Chateau Life with Abby
Welcome to my château in the heart of Southwest France, where history, culture, and a passion for restoration come together in perfect harmony. My name is Abby, and I invite you to join me on this enchanting journey as we explore the timeless beauty and rich traditions of this remarkable region.
Over the past few years, many of you have followed my adventures on YouTube, witnessing the transformation of this historic château. From renovating rooms to treasure hunting at local brocantes, and savoring exquisite wines and delectable cuisine, my journey has been nothing short of magical. Now, I’m thrilled to open the doors of my château to you, offering a unique and immersive experience that captures the essence of life in Southwest France.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a lover of French culture, or simply looking for a tranquil escape, my château provides the perfect backdrop for your next adventure. Nestled in the picturesque countryside near Agen, our location is ideal for exploring charming villages, vibrant markets, and world-renowned vineyards.
Join me as we create unforgettable memories, share laughter, and indulge in the simple pleasures that make life in France so extraordinary. Welcome to my world – a place where the past meets the present, and where every day is a celebration of the beauty and joy that surrounds us.
What to Expect:
This retreat is designed to offer you a truly immersive experience, blending relaxation, culture, and adventure. Over the week, you’ll have the opportunity to:
Visit My Favorite Brocantes: Discover hidden treasures and unique antiques at local brocantes, handpicked by me for their charm and character.
Explore Renowned Wineries: Enjoy private tours and tastings at some of the region’s most esteemed vineyards, guided by expert sommeliers.
Savor Local Flavors: Participate in a cooking demonstration where you’ll learn to create traditional French dishes, followed by a sumptuous meal.
Experience Farmers Markets: Wander through vibrant farmers markets, sampling fresh, local produce and soaking in the lively atmosphere.
Relax and Unwind: Sip rosé on the terrace garden, take leisurely walks through the countryside, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the château.
Focus of the Week:
My retreats are centered around three key themes:
Creating Community: Connect with like-minded individuals and form lasting friendships as we share meals, stories, and experiences.
Having Fun: Embrace the joy of living, with plenty of laughter, adventure, and delightful surprises along the way.
Learning About France: Gain insights into French culture, history, and the unique characteristics of the Agen region through guided tours and interactive sessions.
No Painting or Ladders Required:
Rest assured, this retreat is all about enjoyment and relaxation. While you’ve seen the hard work behind the renovations on YouTube, this is your time to indulge and revel in the finished masterpiece without lifting a finger.
Join me for a week of unforgettable experiences, where every moment is crafted to delight and inspire. Book today and step into the enchanting world of Chateau de Borie.
About Abby
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. The Alchemy of Loss was long-listed for the 2008 B.C. Award for Canadian Non-Fiction, Canada's largest Non-Fiction prize and chosen by The Globe and Mail as one of the 100 Most Notable Books of 2008. Her second book, Remember the Moon, a novel, was published in 2014 and is also based on themes of grief and loss, described by Indie Reader as “a touching and intimate look at the bonds that last beyond death, and the generosity of spirit needed to truly love another person.”
After a difficult breakup in 2017, Abby returned to painting after a thirty-year hiatus, re-discovering another creative 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 saw the dream come to fruition in 2022 with the purchase of Chateau de Borie. She is now hosting week-long creative retreats as she continues to redecorate and renovate the Chateau.
The Details
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, it is no longer available.
Common Areas
You will have access to all amenities: a large, shared living room (Grand Salon), kitchen and dining room, garden, and terraces, with reading nooks and seating, and a wooded trail. There is WiFi throughout the Chateau, and laundry services are available.
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 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.
Chloe, Abby’s Boston Terrier will be in attendance. If you have any issues with small dogs, you might want to consider this before booking.
Payment
A deposit of €1000 is required to hold your spot. The balance must be paid in full by February 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 April 1, 2025.
All rooms are to be paid for in full by April 1, 2025.
If you need to cancel between April 1, and June 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 June 1st, 2025 are non-refundable.
Participant expenses incurred in preparation for the trip (e.g., non-refundable purchased airline tickets) are not the responsibility of the retreat organizers. It is recommended that you obtain medical/trip cancellation insurance for this reason.
Travel
Arrivals: Saturday July 12th, 2025 before 4 pm
Retreat/workshops: Sunday, July 13th to Friday, July 18th
Departures: Saturday, July 19th 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).
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.
NOTE: To arrive at the villa on Saturday, July 12th requires a flight departure from North America on Friday, July 11th. It is recommended to arrive in France a few days early if possible to acclimate to the time change.
To secure your spot for this retreat, a €1000 deposit is required. A link to the balance payment will be emailed after the deposit has been paid. Please select your chosen room when purchasing the deposit.
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!