Move to France Retreat
Welcome to an extraordinary week at Château de Borie, nestled in the enchanting Southwest of France. Our "Move to France Retreat 2025" is designed to provide you with the essential knowledge, insights, and experiences to turn your dream of living in France into reality. Join us for an immersive journey where information meets inspiration and lifelong connections are made.
Retreat Overview
Set against the backdrop of the stunning Château de Borie, this retreat offers a perfect blend of informative sessions and delightful excursions. Each day is thoughtfully structured to give you a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to move to France while allowing you to savor the magic of this beautiful region.
Topics to Be Covered
Visas: Types, Process, Timing, Realities Understanding the visa process is crucial for anyone considering a move to France. We'll demystify the different types of visas, their application processes, timing, and the realities you may face, equipping you with the knowledge to navigate this critical step with confidence.
Real Estate: Buying and Selling in France Learn about the French real estate market, covering the buying and selling processes, transfer taxes, and energy ratings, especially regarding rentability. We'll discuss the seasonality of certain regions and villages, helping you make informed decisions about property investment.
Psychological, Social, and Language Realities "Getting past all the things you thought you knew about the French people and the immigrant experience." This session will be a candid discussion about integrating into French society, overcoming language barriers, and adjusting to the cultural nuances of your new home.
Financial Matters: Taxes, Moving Money, Bank Accounts Gain insights into the financial aspects of moving to France, including tax obligations, transferring money, and setting up bank accounts. This session aims to clarify the financial landscape and help you manage your finances efficiently in your new country.
Construction Realities Drawing from personal experience, this session will cover the realities of property renovation and construction in France. From navigating the bureaucratic processes to understanding local construction norms, you'll gain practical insights and tips.
Driving and Permits Discover the ins and outs of driving in France, including how to obtain a French driving permit and the nuances of French driving regulations. This session will also cover the potential challenges and how to overcome them, including tips for those who might need to change their state of residency before moving.
The French Day/Year An exploration of the French calendar, including Sunday closures, holidays, summer vacations, and lunch hours. Understanding these cultural foundations will help you adjust your patterns and fully enjoy life in France.
Leisure and Society in France A look at the importance of leisure time in French life, town festivals, parks, and nature. This session will highlight the value placed on social and leisure activities and how they form an integral part of French culture.
10 Things I Wish I’d Known A playful and interactive session where we share anecdotes and insights about moving to France. With input from others, this session will synthesize what you've learned over the week and provide a fun, informal way to reflect on your future in France.
French Health Care Discover why French healthcare is highly regarded worldwide. We’ll cover PUMA, Mutuelles, Doctolib, preventative care, and emergency services, ensuring you understand how to access and benefit from the French healthcare system.
Excursions
Wine Tasting Explore local vineyards and taste some of the finest wines the region has to offer, guided by expert sommeliers.
Property Visits Tour various properties to get a firsthand look at
the types of homes available in the region and understand the local real estate market better.
Visit with Experts Meet local experts who can provide valuable insights into different aspects of French life and culture.
Brocante Tour Discover the charm of local flea markets, where you can find unique antiques and treasures.
Market/Grocery Store Tour Experience the vibrant atmosphere of local markets and grocery stores, learning about the variety of products and how to shop like a local.
Foie Gras Museum Get acquainted with a quintessential part of French culinary heritage with a visit to the Foie Gras Museum.
Castorama Visit a Castorama, the French equivalent of a home improvement store, and learn about sourcing materials and tools for any DIY projects you might undertake.
Creating Community and Lasting Connections
One of the most rewarding aspects of this retreat is the sense of camaraderie and community that naturally develops among participants. Sharing meals, stories, and experiences in the enchanting setting of Château de Borie fosters deep connections and lasting friendships. Our evening apéros and dinners are perfect opportunities to unwind, share laughter, and reflect on the day’s adventures.
Join us for the Move to France Retreat 2025 and embark on a journey of discovery, preparation, and excitement as you take steps toward making France your new home. Book your spot today and start planning your future in the enchanting Southwest of France.
About Your Guides
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.
About Amy
Amy Witherbee moved to Rennes, France in February 2022 with her husband under a passport talent/business creator visa. She is the co-founder of Sanderling Expat Advisors, a financial firm that provides independent advice to U.S. expats and to French nationals returning from the U.S. She is also an attorney and the co-owner of Revolution Capital, an independent registered investment advisor in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
In her free time, Amy enjoys writing, poor-quality guitar playing, and taking long walks in France with her border collie, Turner.
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.
The Magic of Château de Borie
Château de Borie is not just a beautiful estate; it’s a place where history, culture, and community come together in perfect harmony. Over the past few years, many of you have followed my journey on YouTube, witnessing the transformation of this historic château. From renovating rooms to treasure hunting at local brocantes and savoring exquisite wines, 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.
Nestled in the picturesque countryside near Agen, our location is ideal for exploring charming villages, vibrant markets, and world-renowned vineyards. The château’s serene beauty and lush gardens provide a tranquil escape, making it the perfect backdrop for your retreat.
NOTES:
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 July 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 July 1, 2025.
All rooms are to be paid for in full by July 1, 2025.
If you need to cancel between July 1 and September 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 (the deposit is non-refundable) or you can transfer your paid fees to another retreat offered within 12 months.
Cancelations after September 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. You should obtain medical/trip cancellation insurance for this reason.
Travel
Arrivals: Saturday October 4th, 2025 before 4 pm
Retreat/workshops: Sunday, October 5th to Friday, October 10th
Departures: Saturday, October 11th 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, 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.
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!