JUNE 23 - 30, 2006 WRITERS CONFERENCE

The Royal Convent radiates round a cloister whose sides are 45 metres long. A part from the sacristy, the east wing houses the chapterhouse (which is now the restaurant) and the chauffoir (which is now the bar). The north east wing, occupied by the great refectory and the chapel (now the reception and meeting rooms). The tower in the angle of the north wing is one of the few remains of the ramparts of Saint Maximin la Sainte Baume. The Monks' cells (which are now the hotel bedrooms) and the library occupy the upper floors. The well in the cloister garden was used to supply water, but also as an exit in case there was a siege, thanks to a tunnel, which started two metres below its rim. The enclosure, linked to the Royal Convent by a tunnel, was used as a kitchen garden and orchard.

"DREAMS", Academy Award Winning Screenwriter and Filmmaker JANE CAMPION--"The Piano", BOOKER Award Winner MICHAEL ONDAATJE, Anna Campion, Jan Chapman (Producer), Dan Chaon, Russell Celyn Jones, Lisa Rosenburg, Herb Solow (Producer), Sheila Schwartz, Rebecca Swift and others. Core Instructors: Dan Chaon, Russell Celyn Jones, Sheila Schwartz. Core Screenwriting Instructor: Lisa Rosenburg

Philippe Hodina, Head Chef

At the age of 16 he was apprenticed to the restaurant "Le Gambetta" at Houilles in Yvelines (1 Michelin star, 14/20 Gault Millau) under the leadership of Francis Poirier. Then he became a commis chef at the restaurant "La Vieille Fontaine" (2 Michelin stars, 18/20 Gault Millau) before moving on, as Chef de Partie and then sous-chef, to the Club Saint James in Paris , a luxury 4 star hotel and restaurant. In Marseilles, he worked as 1st sous-chef at Sofitel Vieux Port alongside Dominique Frérad. Since January 2000, Philippe Hodina has been presenting his menu as Head Chef at the Couvent Royal de Saint Maximin la Sainte Baume hotel restaurant (14.5/20 Gault Millau), with foods with the flavours and scents of Provence, accompanied by wines from Var and Provence.

All the bedrooms overlook the cloister or the garden.

We offer both single and double occupancy. Shared doubles are, $2,750.00 and singles are, $3,250.00 for the week. En-suite bathroom and toilets (hair drier) - telephone - minibar - satellite TV - internet access - safe available at reception - lift - car park. Included: daily conferences, readings and performances, workshops, one personal conference, two meals--buffet breakfast and dinner w/wine.

Dining Room

Choir

Town