Reading Retreat Experience & Amenities
A Bibliophile's Castle Escape
Welcome to our intimate chateau, where stories come alive and readers find their home away from home. For a blissful week, lose yourself in favorite books and fairytales while enjoying soul-warming meals prepared by our Le Cordon Bleu-trained chefs using local Dordogne flavours. Between chapters, wander with us through the charming streets of Brantome and Perigueux, where bookshops await your discovery. In our little corner of the French countryside, we've created a literary haven where the tranquility of rural France meets exceptional cuisine and cultural discoveries. It's a perfect escape for those who treasure books and authentic experiences.
Authentic French Cuisine
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Two Chefs trained at Le Cordon Bleu will prepare all your meals - and some extra goodies too!
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Wine tasting hosted by local experts.
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Inspired by renowned gastronomic Perigord region & the day's instruction themes.
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Open kitchen if you want to learn some skills from the best!
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Champagne reception on evening of arrival!
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House wines from small local producers, selected by a wine expert (included with meals).
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Tea & coffee all day, plus snacks and aperitif too!
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Other premium wines available for purchase from our cave.
Rooms may not be exactly as shown - we love decor!
Live the Château Life
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Enjoy the Château common rooms and 15 ha of grounds during your 6-night stay.
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Bedrooms are generously sized, with a small seating area.
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Mix of en-suite and shared facilities - max 2 bedrooms share w.c. or shower.
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Rooms are first-come, first-served by reservation date.
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Double-occupancy with two single beds, or single-occupancy for a supplement.
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Stay with a small group of like-minded people - limit of 10 guests.
A Typical Day
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Early Risers: Enjoy the sunrise with your tea, or coffee, and quiet reading time
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8-9am: Leisurely breakfast
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10am-12pm: Reading in gardens, common rooms, or your room
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12:30pm: Lunch (around the table, as a picnic - or on a silver tray in your room!)
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2-5pm: Prime reading hours or optional excursion
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6pm: Optional wine, light cocktails & mocktails, and conversation
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7:30pm: Supper, highlighting the local gastronomy
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9pm: Reading by the fire or early bed with a book
Meet Your Hosts
Meet Valérie & Megan | Chefs
Let’s face it: French haute cuisine isn’t often associated with fun.
We started Sel Hospitalité because we wanted to bring the two together in a refreshing experience that reflects who we are. So, who are we?
We’re Megan & Val. We’re two Le Cordon Bleu Paris trained chefs hailing from Canada and Haiti, respectively. We’re serial hostesses with a passion for French cuisine - with flair.
Our mission is simple: to bring people together through the art of cooking and the pleasure of savouring exceptional food. We strive to deliver all of the wonderful elements of fine dining without the pretentious service that so often accompanies it. It simply wasn’t in our natures, so we decided to reimagine it our way.
Meet Sara & Stephen | Hosts
We are Sara & Stephen Cole, Canadians who dreamt of moving to France to provide art retreats to fellow creatives. We're excited to share our dream, our home, the Château de Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
The tower of the château is from the 16th century, and features a broad spiral stone staircase. Built by a noble family nearly 500 years ago, the 'blazon' or crest of the family still shows on the tower.
We created “Manor and Maker” to reflect the two sides of our adventure. One, to live as chateau owners with all the ups and downs and two, to pursue our passions as makers, creating art in all its forms. We invite others to come together, united by their passions, to share in this adventure.
We will be available on-site to ensure you have a comfortable stay.
Welcome to Manor & Maker.
Reserve Your Literary Escape
Reserve your spot by completing the deposit payment below. Completing your deposit is your agreement to the Terms & Conditions.
September 13 - 19 2025
Indulge Yourself
Single Occupancy: €2495
Private, single-occupancy room
Perfect for solo travelers seeking privacy and comfort
Share & Save
Shared accommodation with two beds
Ideal for friends, community-minded travellers, partners or couples
Save
€500
What's Included
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Seven days & six nights accommodation at the Château
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All meals on-site at the Château, prepared by Le Cordon Bleu-trained chefs
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Transportation to local towns of Brantome & Perigueux
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All house wines served with meals (locally sourced, selected by our wine expert)
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All non-alcoholic beverages (coffee, tea, soft drinks, etc)
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Optional instruction time with Chefs
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Access to the common areas of the Château and 15ha of grounds
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Transportation from local train stations (Thiviers, Angouleme, Limoges) to and from the Château
What's Not Included
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Transportation from your hometown to the pickup point, including airfare, train connections, or car rental
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Baggage, accident, cancellation, nor travel insurance ('cancel for any reason' strongly recommended to protect your investment)
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Personal expenses, such as store purchases, telephone calls, passport, visa
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Meals and beverages not served at the Château
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Other premium local-souced wines available for purchase from our cave
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Alcoholic beverages in excess of 18% vol
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Any extra tours or excursions off the property
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and any other items not specifically noted as included
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Choose a Reading Retreat?
Clarity. Stillness. Space to Think.
Our guests often describe leaving the retreat feeling clearer, calmer, and more like themselves. What our past guests consistently tell us is that the Manor & Maker experience offers something deeper than typical travel. They rediscover a sense of focus that had been dulled by constant distraction. They feel rested, not just in body, but in mind.
A reading retreat experience gives you something rare: time that feels truly your own.
You might begin the day with a book and a quiet cup of coffee. You might wander through a hilltop village or stretch out on the lawn with a notebook. Your evenings may end by the fire, surrounded by others who understand the joy of a good story and a little silence.
A Gentle Rhythm
The only agenda here is around meals joyfully prepared by Sel Hospitalité, sharing long meals, a glass or two of Bordeaux terroir wines, It's an invitation to slow down, to enjoy a digital detox environment. Some days are filled with reading. Others may include exploring a nearby town and bookish conversation. It’s not about withdrawing from the world, but meeting it more intentionally.
The pace is yours to set.
A Thoughtful Reset
When you step out of constant motion and into deep attention, something shifts. Reading becomes more than leisure; it becomes a way to reconnect with your imagination, your ideas, and your inner voice.
You may come for the books. You’ll leave with clarity, inspiration, and the quiet confidence that comes from remembering what matters to you.
The true value of a reading retreat isn't measured in days away, but in the months of clarity and purpose that follow.
Do I need to read specific books or genres?
This reading retreat experience is designed around your personal reading preferences - simply bring whatever books capture your interest, whether they're bestsellers, classics, romantasy, or hidden gems you've been saving for the right moment. Our château reading getaway operates without the pressure of assigned reading lists or book club discussions, allowing you to read purely for pleasure. Fiction lovers, non-fiction enthusiasts, and poetry readers all find their place in our literary retreat French setting, with no quotas or expectations beyond your own enjoyment. Many participants describe this as their chance to finally read those books that have been waiting patiently on their nightstands for years. The cultural highlight of exploring local bookshops gives you access to both English titles and French literature, making this book lovers vacation a true literary adventure.
What makes this different from a regular vacation?
Our book lovers vacation differs from regular vacations by offering quiet time without distractions or pressure to be constantly entertained. This château reading getaway surrounds you with fellow book lovers who understand that reading isn't antisocial; it's essential self-care. You'll enjoy completely guilt-free reading time while our professional chefs handle all meals, letting you focus entirely on books rather than daily tasks. It's an adult reading camp that celebrates deep relaxation over constant stimulation, creating space for the restoration that comes from being fully present with a good story.
Do I need to speak French?
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No, your hosts can help you with all local needs. It's always nice to be able to say 'hello' (Bonjour!) and 'thank you' (Merci!) though, isn't it?
Where are you located & how do I get there?
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We are in the town of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Dordogne, postal code 24160 (there are a couple of more places of that name in France!). Here's our guide on how to get to us. We offer pickups from Gare d'Angoulême. (may be scheduled with other guests' arrivals) or Thiviers Gare.
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Do I have to share a room?
Our standard rate is for a single occupancy room. Some guests find that sharing a room enhances the sense of community and creates wonderful opportunities for new friendships. Rest assured, we carefully match roommates based on preferences and interests, ensuring a harmonious and enjoyable co-living experience for all. Your comfort and connections are our top concern.
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May I arrive earlier or stay later than the given dates?
Much as we love having guests,but our September plans mean accommodation is only available on the listed dates. There is lots to explore in our area, if you wish to make your own plans to extend your holiday.
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Can you accommodate my food sensitivity?
France is famous for its fine cuisine, fresh produce markets, delicious pastries and cheeses! Enjoy chef-prepared suppers all week; the taste of France is part of your immersive experience. Due to hospitality laws, we cannot offer restaurant style selections or service; unfortunately, severely restrictive diets and other food sensitivities may not be possible to accommodate. Please send us a mail to inquire.
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What if I get sick and can't come? (Cancellation Policy)
We strongly recommend 'cancel for any reason' travel insurance. We do not offer last-minute refunds for any reason, due to advance planning costs. Check out the terms & conditions for other timing. Travel insurance protects your investment, and helps alleviate disappointment if your plans have to change.
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What will the weather be like?
Day time temperatures in September are around 22C (72F) with night time lows around 13C (55F). You can expect mostly sunny days, with average monthly precipitation of 25mm (1 in). Of course, these are averages, so weather could be warmer or cooler, rainier or sunnier during your stay. We recommend packing layers for this time of year, along with a light rain coat.