Upcoming Retreats
Writing Your Unexptected Life
A writing retreat for women who have lived something worth telling
Saturday May 16th - Thursday May 21st, 2026
Five days in the French countryside. A small circle of women — no more than five. Morning writing sessions, one-on-one time with me, afternoon excursions into the landscape, and evenings to breathe, reflect, and let the work settle. By the time you leave, you will have a complete written draft of one defining life moment — 1,000 to 2,500 words — in your own voice, with a clear structure you can use again.
Celebrating Light and Color:
The Figure in Nature
with Michael Ryan
Saturday July 18th - Saturday July 25th, 2026
Spend a week at Château de Borie in southwest France with artist Michael Ryan, exploring how light and color bring life to the figure and landscape. Through daily walking meditations, demonstrations, and personal guidance, you’ll learn to see more clearly—moving beyond labels to notice the shapes, values, and relationships that truly define what you see.
This retreat is open to artists of all levels and mediums, whether you work in oils, acrylics, watercolor, pastels, or mixed media. Alongside painting, you’ll enjoy shared meals prepared by our chef, excursions into the French countryside, and the inspiration of a creative community gathered in a historic château. Leave with new skills, new connections, and work that reflects both the beauty around you and the honesty of your own seeing.
Retire and Learn French
with Deborah Pham van xua
Saturday September 12th -
Saturday September 19th, 2026
Step into France not as a tourist, but as a participant. This week-long retreat at Château de Borie is designed for those ready to experience everyday French through culture, community, and connection. From market visits to wine tastings, you’ll practice “real-life French” in a supportive, stress-free environment that encourages laughter, curiosity, and confidence.
Perfect for beginners and returning learners alike, the retreat blends daily language immersion with the pleasures of French living: chef-prepared meals, a vineyard excursion, optional yoga, and evenings of storytelling and reflection. You’ll return home with new friendships, greater ease with the language, and a deeper sense of whether life in France could be part of your next chapter.
Move to France Retreat:
Transforming French Fantasies Into Your New Reality
Saturday October 3rd -
Saturday October 10th, 2026
Dreaming of a new life in France? This retreat is designed to give you the knowledge, confidence, and community you need to make that dream a reality. Over the course of a week at Château de Borie, you’ll explore the practical steps of relocation — from navigating visas and healthcare to understanding property, taxes, and cultural nuances. With expert guidance and plenty of real-life stories, you’ll leave with a clear plan forward and a supportive network to keep you inspired long after the retreat ends.
Beyond the logistics, you’ll also immerse yourself in the beauty and rhythm of French life. Shared meals, conversations with locals, and excursions into the surrounding countryside bring the experience to life, while the chateau itself offers comfort and camaraderie in equal measure. It’s not just about moving — it’s about creating a life you’ll love.
Move to France Retreat:
LGBTQ+ Edition
Saturday October 17th -
Saturday October 24th, 2026
For those in the LGBTQ community considering a move to France, this retreat offers the same practical tools and expert guidance as our signature program — but within a space that emphasizes inclusion, shared experiences, and community support. Hosted at Château de Borie, the week will cover everything from visas and housing to cultural adaptation, with special attention to resources, rights, and networks that matter most to LGBTQ individuals and couples making the transition.
Alongside the practical sessions, you’ll find inspiration in the warmth of shared meals, evenings by the fire, and excursions into the surrounding villages and vineyards. This retreat is both an informative roadmap and a safe, welcoming space to connect with others who share your vision. Whether you’re dreaming of a quiet rural life or a vibrant urban one, you’ll leave empowered to make your move with confidence.