Food Writers at Camont

Food Writers at Camont is a special invitation to those in the culinary arts to work, cook, research, write, photograph, style, and enjoy the unique atmosphere of Kate Hill’s 18th-century Gascon kitchen. Kate Hill hosts two month-long celebrations of the culinary arts at Camont each year—May and September.

Food Writers Retreats are workshops with culinary leaders and writing coaches that offer unique weeklong retreats dedicated to the art of culinary literature, recipe writing, memoir, food travel and culture.

Food Writers at Camont Residencies are for those seeking a relaxed individual pace in which to work in an inspiring culinary environment in Southwest France—kitchen, garden, French markets, and farms. Food Writers and Photographers work at their own pace on individual projects (book, research, articles, curriculum, etc.) while sharing common social space and time in the kitchen, salon, studio, and gardens of Camont with up to three other residents.

Our Chef-in-Residence for each food writer’s month cooks a family meal once a day, 5 days a week, and works with writers to shop and help develop recipes as needed. Residents can also cook for themselves and together in the common kitchen; these impromptu shared meals are one of the highlights of your stay.

Spring 2025 Residencies

• May 6-12: Residency—Food Writers at Camont, a one-week self-led residency- see below

• May 13-26: Residency—Food Writers at Camont, a two-week self-led residency dedicated to the culinary arts for food writers, researchers, photographers, and stylists who seek inspiration, practice, and research in a quiet, productive space tailored to their needs. Rather than a group retreat, this is a special time in the Relais’ general residency schedule to allow food writers full access to Camont’s two kitchens, potager, herb gardens, surrounding Gascon farms, and our favorite bistros and restaurants. Free cooking time for all residents, along with some family meals, is provided by the Relais’ Chef-in-Residence.

• May 27- June 1: Retreat—Finding Your Light with Valentina Solfrini. Very limited space; now open for booking! Join acclaimed cookbook photographer and author Valentina Solfrini for a 5-day intensive and hands-on retreat style workshop at the Relais de Camont. Read more here.

Autumn 2025 retreat & residencies

• September 9-15: Retreat—Partager: Shared Words, a Food Writers Gathering is led by cookbook authors Chef Melissa Martin of The Mosquito Club, New Orleans, and Kate Hill, Founder of the Relais de Camont. Read more information about the workshop week and prices here.

• September 16-29: Residency—Food Writers at Camont, a two-week self-led residency dedicated to the culinary arts for food writers, researchers, photographers, and stylists who seek inspiration, practice, and research in a quiet, productive space tailored to their needs. Rather than a group retreat, this is a special time in the Relais’ general residency schedule to allow food writers full access to Camont’s two kitchens, potager, herb gardens, surrounding Gascon farms, and our favorite bistros and restaurants. Free cooking time for all residents, along with some family meals, is provided by the Relais’ Chef-in-Residence.

Mentor, cook, and author Kate Hill shares her extensive cookbook library and is available for one-on-one consulting and mentorship.

Food Writers at Camont Residency sessions are scheduled twice a year—in May and September—and are limited to four residents at a time. Retreats are open to 6-8 participants. Please see the calendar for 2025 dates; residency rates (737-875€ per week) are the same as published. Complete the form for more information.