Garden Delights: Floral Arrangement and Herb Gardening in the Dordogne
This retreat celebrates curiosity about how things grow, how to shape them with intention, and how gardens fit into Dordogne life. Spend mornings learning floral design, afternoons exploring the region's most beautiful gardens, and evenings with conversations and good food.
AT A GLANCE
When: June 4-9, 2027
Duration: 6 Days & 5 Nights
Style: Creative Workshop for Max 10 Guests
Home Base: Privately Owned 16th Century Château
Retreat Price: €3295 per person (share and save!)
What the Week Includes
Your Itinerary
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Day 1 | Arrive. Settle in. Make a floral arrangement for your room. Welcome supper.
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Day 2 | Visit Thiviers farmer's market. Lunch in Thiviers. Afternoon workshop on the language of flowers. Prepare supper together,
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Day 3 | Tablescape workshops for beginners - "jardinere"-style and long table. Explore the local area & flora.
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Day 4 | Herb garden planning & discussion. Picnic at Hautefort castle, and tour of the formal gardens. Learn about ancient herbal practices at Hotel Dieu. Supper in Hautefort.
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Day 5 | Get whimsical with flower crowns, wreaths, and garlands. Supper at a special restaurant. Who's up for a blue hour medieval photoshoot?
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Day 6 | Final creative time. Breakfast. Depart with new skills and friendships.
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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Enjoy an evening with a professional chef and discover excellent local restaurants
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House wines with Château meals
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Non-alcoholic beverages 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 6-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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Stay with a small group of like-minded people - limit of 10 guests.
Meet Your Hosts
Your Four Hosts
This experience was cultivated by Bonnie & Nikki, gardening & floral arts enthusiasts with many years of practical experience, and frequent guests at Manor & Maker. They will facilitate the conversations and workshops, and help ensure you have a great time.
Your chatelains 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 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.
We created “Manor and Maker” to reflect the two sides of our adventure. One, to live as château 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 to ensure you have a comfortable stay.
Welcome to Manor & Maker.
Start Your Garden Delight Experience Today!
Reserve your spot by completing the deposit payment below. Completing your deposit is your agreement to the Terms & Conditions.
Single Occupancy
€3395
Private room.
En-suite or shared bath (max 2 rooms per bath).
Double Occupancy
€2895
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 almost 15% off!
That's a savings of €500 each!
What's Included
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6 days of floral & herbal knowledge instruction
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5 nights accommodation at Château de Saint-Germain-des-Pres
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All supplies required for the planned floral workshops
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All meals served at the Château
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Wines, beers, & ciders served with supper at the Château
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All non-alcoholic beverages throughout your stay
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Transportation from the pickup point (local train station) to the Château
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Access to Château common areas & grounds
What's Not Included
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Transportation from your hometown to the pickup point, including airfare (most guests choose Bordeaux, or Charles-de-Gaulle airports), 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 and visa expenses. 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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and any other items not specifically noted as included