01 · Arrive
Between river and forest
Two stops from Paris, the road turns to trees. Ten acres of garden, the Yonne below, and a house that's been waiting for you.
Half artist residency, half guesthouse.
…makes a great shared table.
This is Foray
Foray is a new creative retreat and bed & breakfast in Burgundy, nestled between river and forest, just 1h15 from Paris.
A creative home where artists can work on projects while living in a small, generous community, and a peaceful getaway for travellers who want to slow down, disconnect, and reconnect.
Some come to create. Others to rest. Most leave having done both.
~
1h15
from Paris by train
Paris
Sens
JoignyForay
10 acres
between river and forest
230m²
of artist studios
100%
vegetarian house
Your stay, step by step
A day at Foray
02 · Your room
Sweet dreams for sweet dreamers
A room for film lovers, one for vinyl enthusiasts, for novelists, readers, thinkers and dreamers, bespoke rooms overlooking the garden or the valley.
03 · The food
Local, plant-based, unhurried
Everything starts within a few kilometres: vegetables from the local farm, bread from the village baker, honey from our own hives. Plant-based cooking that changes with the season, and never rushes you along.
04 · Create
Studios for whatever you make
Recording, painting, wood and metal, 230m² of dedicated space, plus a community that shows up for the work-in-progress.
05 · Wander
Walk the fields, follow the river
Hike the forest, borrow an electric bike, catch a glimpse of Château du Fey. Every season is a delight at Foray.
06 · Table d'hôtes
Share a meal
A creative dinner set in captivating nature, local, seasonal produce, beautifully crafted vegetarian meals, and good company.
07 · Rest
Sauna with a view
A sauna with bay windows over the valley and a cold outdoor shower, then back to your room to dream.
A restful residency
Slow down, settle in, make things
A residency at Foray is as much about rest as work. Between studio sessions there are quiet corners to read, a fire to sit by, a sauna with a view, and ten acres of garden to wander, with breakfast included, and dinner at the shared table whenever you want it.
Breakfast included, local & plant-based
Six electric bikes to borrow
A secret speakeasy
Pets welcome, and loved
Stay With Us
Music Bedroom
For sound lovers, vinyl on a Thorens 125 mkii.
Movie Bedroom
A giant OLED screen and films chosen by Ilan Cohen.
Stories Bedroom
Space to read, write and imagine day and night.
Reflections Bedroom
Contemplate the reflections of your dreams.
Family Suite
One suite, two bedrooms, space for everyone.
The residency life
Space to think, breathe, eat, and be around others.
Think
Quiet corners and studios where ideas can stretch out, work on something old, or start something new.
Breathe
Ten acres of garden between the river and the forest. Step out of the studio and into the air.
Eat
A locally sourced, seasonal table, vegetables from the local farm, bread from the village baker, honey from our own hives. Vegetarian, generous, gathered around one long table.
Be around others
A small community of people making things, co-create, compare notes, or just sit nearby.
“In the rooms there are old gramophones from the 70s and records from this period. An indescribable experience. But if you are looking for a TV, forget it. That is the biggest advantage.”
“This is not just a rental, it is a real home filled with soul. Every corner has been designed with care, and the energy of the space is so welcoming and calm.”
“We loved the quality artistic and musical atmosphere and the charm of the vintage furnishings… The vegetarian table d'hôtes was exceptional: dishes full of freshness, made with local produce.”
“Our room, the Vinyl room, had a turntable with records to play, which was wonderful… special mention for the hosts and their dog Mino.”
“Lena was outstanding as a host and couldn't do enough for you. Made us so welcome along with our dog Lui.”
“A magnificent project in the heart of nature. Love at first sight.”
Around Foray
The river, the paths, the forest
The river
Swim at the river jump spot, paddle the Yonne by canoe, or just sit on the bank while the dog watches the water.
The cycling paths
Borrow one of six electric bikes and follow the Yonne towards Joigny, vineyards on the way, Château du Fey next door.
The forest runs
Trails straight out of the back gate, run, walk or wander under the trees. Every season is a delight.
The neighbours
Château du Fey over the trees, Joigny's riverside old town ten minutes away, and partner vineyards with guided tastings.
Frequently asked questions
The founders
Lena Deschamps Peugeot
Producer and experience designer who promotes art in all its forms as a tool for social connection and change. She has been creating innovative and immersive user journeys for cinema (Everybody On Deck, producing company), cultural venues and cities (Urban Expé, creative agency), theatre (la Compagnie de Passage), festivals (Madame Loyal, electronic fair festivals) and hybrid hospitalities.
Jamie Turner
Hospitality innovator and collaborator on the upcoming Channel 4 series “Help… We Bought a Hotel”, Jamie successfully reimagined a failed French hotel and 12th-century chapel, turning them into a thriving creative artist residency and cultural hub. His unique approach fosters a vibrant community, attracting artists, art-minded travellers and digital nomads, showcasing the power of arts integration for revitalizing spaces.
His vision has helped projects attract global interest, garnering over 12 million viral video views. Previously based in California, working with brands and technology start-ups and as an artist in his own right, a musician and composer who recently scored a film that won at the prestigious Venice Film Festival.