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

Related Programs

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 17 - 24 of 27 reviews
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
72 people found this review helpful.
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!!
73 people found this review helpful.
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
70 people found this review helpful.
Davis
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best two months of my life

This program has been so incredibly amazing. The staff at this program help create such a creative and free environment I felt safe and listened too. The chateau, food, and classes were amazing and so welcoming. This program and the things i learned in the program will continue to inspire who I am for many years to come. I highly recommend anyone to come to Berridge programs you will not regret it. I was so scared to come to this program but I had nothing at all to be worried about. Best place ever.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
I call my self a recovering picky eater and have the rule to try every food once. I never went hungry here. Chef Bogdan’s food was incredible while always making comforting food and expanding our pallets with new French foods. I enjoyed every meal at the chateau.
Pros
  • The staff is so welcoming and inspire creative growth.
  • The chateau feels like home.
  • The ability to see new corners of the world every week.
Cons
  • To much fun!
  • Not long enough!
  • Staff is too welcoming!
50 people found this review helpful.
miriam
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Berridge will always hold a special place in my heart.

It was meaningful and really fun. Thank you staff. I learned a lot and had a really nice time. The chateau is super nice and magical. The people made it really special. I think berridge attracts a really special group of creative cool people. It was really important to me to have a time in my life dedicated to putting my head down and pursuing art. I’m so glad I did berridge. My favorite part was open mic where we got to see everyone perform and as we got closer to the end the performances became even more niche and special, I’m so proud of my friends.

40 people found this review helpful.
Aidan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My time at Berridge Gap Year Program

I went into this with very low expectations, but the people, staff, and experiences here made it one of the most impactful times in my life. The bad days were still great and the great days I’ll never forget. The food from the chef was made with a palpable love that you can only feel from your family and everything I learned in these two months, I never would’ve imagined I could learn in that short amount of time. I’m still shocked at how much I loved this experience and how desperately I wish it wouldn’t end.

What was your funniest moment?
There are too many to count, every inside joke, every movie we watched as a group, every trip all had me laughing in the way only my closest friends can make me laugh
Pros
  • Food
  • Classes
  • Freedom
51 people found this review helpful.
gabriela
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

BEST THING EVER

I’m so lucky to have found this program. I’ve had a friend do it in the past, and she recommended it to me, told me it was the best thing ever, and she was right. The staff are unmatched- the kindest and smartest people I’ve ever met. They value the safety of students and are so passionate about their craft. Students who love all visual arts, film, creative writing, acting, music, cooking, and history should come here. It is such a rich environment and a beautiful chateau. They balance everything so well. I’ve made some of my best friends here, and I genuinely couldn’t recommend it enough.

What would you improve about this program?
making it longer -honestly wish i could stay here for longer
Pros
  • amazing staff
  • wonderful food and culture
  • immersion in art
56 people found this review helpful.
Sarah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Berridge

I had such a good time on this program. The faculty were so fun to work with. They all pushed me to keep learning and trying new things while encouraging me to be more independent. I started the program wanting to experiment with light painting. None of the faculty members had a lot of experience, but a few faculty waited till it was dark and we all experimented together. The results turned out pretty cool. I also was able to experiment with new forms of cameraless photography, jewelry making, developing film, and even making a magazine. This program has helped me create a more experienced portfolio.

130 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers