Step into
a Living Renaissance
A Court for
Artists and Storytellers
The Lady of the Château is a living court within a 13th-century French château, where artists and storytellers are received into a way of life shaped by care, beauty, and devotion to the arts.
Days are given to creation and study; evenings gather in salons, at the table, or by the fire. Art is treated as sacred work. Beauty is understood as a language. Time is allowed to stretch, deepen, and restore what has been worn thin.
This is a place for those who feel the call to soften, dream, create and connect.
Weeks devoted to
Art, Craft and Creative Life
Each of our weeks is rooted in a specific creative focus—painting, photography, storytelling, literature—but all share one purpose: to bring you back to yourself through art, meaningful connection with your fellow artists, and the fulfillment of creating.
We welcome instructors who are not only devoted artists and masters of their craft but also generous mentors—present, attentive, and deeply invested in your growth.
Days are a balance of guided instruction, open studio time, and meals prepared with care. Evenings unfold in salon gatherings, fireside conversations, or spontaneous dancing in the dining room.
You’ll be staying in a fully hosted, lived-in, and loved home where beauty is found in both the grand details and the quiet corners. A place to soften, connect, and remember what it feels like to belong.
As you cross the threshold of Château de Puy Vidal, time loosens its grip. The oldest stones, laid in 1267, remain- holding centuries of lineage, devotion, and soul within their walls.
As you cross the threshold of Château de Puy Vidal, time loosens its grip. The oldest stones, laid in 1267, remain- holding centuries of lineage, devotion, and soul within their walls.
Painting Workshops
View all Workshops & Retreats
View all Workshops & Retreats
View all Workshops & Retreats
Fantasy Photoshoot Retreats
Recieve letters from the château- new gatherings, seasonal rhythms, and life withing the court.
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Château de Puy Vidal
Built in 1267
A seat of culture.
Château de Puy Vidal is a place where time loosens its grip. As you step through the Renaissance staircase and into the ancient rooms of the central wing, you are walking through eight centuries of history—stone walls that have held silence, art, conversation, and change. But this isn’t a museum. This is a living home, one that holds space for beauty, curiosity, and the creative spirit in all its forms.
Every corner tells a story: tapestries and candlelight in the salons, soft light pouring through antique glass, the echo of laughter from several rooms down the long corridors. It’s the kind of place that doesn’t demand your attention but earns it—slowly, reverently, with details that only reveal themselves when you’re truly present.
Puy Vidal is not a backdrop for your retreat. It is a companion in your process- a presence that steadies you, softens you, and gently returns you to the joy and seriousness of creating.
Step inside
Step inside
Step inside
Your Hosts
This is our home.
Château de Puy Vidal is not a venue we operate—it is a living court we steward, inhabit, and tend. When you arrive here, you are not entering a retreat center, but crossing the threshold into a household shaped by care, beauty, and devotion to creative life.
We are your hosts- Julia and Caroline, partners in life and in vision, and the founders of The Lady of the Château. Together with our family—Julia’s parents, Maruca and Robert, and sister, Penelope- we live and work within the château, shaping a family-centered court where creativity, presence, and meaningful connection are held at the heart of everything we do.
Each retreat is crafted in collaboration with carefully selected guest instructors, chefs, and a small but devoted team—all chosen not only for their talent, but for their deep commitment to presence, generosity, and the art of creating together.
We believe in the transformative power of beauty—that when artists, dreamers, and seekers come together in a place that honors their voice, something shifts. We hope to spark a movement—of more art, more intention, and more creative community rippling outward through each person who passes through our doors.
We welcome those who feel the call.
Your Hosts
This is our home.
Château de Puy Vidal is not a venue we operate—it is a living court we steward, inhabit, and tend. When you arrive here, you are not entering a retreat center, but crossing the threshold into a household shaped by care, beauty, and devotion to creative life.
We are your hosts- Julia and Caroline, partners in life and in vision, and the founders of The Lady of the Château. Together with our family—Julia’s parents, Maruca and Robert, and sister, Penelope- we live and work within the château, shaping a family-centered court where creativity, presence, and meaningful connection are held at the heart of everything we do.
Each retreat is crafted in collaboration with carefully selected guest instructors, chefs, and a small but devoted team—all chosen not only for their talent, but for their deep commitment to presence, generosity, and the art of creating together.
We believe in the transformative power of beauty—that when artists, dreamers, and seekers come together in a place that honors their voice, something shifts. We hope to spark a movement—of more art, more intention, and more creative community rippling outward through each person who passes through our doors.
We welcome those who feel the call.
Your Hosts
This is our home.
Château de Puy Vidal is not a venue we operate—it is a living court we steward, inhabit, and tend. When you arrive here, you are not entering a retreat center, but crossing the threshold into a household shaped by care, beauty, and devotion to creative life.
We are your hosts- Julia and Caroline, partners in life and in vision, and the founders of The Lady of the Château. Together with our family—Julia’s parents, Maruca and Robert, and sister, Penelope- we live and work within the château, shaping a family-centered court where creativity, presence, and meaningful connection are held at the heart of everything we do.
Each retreat is crafted in collaboration with carefully selected guest instructors, chefs, and a small but devoted team—all chosen not only for their talent, but for their deep commitment to presence, generosity, and the art of creating together.
We believe in the transformative power of beauty—that when artists, dreamers, and seekers come together in a place that honors their voice, something shifts. We hope to spark a movement—of more art, more intention, and more creative community rippling outward through each person who passes through our doors.
We welcome those who feel the call.
Echoes of the Experience
"There are only three words to describe how beautiful your Chateau is… and those are 'Heaven on Earth' "
"A part of me wants the Lady of the Chateau to remain a hidden gem that, selfishly, I can have access to long term, and another part of me believes that the Leach-Ibarra family should be rewarded resoundingly and perennially for their efforts and passions, and that as many artists as possible should experience something like this."
"This place is pure love."
"A paradise for anyone who loves beauty. I could paint 1,000 paintings in this place."
"The Lady of the Chateau hosts take hospitality to the highest standard, treating you like you are their very best friend or family member."
"I have attended several painting workshops in Europe and this one was by far the best. "
"I speak from personal experience- this is a magical place you will never forget!
The hosts are fabulous, the atmosphere of the Chateau not only invites but insists that your creativity will be at its best, and living in a literal castle for even a few days… Come on now- this is the stuff Bucket Lists are made of!""The love the the lady of the chateau team puts into every single detail makes every moment of this retreat so magical. I have never stayed anywhere so breathtaking."
"A sensational week- delicious on many levels, gastronomic, artistic, spiritual, and communal. An adventure of extraordinary growth and comfort. "
"There are only three words to describe how beautiful your Chateau is… and those are 'Heaven on Earth' "
"A part of me wants the Lady of the Chateau to remain a hidden gem that, selfishly, I can have access to long term, and another part of me believes that the Leach-Ibarra family should be rewarded resoundingly and perennially for their efforts and passions, and that as many artists as possible should experience something like this."
"This place is pure love."
"A paradise for anyone who loves beauty. I could paint 1,000 paintings in this place."
"The Lady of the Chateau hosts take hospitality to the highest standard, treating you like you are their very best friend or family member."
"I have attended several painting workshops in Europe and this one was by far the best. "
"I speak from personal experience- this is a magical place you will never forget!
The hosts are fabulous, the atmosphere of the Chateau not only invites but insists that your creativity will be at its best, and living in a literal castle for even a few days… Come on now- this is the stuff Bucket Lists are made of!""The love the the lady of the chateau team puts into every single detail makes every moment of this retreat so magical. I have never stayed anywhere so breathtaking."
"A sensational week- delicious on many levels, gastronomic, artistic, spiritual, and communal. An adventure of extraordinary growth and comfort. "
"There are only three words to describe how beautiful your Chateau is… and those are 'Heaven on Earth' "
"A part of me wants the Lady of the Chateau to remain a hidden gem that, selfishly, I can have access to long term, and another part of me believes that the Leach-Ibarra family should be rewarded resoundingly and perennially for their efforts and passions, and that as many artists as possible should experience something like this."
"This place is pure love."
"A paradise for anyone who loves beauty. I could paint 1,000 paintings in this place."
"The Lady of the Chateau hosts take hospitality to the highest standard, treating you like you are their very best friend or family member."
"I have attended several painting workshops in Europe and this one was by far the best. "
"I speak from personal experience- this is a magical place you will never forget!
The hosts are fabulous, the atmosphere of the Chateau not only invites but insists that your creativity will be at its best, and living in a literal castle for even a few days… Come on now- this is the stuff Bucket Lists are made of!""The love the the lady of the chateau team puts into every single detail makes every moment of this retreat so magical. I have never stayed anywhere so breathtaking."
"A sensational week- delicious on many levels, gastronomic, artistic, spiritual, and communal. An adventure of extraordinary growth and comfort. "
"There are only three words to describe how beautiful your Chateau is… and those are 'Heaven on Earth' "
"A part of me wants the Lady of the Chateau to remain a hidden gem that, selfishly, I can have access to long term, and another part of me believes that the Leach-Ibarra family should be rewarded resoundingly and perennially for their efforts and passions, and that as many artists as possible should experience something like this."
"This place is pure love."
"A paradise for anyone who loves beauty. I could paint 1,000 paintings in this place."
"The Lady of the Chateau hosts take hospitality to the highest standard, treating you like you are their very best friend or family member."
"I have attended several painting workshops in Europe and this one was by far the best. "
"I speak from personal experience- this is a magical place you will never forget!
The hosts are fabulous, the atmosphere of the Chateau not only invites but insists that your creativity will be at its best, and living in a literal castle for even a few days… Come on now- this is the stuff Bucket Lists are made of!""The love the the lady of the chateau team puts into every single detail makes every moment of this retreat so magical. I have never stayed anywhere so breathtaking."
"A sensational week- delicious on many levels, gastronomic, artistic, spiritual, and communal. An adventure of extraordinary growth and comfort. "
"There are only three words to describe how beautiful your Chateau is… and those are 'Heaven on Earth' "
"A part of me wants the Lady of the Chateau to remain a hidden gem that, selfishly, I can have access to long term, and another part of me believes that the Leach-Ibarra family should be rewarded resoundingly and perennially for their efforts and passions, and that as many artists as possible should experience something like this."
"This place is pure love."
"A paradise for anyone who loves beauty. I could paint 1,000 paintings in this place."
"The Lady of the Chateau hosts take hospitality to the highest standard, treating you like you are their very best friend or family member."
"I have attended several painting workshops in Europe and this one was by far the best. "
"I speak from personal experience- this is a magical place you will never forget!
The hosts are fabulous, the atmosphere of the Chateau not only invites but insists that your creativity will be at its best, and living in a literal castle for even a few days… Come on now- this is the stuff Bucket Lists are made of!""The love the the lady of the chateau team puts into every single detail makes every moment of this retreat so magical. I have never stayed anywhere so breathtaking."
"A sensational week- delicious on many levels, gastronomic, artistic, spiritual, and communal. An adventure of extraordinary growth and comfort. "
"There are only three words to describe how beautiful your Chateau is… and those are 'Heaven on Earth' "
"A part of me wants the Lady of the Chateau to remain a hidden gem that, selfishly, I can have access to long term, and another part of me believes that the Leach-Ibarra family should be rewarded resoundingly and perennially for their efforts and passions, and that as many artists as possible should experience something like this."
"This place is pure love."
"A paradise for anyone who loves beauty. I could paint 1,000 paintings in this place."
"The Lady of the Chateau hosts take hospitality to the highest standard, treating you like you are their very best friend or family member."
"I have attended several painting workshops in Europe and this one was by far the best. "
"I speak from personal experience- this is a magical place you will never forget!
The hosts are fabulous, the atmosphere of the Chateau not only invites but insists that your creativity will be at its best, and living in a literal castle for even a few days… Come on now- this is the stuff Bucket Lists are made of!""The love the the lady of the chateau team puts into every single detail makes every moment of this retreat so magical. I have never stayed anywhere so breathtaking."
"A sensational week- delicious on many levels, gastronomic, artistic, spiritual, and communal. An adventure of extraordinary growth and comfort. "
"There are only three words to describe how beautiful your Chateau is… and those are 'Heaven on Earth' "
"A part of me wants the Lady of the Chateau to remain a hidden gem that, selfishly, I can have access to long term, and another part of me believes that the Leach-Ibarra family should be rewarded resoundingly and perennially for their efforts and passions, and that as many artists as possible should experience something like this."
"This place is pure love."
"A paradise for anyone who loves beauty. I could paint 1,000 paintings in this place."
"The Lady of the Chateau hosts take hospitality to the highest standard, treating you like you are their very best friend or family member."
"I have attended several painting workshops in Europe and this one was by far the best. "
"I speak from personal experience- this is a magical place you will never forget!
The hosts are fabulous, the atmosphere of the Chateau not only invites but insists that your creativity will be at its best, and living in a literal castle for even a few days… Come on now- this is the stuff Bucket Lists are made of!""The love the the lady of the chateau team puts into every single detail makes every moment of this retreat so magical. I have never stayed anywhere so breathtaking."
"A sensational week- delicious on many levels, gastronomic, artistic, spiritual, and communal. An adventure of extraordinary growth and comfort. "
"There are only three words to describe how beautiful your Chateau is… and those are 'Heaven on Earth' "
"A part of me wants the Lady of the Chateau to remain a hidden gem that, selfishly, I can have access to long term, and another part of me believes that the Leach-Ibarra family should be rewarded resoundingly and perennially for their efforts and passions, and that as many artists as possible should experience something like this."
"This place is pure love."
"A paradise for anyone who loves beauty. I could paint 1,000 paintings in this place."
"The Lady of the Chateau hosts take hospitality to the highest standard, treating you like you are their very best friend or family member."
"I have attended several painting workshops in Europe and this one was by far the best. "
"I speak from personal experience- this is a magical place you will never forget!
The hosts are fabulous, the atmosphere of the Chateau not only invites but insists that your creativity will be at its best, and living in a literal castle for even a few days… Come on now- this is the stuff Bucket Lists are made of!""The love the the lady of the chateau team puts into every single detail makes every moment of this retreat so magical. I have never stayed anywhere so breathtaking."
"A sensational week- delicious on many levels, gastronomic, artistic, spiritual, and communal. An adventure of extraordinary growth and comfort. "
"There are only three words to describe how beautiful your Chateau is… and those are 'Heaven on Earth' "
"A part of me wants the Lady of the Chateau to remain a hidden gem that, selfishly, I can have access to long term, and another part of me believes that the Leach-Ibarra family should be rewarded resoundingly and perennially for their efforts and passions, and that as many artists as possible should experience something like this."
"This place is pure love."
"A paradise for anyone who loves beauty. I could paint 1,000 paintings in this place."
"The Lady of the Chateau hosts take hospitality to the highest standard, treating you like you are their very best friend or family member."
"I have attended several painting workshops in Europe and this one was by far the best. "
"I speak from personal experience- this is a magical place you will never forget!
The hosts are fabulous, the atmosphere of the Chateau not only invites but insists that your creativity will be at its best, and living in a literal castle for even a few days… Come on now- this is the stuff Bucket Lists are made of!""The love the the lady of the chateau team puts into every single detail makes every moment of this retreat so magical. I have never stayed anywhere so breathtaking."
"A sensational week- delicious on many levels, gastronomic, artistic, spiritual, and communal. An adventure of extraordinary growth and comfort. "
"There are only three words to describe how beautiful your Chateau is… and those are 'Heaven on Earth' "
"A part of me wants the Lady of the Chateau to remain a hidden gem that, selfishly, I can have access to long term, and another part of me believes that the Leach-Ibarra family should be rewarded resoundingly and perennially for their efforts and passions, and that as many artists as possible should experience something like this."
"This place is pure love."
"A paradise for anyone who loves beauty. I could paint 1,000 paintings in this place."
"The Lady of the Chateau hosts take hospitality to the highest standard, treating you like you are their very best friend or family member."
"I have attended several painting workshops in Europe and this one was by far the best. "
"I speak from personal experience- this is a magical place you will never forget!
The hosts are fabulous, the atmosphere of the Chateau not only invites but insists that your creativity will be at its best, and living in a literal castle for even a few days… Come on now- this is the stuff Bucket Lists are made of!""The love the the lady of the chateau team puts into every single detail makes every moment of this retreat so magical. I have never stayed anywhere so breathtaking."
"A sensational week- delicious on many levels, gastronomic, artistic, spiritual, and communal. An adventure of extraordinary growth and comfort. "
"There are only three words to describe how beautiful your Chateau is… and those are 'Heaven on Earth' "
"A part of me wants the Lady of the Chateau to remain a hidden gem that, selfishly, I can have access to long term, and another part of me believes that the Leach-Ibarra family should be rewarded resoundingly and perennially for their efforts and passions, and that as many artists as possible should experience something like this."
"This place is pure love."
"A paradise for anyone who loves beauty. I could paint 1,000 paintings in this place."
"The Lady of the Chateau hosts take hospitality to the highest standard, treating you like you are their very best friend or family member."
"I have attended several painting workshops in Europe and this one was by far the best. "
"I speak from personal experience- this is a magical place you will never forget!
The hosts are fabulous, the atmosphere of the Chateau not only invites but insists that your creativity will be at its best, and living in a literal castle for even a few days… Come on now- this is the stuff Bucket Lists are made of!""The love the the lady of the chateau team puts into every single detail makes every moment of this retreat so magical. I have never stayed anywhere so breathtaking."
"A sensational week- delicious on many levels, gastronomic, artistic, spiritual, and communal. An adventure of extraordinary growth and comfort. "
"There are only three words to describe how beautiful your Chateau is… and those are 'Heaven on Earth' "
"A part of me wants the Lady of the Chateau to remain a hidden gem that, selfishly, I can have access to long term, and another part of me believes that the Leach-Ibarra family should be rewarded resoundingly and perennially for their efforts and passions, and that as many artists as possible should experience something like this."
"This place is pure love."
"A paradise for anyone who loves beauty. I could paint 1,000 paintings in this place."
"The Lady of the Chateau hosts take hospitality to the highest standard, treating you like you are their very best friend or family member."
"I have attended several painting workshops in Europe and this one was by far the best. "
"I speak from personal experience- this is a magical place you will never forget!
The hosts are fabulous, the atmosphere of the Chateau not only invites but insists that your creativity will be at its best, and living in a literal castle for even a few days… Come on now- this is the stuff Bucket Lists are made of!""The love the the lady of the chateau team puts into every single detail makes every moment of this retreat so magical. I have never stayed anywhere so breathtaking."
"A sensational week- delicious on many levels, gastronomic, artistic, spiritual, and communal. An adventure of extraordinary growth and comfort. "
Glimpses from the Château
Art Studio Puy Vidal
Art Studio
Art Studio Puy Vidal
Art Studio
Art Studio Puy Vidal
Art Studio
Chateau de Puy Vidal
Archway Entry
Chateau de Puy Vidal
Archway Entry
Chateau de Puy Vidal
Archway Entry
Sergiu Ciochina Painting Retreat
Painting Community
Sergiu Ciochina Painting Retreat
Painting Community
Sergiu Ciochina Painting Retreat
Painting Community
Sergiu Ciochina Workshop
Painting Workshop
Sergiu Ciochina Workshop
Painting Workshop
Sergiu Ciochina Workshop
Painting Workshop
Sergiu Ciochina Workshop France
France Oil Painting Workshop
Sergiu Ciochina Workshop France
France Oil Painting Workshop
Sergiu Ciochina Workshop France
France Oil Painting Workshop
Puy Vidal Art Studio
Puy Vidal Art Studio
Puy Vidal Art Studio
See all
See all
See all
Lady of the Château Productions
Lady of the Château Productions is our way of inviting you a little closer.
Through our YouTube channel, we share the story behind this life—the full journey of leaving the United States, arriving in France, and slowly building a home, a creative practice, and a way of living here at Château de Puy Vidal. It’s a place to get to know us beyond the retreats: how we think, what we’re learning, what inspires us, and how this world continues to take shape day by day.
Our backgrounds in filmmaking guide the way we tell these stories, but the heart of the channel is simple and personal. You’ll find moments of daily life at the château, reflections on creativity and change, and an honest look at what it means to choose a more intentional, art-filled way of living.
If you’re curious about our process, our rhythms, or the path that led us here, this is where it all unfolds.
How to Reach us
Château de Puy Vidal
72 Lieu Dit Puy Vidal
16110 La Rochefoucauld, France
Phone: +33638447855
Mail: admin@ladyofthechateau.com
Letters from Puy Vidal
© The Lady of the Chateau SAS | Est. 2021
How to Reach us
Château de Puy Vidal
72 Lieu Dit Puy Vidal
16110 La Rochefoucauld, France
Phone: +33638447855
Mail: admin@ladyofthechateau.com
Letters from Puy Vidal
© The Lady of the Chateau SAS | Est. 2021
How to Reach us
Château de Puy Vidal
72 Lieu Dit Puy Vidal
16110 La Rochefoucauld, France
Phone: +33638447855
Mail: admin@ladyofthechateau.com
Letters from Puy Vidal
© The Lady of the Chateau SAS | Est. 2021
