The Storytellers' Weekend
A B&B weekend with a plot twist. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of traditional storytelling, where narratives come alive through spoken word rather than mere text.
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Fairytales, fables and fabulous stories from around the world –
a storytelling adventure for adults.
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Join us in this interactive journey where you become an integral part of the storytelling magic at a private Château in the land of troubadours.
What Will You Find?
Find peace and relaxation.
Wander through the beautiful countryside, watch the sun set. Gaze at the magnificent starry skies of rural France, share delicious food and friendship with like minded people.
Relax and unwind as Maria tells you stories to move you, stories to inspire you, stories to sooth you. Stories that will fill you with courage and leave you with a warm heart. You will find yourself fully immersed in the vivid world which she creates, all worries forgotten.
Find your confidence.
The “Finding your Voice” workshop will help you to use your voice to capture and enchant your listeners. With fun exercises and group activities, we will learn and practice transferable skills which will enhance any kind of public speaking you do – from storytelling to board meetings.
Find your passion.
“An introduction to storytelling” will show you how to find, choose, craft and remember a story that you can share with friends, family and the wider world.
In “Characters and relationships” we will be using some amusing and entertaining games and tricks to create believable characters that our listeners (or readers?) can relate to. At the end of our time together there will be an opportunity for performance for those who wish it.
Your Experience
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Four days & three nights accommodation at the private Château de Saint-Germain-des-Prés
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Two performances by professional storyteller Maria Credali
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A specially created story walk for the Chateau
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Storytelling workshops for those who want to learn this traditional art
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All meals on-site at the Château
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Our house wines served with meals (locally sourced, selected by our wine expert)
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All non-alcoholic beverages (coffee, tea, soft drinks, etc)
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Access to the common areas of the Château and 15ha of grounds
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Transportation from local train stations (Thiviers, Angouleme, Limoges) to and from the Château
Meet Your Hosts
Meet Maria
I am Maria, a professional storyteller, artist, and workshop facilitator with a passion for connecting with my audiences. Originally from Manchester, I now reside in the Midlands of England, where I collaborate with schools, individuals, festivals, and heritage organizations to share the enchantment of storytelling and art.
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As a qualified and experienced teacher in both Science and Art, I hold enhanced DBS and PLI certifications. Additionally, I am a registered ArtsMark Partner and dedicate part of my time to The Mighty Creatives charity as a creative mentor, focusing on nurturing creativity and confidence in my clients.
My joy lies in reimagining traditional tales and introducing them to new audiences; I particularly delight in tales with a unique twist!
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 will be available on-site all weekend to ensure you have a comfortable stay.
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Live a Fairytale Weekend!
€995 per room double occupancy
€595 per room single occupancy
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July 4 - 7 2024, 4 days, 3 nights.
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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Passport and visa expenses
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Personal expenses, such as store purchases, telephone calls
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Meals and beverages not served at the Château
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Premium wines available for purchase from our cave
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Alcoholic beverages in excess of 18% vol
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Any extra tours or excursions off the property
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and any other items not specifically noted as included
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this for?
The weekend is suitable for everyone. Perfect for anyone who would like to discover the ancient art of storytelling (as a listener or a performer) or for those who want to improve their skills. Creative writers and spoken word artists will also enjoy the performances and find the workshops useful, and will find their own word enriched by the experience. If you have stories you want to work on, bring them with you, but if not, Maria has plenty from the oral tradition to share. Bring instruments to play if you have them or just bring yourself and enjoy this special experience. All are welcome.
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.
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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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Can I come alone?
Absolutely - all story tellers and story listeners welcome. Prices and meal planning are based on double occupancy, so you may be assigned a compatible roommate.
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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 (subject to change when we finalize dates). 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 the 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.
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What should I bring?
Bring your typically bag for a weekend away. We'll provide the meals & beverages (wine and non-alcoholic alike). 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.