Creative Pathways

Creative Pathways

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 11, 2026
17 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

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Program Reviews

4.78 Rating
based on 27 reviews
  • 5 rating 77.78%
  • 4 rating 22.22%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Housing 4.55
  • Support 4.8
  • Fun 4.7
  • Value 4.7
  • Safety 4.95
Showing 9 - 16 of 27 reviews
Kaylin
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Creative Pathways Gap Year 2026

This was an amazing gap year program, I met really incredible people and had invaluable artistic guidance. It’s rare that you find an environment with this many artistically driven and passionate people, it was a once in a lifetime experience. The chateau is beautiful and we traveled to so many wonderful locations in Normandy. I was a studio art student and the instruction was incredible, Adam and Hal are the best art teachers I have ever had and helped me develop my creative practice tremendously. From the bottom of my heart I truly recommend this program to anyone considering it!!

11 people found this review helpful.
Benjamin
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Berridge creative pathways (gap year ‘26)

Before coming to Berridge I would get a depressingly little amount of creative work done relative to the free time I had, because I was such a perfectionist. Berridge obligated me to go out there and plan, shoot, and edit. I always knew this was the remedy but I wouldn’t do anything about it. Berridge forced me to. This program instilled within me that imperfections are completely ok if the alternative is being too hesitant to create any art at all. The film program was incredibly helpful and was an amazing pre-college experience.

12 people found this review helpful.
Hannah
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Helllllll yeah

Berridge creative pathways is a great program for those who want to grow and build their creative skills. The staff is incredibly kind, caring, knowledgeable, and talented, you will learn lots from these people. The chateau is beautiful, it’s a very cool experience to learn and create in such a cool place. Especially if you are an actor, this program is a great place to do theater work. Not necessarily related to the learning but the food is INCREDIBLE, dinners never fail to be delicious and working in the kitchen is lots of fun.

Pros
  • Great staff
  • Amazing food
Cons
  • Middle of nowhere
13 people found this review helpful.
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
72 people found this review helpful.
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
78 people found this review helpful.
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
94 people found this review helpful.
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
60 people found this review helpful.
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!
75 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers