelon, Bourges, Chablis, Vezelay…
- authentic French countryside living 

The large kitchen and dining room on the ground floor are reserved for Petite Déjeuner & Cooking Classes. Either myself or others will conduct classes - Mostly with recipes from The Cookery Book in-house Library. Recipes will focus on traditional, and seasonal ingredient based French Cooking.

For details and pricing, write to me and I will prepare a bespoke itinerary for you…

Lovers of Pouilly Fume will appreciate the annual FYAC

2025 Dates are 1st of May to the 4th of May.

Artists and Vineyards team up to both showcase and sell their art, and offer degustation. Truly, one of my favourite events of the region.

I can organise an excursion package for you, or come to stay and mosey about Pouilly sur Loire on your own. Each year a beautiful catalogue is produced showcasing the Artists and Vineyards involved.

Writers Retreat for Writerly Souls

La Charité-sur-Loire is the Ville des Mots. For many years there was a book festival, and when I first arrived, there were 17 bookshops! Today the festival has evolved into a word festival and is very much supported by the French community. We do have 4 bookshops, two selling new French books, one selling antiquarian French books, and one selling previously enjoyed English books. The feeling of words and urge to write is very much within this storied old ville. There is plenty to explore in the surrounding area as well. By train you can easily visit Pouilly sur Loire, Gien, Briare, Nevers, Moulin, Vichy. Car rental can be arranged, or a driver. If you want to spend time writing and communicating with like minded souls, join us for 2 weeks in a quiet old French home, with tranquil garden and inspiration galore. Et oui, the Maison is plentiful with desks and tables for writing, typing and drawing.