A Week at the Château:
History, Heritage & Hospitality
An easygoing cultural escape for ACO members
Chateau de Borie, Agen, France
Saturday, April 18th - Saturday, April 25th, 2026
Participation is limited; early booking is recommended.
Settle into Château de Borie for a gentle, convivial week where history meets the art of French living. Each day blends light cultural exploration—think bastide towns, a local château visit, markets, and a winery tasting—with unhurried meals, good conversation, and plenty of time to simply enjoy being together.
This experience is intentionally flexible. We’ll choose from a menu of favorite outings (a winery tour and tasting with a sommelier, a heritage château visit, farmer’s markets, brocantes, and strolls through medieval bastides) and balance them with cozy afternoons at the château: cooking demos, fireside aperitifs, and lingering dinners.
Highlights
A curated mix of culture, cuisine, and conversation—no rigid schedule
Winery visit with tour & tasting; guided tasting with a sommelier
Bastide town visits and a local château visit (light walking)
Farmer’s market outing and chef-led cooking demo
Chef-prepared dinners at the château; convivial long-table lunches
Plenty of free time for rest, reading, sketching, or a garden stroll
Who It’s For
ACO members who appreciate heritage, companionship, and good food—without a packed schedule. The week is designed with comfortable pacing, frequent seating, and lots of chances to opt in or out.
This is your chance to embrace the extraordinary.
What’s Included
7 days / 7 nights at Château de Borie (private rooms; en-suite or private bath)
Daily breakfast; most lunches and dinners (wine included with dinners)
All scheduled tastings, demos, and listed excursions
Round-trip group transfers from Agen train station during designated windows
On-site host support and coordination throughout
Not included: Airfare/train to Agen, one independent lunch during a town visit, travel insurance, personal purchases.
A Week At The Chateau 2026 - Itinerary
A Gentle Sample Week (subject to refinement)
Day 1 (Sat): Arrivals & welcome aperitif; chef’s dinner at the château
Day 2: Bastide town wander + market picnic; evening cooking demo
Day 3: Winery tour & tasting; relaxed afternoon at the château
Day 4: Heritage château visit; salon hour & dinner
Day 5: Farmer’s market shop + casual lunch; optional brocante stop
Day 6: Guided tasting with sommelier at the château; free afternoon
Day 7: Easy local outing or garden day; farewell dinner
Day 8 (Sat): Departures to Agen station
Meet Your Host:
Abigail Carter
Dreamer, Creator, and Host of Chateau de Borie
Abigail Carter, the visionary behind Chateau de Borie, is a published author, artist, and website designer whose life journey has been one of transformation and resilience. Her first book, The Alchemy of Loss: A Young Widow’s Transformation, chronicles her path through grief after losing her husband, Arron, in the World Trade Center on 9/11. This powerful memoir, published in 2008, was long-listed for the B.C. Award for Canadian Non-Fiction and named one of The Globe and Mail's 100 Most Notable Books of the year. Her second book, Remember the Moon, a novel, also centered on themes of love, loss, and renewal, was released in 2014.
In 2017, after a difficult breakup, Abby returned to painting following a 30-year hiatus, rediscovering a creative outlet that became a source of healing and self-discovery. This rekindled passion ultimately led her to embrace a life of creativity and transformation.
During the pandemic, Abby found herself dreaming of a retreat center in France—a place where people could come to recharge, connect, and unlock their creative potential. In 2022, she made that dream a reality with the purchase of Chateau de Borie, a historic and enchanting property in Southwest France. A year later, she began hosting retreats at the chateau, welcoming creative-minded individuals from around the world to share in the beauty, culture, and inspiration that make life in France so extraordinary.
Abby’s retreats are a reflection of her own journey—places where obstacles are released, creativity flourishes, and dreams are brought to life.
Learn more about Abby and her work at www.abigailcarter.com.
What Our Guests Are Saying
-
The concept of living with total strangers for a week, in a foreign country, with only sketching as a common bond, was daunting, but boy was it worth it. The chateau is a magnificent venue, the host(s) provided us with an excellent itinerary for the pursuit of art, yet frivolous activities abounded.
Marty S.
-
Abby’s welcoming kindness, the camaraderie of the other guests, the instruction were all so much fun! There were daily walks in nature, “forest bathing”! Don’t even get me started on the exquisite cuisine created by Chefs Frances and Arlette!! I could go on and on. To sum it up - run, don’t walk to Chateau Borie’s well filling retreats!
Linda T.
-
I highly recommend this retreat to anyone looking to immerse themselves in their art while enjoying the beauty and tranquility of the French countryside. It was a truly magical experience, and I can't wait to return for my third retreat at the Chateau!
Shelli W.
-
The Chateau feels like it’s alive - like history and culture pours through the walls and envelops you like a warm hug. Abby and her adorable little pup made the experience truly unforgettable - from the food, the delicious morning lattes, the wine, to the community of writers and lifelong friends I made there.
Hera M.
-
This was my first ever non-work related retreat and this experience has made me eager to do many more of these hopefully at the chateau. It was the perfect combination of the people, the place, the food, the information we gained and the lasting memories we made! The idyllic environment of the chateau in a lovely French countryside was the perfect setting for a weekend dedicated to financial empowerment and personal growth for us ladies.
Vidya M.
-
Abby's retreat attracted a group of warm and positive people – I couldn't believe how well the group meshed, and we still keep in touch today. I picked up painting again after a long break, and was inspired to keep going with it when I returned home. Truly life changing, and I can't recommend it highly enough.
Paula D.
Pricing
Premium Room:
Cygne, Etoile, Gingko, Rossignol, Jasmin
Solo: €4,600
Shared: €4,000 per person
Standard Room:
Magnolia, Colibri, Chouette, Renard,
Lapin, Paon
Solo: €4,000
Shared: €3,600 per person
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
All rooms have a private bathroom down the hall with the exception of:
Rossignol: Partial ensuite (shower down the hall)
Jasmin: Full ensuite
Twin/2-bed options are ideal for friends:
Lapin (two doubles),
Paon (double + single),
Cygne (double + single).
Rooms with one bed are perfect for solo guests or couples.
*A 5% contribution from each booking will be donated to ACO in support of its heritage preservation work.
Premium Rooms
With the exception of Jasmin, which has a full ensuite and is on the third floor, all the premium rooms are on the second floor and have private bathrooms down the hall.
Standard Rooms
All Standard rooms are on the third floor with private bathrooms down the hall.
Chateau de Borie
Chateau de Borie is located in Pont-du-Casse, just a five minute drive from Agen, located between Toulouse and Bordeaux in an area renown for it’s fresh fruits and vegetables, particularly its dried prunes. The area is a little off the beaten path for many tourists, but boasts beautiful countryside, proximity to two splendid wine regions, historic “Bastide” villages and incredibly fresh local food.
Agen and environs
The town of Agen is equidistant between Toulouse and Bordeaux and boasts a TGV train station, making it a 3-hour journey from Paris or a 1-hour journey from either Toulouse or Bordeaux. The town is fairly substantial with a population of 35,000 and has a wide array of shops, restaurants, bars, weekly markets and annual festivals. There is also a wonderful Art Museum and an Opera House, as well as several cathedrals, one of which has an intricately painted interior.
The surrounding countryside is known for its orchards and fruit growing, particularly its prunes, which you can find in all forms - stuffed, soaked in alcohol, or made into aperitifs.
The surrounding countryside is beautiful and dotted with many “Bastide” towns – fortified, medieval towns often built atop hillsides with a templated grid pattern (developed by the brother of one of the kings of France) with a main town square, surrounded by a covered gallery housing shops and restaurants.
The Chateau Experience
Each guest will be housed in a private room equipped with a desk. During your stay, you will enjoy the sweeping views of the French countryside, free time, intimate mornings, and organized excursions to explore nearby sites and partake in the local wine and cuisine.
Sommelier Visit
Learn about and taste local wines with passionate sommelier, Stephan who will come to Chateau de Borie bearing some wonderful wines of all types from a variety of local areas such as Bordeaux and Cahors.
Local Market and Cooking Demo
Join us on an unforgettable culinary adventure with an esteemed chef, where we'll explore the vibrant Agen farmer’s market, handpicking fresh produce. Later, back at Chateau de Borie, we will be guided through an immersive cooking workshop, crafting our evening feast.
Winery Visit
Visit a local chateau winery, where you'll indulge in a delightful lunch at their renowned restaurant, followed by an immersive tour of the winery and a curated wine-tasting experience.
Fois Gras Museum
Nestled on Souleilles Farm, the Foie Gras Museum offers an immersive journey into the culinary legacy of Southwest France. Explore the fascinating origins of foie gras, uncovering why waterfowl naturally gorge themselves and how this region became the world's premier foie gras producer. Your educational visit concludes with a tantalizing tasting of artisanal foie gras and farm specialties, providing a delicious finale to your cultural exploration.
Brocante Treasure Hunt
Explore the charming world of French antique markets. Wander through stalls brimming with vintage curiosities, hidden gems, and timeless French furniture and artifcats. Discover unique pieces that tell stories of French history, culture, and craftsmanship—a potentially rich source of furnishings for your future French dream home.
Dinner in a local restaurant
Indulge in a delightful dinner at a nearby restaurant, specializing in French cuisine with a focus on farm-to-table ingredients and local specialties.
Travel
NOTE:
The Chateau de Borie is multi-leveled, with no bedrooms on the ground floor. Good physical mobility is required for this adventure, as the Chateau has one or two sets of stairwells, depending on the room you choose, and we will be on foot on the uneven streets around France.
The physical ability to walk unassisted and stand for extended periods is necessary for this week.
Because of the proximity of the cliffs and the seven springs on the property, mosquitoes are an issue. Bug spray is highly recommended.
Arrivals: Saturday April 18rd, 2026 before 4 pm
Departures: Saturday, April 125th before noon.
Participants are responsible for their own flights and travel to Agen. The closest international airports are Toulouse and Bordeaux, France. It is an hour's train ride to Agen from both cities. You can also fly to Paris and take a 3-hour TGV train from Montparnasse station in Paris to Agen (via Bordeaux), but this option can be more difficult and expensive due to limited train schedules. If you choose this route, be sure to book your train well ahead of time and buy tickets that you can change in case of delayed flights. Also, it is advised that you not attempt to take the train to Paris on the same day that you plan to fly out of Paris. Train delays are common.
It is recommended that you purchase your train tickets ahead of time, as trains do fill up. We recommend using www.thetrainline.com or https://www.sncf-connect.com/ to book your connections.
You are welcome to rent a car at the airport, though we will be providing transportation for the various excursions, so unless you want to get out on your own, it is unnecessary.
We offer pick-ups and drop-offs from the Agen train station to/from Chateau de Borie.
To arrive at the Chateau on Saturday, April 18th requires a flight departure from North America on Friday, April 17th.
It is recommended to arrive in France a few days early, if possible, to acclimate to the time change.
Pack light!
More information about excursions and further details about the week will be added as they are planned. We look forward to having you join us for this very special week at Chateau de Borie!
Payment
A deposit of €1000 is required to hold your spot. The balance must be paid in full by February 1, 2026.
Included in the price:
Pick up/drop off at Agen train station
Welcome champagne
All meals and wine except for lunches during excursions
Transportation to/from all excursions
Entry fees for all excursions
Market visit and cooking class
Dinner at a restaurant near the Chateau de Borie
Not included:
Airfare, train fare
Meals outside the villa except for the restaurant dinner.
Refund Policy
Deposit non-refundable after February 1, 2026
Cancellations between February 1 and April 1:
100% refund if spot is filled,
50% refund of balance if spot is not filled, or transfer credit within 12 months
No refunds after April 1, 2026
We strongly recommend trip/medical cancellation insurance
