Your Invitation
Whether you're an experienced artist aiming to refine your technique and foster personal artistic growth, a seeker of authentic French inspiration, or simply someone craving artistic rejuvenation, this retreat invites you to elevate your creativity amidst breathtaking landscapes, guided sessions, and the charm of a genuine artistic haven.
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With a team of six hosts, including two talented artists, two professional chefs trained at Le Cordon Bleu, and two dedicated chatelains, this is truly is a bespoke experience for mixed media artists in an authentic French setting.
Your Experience
Expand Your Horizons as a Mixed Media Enthusiast
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Broaden your artistic horizons as you delve into the captivating realm of mixed media, honing your skills along the way.
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For intermediate to advanced artists.
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Be inspired by a stay in private French château in the bucolic Dordogne countryside.
Unwind, absorb, innovate, and revel in a captivating retreat!
Authentic French Cuisine
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Champagne reception on evening of arrival!
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Continental breakfast with pastries fresh from the boulangerie just steps away.
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Meals at the château, prepared by two Chefs trained at Le Cordon Bleu.
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House wines with meals, locally produced, sourced by a wine expert
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Non-alcoholic beverage of your choice.
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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
Live the Château 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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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 8 guests.
Your Itinerary
Please note: We might adjust this itinerary due to the usual reasons - weather, group direction, or unplanned opportunities!
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1
Arrival
Enjoy a champagne reception with your fellow artists as you get to to know your hosts and the Château de Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Savour your first supper prepared by Sel Hospitalité.
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Foundations
Explore contemporary Impressionism through discussions, live demos, and hands-on sessions, starting with a delightful 12” x 12” floral painting on the first day. Immerse yourself in creativity and elevate your artistic journey in this picturesque setting.
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Progression
Wrap up your initial masterpiece and seamlessly transition to the next phase by concluding your small canvas project. Progress organically to a slightly larger canvas for your second piece, allowing your creativity and skills to evolve naturally.
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Excursion
Discover the delights of the Dordogne with an outing to explore the area around the château. We might visit local galleries, explore a Plus Beaux Village, visit another château, or draw inspiration elsewhere. Your hosts will track local activities for the best options!
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Quick and Loose
Complete your second artwork with satisfaction, and then witness a two-hour demonstration where Jacintha will tackle demo #3. Stay engaged, as your turn to shine is on the horizon!
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Nature
Embark on your third painting adventure, followed by a leisurely walkabout for a touch of exploration and inspiration.
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Exposition
Conclude your third painting with a sense of accomplishment. Optional studio time for independent work, with Jacintha on hand to offer guidance and support as needed.
Gather with your fellow artists in the evening for an exposition to share your week's accomplishments.
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Home Day
Head home feeling relaxed, and with a deeper understanding of your artistic practice.
Meet Your Hosts
Meet Jacintha
Art has been my life's constant companion. Beginning with art school and further studies at Algonquin University and the Ottawa School Of Art, I balanced a career in office management and accounting with my identity as an artist and art instructor. Painting is the very essence of my being.
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Vivid splashes of color define my canvases, capturing the world around me. Guided by intuition, I paint what resonates with my soul. After traversing business landscapes across Ottawa, Calgary, China, and Europe, I've returned to Toronto to fully embrace teaching and painting.
My journey's chapters span continents, infusing my art with diverse experiences. From art shows to teaching, my involvement remains constant. Invitations lead me to share my skills in Toronto's cultural and art circles, where I also participate in solo and juried exhibitions.
Now deeply embedded in Toronto's art community, I find immense satisfaction as part of its vibrant mosaic. My works, sold through Saatchi Art International and Artfinder, have found homes worldwide.
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Join me in exploring life's canvas, where every stroke tells a story and art is the language of the heart.
Meet Valérie & Megan
Let’s face it: French haute cuisine isn’t often associated with fun.
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We started Sel Hospitalité - a boutique hospitality group specializing in one-of-a-kind culinary experiences - 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 trained chefs hailing from Canada and Haiti, respectively. We met at the prestigious institute in Paris. Between us, we hold diplomas in Cuisine, Pastry & Boulangerie. Over glasses of wine during our studies - we were in Paris, after all - we traded stories, realizing we shared the same views on food & hospitality and the joy that comes from sharing our love of food with others though cooking and education. So, we decided to create Sel with the simple mission of bringing people together through the art of cooking and the pleasure of savouring exceptional food.
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We’re looking forward to doing just that at the Château de Saint-Germain-des-Prés this coming season! Indulge, savour and learn with us during your stay through thoughtfully prepared meals, optional ateliers and our open kitchen policy.
Bonne dégustation!
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.
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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.
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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.
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We will be available on-site to ensure you have a comfortable stay.
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Welcome to Manor & Maker.
Jacinthas's Workshop Testimonials
Thank you Jacintha for all your encouragement and your generous suggestions on how to improve my art. I believe I am improved entirely because of your efforts as a teacher and a truly talented artist. I am so glad to have found you.
A small percentage of people have the ability to see a wider range of colours than the average person. You seem to be one of the select few and then, as an artist, enhance those colours to enable others to be aware of them. This is you sharing a somewhat unique ability. Thanks so much Jacintha. Great teacher.
How rewarding Jacintha..I was also so awestruck by your work. You pulled out the beauty in the tree... captured it forever. It warms me up. Congratulations!
Start Your Retreat Today!
Reserve your spot by completing the deposit payment below. Please select your preferred occupancy. Completing your deposit is your agreement to the Terms & Conditions.
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We'll be in touch within 24 hours confirming all is well (don't forget to check your spam or junk folder). If you have any special accommodation requests, or are booking with a friend, you can send us a note as well.
Double Occupancy €3695
Single Occupancy €4295
Special Gift!
Something special you can use during your stay & take home after will be waiting for you!
What's Not Included
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Art supplies - please bring your favourites or have them shipped to the château
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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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Passport and visa expenses
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Personal expenses, such as telephone calls
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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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Shipping completed artworks home (there is a post office close to the château)
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and any other items not specifically noted as included
Frequently Asked Questions
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What level of artistic skill is required to attend this art retreat?
​If you have some experience creating art on canvas using acrylic, this retreat is for you! You do not need to be a professional artist, or to have shown your works in a gallery. Jacintha will guide you to improve your technique, and improve your artistic vision. Join in, stretch and grow!
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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!). 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 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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Do I have to share a room?
While we offer a single supplement option for those seeking solitude, 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, we aren't open as a B&B, 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 and other food sensitivities can not be accommodated.
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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 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.
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What should I bring?
As experienced artists, you have your own favourite tools and canvases - please bring your favourites, or have them shipped to the château ahead of the retreat. We have a few easels for (free) use, and a small amount of supplies available for purchase at the château. Bring an open attitude to try new things & new activities. Pack a good pair of walking shoes if you want to try the local trails.
Still Have Questions?
Drop us a line. We'll do our best to get back to you in 48 hours.