So You Want to
Move to France
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.
Week at a Glance
Each day brings new important information & experiences while your château remains a comfortable, familiar home base.
Please note: The itinerary might change due to the usual reasons - weather, unexpected closures, or other special opportunities that pop up to make your trip even better.
Your Château Home
Return each evening to your enchanting 16th-century château, where period charm meets modern comfort. This isn't just accommodation - it's an integral part of your cultural immersion.
What Awaits You
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Generously sized bedrooms with period character
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Mix of en-suite and shared facilities (max 2 rooms share)
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Elegant common areas for group gathering
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15 hectares of private grounds to explore
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Quiet spaces for reflection
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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.
Meet the Team
Eléonore Tavares de Pinho
Lexidy
Eléonore will answer all your questions about visas. Lexidy provides borderless legal care, tailored to you.
Navigate your global ambitions with straightforward legal guidance from trusted international lawyers across Europe and beyond.
Susanne Gales
Property Agent
Susanne is an independent property agent who grew up where she now works, after gaining international experience. Susanne will give you confidence in reading a property listing, and navigating the purchase process.
Michael Hart
SpartanFX
Being able to safely transfer your funds to managing your new life in France is an important consideration. SpartanFX provides foreign currency exchange, as it should be.
Helen Harrop
AXA Insurance
Helen will explain the insurance systems in France - health during the visa period and after your move, car, and home insurance information clear and at your fingertips. AXA is one of the top global providers.
Jennifer Parrette
Renestance
Over the past 10 years, we’ve been helping English speakers achieve their French lifestyle dream. We’ve created an online community to help you avoid costly mistakes, administrative nightmares and meet others on the same journey.
Raina & Jason
Baguette Bound
Raina & Jason made the move to Bergerac, and now specialize in helping others navigate the move. Hear real expat stories about the medical & school systems, and so much more.
Testimonials From Our "Move To France" March 2025
Elizabeth O, Canada
"This retreat has been a stepping stone into making [my] dream a reality. It feels much easier now. I don't feel like there's mountains in front of me to do this. I would highly recommend it."
Kate R, USA
"I almost didn't come because I'm a very self-motivated researcher. I'm so grateful I came, because I had all these ideas of decisions I thought I had made based on my research - but it's not the same until you are here. It really helped me crystallize my plans."
Tabitha S, USA
“It's been wonderful. Part of this trip was to decide whether and when I wanted to come to France. I thought (my move) was further out for me. But after this week, I know there are lots more options than I thought I had.”
Start Your New French Life Today!
Reserve your spot by completing the deposit payment below. Completing your deposit is your agreement to the Terms & Conditions.
Single Occupancy
€2995
Private room.
En-suite or shared bath (max 2 rooms per bath).
Double Occupancy
€2495 per person
€4990 per couple
Max 2 individuals per room.
En-suite or shared bath (max 2 rooms per bath).
What's Included
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7 nights accommodation at Château de Saint-Germain-des-Pres
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All meals served at the Château; prepared by your hosts or a personal chef
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Access to experts on property buying, language, cultural changes, visas, and French business
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Two excursions to local site(s), including transportation and entry fees
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Market excursion to enjoy an authentic French experience
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Wines, beers, & ciders served with meals at the Château & all non-alcoholic beverages
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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
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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Meals not served at the château - there will be two lunches and one supper on your own during the excursions
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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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Alcoholic beverages not served at meals at the château and any alcohol in excess of 18% vol
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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'm not 100% sure I'm moving to France. Is this experience for me?
Yes! This is a great chance to come to France and get some clarity on whether this big life change is really for you. We'll run gently into the cultural differences first hand, and have great discussions about fit, fear, and other expat concerns.
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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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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May I arrive earlier or stay later than the retreat dates?
Much as we love having guests, we need a bit of preparation time, 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 on your first and last nights; the taste of France is part of your immersive experience. Our personal chef has the training to accommodate most diets, unfortunately, severely restrictive diets and other food sensitivities may be harder to accommodate due to table d'hotes rules - 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 October are around 16C (60F) with night time lows around 6C (42F). You can expect mostly sunny days, with average monthly precipitation around 60 mm (2.3 in). Of course, these are averages, so temperatures could be warmer or cooler, rainier or sunnier during your stay. A raincoat is likely a good packing idea. It's autumn and the chateau might be cool - layers are recommended.
Still Have Questions?
Drop us a line. We'll do our best to get back to you in 48 hours.