Berridge Creative Gap Year

GAP YEAR IN FRANCE - THEATRE, FILM, STUDIO ART, PHOTOGRAPHY, MUSIC, WRITING, COOKING, CULTURE

Berridge Programs offers several gap year programs based in an 18th century chateau in the heart of Normandy, France. Explore your passion for creativity, culture, or cooking through lively classes, hands-on workshops, and focused studio practice. Led by practicing artists, this unique creative community is the perfect place to build skills and develop your craft. Our programs include a range of excursions including Paris, medieval Bayeux and Mont St. Michel—a monastery on a tidal island. Hands-on experiences such as breadmaking, visits to local cider and cheese makers, and trips to local French markets round out your experience of Normandy.

Our Programs:

Spring 2025: A few spaces remain on Creative Pathways, ideal for students who have a strong interest in Acting, Studio Art, Film, or Music and are looking to build a portfolio in a specific discipline.

May 2025: New program! 30 Days of Wonder is a month-long program blending mindfulness, creativity, and community living. Explore the region’s beauty, culture, and history while rediscovering what sparks your joy and creating a vision for a more inspired, meaningful life.

Summer 2025: New program! Cooking and Culture combines a creative approach to cooking with the rich culture and flavors of Normandy, France. Perfect for those kicking off or completing a gap year, this program blends culinary skills, French traditions, and inspiration drawn from life in Normandy.

Fall 2025: Creative Explorer offers a multi-arts experience in Photography, Painting, Writing, and Film. Perfect for all levels, it combines hands-on artmaking across the disciplines with cultural immersion in Normandy’s stunning landscapes.

All this and you give scholarships too? YES!
Berridge has a variety of scholarships for the 2025/2026 season!  Learn more about our scholarships on our APPLY page or email Andrea Mardon, Director, at andrea@berridgeprograms.com to register your interest in applying.

With our recent gap year program accreditation, we now accept 529 College Savings Plan funds to pay for program tuition and provide the opportunity to earn college credit. Read more about our accreditation and the college funding and credit process here: https://www.berridgeprograms.com/accreditation

Ready to APPLY NOW?
Find our application here or schedule a zoom interview with Andrea Mardon, Program Director, to get your dream gap year started!

We hope to meet you in France!