Camp Borie
Reconnect with Your Inner Child in the Heart of France.
Chateau de Borie, Agen, France
Saturday, September 13 - Saturday, September 20, 2025
Limited to 8-12 participants
Imagine Yourself in a World Apart…
Nestled in the protective embrace of a limestone cliff and lush forest, Chateau de Borie is a haven of inspiration. Morning doves coo softly as sunlight streams across the polished hardwood floors, gently awakening your senses. Step into the château’s bright, welcoming rooms, where creativity hums in the air, and laughter and curiosity unite souls from all walks of life.
Here, at Camp Borie, you’ll embark on a transformative journey of self-expression and renewal. Guided by gifted mentors, you’ll uncover your creative essence, free from expectations or labels. In this magical setting, the French countryside becomes your muse, its light, color, and serenity weaving their way into every moment.
From meditative morning yoga sessions to afternoons spent exploring artistic and cultural delights, you’ll reconnect with the joy of making and discovering. Wander through brocante markets, craft treasures from found objects, or lose yourself in the art of storytelling, painting, or simply being present.
As the day winds down, gather with fellow retreat-goers for meals rich with local flavors, intimate bonfires under the stars, and meaningful conversations that linger long into the evening. The château’s timeless charm and serene surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for reflection, inspiration, and connection.
This retreat is your chance to awaken your creativity, reconnect with play, and leave feeling more alive, inspired, and ready to bring beauty and joy back into your everyday life. Think summer camp magic meets art and self-care.
Welcome to Camp Borie: A Sanctuary for Creativity and Renewal
Nestled in the serene heart of southwest France, Camp Borie invites you to a week of joyful exploration and soulful connection. This is more than just a retreat—it’s a journey of rediscovery, where creativity meets mindfulness, and simple pleasures spark profound inspiration.
About Camp Borie
At Camp Borie, we celebrate the art of being human. You don’t need to be an artist or a yogi to find your place here. This retreat is designed for anyone yearning to reconnect with their inner muse, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the French countryside and the timeless elegance of Chateau de Borie.
Our approach blends creativity, relaxation, and cultural discovery, offering a unique space where every detail is crafted to nourish your mind, body, and spirit. Whether you bring your own project, explore a new artistic medium, or simply take time to reflect, Camp Borie is your canvas for transformation.
The retreat’s focus is to use art, mindfulness, and play as tools for reconnection and creative awakening. Activities are designed to help participants loosen up, overcome fear of imperfection, and fully embody presence and creativity.
A Space for Longing Souls
Camp Borie is for those who ache for more—for meaning, for connection, for a spark of creativity that feels like home. This retreat welcomes you as you are, offering a space to breathe deeply, engage in open-hearted play, laugh loudly, and create freely.
If this vision speaks to you, join us. Together, let’s make something beautiful.
What Makes Camp Borie Special
Mornings of Mindfulness
Begin each day with yoga and meditation in a tranquil, sunlit space. Guided by Haley, these sessions help center your thoughts, grounding you for the creative adventures ahead.
Artistry Without Rules
Experience the joy of open-hearted play. From sun painting in the chateau’s terrace garden to creating whimsical crafts from found treasures, the focus is on exploration, not perfection. Led by Abigail and Nancy, these workshops are for anyone eager to create, whether you’re picking up a paintbrush for the first time or diving into a long-forgotten passion.
The French Table
Food is an art, too. Discover the flavors of the region through hands-on cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, and exquisite meals shared in community.
Evenings Under the Stars
Unwind with intimate bonfires, storytelling, and themed parties that celebrate life and laughter. These evenings are a reminder of the beauty in connection, whether it’s through deep conversations or dancing with newfound friends.
A Week of Discovery
Explore the charm of southwest France with curated excursions:
Wander brocante markets, finding unique treasures.
Relax at a natural thermal spa, soaking in peace and history.
Stroll through villages that seem untouched by time, gathering inspiration at every turn.
Meet Your Camp Counsellors
Camp Borie is guided by three inspiring counselors, each bringing their own unique expertise to make this retreat a transformative experience:
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Abigail Carter
The owner of Chateau de Borie, Abigail Carter is a published author, artist and website designer. Her memoir, The Alchemy of Loss: A Young Widow’s Transformation was published in 2008, a cathartic expression after the death of her husband, Arron in the World Trade Center on 9/11. Her second book, Remember the Moon, a novel, was published in 2014 and is also based on themes of grief and loss.
After a difficult breakup in 2017, Abby returned to painting after a thirty-year hiatus, re-discovering another outlet for her renewed grief and self-discovery.
During the pandemic, Abby became obsessed with the idea of owning a chateau in France that could be used as a retreat center and managed to see her dream come to fruition in 2022 with the purchase of Chateau de Borie. Starting in 2023, she began organizing retreats at the Chateau for creative-minded people looking to experience a little of the creative life in an incredible setting and build a new community of friends.
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Nancy Orlikow
In 2009, Nancy was feeling burnt out and grieving the loss of her father after years of working as an art therapist with child sexual trauma survivors in non-profits. To cope, she attended a ‘painting as meditation’ retreat in Molokai, Hawaii. This retreat became a turning point, sparking a transformative journey that included annual art retreats and meet-ups with fellow creatives. These experiences reignited her creative passion and helped her form deep, lasting friendships with others who also navigate the complexities of balancing family, relationships, and careers.
During a visit to Chateau de Borie, Nancy experienced a similar surge of creative energy. Surrounded by the beauty of the chateau, its gardens, the rolling countryside, and the charming local markets, she felt inspired by the sensory richness of the environment. This visit laid the groundwork for creating the first and second sketchbook retreats with friends Abby and Haley. The idea for Camp Borie was born during the second retreat, when they realized how many people yearn for a chance to rejuvenate, play, and reconnect with their creative muse.
Camp Borie offers a mix of structured art instruction, material exploration, and opportunities for rest, relaxation, and reflection. The goal is to steep participants in the beauty and inspiration of the surroundings, whether through a peaceful walk along the chateau lane, a yoga class, browsing the brocante, or enjoying casual conversations in the grand salon. It’s an immersive experience where creativity flows freely, friendships form, and people return home feeling renewed, with a fresh outlook on life.
Nancy now has a full-time private practice in Vancouver, BC, and is working on two children’s books. She enjoys staying active and spends time at her lakeside retreat in Northern Washington, where she practices meditation, enjoys sauna sessions, and embraces the benefits of cold plunging.
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Haley Rae Derge
Haley Rae Derge is a dedicated yoga teacher and realtor who believes in the power of safe community spaces. She completed her 200hr Yoga Teacher Training in May 2018 and has been teaching ever since. In her classes, Haley focuses on the fusion of breath and movement, guiding her students to develop a deeper connection to their physical and emotional strength. Her philosophy of yoga is that it is a tool to prepare the body and mind for meditation, allowing participants to carry this sense of connection and strength into every moment of their lives. Haley strives to create inclusive classes for all levels, offering variations to challenge and explore the body.
Outside of her yoga practice, she extends her expertise as a wellness guide through her work as a realtor, helping people establish a sense of connection to their community and their homes. Through her yoga classes and real estate work, Haley is committed to helping others find a sense of belonging, both within their bodies and in their physical spaces.
What Our Guests Are Saying
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Accommodations
Below is a list of the accommodations. Make your room choice and then click the “Pay Deposit” button below and choose your selected room from the dropdown. If it doesn’t appear, then that room is sold out.
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 Retreat 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 workshop mornings, and organized excursions to explore nearby sites and partake in the local wine and cuisine.
Chef Francis Anglade and his wife, Arlette Flourens
Our culinary experience this week will be led by Chef Francis Anglade, a master of French cuisine with over 50 years of experience both in Southwestern France and the island of La Réunion. Alongside his wife and talented sous-chef, Arlette, they will create authentic French dishes using the freshest local ingredients, often sourced directly from their own garden.
Continental breakfast and family-style dinner will be served daily. Lunches will either be provided at the chateau or will be on your own during excursions. Coffee, tea, and snacks will be available throughout the day. We will do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Sommelier Visit
Join passionate sommelier Stephan for an intimate wine tasting at Chateau de Borie. Explore the exquisite local wines including Bordeaux and Cahors regions, discovering the rich flavors and stories behind Southwest France's most celebrated vintages.
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.
Treasure Hunting at Local Brocantes
Discover the charm of local brocante markets (a kind of antique store/flea market hybrid), where you’ll find unique treasures and creative inspiration at every turn. From antique furniture to vintage trinkets, these markets offer a chance to shop for one-of-a-kind souvenirs while soaking in the rich culture and artistry of the region.
Les Bains de Casteljaloux
The thermal spa in Casteljaloux, is a serene retreat about 40 mins from the Chateau, famed for its natural hot springs and healing waters. The spa features indoor and outdoor thermal pools maintained at a soothing 34°C (93°F), offering therapeutic benefits for stress, joint pain, and circulation. There are also saunas, cold baths and steam baths. Les Bains de Casteljaloux is the perfect destination where we will relax, rejuvenate, and reconnect with our inner sparkle.
An afternoon in Agen
Agen is an easily accessible town with an excellent art museum, opera house, two cathedrals, and lots of shopping along a pedestrian-only boulevard. You will have the option of spending some time at the Musée des Beaux-Arts d'Agen or spending the afternoon at your leisure before meeting the group at the end of the day for an aperitif back at the Chateau.
Dinner in a local restaurant
There will be a dinner at a nearby restaurant specializing in French cuisine with particular emphasis on farm-to-table 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 Sparkle 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 cobbled streets around France.
The physical ability to walk unassisted and stand for extended periods is necessary for this retreat.
Because of the proximity of the cliffs and the 7 springs on the property, mosquitos are an issue. Bug spray is highly recommended.
Arrivals: Saturday June 21st, 2025 before 4 pm
Retreat/workshops: Sunday, June 22nd to Friday, June 27th
Departures: Saturday, June 28th 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 June 21st requires a flight departure from North America on Friday, June 20th.
It is recommended to arrive in France a few days early if possible to acclimate to the time change.
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 June 1, 2025.
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
The €1000 deposit is non-refundable after June 1, 2025.
All rooms are to be paid for in full by June 1, 2025.
If you need to cancel between June 1, and August 1st, 2025 we will offer your spot to people on the waiting list and refund 100% of your payment if we can fill your spot. If we cannot fill your spot, we will refund 50% of your balance payment (minus the deposit) or you can transfer your paid fees to another retreat offered within 12 months.
Cancelations after August 1st, 2025 are non-refundable.
Participant expenses incurred in preparation for the trip (e.g., non-refundable purchased airline tickets, or having to leave the retreat early) are not the responsibility of the retreat organizers.
It is highly recommended that you obtain medical/trip cancellation insurance for this reason.
