Your Invitation
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
Live the Chateau Life
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Enjoy the Château common rooms and 15 ha of grounds during your 7-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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Fibre wifi available throughout the Château
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Stay with a small group of like-minded people - limit of 10 guests.
Authentic French Cuisine
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Champagne reception on evening of arrival!
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For 4 days, your meals prepared by two Chefs trained at Le Cordon Bleu, who know and love French cuisine
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A cuisine or pastry atelier where you will learn a recipe from the chefs, featuring French from Haiti and Canada
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For 4 days, your meals are prepared by a local French (originally from Burgundy) Chef who loves to share his passion for cuisine
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Locally produced wines from small vineyards, selected for our cave by a wine expert.
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Non-alcoholic beverages of your choice.
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Tea & coffee all day, plus snacks and aperitif too!
Learn French for Internationals
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Explore the rich diversity of international French, including accents and expressions from different parts of France, Quebec, and Haiti
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Learn to navigate different French-speaking cultures with confidence and cultural sensitivity
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Master practical vocabulary and phrases useful across the Francophone world
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Develop strategies to understand and adapt to different French accents and dialects you might encounter in your travels
Discover Authentic France
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Join the Chefs in a French market experience - a true cultural essential
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Exclusive Bergerac wine tasting at our château featuring regional wines with local pairings & guided discussion
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Step into history with guided tours at majestic Hautefort and Fenelon châteaux
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Wander the enchanting streets of medieval Sarlat-la-Canéda
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Discover the nuances of regional French dialects and cuisine
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Build your French confidence in authentic daily encounters
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Share stories with locals over leisurely apéritifs
Meet Your Hosts
Meet Robert & Anne-Marie
Hello, we're Rebel French
Born in Montreal, in a French-speaking military family, Robert learned the value of bilingualism as his family moved from Quebec to New Brunswick, then Manitoba, Gaza and finally, Ottawa.
After obtaining a B.A. in French literature from the University of Ottawa, Robert taught English and French for private and public institutions in France before returning to Canada where he taught French as a Second Language in the Public Service. After leaving the Public Service, he developed his own proprietary method of teaching French that employs accelerated, non-traditional ways to learn to speak French fluently.
His program, Rebel French, does not involve any of the laborious methods used in traditional programs such as learning endless lists of vocabulary, memorizing hundreds of French verbs and laboring over grammar rules
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Using his innovative, fast-paced method, Robert will show you step-by-step what you must do if you want to speak French like a native.
Growing up in a large French-Canadian family, Anne-Marie decided to pursue her love of languages by attending the University of Ottawa where she obtained a degree in Translation. During her studies, she met and married Robert. After graduating, she and Robert moved to France where she earned the Certificat pratique de langue française from the Université de Lille III. While living in Lille, she taught English as a Second Language to students of the École supérieure de commerce.
Upon returning to Canada, Anne-Marie was a member of the team which developed the very first in-house French language training program for federal government employees. As Chief Operating Officer, Anne-Marie now uses her training and organizational skills to ensure that every student has a great learning experience with Rebel French.
Meet Sara & Stephen
We are Sara & Stephen Cole, Canadians who dreamt of moving to France. We're excited to share our dream, our home, the Château de Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
The tower of the chateau 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 all week to ensure you have a comfortable stay.
Welcome to Manor & Maker.
Rebel French Testimonials
Robert’s program, tools and methods are truly unique and comprehensive.
His program takes a multi-faceted approach, addressing the gaps found in traditional French language training programs. His program is truly effective and efficient. Thank you, Robert!
- Antonio P.
Robert is an excellent teacher – passionate about the French language and helping his students to succeed. He focuses on critical elements of speech – such as rhythm, intonation, pronunciation – to help students learn to be natural…
- Ivana K.
I couldn’t recommend Robert any more highly. After a few classes with him, I succeeded where I had never been able to previously, even after months or years of study. After working with him, I found it much easier to participate in conversations with fluidity and ease.
- Chris D.
Robert is amazing! I have tried different French schools/teachers in the past and Robert’s strategy is the most effective for me. I highly recommend Robert’s Rebel French because it works! Thank you, Robert for your help and patience. I couldn’t have done it without you.
- Teresa M.
Discover Robert & Anne-Marie's Tips to Sound Like a Native French Speaker
Start Your French Life Today!
Reserve your spot by completing the deposit payment below. Completing your deposit is your agreement to the Terms & Conditions.
Early Bird pricing in place until January 30 2025 - save €250!
Single Occupancy
Early Bird €3245
Private room.
En-suite or shared bath (max 2 rooms per bath).
Regular Price €3495 from February 1 2025
Double Occupancy
Early Bird €2745 pp
Bring a Friend and Save 15%!
When you bring a friend and share a room (or elect to share your room), you'll both enjoy 15% off
That's a savings of €500 each!
Regular Price €2995 from February 1 2025
What's Included
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8 days & 7 nights accommodation at Château de Saint-Germain-des-Pres
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Daily tailored instruction by Robert & Anne-Marie Fontaine
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All meals served at the Château; prepared by personal Chefs
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Day excursions to local site(s), including transportation and entry fees
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Bergerac wine tasting experience
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Market excursion to enjoy an authentic French experience - with the Chefs!
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Wines, beers, & ciders served with meals at the Château
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All non-alcoholic beverages throughout your stay
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Access to Château common areas, grounds, and studio for free time
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Transportation from the pickup point (local train station) to the Château
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Professional travel agent services for that extra hand & security
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 passport, visa, laundry, telephone calls
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Lunch on one excursion day (enjoy a restaurant of your choosing on our day out)
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Any other meals not served at the château
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Alcoholic beverages not served at meals at the château
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Any extra tours or excursions off the property, should you choose to roam
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and any other items not specifically noted as included
Questions & Answers
I don't have a lot of experience speaking French. Is this retreat for me?
Absolutely! Our retreat is perfect for those with limited speaking experience. We create a supportive, judgment-free environment where you can grow at your own pace. Our experienced instructors understand the challenges of adult language learners and will guide you through gradually increasing levels of conversation. You'll practice in real-life situations - during châteaux tours, market visits, and meals with locals - all designed to build your confidence naturally. Remember, everyone starts somewhere, and this immersive experience is an ideal way to transform your French studies into practical, spoken skills.
Where are you located & how do I get there?
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!). We have easy train connections from Bordeaux to Thiviers (our most popular route) or Paris to Angouleme via TGV. We will pick you up from either station. Here's our guide on how to get to us. Plus the services of our travel agent are at your disposal to ensure you have a helping hand!
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May I arrive earlier or stay later than the retreat dates?
Much as we love having guests, we aren't open as a B&B, so accommodation is only available on the retreat 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. Our personal Chefs have the training to accommodate most diets, unfortunately, severely restrictive diets and other food sensitivities may be harder 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 May are around 21C (70F) with night time lows around 10C (50F). You can expect mostly sunny days, with average monthly precipitation around 80 mm (3 in). Of course, these are averages, so temperatures could be warmer or cooler, rainier or sunnier during your stay. It's a great season for layers, and to have a rain coat on hand (we have you covered, ahem, for umbrellas).
Still Have Questions?
Drop us a line. We'll do our best to get back to you in 48 hours.