CREATIVE RETREATS
Classic French Meals
A sprinkling of excursions to local villages, countryside events, cognac distillery tours, museums and more
Atmospheric, delightfully fun Chateau Activities and Entertainment nightly
Classic Films projected in different candle lit areas of the Chateau
Indoor and Outdoor Games such as Petanques, Croquet, Badminton and Antique Billiards
Bicycles, Country Walks to enjoy just outside our gates
Gardening, Bonfires, farmers markets, antique shopping- french country ways of life to partake in
JULY 6 -12 2024
INTERIORS AT PUY VIDAL
CARLOS SAN MILLÁN
Oil Painting Workshop
starting at 2,750€
Liberate yourself from detail, and plunge into the freedom of abstract expression under the guidance of a master artist. We invite you to join us for "Interiors at the Chateau," an oil painting workshop led by the renowned Spanish artist, Carlos San Millán. This week is designed to open up a whole new approach to your work. Delve deep with Carlos into his ideas about art, his bold and nuanced techniques, while painting his preferred subject - interiors.
This intermediate-level workshop is a 6-night All-Inclusive event open to Artists and their partners. Limited availability.
Learn more about the Artist at https://www.csanmillan.net/
CONNECT TO THE MYTHIC PAST
Delve into a world of fairy tales & adventure
here at Puy Vidal
Welcome to our cinematic haven nestled within the walls of a 13th-century chateau. Here, we produce bespoke retreats that blur the lines between reality and imagination. Step onto the set of creativity and become the protagonist of your creative journey.
WHERE ARTISTS, THINKERS AND HISTORY LOVERS UNITE
Attending one our Retreats means...
Embracing the calm and beauty of the countryside that surrounds us. Leave your worries at the entry gate and delve into a world where all around you are the pure pleasures of nature, of abundant time, and of beauty that transcends history.
There is a magic that happens when a group of people with shared interests gather together under one roof to share a lived experience. They break bread, learn, push themselves, experience new traditions, and gaze at the beautiful landscapes together, forming a unique experience far removed of ordinary life. Bring your loved ones, and gather in community here at the Chateau, to enjoy the best that France has to offer.
8am - 9am: Breakfast Buffet in the Blue China Room
9am - 12:00pm: Morning Session
12:00pm - 1:00pm: Lunch in the Petit Dining Salon
1:30pm - 4:30pm: Afternoon Session
4:30- 7pm: Free Time to wander grounds, rest, go for a bike ride
7pm: Cocktail Hour "Apero" in Courtyard
8pm: Candlelit Dinner in Renaissance Dining Salon
9:30pm - 11pm: Evening Activity - Nightcap, a Cognac Tasting
A typical retreat day at Puy Vidal
We work hand in hand with guest instructors to create balanced itineraries for our Instructed Creative Retreats, and we develop even more relaxed itineraries for our non-instructed Retreats.
Creating time and space for rest, relaxation, instruction, day trips, group activities and finally, time to sit back and enjoy a glass of French wine.
“In a word. "SENSATIONAL”.
You have given us an outstanding memory, that we will cherish forever."
”
- Dermot Stoker, Creative Retreat Participant, 2023
“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!”
- Terry Stanley, Creative Retreat Participant, 2023
"The Lady of the Chateau hosts take hospitality to the highest standard, treating you like you are their very best friend or family member."
- Creative Retreat Participant 2022
SEPTEMBER 2nd - 9th 2023
RETREAT TO THE CHÂTEAU-
A PAINTING WORKSHOP
Capture the spirit of the Lady of the Chateau through a week of art, chateau living, and an immersive approach to creativity. Master painter Johanna Spinks will guide you through a fully-instructed week of painting. You will paint set ups of life, love and leisure designed to connect to the essence of the Lady of Puy Vidal herself.
Blue and white porcelain afternoon tea, the Lady at her vanity, a lover's promenade...
An Immersive, All-Inclusive 7 - night Painting Workshop and Gourmet Dining Experience set in Château de Puy Vidal. Oils, watercolors and sketching all welcomed.
Live and paint a Chateau way of life.
All level artists and non-painting partners welcomed.
2 ARTIST SPOTS W/ FRENCH FARMHOUSE & FRENCH VILLAGE ACCOMODATIONS STILL AVAILABLE.
ALL CHATEAU BEDROOMS SOLD OUT.
“It was a once in a lifetime experience, new lifelong friends and an immense desire to come back and experience this place again - in autumn, winter, spring or summer."
- Irinia G, San Diego, Creative Retreat Participant 2022
CREATIVE RETREAT ACCOMMODATIONS
Historic Chambres
CHAMBRE DU ROI CHAMBRE LAFAYETTE CHAMBRE TOILE
CHAMBRE ROSE CHAMBRE BLEU
An important part of the Creative Retreat Experience is the feeling of the group all coming together under one roof to learn, play, contemplate and rest. The balance between participating during the day in classes, lectures, activities, meals and more, and being able to ascend to your bedroom and rest, reflect and restore is a magical combination that strengthens the immersive quality of these retreats.
We have five ensuite bedrooms which range from large sumptuous decor to romantic fairy tale chambers, to more modern cozy experiences.
Rooms are assigned in sign up order for each retreat, so book early!
Come and delight in....
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May 18-25, 2023
Chasing the Light | En Plein Air
with Peter Keegan
Painting Interiors
July 6-12, 2024
with Carlos San Millán
Retreat to the Chateau
September 2-9th, 2023
with Johanna Spinks
BECOME A GUEST INSTRUCTOR
SOME OF OUR FAVORITE RETREAT THEMES
WRITERS RETREAT
FRENCH LIFE
CINEMA & PHOTOGRAPHY
YOGA
Welcome to a creative paradise.
The peace and beauty present in every corner of the grounds is palpable. Everything here helps you focus- from the birds chirping, to the gently sloping outlooks, to the feeling of being cared for by a village. Your ideas are nurtured, you have time and space, and colorful characters abound.
Immerse yourself and experience life with us in France. Pick produce at the farmer's market, hunt for antiques at brocantes, garden in our wild fields and take walks in picturesque forests. Evenings are for watching classic french films projected in the chateau's grand salon.
This Chateau is uniquely cinematic with its combination of so many centuries of stone, paneling, gardens, and towers. When candles are lit, mist is blowing in from the valley below, and costumes are donned, it is the perfect setting to propel your work into a new dimension.
The grounds and energy of Puy Vidal are saturated in the healing and grounding vibrations of nature. Not just a place of beauty, Puy Vidal offers the ultimate setting to tune out the noise, go inward, and connect once again with self.
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