You’re invited to the Relocation Retreat in Normandy, France, hosted by Gabrielle Blair.
At this 4-night retreat, guests will learn explore some of Gabrielle’s favorite parts of Normandy, and learn about aspects of daily French life. We’ll visit actual homes for sale so that retreat guests can get an idea of the types of properties available at different price ranges. And guests are also welcome to attend our workshops and classes from local experts on topics like buying property in France, how to apply for a residence visa, and how to work with a maître d’œuvre (a French general contractor).
Guests will enjoy beautiful days in Normandy, and return home with the contacts and information they need to make their relocation-to-France-dreams a reality.
Relocation Retreat Dates
Wednesday, September 17th to Sunday, September 21st, 2025
Registration for the 2025 retreat is now closed. If you’d like to inquire about future retreats, please email designmom @ designmom.com and you’ll be added to the list.
The schedule of the Relocation Retreat will focus on practical topics, while leaving time for local exploration and adventures. Guests will get a taste of what it’s really like to live in France.
You’ll enjoy excellent and convenient breakfast, lunch and dinner, either on site at the hotel, or at local restaurants. And the retreat includes a welcome gift featuring Gabrielle’s favorite local products.
A Practical Schedule
The schedule is subject to change depending on weather and requests from attendees, but this will give you a good ideas of what to expect:
Wednesday
4:00 Afternoon arrival and check-in
7:30 Welcome Dinner
Thursday
8:00 Breakfast
10:00 Visit a property for sale (150-250k price range)
12:00 Picnic lunch at a Chateau
2:30 Expert Q&A with a Real Estate Agency and a Notaire,
followed by Gouter (afternoon snack)
4:00 Open time
7:30 Dinner hosted at a local’s home
Friday
8:00 Breakfast
10:30 Visit a property for sale (300-600k price range)
12:00 Lunch & Tour at the Blair’s Small House
2:00 Expert Q&A with a Tax Expert, Banker, and a Visa Expert
followed by Gouter (afternoon snack)
4:00 Open time
7:30 Dinner at a local restaurant
Saturday
8:00 Breakfast
10:00 Visit a property for sale (Under 100k price range)
11:30 Visit a local town market & lunch at a traditional French brasserie
2:00 Expert Q&A with a Maître D’œuvre (general contractor), and a Renovation Artisan
followed by Gouter (afternoon snack)
3:30 Open time
7:30 Dinner at a local restaurant
Sunday
8:00 Breakfast
10:00 Tour of a local Argentan landmark
11:30 Train back to Paris, including a sack lunch
Please note: The schedule offerings are subject to change due to weather or availability.
Here’s are a few other local activities you are welcome to attend while you’re with us:
A visit to Argentan’s excellent Art Museum.
Exploring Main Street shops.
Shopping at a local Vide Grenier (vide grenier means “empty attic” and is a community tag sale).
A historic walking tour of Argentan’s oldest buildings.
A tour of a French grocery store, led by Gabrielle.
Convenient & Excellent Accommodations
Retreat guests will stay in private rooms at a local hotel & spa with a Michelin-Star restaurant and heated pool in the Blair’s countryside town of Argentan — the best hotel in town. The Blairs will personally upgrade the rooms with bathrobes, slippers, and a hand-picked collection of favorite French toiletries. The hotel is walkable to Argentan’s town center.
Retreat Fees
The price to attend is 6195€ per person and includes all meals, accommodations, and scheduled activities during the retreat. (These fees do not include transportation to and from France and Argentan.)
Terms: 1999€ deposit due to book, with balance due 90 days before the event. Your booking is not refundable. If you cannot attend the retreat, you are welcome to find someone to take your place. If we do not fill the retreat and decide not to hold it, you will be refunded. Refunds can take up to 90 days to process.
Please note: Guests must have travel insurance and must sign a travel waiver, which will be sent after registration.
There are a limited number of spaces available, so if you’d like to attend, be sure to reserve your spot right away. Note: registration is now closed.
REGISTRATION FOR THE 2025
RELOCATION RETREAT IS NOW CLOSED.
CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT
Helpful Retreat FAQs
Why attend this retreat with Gabrielle?
Gabrielle has real experience moving abroad and can’t wait to share her knowledge with you. She has lived in small town Normandy two different times, totaling 8+ years. She first moved to France with 6 young children (including her youngest, a 9-month old baby), and returned to France for a second time with her four youngest, who were now teenagers. She has renovated two ancient buildings here, and is about to start renovations on a third building. Gabrielle has built up excellent contacts during her years in France and knows how valuable person-to-person introductions are in French culture.
Why is Gabrielle hosting this Relocation Retreat?
One of the frequent requests Gabrielle receives is information on how to move abroad. What is the process like? How does it work? Do you have to buy a house? How do you get a Visa? So she organized this retreat to help people get the answers they need, and make helpful local connections, to make a big move like this doable. Gabrielle also loves showing off beautiful Normandy, a region she has fallen in love with.
Is this Relocation Retreat right for you?
If you are looking for practical information to help you move abroad, want to connect with a creative group of people, or want to experience Gabrielle’s life in Normandy, this is the right retreat for you!
What is included in the Relocation Retreat?
All lodging
All meals
All workshops, tours, classes, and activities
Local transportation
A map of town with Gabrielle’s recommendations for your free time
What is not included?
Transport during free time on your own
Transport to and from Argentan
Your airplane ticket
What if I don’t know anyone else attending the retreat?
Whether you have signed up for the retreat with a friend or are attending on your own, you will be welcomed and made to feel right at home. There will be opportunities to connect with other attendees and socialize without pressure. And there are breaks built into the schedule for anyone who needs time on their own to re-energize. Bonus: Guests are connected with Gabrielle in an exclusive WhatsApp group so we can chat before and after the retreat.
What if I have a food allergy or other dietary concerns?
When retreat guests register, they will be asked about allergies and dietary concerns, and all meals will make accommodations as needed. Please note: while a vegetarian diet can be accommodated, this retreat is not appropriate for vegans.
Will D-Day Beaches or Mont St. Michel or other Normandy destinations be part of the retreat?
The retreat will be focused in Argentan and the local area, but you can plan for other Normandy exploration either before or after the retreat.
Will exploring Paris be part of the retreat?
We think exploring Paris always sounds like a good idea! We are focusing our retreat schedule on Normandy, but for any retreat guests flying in or out of Paris, we suggest scheduling some time in Paris either before or after the retreat (or both).
How do I know which train to book to Normandy?
After you have made your flight plans, our team will send you information on which train to take, including how to buy your ticket, and where to find the train. Trains to Normandy depart from the Montparnasse Station (Gare Montparnasse) in Paris. You are also welcome to rent a car and drive — our team can also send information on driving to Normandy.
Once I sign up, do I need to reserve a spot for any activities?
All activities at the retreat are open to all retreat guests, so once you’re signed up for the retreat, there’s no need to sign up for particular activities.
Can I skip an activity?
All retreat activities are optional. If a nap is calling to you, or you’re just craving some on-your-own time, you can opt-out of any activity.
Will we have a chance to shop?
Yes, your hotel is also an easy walk from the town center, filled with local shops. For high-end shopping, we suggest planning some time in Paris.
Will I get to see the Small House?
Yes, the Relocation Retreat includes an optional tour of the Small House. Note, this retreat does not include a tour of the Tall House (the Blair’s primary residence).
What if I have to cancel?
For the Relocation Retreat, a 1999€ deposit is due at registration, and the remaining balance will be charged will be charged 90 days before the event. There are no cancellations. If it’s after the cancellation period and you are no longer able to come, you are welcome to sell or gift your spot to a friend or associate.
Who is organizing the retreat?
Gabrielle is personally planning the schedule for the retreat, and a local team of professionals will be producing and executing the retreat, and will be at the ready to answer your questions and solve any problems that you may encounter as you make your plans.
Can I bring my children or family member to the retreat?
This retreat is designed for an adult traveling on their own, or with a friend. This retreat can not accommodate children, family members, or non-registered guests. If you are wanting to travel to France with family members, this is not an appropriate event for you.
How many people will attend each retreat?
For the Relocation Retreat we are limited to 6 or 7 guests.
What if I’m an introvert? Will these retreats be overwhelming?
Introverts are definitely welcome! Gabrielle has planned a very flexible schedule that will allow anyone to opt-out of a group activity and enjoy some on-their-own time as needed.
More FAQs will be added as your questions continue to come in. Do you have a question that wasn’t answered here? Please email your question to designmom@designmom.com.