International

Are you ready to experience a week of self-care with a gigantic dose of laughter, creativity, fun, mindfulness, connection, culture and food?

The dream team of Lauren and Renee is back together and are thrilled to be able to offer this Mindful Creative Journey to France!!!

We will be flying into Paris and will spend a day (and night) there to explore Montmartre, a flea market and a couple other iconic landmarks. We will then head South by hopping on a train and taking a lovely countryside tour. Our destination for 5 nights will be a castle in the Dordogne region.

It is happening:

TBD

This retreat combines Renee’s love of travel, France and creating and connecting with other women.

Are you just starting to embrace your creativity or have you jumped in all of the way? No matter how your creativity is expressed or your level of experience …this retreat is for you!

We will partake in local culture at markets, bistro’s and fabulous restaurants, shop for vintage treasures, explore the beauty of the French countryside and create art. We are hoping your art will be created out of exploring and experiencing France. Imagine getting to sketch some ancient ruins, the inside of a cathedral or the quiet grounds of a castle!

LOCATION/ACCOMODATIONS

   We will spend one night in Paris (which is included) but our picturesque getaway will be in the charming Château de Saint-Germain-des-Prés which is nestled in the quintessential French countryside, in the department of Dordogne (land of 1001 castles), in the Perigord region renowned for its gastronomic delicacies, in the wee town of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Parts of the castle, including the tower with its spiral stone staircase, date back to the 16th century.

The owners of the chateau are originally from Canada and have their own Youtube channel called Manor & Maker. I highly recommend checking them out to see how they have been lovingly restoring the Manor and to see some of the sights in the area.

It will be shared accommodations and we are sure you will create unforgettable moments in this special home!

MEALS

  All breakfasts, most lunches, and a couple dinners are included. We will of course be hitting a few restaurants and bistros but we will also be getting stuck in by gathering goodies from markets and making a few meals together. 

  TRANSPORTATION

 You will be responsible for your ticket/trip to Paris but there will be a group leaving from Ottawa on the red eye on September 7th if you would like to join. Once in Paris we will all be travelling together which includes hopping on the train to head down South and all excursions thereafter.  

WEATHER

The weather in much of France in September feels very much like August – sun-kissed, warm and inviting. You can count on an average of 21°C (70°F). The castle is South of Paris so you can expect similar or warmer temperatures once we leave the city.

WORKSHOPS/EXCURSIONS

 Your hosts Renée Savoie & Lauren Cowles will be leading the workshops in:

Mixed Media – Jewelry – Sewing – Embroidery – Weaving

There will also be excursions to:

  • the artist village of Montmartre and other iconic Paris landmarks
  • vintage shops, markets, brocantes
  • strolls & sketching in centuries old villages, stops at ancient ruins and stunning cathedrals
  • a wine and/or truffle tour
  • a visit to a local pastel maker and their gallery

PRICING

We’ve carefully designed this retreat as a real vacation for you and the cost for all of this awesomeness is a mere $1850.00 and includes accommodations, most meals, excursions, all art supplies and some goodies. A deposit of $500.00 must be made with registration in order to hold your spot but the balance must be paid by TBD.

*Please note that this does not include airfare or your train ticket from Paris to Limoges. (A return train ticket will be well under $100CDN)

Also, will need travel insurance and it is your responsibility to ensure that you have your passport and it is recommended that it be valid for at least 6 months after the trip!

If you have any questions or would like to pay via e-transfer please email Renee at renee.savoie@gmail.com

REGISTRATION

Come be revitalized by all the beautiful energy around you. We are SO excited to share this experience with you 🙂