Location
  • France
Length
4 - 12 weeks
Need-based funding, 529 Plan eligibility, LGBTQIA+ funding, BIPOC funding
Health & Safety

Program Details

Activities
City Exploring Dancing Hiking Sightseeing Yoga
Timeframe
Spring
Housing
Guesthouse
Primary Language
English
Age Min.
17
Age Max
22

Pricing

Starting Price
17500
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Some Equipment Some Meals Transportation Wifi
What's Not Included
Airfare Airport Transfers Some Equipment Some Meals
Jan 24, 2025
Apr 10, 2025
9 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Creative Pathways is a 9-week residential arts program set in the scenic countryside of Normandy, France. Perfect for those passionate about Film, Studio Art, Theatre, or Music, it combines hands-on workshops, independent creative exploration, and cultural discovery to foster artistic growth.

Alongside developing your artistic skills, you’ll explore Normandy’s rich cultural heritage, including Mont Saint-Michel, the Bayeux Tapestry, and the D-Day beaches. The program also features a trip to Paris, where you’ll visit world-famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre while immersing yourself in the vibrant art and culture of the city.

Whether building a portfolio, preparing for a creative career, or simply exploring your passion, Creative Pathways provides the skills, confidence, and inspiration to shape your future. No prior experience or French language knowledge is required—just a desire to grow and create in an extraordinary setting.

Video and Photos

Diversity & Inclusion 💙

Berridge Programs is dedicated to creating an inclusive, welcoming environment where participants feel seen, respected, and celebrated. We celebrate diversity and encourage self-expression, ensuring that all students can thrive within our creative, respectful community. Our mentors and staff are dedicated to cultivating a space where individuality is embraced, and everyone is empowered to explore their passions authentically. Our programs are designed to promote personal growth, cultural understanding, and positive impact while maintaining the highest standards of integrity and respect for all individuals involved.

Program Highlights

  • Develop your skills and knowledge of Film, Theatre, Studio Art or Music
  • Complete a portfolio of work for college application or career advancement
  • Live in a beautiful part of rural France and have an experience of French life
  • Visit Paris and enjoy free time on every field trip to explore and connect with

Related Programs

Program Reviews

5.00 Rating
based on 16 reviews
  • 5 rating 100%
  • 4 rating 0%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Housing 4.75
  • Support 4.85
  • Fun 4.95
  • Value 5
  • Safety 5
Showing 1 - 8 of 16 reviews
Default avatar
Elsie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

BERRIDGE

This program was amazing. Filled with opportunities for growth, creativity, and long lasting friendships. I expanded my creative abilities and learned so much while exploring the beautiful coast of Normandy, France. Such a beautiful wonderful time. The community was great and everything was structured very well. Food never failed to be amazing and all the staff were nice. This is a good place to grow in many ways and im so grateful for this experience. Living in this chateau is really a magical place.

What was your funniest moment?
Too many to count
Pros
  • Creativity
  • Art
  • Community
8 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Wyatt
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Very awesome

It was an awesome experience with the most wonderful and knowledgeable staff. I truly can't explain how good of a time I had and the lifelong connections that were developed. I absolutely loved every moment of this program. The knowledge earned and learned easily is crazy. I love every single student and staff member to the bottom of my heart. If you have the time and money, then this program can be life-changing, especially to people with a passion for the arts. I hope this program finds you. Would definitely recommend!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Go at it with a whole open heart and truly take in every moment.
Pros
  • Sights
  • Knowledgeable Staff
  • Supportive community
6 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Liam
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Berridge!!

If you want to get to know yourself as a creative and meet the most wonderful people doing it, Berridge is the spot. I enjoyed the close proximity with all the other students and staff because it felt like a big family. The food is amazing. I really enjoyed going on outings with the group and they are some of my most cherished moments. My teacher Simon taught me so much and made me realize my love for art in ways I didn’t expect before I came. The program allows space for your personal needs and is so supportive and understanding.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
I was so nervous to share my final narrative with everyone at the showcase. I overcame this by affirming myself and allowing myself to be proud of what I’ve created.
Pros
  • Food
  • People
  • Beautiful landscape
4 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Inez
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

GO TO BERRIDGE

Gap years can feel extremely isolating but this program does a great job to create a constant supportive group. It’s a place for people who are already on the path to finding themselves and loving themselves. Here you will get new insights on your own creative focus as well as the other creative focuses. The staff is extremely down to earth and are great motivators. The food is better than you will find at most gap year programs. Over all this program has helped me discover new pieces of myself and allowed me to give myself more grace. Berridge will not change who you are but it will evolve you.

Pros
  • Safe Location
  • Amazing Itinerary
  • Community Building
4 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Cady
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

BEST GAP YEAR PROGRAM EVER

This was the best program I have ever been on. The chateau is so beautiful, and the housing is surprisingly nice. Normandy is gorgeous, and we have found so many different ways to have fun. The food is ten out of ten, and the staff were all so kind and caring. I feel genuinely close to many staff members, as well as the students. I have grown so much not only as an artist but as a person as well. I have had so many new experiences and tried so many new things as an artist, and I have truly grown. I have made lifelong friends here and could not be more grateful and happy to have come here. I cannot recommend Berridge enough!!!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
I did not expect to enjoy nature so much, as I consider myself a city person, but all of the beaches and nature surrounding us is unreal and absolutely beautiful. i feel totally at peace here!!!!!!!!!
Pros
  • my fellow artists inspire me so much.
  • working in the kitchen and making food has been a highlight!
  • the staff is incredible
Cons
  • none!
6 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Samantha
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

BEST PROGRAM IN THE WORLD

I am sooooo incredibly grateful for my time at Berridge. Berridge gave me the opportunity to explore my creative abilities in a space that was supportive, fun, and inspiring. I met some of the coolest people here and had an irreplaceable experience. The staff works incredibly hard to create a fun space for people to explore their goals, identities, and interests. There is the perfect mixture of freedom and structure. You travel to multiple different beautiful places around France and learn about the culture and lifestyle. I cannot recommend this program enough.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My advice would be to enter this program with an open mind. Berridge really gives you the ability to explore who you are and that is something that is incredibly fundamental during a gap year. Be prepared to have a beautiful experience with beautiful people.
Pros
  • Best staff ever
  • Amazing food
  • Beautiful place
5 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Kristian
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best time of my life.

Berridge Programs was truly a life-changing experience.

All the traveling around Normandy, to Paris, to the beautiful property and château, was so memorable. The food is AMAZING, no matter what dietary restrictions you have.

The staff is absolutely incredible, all experienced artists who truly have your best interests at heart, artistically and mentally. It doesn’t seem like “school” but more like an experience. An experience to express yourself, connect with yourself deeper, and meet extraordinary people along the way.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Come with an open heart and no expectations!
The memories you make heart, will make themselves, the connections you make to the people, culture and to France as a whole, will change you in way you DONT expect. Live in the moment and savor every second.
Pros
  • Being in the countryside of France!!
  • The food!
  • The staff, and itinerary!!
6 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Alex
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best Arts Program Ever

Berridge created a new extended family for me. I have made so many rich connections here that I’ll cherish forever. The connection that I got to my art changed my life forever. The staff creates a community that makes it so easy for you to learn in a low stress way so that you can enjoy every minute of your time at the chateau and beyond. Every day is fulfilling and enriching. My life and career are forever changed because of the people I met here and the lessons I’ve learned from everyone I encountered.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Be ready to absorb everything. Be open and accepting to everything that happens. You’ll feel so much better by the end if you’re just willing to give it a try.
Pros
  • Freedom on trips
  • Learning from Professionals
  • Staff
4 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers