Come to Paris

Whatever the reason—the Seine, the flower boxes, the jazz, the baguettes—Paris charms lovers and inspires artists and writers.

Patty Tennison (third from left) and Joe Prendergast enjoy refreshments with the a Paris Cafe Writing group.

Let the inspiration find you

Spend a week in Paris. Join a small group of fellow travelers/writers for morning workshops—yes, in English!—then wander the city in the afternoon, perhaps lingering at a cafe to write, perhaps finally climbing the Eiffel Tower.

Paris Café Writing seminars are ideal for the independent traveler who wants just a little structure to corral the creative writing process.

Some evenings are planned—a welcome champagne dinner, a farewell dinner, a spot for jazz—but there is time to write or to explore Paris on your own or with a fellow student.

There will be one free day, perhaps for your own excursion to Versailles, Chartres, or Angers. You’ll be in France, writing.

“I saw Paris through the eyes of the locals. After a few days, I was strolling down the narrow streets by myself, riding the bus and subways,” writes Janice Canty, Paris Cafe Writing scholarship recipient.

“My session with Patty (Tennison) on its own was worth the trip to Paris. I was really struggling with a subject and the brainstorming with Patty gave me a new perspective that will hopefully turn into the beginning of a book,” adds Purposeful Travel blogger Kathy Thomas.

No experience is necessary at Paris Café Writing workshops, making them ideal for the independent traveler who wants just a little structure to unleash an inner muse.

Your leader is Patricia Tennison, a career journalist from the Chicago Tribune, an award-winning author and university writing professor who splits her time between Chicago and Paris.

Teacher, poet—and husband—Joseph Prendergast re-joins Paris Café Writing after finishing a teaching gig in China.

The group is limited to eight writers. The week starts with a walking tour in the Marais where Patricia and Joseph live and where the seminar is centered. The morning workshops are filled with lively conversations, techniques, and writing prompts. The sessions are positive, designed to get you writing more—and even better—each day. No formal writing experience is necessary; we’re experienced and gentle with newcomers. We also have long success working with and editing professional writers.

The focus is creative nonfiction writing. This means writing about real people, real places, and really good food. However, compelling nonfiction is also storytelling, so during the week we do venture into fiction to reinforce that skill. Work on your personal memoir, a new freelance article, or an idea for a historical novel.

Come to Paris. Settle into an apartment or a hotel, unpack your notepad or computer, and release your mind.

“The Paris Café Writing workshop experience exceeds every expectation I ever could have had for it. It was more than a writing workshop; it was a new way of life, for seven full days, filled with inspiration, new ideas, endless good food, and great company. Patty is an extraordinary, gifted teacher.”

Thérèse H.
Alexandria, Virginia

“It was glorious. You have a true gift for teaching. I think many of us were there searching for something that was missing from our writing lives; you helped us find it … You and Joe certainly were the most gracious hosts a visitor to Paris could have!”

Cheryl M.
Lima, Ohio

Included:

– Welcome package
– Orientation to Paris
– 5 Continental breakfasts
– 3 Lunches
– 4 Dinners
– Walking tour
– Jazz concert
– 5 writing seminars
– Private writing session

Not included:

Air or land transportation to and from Paris; local transportation; hotel or apartment; other meals; personal items; travel insurance.

2024 Sessions

– June 9-15, 2024 (FILLED)

– June 23-29 (FILLED)

– November 17-23 (FILLED)

– December 1-7 (FILLED)

Cost: $1,700

2025 Sessions

– May 25-31, 2025 (2 spots available)

– June 8-14, 2025 (3 spots available)

– November 2-8, 2025 (Returnees only, 4 spots available)

– November 16-22, 2025 (Returnees only, FILLED)