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If you are someone who loves photography and art (even if you don't have experience) and are interested in taking your photos to another level...

If you are someone who wants time to relax,  reflect and meet other creatives just like you...

Then join us on this wonderful retreat to rural France where you will stay in a private château and create a unique art piece that you are proud to hang on your walls.

Cette retraite est uniquement disponible en anglais.

Your Experience

Stay at a Private Château

Stay at a Private Château

Stay at the private Château de Saint-Germain-des-Prés: Step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich history of our castle. From cozy chambers with stone walls to the 16th century spiral stone staircase, every corner of the castle is waiting to be explored.

Themed Shoots

Themed Shoots

Step into a storybook world with themed photoshoots led by Rebecca and Marianne. They’ll help you capture your Gothic fairytale come to life in dramatic settings and dream gowns.

Romantic Excursions

Romantic Excursions

Venture into the French countryside to wander a nearby Roman-era bridge, visit a local chateau and other hidden gems. Every day is an adventure inviting you to step outside of the ordinary.

French Cuisine

French Cuisine

​Indulge with meals inspired by the region's rich culinary heritage, and prepared by Chefs trained at Le Cordon Bleu. By candlelight in the castle's Salle à Manger to intimate picnics in the park, every meal is a celebration of good food and great company. 🍽️🍷

Creative Play

Creative Play

Get inspiration and bond with your fellow creatives through various workshops from flower crown making to journaling, and step back in time with old-fashioned parlor games. Recharge and bond over hands-on crafting and hilarious historic games.

Community Connections

Community Connections

Connect with fellow adventurers and kindred spirits as you share stories, laughter, and dreams around the castle. Forge friendships that may last a lifetime, and bask in the warmth of a community united by a shared love for adventure and exploration. 🌟💖

Meet Your Hosts

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Meet Rebecca
@aclotheshorse 

I’m Rebecca, the face and creative behind A Clothes Horse - -a photographic window into my imagination and the countryside around me. I love capturing moments of quiet in nature combined with whimsy inspired by ancient folklore and the fairy tales of my youth.

Being an artist or creative can sometimes be a lonely road, so I love getting a chance to meet up with other creatives and bonding over our love of art, history, and passion for discovering and capturing some of the beauty of this world - together.

Meet Marianne
@lostlandscollections

I'm Marianne, the creative heart behind Lost Lands Collections LLC. Specializing in fantasy photography that brings mythical worlds, magical creatures, and dream-like stories to life. With a passion for storytelling and a deep love for the fantastical, I craft immersive photo experiences that transform imagination into vivid reality. Most known for my Roan of Arc photoshoot with Chappell Roan and empowering story telling. 

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Through all of my creative endeavors, I've found that helping to make other peoples’ dreams come true fills my heart with so much joy!

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Your Château Home

Return each evening to your enchanting 16th-century château. Period charm and modern comfort. This isn't just accommodation, it's an integral part of your mythic experience.

What Awaits You

  • Generously sized bedrooms with period character

  • Mix of en-suite and shared facilities (max 2 rooms share)

  • Elegant common areas for group gathering

  • 15 hectares of private grounds to explore

  • Quiet spaces for reflection

  • WiFi throughout for staying connected

Small Group Experience
With maximum 10 guests, you'll form genuine friendships while having space for personal reflection. It's intimate enough to feel like a group of friends, yet organized enough to ensure everything flows smoothly.

Join the Adventure!

Secure your place with a €1000 deposit, and complete your payment June 1 2026 before we begin this incredible experience together.

Submitting your deposit indicates your acceptance of our Terms & Conditions. Due to our advance planning and small group size, deposits help us secure your exclusive experiences and cannot be returned. For peace of mind, travel insurance ensures you're protected if plans unexpectedly change. 

SEPTEMBER 19 - 25 2026

Indulge Yourself

PREMIUM PACKAGE

€3995

Private single occupancy room

Share & Save

€500 OFF

€3495

Shared accommodation with your choice of one or two beds

What's Included

  • 6 nights accommodation at the Château

  • Guidance from professional content creators Rebecca & Thomas, and Marianne Bell

  • Optional participation in guided, themed photoshoots

  • Props for photo shoots (e.g. flowers for crowns, vintage books, etc)

  • All meals at the Château, prepared by professional Chefs

  • Our house wines served at meals

  • Unlimited non-alcoholic beverages

  • Excursion(s) to local markets and venues, with transportation

  • Complimentary services of our travel partner, Sherri Anne

What's Not Included

  • Transportation from your hometown to the pickup point, including airfare, train connections, or car rental

  • Costumes and accessories (some may be available to borrow)

  • Baggage, accident, cancellation, nor travel insurance 

  • Personal expenses, such as passports, store purchases, phone calls

  • Meals and beverages not served at the Château

  • and any other items not specifically noted as included

We Lived a Fairytale Week!

Here's some highlights from 2024 & 2025. Each year brings new themes & new ideas!

Questions You May Have

What should I bring?

Bring your typical bag for a week away.  Plus,we'll provide a suggested wardrobe to help you feel your most enchanted self. Here's what we suggested in previous years:

  • Flowy Dresses: Soft gowns, sun dresses, and linens in pastel pinks, white, green, blue, yellow & orange.

  • Corsets & Nightgowns: Corsets, chemises, vintage slips, and airy nightwear for fairytale flair.

  • Accessories: Fairy wings, tiaras, crystal pins, pearl snoods — the more whimsical, the better. Swords are great, if you can carry them safely through security checkpoints!

  • Footwear: Ballet flats, neutral boots, or go barefoot with anklets. Bring comfy shoes for village outings.

  • Costumes with Castle Charm: Think rococo gowns, puffed sleeves, and regal details to match the château magic.

Shipping to the Château in advance is an option - contact us via email below. Pack a good pair of walking shoes if you want to try the local trails.

Where are you located & how do I get there?

We are in the town of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Dordogne, Nouvelle Aquitaine 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. Please use the complimentary services of our travel partner Sherri Anne for your best way to the chateau, and to help us coordinate arrivals and departures.

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Do I need to speak French?

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?​

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How do I know this isn't another scammy event?

We’re real people who genuinely care about creating a magical, memorable experience for you.

You can check out highlights from last year’s Faerie Life retreat with Rebecca & Marianne on our social media, so you can get a feel for what it’s like (though each year has its own unique magic).

Still unsure? We totally get it. Please feel free to email us to set up a call. We’re happy to chat and answer any questions directly.

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May I arrive earlier or stay later than the given dates?

Much as we love having guests, we need time to prepare & tear down, so 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 may not be accommodated. Please send us an email to check your particular requirements.

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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 the late summer are around 28C (82F) with night time lows around 20C (68F). You can expect mostly sunny days, with average monthly precipitation less than 5mm (0.2 in). Of course, these are averages, so temperatures could be warmer or cooler, rainier or sunnier during your stay. ​The Château does not have air conditioning, but does stay cool due to thick stone walls. We will provide fans for extra comfort if needed.

Still Have Questions?

Drop us a line. We'll do our best to get back to you in 48 hours.

M&M
Chateau de Saint Germain des Pres

© 2024 by Manor & Maker.

Soyez les premiers informés ! Abonnez-vous à notre lettre d'information en anglais "de temps en temps".

Merci de vous être abonné !

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