Unplugged
A Wellness Retreat
Chateau de Borie, Agen, France
Saturday, September 13 - Saturday, September 20, 2025
Limited to 8-12 participants
Imagine Yourself in a World Apart…
Surrounded by ancient limestone cliffs and lush forest, Château de Borie offers a gentle escape from the noise of the world. Morning light filters through tall windows as doves coo in the distance, calling you softly into a slower rhythm. Here, the days are unhurried, and every space is an invitation to rest, reflect, and simply be.
At Unplugged, you’ll enter a sanctuary of stillness and kindness—a retreat for those seeking reconnection with themselves and with others. Guided by compassionate practitioners, you’ll experience the healing power of movement, breath, creativity, and shared presence. This is not about fixing anything. It’s about remembering what it feels like to feel safe, held, and whole.
Begin your mornings with gentle yoga and meditation, followed by nourishing meals and open, unstructured afternoons. Wander through gardens, sip tea in the salon, or curl up for a deep, delicious nap. Each moment is yours to claim.
Evenings are gatherings in the garden, around the fire or salon—spaces for heartfelt conversation, laughter, or simply shared silence. Meals are slow and rich with local flavors, lovingly prepared by a private chef. And all around you: kind, curious people walking the same path toward peace and presence.
This retreat is your antidote to a world that asks too much. It’s a homecoming to your body, your breath, and your most grounded self.
Leave not with a to-do list, but with a softened heart, a clearer mind, and a new circle of soul-connected women who understand the quiet power of unplugging.
Welcome to Unplugged: A Sanctuary for Creativity and Renewal
Nestled in the serene heart of southwest France, the Unplugged retreat invites you to a week of joyful exploration and soulful connection. This is more than just a retreat—this is a space where your nervous system can finally exhale.
You’ll stretch, breathe, paint, write, rest, connect, and eat delicious food—all at your own pace. You'll be gently invited to unplug each day, not as a rule, but as an offering. Together, we’ll read words that ground us, move our bodies with care, and share meals with kind, curious people.
What to Expect
Daily yoga and meditation to calm the mind and awaken the body
Massage therapy and optional trips to a nearby thermal spa
Art therapy sessions and expressive, creative play (no experience needed)
Communal reading & discussion of grounding works like The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer or poetry by Mary Oliver
Memoir writing to prompt a deep dive into memories to heal your soul
Plenty of white space to nap, wander, journal, or do nothing at all
Evening gatherings around the fire, under the stars, or in the grand salon
Nourishing meals prepared by a private chef, paired with local wines
The chance to build a new, supportive community with like-hearted people
This retreat is for people who are ready to reclaim their peace, find community, and remember the gentler parts of themselves.
Meet Your Facilitators
The Unplugged Retreat is guided by three inspiring women, 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
Nancy is thrilled to be part of the “Unplugged” community at Château de Borie.
She co-facilitated the very first sketchbook retreats alongside Abby and Haley and loves how the château and its serene surroundings are perfectly suited for creative group gatherings. Nancy has fallen in love with the slower, more intentional pace of life in this corner of France and looks forward to sharing its magic with you.
With a career in art therapy spanning several decades, Nancy brings deep experience in guiding others through creative exploration—and she delights in making her own art, too.
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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/Prices
Below is a list of each room and its associated prices. 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.
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.
