Costumes. Castles. Community.
Come create your legend.
🌟✨What if your life felt like a page from a fairytale, a whispered legend brought to life, or your favorite romantasy novel?
This August, escape to a secluded château and step into your own fae-touched tale. Over seven days of creative play, guided portrait sessions, and candlelit castle evenings, you'll co-create dreamy visuals, craft crowns and wings, and inhabit the story only you can tell.
It’s more than a retreat — it’s a week of becoming. ✨✨
AUGUST 22 - 28 2025
Your Experience
 Stay at a Private ChâteauStay 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 DaysDaily Adventures: Get ready for a week filled with adventure and exploration! From daily content themes, to excursions, to enchanting walks through nearby forests and meadows, there's no shortage of magical moments waiting to be discovered. 🌳🌟 |  Personalized ShootsStep into a storybook world with curated photoshoots by Rebecca and Marianne. Capture your fairytale moments in golden light, flowing gowns, and magical surroundings. |
|---|---|---|
 Community ConnectionsConnect 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. 🌟💖 |  French CuisineIndulge with meals inspired by the region's rich culinary heritage, and prepared by your hosts & a professional Chef. From hearty feasts in the castle's Salle à Manger to intimate picnics in the park, every meal is a celebration of good food and great company. 🍽️🍷 |  Quiet TimeTake time to pause, reflect, and connect with your innermost thoughts and desires. Whether it's meditating in the castle's forests or journaling in the tranquil courtyard, you'll find moments of peace and serenity amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life. 🌿🌌 |
 Chateau RoomsBe inspired by your surroundings! Stay in well-appointed rooms, with shared facilities (no more than 2 rooms share a bathroom). Enjoy all the common areas of the chateau, and 15 ha of grounds. |  Couple's MomentLet Marianne Bell craft an extra special moment for you and your "ever after" partner. |  Optional ExtrasEnhance your retreat experience with a few magical extras: Treat yourself to a handcrafted gown from a local designer — perfect for your château portraits, or book a hair or makeup session with a talented local artist to help you fully step into character for your photo shoots. |
Meet Your Hosts
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 fairytales 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.
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!
Live a Fairytale Week!
Reserve your spot by completing the deposit payment below. Completing your deposit is your agreement to the Terms & Conditions.
Experience Package €3,795
Single accommodation in our comfortably appointed rooms. - UPDATE - Singles are sold out! Grab your besties and save with the options below!
Share & Save
One room with two beds
Ideal for community-minded travellers
Save
€500
Book Two & Save
One room with one or two beds
Perfect for couples and besties who want the perfect photos together
Save
€1400
Book 3 or More
Book as a group, as many rooms as you need
Great for friends who travel in a group!
Save
€400 pp
Discounts will be applied to final balance payments. Complete your deposit for two or more, and we will send you the code to apply to your final payment (or send us an email to clarify).
What's Included
-
6 nights accommodation at the Château
-
Guidance from professional content creators Rebecca & Thomas, and Marianne Bell
-
Optional participation in four themed photoshoots
-
Props for photo shoots (e.g. flowers for crowns, vintage books, etc)
-
All meals at the Château
-
Our house wines served at meals
-
Unlimited non-alcoholic beverages
-
Excursion(s) to local markets and venues, with transportation
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)
-
Hair & makeup sessions can be booked as optional extras
-
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring?
Bring your typical bag for a week away. Plus,here’s a suggested wardrobe to help you feel your most enchanted self:
-
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. We offer pickups & drop offs from Thiviers Gare, 15 min away, which has a direct connection to Bordeaux. We also offer transport from Angouleme or Limoges.
+
_
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?
+
_
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 Main Character retreat with Rebecca on our social media, and we’ve even included a video from Day One 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 — feel free to email us to set up a call. We’re happy to chat and answer any questions directly.
+
_
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.
+
_
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. Please send us an email to check your particular requirements.
+
_
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 (subject to change when we finalize dates). Travel insurance protects your investment, and helps alleviate disappointment if your plans have to change.
+
_
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.