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Welcome to

La Gnossienne
Autun, Burgundy

Step away from everyday demands in this peaceful retreat for writing, reflection, or finding new inspiration. Space permits one guest only.

Tucked between narrow streets, interior courtyards and gardens lies La Gnossienne, a medieval townhouse borrowing its name from Erik Satie’s evocative compositions.


study, garden side                                                          study, street side

The retreat rooms (private study, bedroom and kitchen) have independent access and are linked by an interior stairwell. Upon arrival a choice is offered between two studies each having different advantages depending on the season and one’s personal taste. The third floor study looks out on a neighbor’s garden and rolling hills beyond. The second floor study affords a view of the little street below and a joyful and abundant display of balcony flowers in summer. In winter, both studies have central heat; working woodstoves provide added charm and cosiness.

The rooms, enhanced by lovely twisted beam ceilings and wood or terra cotta tiled floors, are uncluttered and invite clarity and quietness of mind. The bedroom and shower/bathroom stand apart from the studies thus providing enjoyment of two different atmospheres along with freedom to separate work, sleep and relaxation spaces.

The sunny attic kitchen equipped with refrigerator, electric kettle, hot plate, countertop oven, utensils and dishes allows guests to prepare warm or cold drinks and simple meals.
At the center of the house a small, tiled garden courtyard offers, in summer, a tranquil refuge for reading, listening to music, dreaming or simply being.

Les Gnossiennes d’Erik Satie…luminous transparency and suave harmonies…soothing charm…the slowly undulating gait of these pieces has an elegance…a discreet but searing nostalgia.
                Adélaïde de Place/ trsl: H. Graham

Internet access is available in certain parts of the house. Phone calls within Europe or to the US are free and unlimited if arranged in advance. Guests can easily walk to Roman ruins, country roads, shops, post office, library, cinema, cafés, bistros, a tempting bakery and several restaurants. Also nearby is an excellent organic food store and Wednesday and Friday mornings an open market offers a wide variety of prepared food, cheese, fruits, vegetables and local color. Four kilometers from the town center is a beautifully designed swimming pool with steam bath and sauna. Complementary transportation to a supermarket or to the pool can be easily arranged.

During your stay you can choose to and awaken another part of your mind with drawing lessons. Under guidance and support of an internationally exhibiting painter, sharpen your observational powers and eye for detail through contemplation and sketching of “tranquil objects”. Another possible “mind stretch” is daily sessions of conversational French or English (all levels).

La Gnossienne is located one hour and twenty minutes by train from Paris, followed by a forty minute bus ride. You will be greeted at the bus stop. A car is not necessary, but rental cars are available at the train station, or in town, if you plan to tour the region.

The retreat rooms rent by the week for 400 Euros to one non-smoking person with a plan of solitary work or retreat. Reduced rates are negotiable for longer stays. Linens are provided and laundered weekly. A noon meal is offered once a week and, on a different day, an afternoon tea or aperitif. A reference is required and a security deposit, equal to one week's rent, reimbursable at the end of the stay.

Partial residency scholarships are available. To be considered please submit a CV, a brief project description and statement regarding why a scholarship would be helpful to you, a letter of recommendation or professional reference, and the dates you wish to stay.

Two rarely barking dogs, Le voleur du beurre and La mangeuse des chaises have their own quarters and are not permitted in the guest rooms. They accept treats, however, willingly.

For further information and reservations Please email