Creative Work Hour Podcast

Episode 54: Live From Bardou - How Does Location Affect Your Creativity?

Release Date: May 31, 2025
Location: Bardou, South France

Episode Overview

In Episode 54 of the Creative Work Hour podcast, Alessandra broadcasts live from the magical medieval village of Bardou in southern France. This episode dives into how location influences creativity. The hosts explore different environments—whether a remote mountain village, a cozy home office, or a bustling coffee shop—can shape creative output and mindset.

Join Greg, Alessandra, Devin, Shadows Pub, and Bobby B as they share personal stories and reflections on their creative spaces, routines, and Alessandra shares unique inspiration Bardou offers.

Noteworthy Quotes from Today’s Crew

• Greg:
  “How does location affect creativity? I think going to the library or going into nature changes your scenery. Even if you can’t physically be there, you can bring soothing music or visuals virtually.”
  
• Alessandra:
  “I couldn’t have broken my writing streak anywhere else but here. Walking into a room that looks exactly like Van Gogh’s bedroom—it’s like magic. Location really can unlock creativity.”
  
• Devin:
  “Drop me anywhere in the Scottish Highlands, and I want to start writing songs or poems immediately. But back in my usual workspace in Connecticut? There’s almost no creativity.”
  
• Shadows Pub:
  “I’ve lived in the same place for over 40 years. For me, creativity happens in the same spot, no matter the location.”
  
• Bobby B:
  “Sometimes I just rearrange my desk or move my workspace to a coffee shop to shake off mental blocks. It’s like a long-term relationship with a place—you need to keep it fresh.”

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About Bardou

The Village of Bardou
Bardou is a restored medieval hamlet nestled in the Languedoc region above the Orb Valley between the Monts de l’Espinouse and Haut-Languedoc mountains. Abandoned after WWII, it was revived in the 1960s by Klaus and Jeanine Erhardt, whose family still resides there today.

Bardou is unique with no paved roads—visitors park outside and walk along cobblestone paths. The peaceful sounds are limited to footsteps, wind, and sometimes clarinet or cello music from musicians who come here to rehearse and perform. Electricity only arrived at the end of the 20th century; many houses still rely on candles and lanterns at night, making for some of France’s clearest night skies due to minimal light pollution.

Cultural Legacy
Known as a retreat for international artists—especially musicians—Bardou hosts chamber music workshops and intimate concerts regularly. It is a favored residence for Symphonic Holidays.

Symphonic Holidays
This program offers detailed information about upcoming events, repertoires, instructors, accommodations, and application procedures for musicians interested in workshops at Bardou.

Alessandra White, who appears in this episode, is a member of Sinfonietta Bardou and participated in the Bardou Spring 2025 workshop featuring works by Emilie Mayer, Robert Schumann, and Ludwig van Beethoven, conducted by Cayenna Ponchione with pianist Sélim Mazari.

For more details about Bardou and Symphonic Holidays, visit:
https://www.dacapo-travel.eu/bardou/

Join The Conversation

How does location influence your creativity? Share your thoughts with us at creativeworkhour.com.

Stay tuned for next week’s episode with another creative question!