At the heart of Château de Puy Vidal, behind the tall arched doors and beside ancient stone walls humming with memory, lives a quiet space for artists and seekers. The Artist Residency Membership is more than an invitation to stay—it is a circle of trust, of shared rhythm, and artistic devotion.
A Week of Creative Freedom
These are special weeks set aside in our season reserved for creatives who have already participated in one of our retreats. The retreat experience is so rich, and packed with learning and growth that many express the wish by the end of the week to return for an uninstructed experience - with an entire week to dig into painting, photography, filmmaking, writing, sculpture, dressmaking, content creation, sketching or any other artistic pursuit, in the company of other focused creatives.
"Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time."
Thomas Merton
After an entire program with us, you have already initiated into the rhythms and characters of the household, and will be able to step right back into these rhythms on their return. Come back with fellow artists from your retreat, meet new friends from other retreats, and focus yourself on a creative exploration during your time here. The air will be full of the gentle hum of focused minds and souls, with every element supporting you in your efforts.
The Artists Circle Program will be a recurring part of our yearly calendar, with one week in 2025, and several weeks in 2026 and beyond. Once you’ve attended a retreat, you are officially inducted into our Artist Circle family and will have your choice of these relaxed and open creative weeks as a way of returning outside the structure of our instructed retreats.
6-Nights
Open Studio Format
Beloved
Puy Vidal Traditions
Guests
Welcome
Your Own Creative Residency at the Château
Open Studio Format
The day is yours. Let the long, unecumbered days unfold before you.
Focus, Flow and moments of Inspiration abound. Start your day in our artists circle where we each share our goals for the day, and off you go! To explore, experiment and create!
Explore & Wander
Optional outing to La Rochefoucauld mid-week to sketch, paint, shop, or tour the grand Château de la Rochefoucauld.
Rest & Relaxation
A new addition to your Puy Vidal experience- several outdoor yoga classes will be available led by our wonderful yoga instructor Triinu. 60 min massages available as add-ons throughout the week.
New Pool & Hot tub
After a full year of renovation, we are delighted to announce the unveiling of our new pool area at Puy Vidal - ready for sunbathing, swims and cocktails poolside.
The Heart of Château Life
Morning Bell announces breakfast. Open coffee and snack bar, you know the rhythms. Lunch in the courtyard. Cherished aperitif hour. Dinners à la française. Cozy evenings spent chatting.
Ground Transportation
Included, as usual, is pick up and drop off at the Angouleme train station.
BRING LOVED ONES ALONG
Your Guest
As always, we heartily welcome your partner, friend or family member to join you.
As we only have 8 Chateau bedrooms, you must be an Artist Circle member to book of the rooms, but you are welcome to add on a family member or friend to join you in the room. Please reach out to us directly at retreats@ladyofthechateau.com if you would like to bring more than one non-painting family member or friend and we will work to accommodate you.
We have several rooms ideal for double occupancy including the King Room, Toile de Jouy 1 Room, Toile de Jouy 2 Room, and the Rose room(which has two beds).
Retreat Accommodations
The Château Stay
All taxes & fees included
€5,000 - €6,000
Chateau de Puy Vidal offers 8 bedrooms for Retreat participants to stay at the Chateau full-time. Ranging from large and magnificent rooms fit for a king, to romantic, sensual decor, to French country charm, we have an experience for you. To see each bedroom visit our Chateau Bedrooms Page. Bedroom assignments happen on a first-come, first-served basis. Book early!
