Exploring the gifts of the Dark Feminine with Ida von Aves
Femme Noire
A Fantasy Photoshoot Retreat w/ Ida von Aves. Join us for a week of gothic beauty, bewitching atmospheres, and potent journeys.
October 22 - 29, 2026
Exploring the gifts of the Dark Feminine with Ida von Aves
Femme Noire
A Fantasy Photoshoot Retreat w/ Ida von Aves. Join us for a week of gothic beauty, bewitching atmospheres, and potent journeys.
October 22 - 29, 2026
Exploring the gifts of the Dark Feminine with Ida von Aves
Femme Noire
A Fantasy Photoshoot Retreat w/ Ida von Aves. Join us for a week of gothic beauty, bewitching atmospheres, and potent journeys.
October 22 - 29, 2026
Femme Noire is an immersive journey into the dark feminine—
the part of you that lives in shadows, storms, instinct, and truth.
Guided by master photographer Ida von Aves and psychospiritual teacher Colette Corcoran, you will move through the deepest chambers of your inner world—
embracing beauty and sorrow, fury and softness, endings and rebirth.
Drawing on ancient witchcraft traditions, celtic druidesses, gothic vampires, and the elemental force of the feminine psyche, Ida will lead you into three cinematic portraits—Black, White, and Red—each one a chapter in the dark feminine's evolution.
Through her mastery of light, atmosphere, and emotional direction, you won’t merely pose:
you will become the woman who rises from her own depths.
This is more than dress-up or aesthetic fantasy.
It is a creative rite of passage.
Through dark feminine teachings, archetypal embodiment, and the soul-mirroring gaze of Ida’s lens, you will meet the inner figures who live beneath your surface:
the shadow keeper, the truth-teller, the mourner, the witch, the priestess, the woman who finally chooses herself.
The camera becomes a portal—revealing not performance, but the raw, radiant truth of who you are when nothing is hidden.
And through gathering with other women on the same descent, the experience deepens.
Witnessing and being witnessed in this space is powerful—
it turns vulnerability into connection, sorrow into recognition, truth into belonging.
Together, you will create a sisterhood of night-blooming women, mirrors for one another’s transformation.
Guided by artists who understand both the theatrical and the tender, you will inhabit this story completely.
The Château—its stone walls, candlelit halls, and wild winds—becomes your underworld and your sanctuary.
The landscape becomes your collaborator.
The darkness becomes your teacher.
You will leave not only with photographs,
but with proof—that you descended and rose;
that your depth is beautiful;
that you contain power, mystery, and multitudes.
Step inside our shadowed halls—
where the dark feminine awakens, and every woman returns changed.
Femme Noire is an immersive journey into the dark feminine—
the part of you that lives in shadows, storms, instinct, and truth.
Guided by master photographer Ida von Aves and psychospiritual teacher Colette Corcoran, you will move through the deepest chambers of your inner world—
embracing beauty and sorrow, fury and softness, endings and rebirth.
Drawing on ancient witchcraft traditions, celtic druidesses, gothic vampires, and the elemental force of the feminine psyche, Ida will lead you into three cinematic portraits—Black, White, and Red—each one a chapter in the dark feminine's evolution.
Through her mastery of light, atmosphere, and emotional direction, you won’t merely pose:
you will become the woman who rises from her own depths.
This is more than dress-up or aesthetic fantasy.
It is a creative rite of passage.
Through dark feminine teachings, archetypal embodiment, and the soul-mirroring gaze of Ida’s lens, you will meet the inner figures who live beneath your surface:
the shadow keeper, the truth-teller, the mourner, the witch, the priestess, the woman who finally chooses herself.
The camera becomes a portal—revealing not performance, but the raw, radiant truth of who you are when nothing is hidden.
And through gathering with other women on the same descent, the experience deepens.
Witnessing and being witnessed in this space is powerful—
it turns vulnerability into connection, sorrow into recognition, truth into belonging.
Together, you will create a sisterhood of night-blooming women, mirrors for one another’s transformation.
Guided by artists who understand both the theatrical and the tender, you will inhabit this story completely.
The Château—its stone walls, candlelit halls, and wild winds—becomes your underworld and your sanctuary.
The landscape becomes your collaborator.
The darkness becomes your teacher.
You will leave not only with photographs,
but with proof—that you descended and rose;
that your depth is beautiful;
that you contain power, mystery, and multitudes.
Step inside our shadowed halls—
where the dark feminine awakens, and every woman returns changed.
€ 5,750-€ 6,750
Master Photographer
Ida von Aves
Artist's Letter
Artist's Letter
Artist's Letter
My photography blends classical art with modern emotion—painterly portraits that tell stories beyond the frame. Trained in art history and classical photography, I’ve spent years crafting images that reveal strength, softness, and myth within each person.
Now based in Germany, I’m bringing my studio to France to help you step into a living masterpiece. This retreat isn’t about changing who you are—it’s about uncovering the art that’s always been there.
Claim your fierce, fearless self
Professional Hair & Make-up Artist
Sarah Scherer
The multi-functional chameleon, somewhere between Pippi Longstocking and Rapunzel, she likes to embrace different aesthetic universes. She believes that hair and makeup can help you unlock things about yourself you didnt even know you had- it is a magic key into different parts of who you are.
She is a hair salon owner in germany, a fashion and film HMU artist, a veteran cosplayer, and has worked with Ida on many fine-art shoots in Germany. She brings a depth and sensitivity to the creation of each of your looks, completely focusing on you, your energy, and the character you are bringing to life.
Hair and Makeup
Included
3 Photoshoots
in Château and Grounds
15 Final
Fine Art Portraits + 1 Reel
Hair and Makeup
Included
3 Photoshoots
in Château and Grounds
15 Final
Fine Art Portraits + 1 Reel
Hair and Makeup
Included
3 Photoshoots
in Château and Grounds
15 Final
Fine Art Portraits + 1 Reel
Personal Styling Adventure
Black
White
Red
A Self-Styling Adventure
Unlike The Mythic Self, Femme Noire unfolds entirely beyond the studio walls. These photoshoots draw their power from the château itself—its shadowed interiors, candlelit salons, winding staircases, and late-October gardens—allowing architecture, atmosphere, and natural light to become active collaborators in every portrait.
Throughout the retreat, you’ll participate in three intimate, 30-minute photoshoot sessions, each inviting a different expression of the Dark Feminine. Anchored in the symbolic palette of black, white, and red, each session explores agency, transformation, embodiment, desire and vitality.
Femme Noire is a self-styling retreat, encouraging personal interpretation and creative authorship. You’ll bring & craft your own looks for each color theme, supported by Ida’s curated guidance. Ida will bring a small selection of backup chemises and corsets for layering and variation, and she will provide each participant with a trusted list of designers and vendors to help you source pieces that resonate with your vision. Each of these three looks seamlessly carries into the retreat’s themed evening events, allowing the photographic narrative to extend into lived experience.
This retreat offers an unusually generous photographic outcome: 15 final, edited fine art images per participant, along with one cinematic reel. Rather than capturing a single moment, Femme Noire documents a progression—your presence shifting with the light, the spaces, and the unfolding emotional arc of the week. What emerges is not a pose, but a portrait of becoming.
Personal Styling Adventure
Black
White
Red
A Self-Styling Adventure
Unlike The Mythic Self, Femme Noire unfolds entirely beyond the studio walls. These photoshoots draw their power from the château itself—its shadowed interiors, candlelit salons, winding staircases, and late-October gardens—allowing architecture, atmosphere, and natural light to become active collaborators in every portrait.
Throughout the retreat, you’ll participate in three intimate, 30-minute photoshoot sessions, each inviting a different expression of the Dark Feminine. Anchored in the symbolic palette of black, white, and red, each session explores agency, transformation, embodiment, desire and vitality.
Femme Noire is a self-styling retreat, encouraging personal interpretation and creative authorship. You’ll bring & craft your own looks for each color theme, supported by Ida’s curated guidance. Ida will bring a small selection of backup chemises and corsets for layering and variation, and she will provide each participant with a trusted list of designers and vendors to help you source pieces that resonate with your vision. Each of these three looks seamlessly carries into the retreat’s themed evening events, allowing the photographic narrative to extend into lived experience.
This retreat offers an unusually generous photographic outcome: 15 final, edited fine art images per participant, along with one cinematic reel. Rather than capturing a single moment, Femme Noire documents a progression—your presence shifting with the light, the spaces, and the unfolding emotional arc of the week. What emerges is not a pose, but a portrait of becoming.
Personal Styling Adventure
Black
White
Red
A Self-Styling Adventure
Unlike The Mythic Self, Femme Noire unfolds entirely beyond the studio walls. These photoshoots draw their power from the château itself—its shadowed interiors, candlelit salons, winding staircases, and late-October gardens—allowing architecture, atmosphere, and natural light to become active collaborators in every portrait.
Throughout the retreat, you’ll participate in three intimate, 30-minute photoshoot sessions, each inviting a different expression of the Dark Feminine. Anchored in the symbolic palette of black, white, and red, each session explores agency, transformation, embodiment, desire and vitality.
Femme Noire is a self-styling retreat, encouraging personal interpretation and creative authorship. You’ll bring & craft your own looks for each color theme, supported by Ida’s curated guidance. Ida will bring a small selection of backup chemises and corsets for layering and variation, and she will provide each participant with a trusted list of designers and vendors to help you source pieces that resonate with your vision. Each of these three looks seamlessly carries into the retreat’s themed evening events, allowing the photographic narrative to extend into lived experience.
This retreat offers an unusually generous photographic outcome: 15 final, edited fine art images per participant, along with one cinematic reel. Rather than capturing a single moment, Femme Noire documents a progression—your presence shifting with the light, the spaces, and the unfolding emotional arc of the week. What emerges is not a pose, but a portrait of becoming.
The 3 Evening Atmospheres
Each of your photoshoot looks carry perfectly into these themed evenings. Bring extra capes or jackets to throw ontop for misty October evenings.
The Witching
Night
The Thinning
of the Veil
The Vampire's
Masquerade
The Witching
Night
The Thinning
of the Veil
The Vampire's
Masquerade
The Witching
Night
The Thinning
of the Veil
The Vampire's
Masquerade
The Retreat Journey
A preliminary schedule for the week
22
October
The
Gathering
Welcome to the Chateau!
Your journey begins as you arrive by train at Angoulême Station between 2 PM - 4 PM, where shuttles will transport you to the castle.
Settle in, meet your fellow participants, your hosts and your photographer guide as you explore the château grounds—your home for the week.
Evening — Welcome Dinner & Opening Circle
A warm, grounding evening to meet one another, set intentions, and arrive fully—together.23
October
The Black
Awakening
Morning | Photoshoot I - The Sovereign in the Garden
Dark Feminine Session- Hecate
Afternoon | Photoshoot I continues
Evening — The Witching Night | An atmospheric opening-night gathering of candlelight, dark glamour, and shared mischief—where the Femme Noire begins to stir.
24
October
Finding Home
in the Dark
Regional Daytrip
Join us on a trip to a historic village, where we’ll wander through cobblestone streets, have lunch in a traditional french restaurant, and explore quaint shops. A day of exploration and learning a bit more about the Renaissance history of the region.No photoshoots today- a day to relax, process and not have to get dressed up.
Evening — Cinema Night |
A cozy, candlelit film screening in the Grand Salon—an invitation to rest, soften, and let the story hold you.25
October
Where the
Veil Thins
Morning | Photoshoot II: White - the Veiled Apparition
Afternoon | Photoshoot II continues
*Outside of your photoshoots, the Chateau salons, library, gardens,saltwater pool, hot tub, art studio are all yours to explore. There are beautiful country walks and bike rides to enjoy, as well as plenty of crafts, gardening, tarot readings, board games and more. These hours outside the shoots are essential time to let the sessions, the shoots and the communal evening events all sink in.
Evening — The Thinning of the Veil
An eerie night where boundaries soften and the unseen draws close— spirits abound and we enliven.26
October
The
Resonance
Morning | Dark Feminine Session - Morgan le Fey
Afternoon | Group Activity
Possibilities: vision boards, cooking class, potion making…Evening | A night of song and dance
A relaxed, joyful evening of shared music and listening—sing if you wish, or simply be held by the sound.
27
October
The
Living Flame
Morning | Photoshoot III: The Living Flame
Afternoon | Photoshoot III continues
Evening | The Vampire Masquerade
A decadent, cinematic masquerade where glamour, intensity, and nocturnal fantasy take center stage.
28
October
Holding
the Gaze
Morning | Dark Feminine Session- Inanna
Afternoon | Bonus Group Portrait
Evening — Farewell Dinner & Closing Ceremony
A soft, grounding final night to reflect, integrate, and honor what has been awakened before returning to the world.29
October
Carrying the Night
Forward
Departure Day
You leave carrying the essence of the week, the images, and the night within you.
Shuttles to Angoulême Station begin at 6 AM for those catching the 6:36 AM train to Charles de Gaulle Airport.
A final breakfast buffet is served from 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM, as you say your final goodbyes.Shuttles continue throughout the morning, with departure recommended no later than noon.
22
October
The
Gathering
Welcome to the Chateau!
Your journey begins as you arrive by train at Angoulême Station between 2 PM - 4 PM, where shuttles will transport you to the castle.
Settle in, meet your fellow participants, your hosts and your photographer guide as you explore the château grounds—your home for the week.
Evening — Welcome Dinner & Opening Circle
A warm, grounding evening to meet one another, set intentions, and arrive fully—together.23
October
The Black
Awakening
Morning | Photoshoot I - The Sovereign in the Garden
Dark Feminine Session- Hecate
Afternoon | Photoshoot I continues
Evening — The Witching Night | An atmospheric opening-night gathering of candlelight, dark glamour, and shared mischief—where the Femme Noire begins to stir.
24
October
Finding Home
in the Dark
Regional Daytrip
Join us on a trip to a historic village, where we’ll wander through cobblestone streets, have lunch in a traditional french restaurant, and explore quaint shops. A day of exploration and learning a bit more about the Renaissance history of the region.No photoshoots today- a day to relax, process and not have to get dressed up.
Evening — Cinema Night |
A cozy, candlelit film screening in the Grand Salon—an invitation to rest, soften, and let the story hold you.25
October
Where the
Veil Thins
Morning | Photoshoot II: White - the Veiled Apparition
Afternoon | Photoshoot II continues
*Outside of your photoshoots, the Chateau salons, library, gardens,saltwater pool, hot tub, art studio are all yours to explore. There are beautiful country walks and bike rides to enjoy, as well as plenty of crafts, gardening, tarot readings, board games and more. These hours outside the shoots are essential time to let the sessions, the shoots and the communal evening events all sink in.
Evening — The Thinning of the Veil
An eerie night where boundaries soften and the unseen draws close— spirits abound and we enliven.26
October
The
Resonance
Morning | Dark Feminine Session - Morgan le Fey
Afternoon | Group Activity
Possibilities: vision boards, cooking class, potion making…Evening | A night of song and dance
A relaxed, joyful evening of shared music and listening—sing if you wish, or simply be held by the sound.
27
October
The
Living Flame
Morning | Photoshoot III: The Living Flame
Afternoon | Photoshoot III continues
Evening | The Vampire Masquerade
A decadent, cinematic masquerade where glamour, intensity, and nocturnal fantasy take center stage.
28
October
Holding
the Gaze
Morning | Dark Feminine Session- Inanna
Afternoon | Bonus Group Portrait
Evening — Farewell Dinner & Closing Ceremony
A soft, grounding final night to reflect, integrate, and honor what has been awakened before returning to the world.29
October
Carrying the Night
Forward
Departure Day
You leave carrying the essence of the week, the images, and the night within you.
Shuttles to Angoulême Station begin at 6 AM for those catching the 6:36 AM train to Charles de Gaulle Airport.
A final breakfast buffet is served from 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM, as you say your final goodbyes.Shuttles continue throughout the morning, with departure recommended no later than noon.
22
October
The
Gathering
Welcome to the Chateau!
Your journey begins as you arrive by train at Angoulême Station between 2 PM - 4 PM, where shuttles will transport you to the castle.
Settle in, meet your fellow participants, your hosts and your photographer guide as you explore the château grounds—your home for the week.
Evening — Welcome Dinner & Opening Circle
A warm, grounding evening to meet one another, set intentions, and arrive fully—together.23
October
The Black
Awakening
Morning | Photoshoot I - The Sovereign in the Garden
Dark Feminine Session- Hecate
Afternoon | Photoshoot I continues
Evening — The Witching Night | An atmospheric opening-night gathering of candlelight, dark glamour, and shared mischief—where the Femme Noire begins to stir.
24
October
Finding Home
in the Dark
Regional Daytrip
Join us on a trip to a historic village, where we’ll wander through cobblestone streets, have lunch in a traditional french restaurant, and explore quaint shops. A day of exploration and learning a bit more about the Renaissance history of the region.No photoshoots today- a day to relax, process and not have to get dressed up.
Evening — Cinema Night |
A cozy, candlelit film screening in the Grand Salon—an invitation to rest, soften, and let the story hold you.25
October
Where the
Veil Thins
Morning | Photoshoot II: White - the Veiled Apparition
Afternoon | Photoshoot II continues
*Outside of your photoshoots, the Chateau salons, library, gardens,saltwater pool, hot tub, art studio are all yours to explore. There are beautiful country walks and bike rides to enjoy, as well as plenty of crafts, gardening, tarot readings, board games and more. These hours outside the shoots are essential time to let the sessions, the shoots and the communal evening events all sink in.
Evening — The Thinning of the Veil
An eerie night where boundaries soften and the unseen draws close— spirits abound and we enliven.26
October
The
Resonance
Morning | Dark Feminine Session - Morgan le Fey
Afternoon | Group Activity
Possibilities: vision boards, cooking class, potion making…Evening | A night of song and dance
A relaxed, joyful evening of shared music and listening—sing if you wish, or simply be held by the sound.
27
October
The
Living Flame
Morning | Photoshoot III: The Living Flame
Afternoon | Photoshoot III continues
Evening | The Vampire Masquerade
A decadent, cinematic masquerade where glamour, intensity, and nocturnal fantasy take center stage.
28
October
Holding
the Gaze
Morning | Dark Feminine Session- Inanna
Afternoon | Bonus Group Portrait
Evening — Farewell Dinner & Closing Ceremony
A soft, grounding final night to reflect, integrate, and honor what has been awakened before returning to the world.29
October
Carrying the Night
Forward
Departure Day
You leave carrying the essence of the week, the images, and the night within you.
Shuttles to Angoulême Station begin at 6 AM for those catching the 6:36 AM train to Charles de Gaulle Airport.
A final breakfast buffet is served from 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM, as you say your final goodbyes.Shuttles continue throughout the morning, with departure recommended no later than noon.
Dark Feminine Sessions
Led by psychospiritual teacher Colette Corcoran, these Archetypal Sessions invite participants into a deep and thoughtfully held journey through the feminine mysteries. Rooted in Jungian psychology, Colette’s work weaves together myth and archetype with reading aloud, guided visualization, gentle ritual, and the power of witnessing one another within a safe and respectful container. Across the retreat, these sessions explore three dark feminine archetypal presences—Hecate, Morgan le Fay, and Inanna—each offering a distinct inner orientation. Through Hecate, guests are invited into sovereign choice and discernment; through Morgan le Fay, into comfort with liminality, mystery, and the space between identities; and through Inanna, into embodied aliveness, desire, and the wisdom of vitality. Each day unfolds as both an inner and embodied exploration. Following the archetypal work, yoga practice offers a way to integrate and release through movement, breath, and presence—allowing insight to settle gently into the body. Together, these sessions are designed to open new dimensions of self-expression, inner trust, and confidence, offering a grounded and meaningful preparation for the photoshoot experiences that follow.
Dark Feminine Sessions
Led by psychospiritual teacher Colette Corcoran, these Archetypal Sessions invite participants into a deep and thoughtfully held journey through the feminine mysteries. Rooted in Jungian psychology, Colette’s work weaves together myth and archetype with reading aloud, guided visualization, gentle ritual, and the power of witnessing one another within a safe and respectful container. Across the retreat, these sessions explore three dark feminine archetypal presences—Hecate, Morgan le Fay, and Inanna—each offering a distinct inner orientation. Through Hecate, guests are invited into sovereign choice and discernment; through Morgan le Fay, into comfort with liminality, mystery, and the space between identities; and through Inanna, into embodied aliveness, desire, and the wisdom of vitality. Each day unfolds as both an inner and embodied exploration. Following the archetypal work, yoga practice offers a way to integrate and release through movement, breath, and presence—allowing insight to settle gently into the body. Together, these sessions are designed to open new dimensions of self-expression, inner trust, and confidence, offering a grounded and meaningful preparation for the photoshoot experiences that follow.
Dark Feminine Sessions
Led by psychospiritual teacher Colette Corcoran, these Archetypal Sessions invite participants into a deep and thoughtfully held journey through the feminine mysteries. Rooted in Jungian psychology, Colette’s work weaves together myth and archetype with reading aloud, guided visualization, gentle ritual, and the power of witnessing one another within a safe and respectful container. Across the retreat, these sessions explore three dark feminine archetypal presences—Hecate, Morgan le Fay, and Inanna—each offering a distinct inner orientation. Through Hecate, guests are invited into sovereign choice and discernment; through Morgan le Fay, into comfort with liminality, mystery, and the space between identities; and through Inanna, into embodied aliveness, desire, and the wisdom of vitality. Each day unfolds as both an inner and embodied exploration. Following the archetypal work, yoga practice offers a way to integrate and release through movement, breath, and presence—allowing insight to settle gently into the body. Together, these sessions are designed to open new dimensions of self-expression, inner trust, and confidence, offering a grounded and meaningful preparation for the photoshoot experiences that follow.
A Day at the Retreat
8:30 - 9:30
Buffet Breakfast
10:00 - 12:30
Hair & Make-up Sessions, Photoshoot begin
12:30 - 13:30
Lunch in the Interior Courtyard
13:30 - 16:30
Individual Photoshoots continue
19:00
Aperitif Hour
20:00
Vampire Masquerade
22:30
Medieval Dungeon
Outside of your photoshoot, the Chateau is yours to explore, relax and play in.
What's included?
Accommodation
Options
Château de Puy Vidal offers a range of rooms—from opulent and spacious to charming, storybook-style chambers and modern, cozy retreats.
Authentic French
Meals & Wine
Daily breakfast buffets (continental and savory), light lunches, and decadent French dinners. Dinners are accompanied with Aperitif and excellent French wines.
Train Pick-up
& Drop-off
On arrival and departure days, a Chateau team member will meet you at the Angoulême train station (just 18 minutes away). The train from Paris takes 2 hours and is the recommended route.
Fine Art Portraits
Final delivery of high-resolution fully edited digital images from the three photoshoots. Option to purchase more images directly through photographer.
Regional
Day Trip
Transportation on our day trip to the local village of La Rochefoucauld, entry ticket to Chateau museum, and lunch at a riverside restaurant all included.
Atmospheric Château Events
The photoshoot themes come to life at dusk. You are invited to bonfires under the stars, escapades through the labyrinth, cinema screenings by candlelight, and revelries in the forest.
What's included?
Accommodation
Options
Château de Puy Vidal offers a range of rooms—from opulent and spacious to charming, storybook-style chambers and modern, cozy retreats.
Authentic French
Meals & Wine
Daily breakfast buffets (continental and savory), light lunches, and decadent French dinners. Each meal is paired with flowing craft cocktails and French wines.
Train Pick-up
& Drop-off
On arrival and departure days, a Chateau team member will meet you at the Angoulême train station (just 18 minutes away). The train from Paris takes 2 hours and is the recommended route.
Fine ArtPortraits
Final delivery of high-resolution fully edited digital images from the three photoshoots. Option to purchase more images.
Regional
Day Trip
Transportation on our day trip to the local village of La Rochefoucauld, entry ticket to Chateau museum, and lunch at a riverside restaurant all included.
Atmospheric Château Events
The photoshoot themes come to life at dusk. You are invited to bonfires under the stars, escapades through the labyrinth, cinema screenings by candlelight, and fairy revelries in the forest.
What's included?
Accommodations
Chateau de Puy Vidal rooms have a variation of opulent and spacious décor to charming, storybook chambers, as well as contemporary and cozy retreat spaces.
Authentic French Meals & Wine
Breakfast buffets each morning, with both continental and savory options. Light refreshing lunches. Decadent dinners offer the classics of french cuisine. All events have flowing craft cocktails and french wines.
Regional Day Trip
Transportation on our day trip to the local village of La Rochefoucauld, entry ticket to Chateau museum, and lunch at a riverside restaurant all included.
Atmospheric Château Events
The photoshoot themes come to life at dusk. You are invited to bonfires under the stars, escapades through the labyrinth, cinema screenings by candlelight, and fairy revelries in the forest.
Train Pick-up & Drop-off
On arrival day and departure day, a Chateau team member will meet you at the train station in Angouleme to shuttle you to the chateau - an 18-minute drive. The train is the best way to travel to the Chateau from Paris- the total time is 2 hours.
Fine Art Portraits
Final delivery of high-resolution fully edited digital images from the photoshoots. Option to purchase more images.
Photoshoot costumes & styling
Photoshoot costumes & styling
Photoshoot costumes & styling
What should you bring?
What should you bring?
What should you bring?
Retreat Add-On: Custom Corset
Retreat Add-On: Custom Corset
Retreat Add-On: Custom Corset
Retreat Accommodations
King Room
€6,750
The largest and most sumptuous bedroom in the Château. The King Room is named for the tradition of every Château keeping its most beautiful chambers ready for the king to visit at any time on his journeys throughout the land. The room features a beautiful four poster Queen sized bed, inlay furniture, and a private bathroom. It is located on the second floor and is accessible by both staircase and elevator.
Toile de Jouy | Room 1
€6,550
Nestled in the Château’s historical central wing, the 18th-century inspired Toile de Jouy Room 1 is one of our most light-filled rooms. Accessible via both the Renaissance spiral staircase and an elevator, this suite features a Queen sized bed and a newly renovated private bathroom. Perfect for a solo traveller or a couple, this room captures the timeless essence of the Château’s rich history.
Toile de Jouy | Room 2
€6,550
Toile de Jouy Suite Room 2 is a beautiful 18th century escape. Accessible by elevator, it features a Queen bed, a desk, a beautiful fireplace and a private newly renovated bathroom. This room faces the courtyard and is filled with light. Ideal for a solo guest or a couple sharing the Château experience, this bright and charming room infuses every stay with a touch of timeless elegance.
Rose Room
€6,450
Step into the Rose Room, located in the West Wing with views looking out over the courtyard and the main chateau facade. The only guest room with two Queen beds, this is perfect for two friends or a couple who prefer sleeping in their own beds. A private bathroom adjoins the bedroom. This bedroom is accessible by a small spiral stone staircase.
Blue Room
€6,450
The Blue Room is a delightful room situated in the West Wing. It has a Queen-sized bed and a private bathroom. With view out over the courtyard and the inner facades, this room grants you a lovely perspective over all the Chateau happenings. The West Wing is exclusively accessed by a small stone spiral staircase.
Attic Room | Pavilion Tower
€6,250
Our newest addition to our Chateau bedrooms, the Attic Room is perched at the highest point in the Northwest Tower. A fully open-concept room offers a king sized bed and an in-room bathroom. Its window has views over the Bandiat valley and farm fields below. This bedroom is accessible by both staircase and elevator, but then has an additional staircase to climb to access this tower bedroom. Shares a landing below with the two other Pavilion bedrooms. Please note that the Bathroom has low wooden beams - if you are taller than 5'5, you will have to slightly duck when crossing. Bathtub only, no shower. This room is the only room in the Chateau with A/C and is lovely and cool even on the hottest days.
Lafayette Room
€5,950
At the end of the Historic Wing hallway waits a resplendent room with tall beamed ceilings, silk pink wall fabric, a stone fireplace, and a bed canopy over the King-sized bed. This is where General Lafayette is said to have slept during a visit to Puy Vidal, before departing to the Americas. The bathroom is shared with the Medieval tower bedroom. This room is able to access the bathroom from within the bedroom. As it has a shared bathroom, this room is only suitable for Single Occupancy.
Medieval Tower
€5,750
Step back into medieval times with a stay in this enchanting stone tower, nestled in the southwest corner of Puy Vidal. This bedroom is on the second floor of the Chateau, and is accessible only by elevator. It features a Full-sized bed, its own sink in the bedroom, an armoire & dresser, and exposed stone walls. This bedroom shares a bathroom with the Lafayette bedroom. The bathroom is accessed from the hallway outside the tower bedroom. As it has a shared bathroom, this room is only suitable for Single Occupancy.
King Room
€6,750
The largest and most sumptuous bedroom in the Château. The King Room is named for the tradition of every Château keeping its most beautiful chambers ready for the king to visit at any time on his journeys throughout the land. The room features a beautiful four poster Queen sized bed, inlay furniture, and a private bathroom. It is located on the second floor and is accessible by both staircase and elevator.
Toile de Jouy | Room 1
€6,550
Nestled in the Château’s historical central wing, the 18th-century inspired Toile de Jouy Room 1 is one of our most light-filled rooms. Accessible via both the Renaissance spiral staircase and an elevator, this suite features a Queen sized bed and a newly renovated private bathroom. Perfect for a solo traveller or a couple, this room captures the timeless essence of the Château’s rich history.
Toile de Jouy | Room 2
€6,550
Toile de Jouy Suite Room 2 is a beautiful 18th century escape. Accessible by elevator, it features a Queen bed, a desk, a beautiful fireplace and a private newly renovated bathroom. This room faces the courtyard and is filled with light. Ideal for a solo guest or a couple sharing the Château experience, this bright and charming room infuses every stay with a touch of timeless elegance.
Rose Room
€6,450
Step into the Rose Room, located in the West Wing with views looking out over the courtyard and the main chateau facade. The only guest room with two Queen beds, this is perfect for two friends or a couple who prefer sleeping in their own beds. A private bathroom adjoins the bedroom. This bedroom is accessible by a small spiral stone staircase.
Blue Room
€6,450
The Blue Room is a delightful room situated in the West Wing. It has a Queen-sized bed and a private bathroom. With view out over the courtyard and the inner facades, this room grants you a lovely perspective over all the Chateau happenings. The West Wing is exclusively accessed by a small stone spiral staircase.
Attic Room | Pavilion Tower
€6,250
Our newest addition to our Chateau bedrooms, the Attic Room is perched at the highest point in the Northwest Tower. A fully open-concept room offers a king sized bed and an in-room bathroom. Its window has views over the Bandiat valley and farm fields below. This bedroom is accessible by both staircase and elevator, but then has an additional staircase to climb to access this tower bedroom. Shares a landing below with the two other Pavilion bedrooms. Please note that the Bathroom has low wooden beams - if you are taller than 5'5, you will have to slightly duck when crossing. Bathtub only, no shower. This room is the only room in the Chateau with A/C and is lovely and cool even on the hottest days.
Lafayette Room
€5,950
At the end of the Historic Wing hallway waits a resplendent room with tall beamed ceilings, silk pink wall fabric, a stone fireplace, and a bed canopy over the King-sized bed. This is where General Lafayette is said to have slept during a visit to Puy Vidal, before departing to the Americas. The bathroom is shared with the Medieval tower bedroom. This room is able to access the bathroom from within the bedroom. As it has a shared bathroom, this room is only suitable for Single Occupancy.
Medieval Tower
€5,750
Step back into medieval times with a stay in this enchanting stone tower, nestled in the southwest corner of Puy Vidal. This bedroom is on the second floor of the Chateau, and is accessible only by elevator. It features a Full-sized bed, its own sink in the bedroom, an armoire & dresser, and exposed stone walls. This bedroom shares a bathroom with the Lafayette bedroom. The bathroom is accessed from the hallway outside the tower bedroom. As it has a shared bathroom, this room is only suitable for Single Occupancy.
King Room
€6,750
The largest and most sumptuous bedroom in the Château. The King Room is named for the tradition of every Château keeping its most beautiful chambers ready for the king to visit at any time on his journeys throughout the land. The room features a beautiful four poster Queen sized bed, inlay furniture, and a private bathroom. It is located on the second floor and is accessible by both staircase and elevator.
Toile de Jouy | Room 1
€6,550
Nestled in the Château’s historical central wing, the 18th-century inspired Toile de Jouy Room 1 is one of our most light-filled rooms. Accessible via both the Renaissance spiral staircase and an elevator, this suite features a Queen sized bed and a newly renovated private bathroom. Perfect for a solo traveller or a couple, this room captures the timeless essence of the Château’s rich history.
Toile de Jouy | Room 2
€6,550
Toile de Jouy Suite Room 2 is a beautiful 18th century escape. Accessible by elevator, it features a Queen bed, a desk, a beautiful fireplace and a private newly renovated bathroom. This room faces the courtyard and is filled with light. Ideal for a solo guest or a couple sharing the Château experience, this bright and charming room infuses every stay with a touch of timeless elegance.
Rose Room
€6,450
Step into the Rose Room, located in the West Wing with views looking out over the courtyard and the main chateau facade. The only guest room with two Queen beds, this is perfect for two friends or a couple who prefer sleeping in their own beds. A private bathroom adjoins the bedroom. This bedroom is accessible by a small spiral stone staircase.
Blue Room
€6,450
The Blue Room is a delightful room situated in the West Wing. It has a Queen-sized bed and a private bathroom. With view out over the courtyard and the inner facades, this room grants you a lovely perspective over all the Chateau happenings. The West Wing is exclusively accessed by a small stone spiral staircase.
Attic Room | Pavilion Tower
€6,250
Our newest addition to our Chateau bedrooms, the Attic Room is perched at the highest point in the Northwest Tower. A fully open-concept room offers a king sized bed and an in-room bathroom. Its window has views over the Bandiat valley and farm fields below. This bedroom is accessible by both staircase and elevator, but then has an additional staircase to climb to access this tower bedroom. Shares a landing below with the two other Pavilion bedrooms. Please note that the Bathroom has low wooden beams - if you are taller than 5'5, you will have to slightly duck when crossing. Bathtub only, no shower. This room is the only room in the Chateau with A/C and is lovely and cool even on the hottest days.
Lafayette Room
€5,950
At the end of the Historic Wing hallway waits a resplendent room with tall beamed ceilings, silk pink wall fabric, a stone fireplace, and a bed canopy over the King-sized bed. This is where General Lafayette is said to have slept during a visit to Puy Vidal, before departing to the Americas. The bathroom is shared with the Medieval tower bedroom. This room is able to access the bathroom from within the bedroom. As it has a shared bathroom, this room is only suitable for Single Occupancy.
Medieval Tower
€5,750
Step back into medieval times with a stay in this enchanting stone tower, nestled in the southwest corner of Puy Vidal. This bedroom is on the second floor of the Chateau, and is accessible only by elevator. It features a Full-sized bed, its own sink in the bedroom, an armoire & dresser, and exposed stone walls. This bedroom shares a bathroom with the Lafayette bedroom. The bathroom is accessed from the hallway outside the tower bedroom. As it has a shared bathroom, this room is only suitable for Single Occupancy.
See all bedrooms
See all bedrooms
See all bedrooms
Your Journey Awaits
Our workshops and retreats are thoughtfully curated to bring together like-minded creatives in a supportive, inspiring environment. Due to high demand and to ensure a balanced group dynamic, we invite you to apply below. This helps us personalize your experience and create a space where everyone can thrive.
You’ll hear back within 48 hours. If accepted, you’ll receive a booking invitation—your spot is only confirmed once booked. To keep this retreat accessible, we offer flexible payment plans split into three installments, with custom options available upon request.
Questions or booking issues? Email us anytime at: retreats@ladyofthechateau.com
Apply now
Apply now
Apply now
Echoes of the Experience
"My first visit literally transformed me, sending me back into the world having healed a piece of my heart. And coming back, being embraced like family, given the change to excersise my creativity nad stretch my imagination is a testament to just how much Ive changed and thrived. "
Tasha Collins, Fantasy Photoshoot Participant, 2024 & 2025
“ I choose this incredible experience not as a want, but an actual need for my senses and well being. In times like these, it is imaginative and creative activities that can nurture the soul.”
Heidi Boucher, Fantasy Photoshoot Participant 2025
“The part I will cherish the most about this experience was getting to meet a bunch of similarly weird, wonderful, creative people like me. It's been a long time where I felt like I could be totally myself.”
Kat Wilbur, Fantasy Photoshoot Participant 2024
"Fully embrace your time here, this experience is worth the work it takes to get here. You are family here and forever after this unique bonding given here. I will never forget the magic here, I'll never forget how changed I feel."
Elizabeth Damm, Fantasy Photoshoot Participant, 2024
"My first visit literally transformed me, sending me back into the world having healed a piece of my heart. And coming back, being embraced like family, given the change to excersise my creativity nad stretch my imagination is a testament to just how much Ive changed and thrived. "
Tasha Collins, Fantasy Photoshoot Participant, 2024 & 2025
“ I choose this incredible experience not as a want, but an actual need for my senses and well being. In times like these, it is imaginative and creative activities that can nurture the soul.”
Heidi Boucher, Fantasy Photoshoot Participant 2025
“The part I will cherish the most about this experience was getting to meet a bunch of similarly weird, wonderful, creative people like me. It's been a long time where I felt like I could be totally myself.”
Kat Wilbur, Fantasy Photoshoot Participant 2024
"Fully embrace your time here, this experience is worth the work it takes to get here. You are family here and forever after this unique bonding given here. I will never forget the magic here, I'll never forget how changed I feel."
Elizabeth Damm, Fantasy Photoshoot Participant, 2024
"My first visit literally transformed me, sending me back into the world having healed a piece of my heart. And coming back, being embraced like family, given the change to excersise my creativity nad stretch my imagination is a testament to just how much Ive changed and thrived. "
Tasha Collins, Fantasy Photoshoot Participant, 2024 & 2025
“ I choose this incredible experience not as a want, but an actual need for my senses and well being. In times like these, it is imaginative and creative activities that can nurture the soul.”
Heidi Boucher, Fantasy Photoshoot Participant 2025
“The part I will cherish the most about this experience was getting to meet a bunch of similarly weird, wonderful, creative people like me. It's been a long time where I felt like I could be totally myself.”
Kat Wilbur, Fantasy Photoshoot Participant 2024
"Fully embrace your time here, this experience is worth the work it takes to get here. You are family here and forever after this unique bonding given here. I will never forget the magic here, I'll never forget how changed I feel."
Elizabeth Damm, Fantasy Photoshoot Participant, 2024
FAQ
These retreats are for you if...
…you feel called to step into a creative, emotional, or personal chapter of your life with more presence, wholeness, and authenticity. If you’re ready to be part of an intimate group of artists, dreamers, and thoughtful women who value depth over hustle, beauty over busyness, and meaningful connection over surface-level experiences.
These retreats are for you if you’re open-hearted, curious, and willing to engage gently — through conversation, through creation, and through the quiet inner work that naturally arises in a place like this. If you understand that self-expression is a process, not a performance. If you’re able to respect group dynamics, honor others’ stories, and hold space with maturity and emotional intelligence.
They are not a fit if you’re seeking a party environment, a sightseeing tour, or a space to process heavy personal crises. Our retreats are intimate, nourishing, and designed for those in a stable place who are ready to explore their next chapter with clarity and courage.
If that feels like you — if something in you is ready for beauty, depth, and a week of becoming — then we warmly invite you to apply. There is a place for you here.
These retreats are for you if...
…you feel called to step into a creative, emotional, or personal chapter of your life with more presence, wholeness, and authenticity. If you’re ready to be part of an intimate group of artists, dreamers, and thoughtful women who value depth over hustle, beauty over busyness, and meaningful connection over surface-level experiences.
These retreats are for you if you’re open-hearted, curious, and willing to engage gently — through conversation, through creation, and through the quiet inner work that naturally arises in a place like this. If you understand that self-expression is a process, not a performance. If you’re able to respect group dynamics, honor others’ stories, and hold space with maturity and emotional intelligence.
They are not a fit if you’re seeking a party environment, a sightseeing tour, or a space to process heavy personal crises. Our retreats are intimate, nourishing, and designed for those in a stable place who are ready to explore their next chapter with clarity and courage.
If that feels like you — if something in you is ready for beauty, depth, and a week of becoming — then we warmly invite you to apply. There is a place for you here.
These retreats are for you if...
…you feel called to step into a creative, emotional, or personal chapter of your life with more presence, wholeness, and authenticity. If you’re ready to be part of an intimate group of artists, dreamers, and thoughtful women who value depth over hustle, beauty over busyness, and meaningful connection over surface-level experiences.
These retreats are for you if you’re open-hearted, curious, and willing to engage gently — through conversation, through creation, and through the quiet inner work that naturally arises in a place like this. If you understand that self-expression is a process, not a performance. If you’re able to respect group dynamics, honor others’ stories, and hold space with maturity and emotional intelligence.
They are not a fit if you’re seeking a party environment, a sightseeing tour, or a space to process heavy personal crises. Our retreats are intimate, nourishing, and designed for those in a stable place who are ready to explore their next chapter with clarity and courage.
If that feels like you — if something in you is ready for beauty, depth, and a week of becoming — then we warmly invite you to apply. There is a place for you here.
How do I get there?
We offer complimentary pick-up and drop-off from our local train station of Angouleme just 18 minutes from the Chateau. The fastest, most direct travel journey is to fly into Paris, and then take the direct 2 hour train from Paris to Angouleme. If you’re driving, detailed directions will be provided upon booking. We’re easily accessible from major French cities, making your journey as smooth as possible.
How do I get there?
We offer complimentary pick-up and drop-off from our local train station of Angouleme just 18 minutes from the Chateau. The fastest, most direct travel journey is to fly into Paris, and then take the direct 2 hour train from Paris to Angouleme. If you’re driving, detailed directions will be provided upon booking. We’re easily accessible from major French cities, making your journey as smooth as possible.
How do I get there?
We offer complimentary pick-up and drop-off from our local train station of Angouleme just 18 minutes from the Chateau. The fastest, most direct travel journey is to fly into Paris, and then take the direct 2 hour train from Paris to Angouleme. If you’re driving, detailed directions will be provided upon booking. We’re easily accessible from major French cities, making your journey as smooth as possible.
What If I Have Dietary Needs or Allergies?
Meals at the château are a cherished part of your experience — lovingly prepared four-course feasts that reflect the heart and soul of French cuisine. Our chefs create each menu with care, using locally sourced ingredients and seasonal flavors to bring you something truly special.
We’re happy to accommodate certain dietary needs, including vegetarian, dairy-free and gluten-free preferences. However, due to the nature of our kitchen, our chef’s traditional approach, and the foundations of French culinary style, we’re unfortunately not able to accommodate vegan diets, highly specialized dietary restrictions, or severe, life-threatening allergies.
If you have any dietary concerns at all, we kindly ask that you reach out before booking: retreats@ladyofthechateau.com.
Additionally, if you live with severe environmental allergies (such as to insects, dust, or humidity), please let us know in advance. For your safety and peace of mind, we reserve the right to decline bookings if we determine that we cannot safely meet your needs.
What If I Have Dietary Needs or Allergies?
Meals at the château are a cherished part of your experience — lovingly prepared four-course feasts that reflect the heart and soul of French cuisine. Our chefs create each menu with care, using locally sourced ingredients and seasonal flavors to bring you something truly special.
We’re happy to accommodate certain dietary needs, including vegetarian, dairy-free and gluten-free preferences. However, due to the nature of our kitchen, our chef’s traditional approach, and the foundations of French culinary style, we’re unfortunately not able to accommodate vegan diets, highly specialized dietary restrictions, or severe, life-threatening allergies.
If you have any dietary concerns at all, we kindly ask that you reach out before booking: retreats@ladyofthechateau.com.
Additionally, if you live with severe environmental allergies (such as to insects, dust, or humidity), please let us know in advance. For your safety and peace of mind, we reserve the right to decline bookings if we determine that we cannot safely meet your needs.
What If I Have Dietary Needs or Allergies?
Meals at the château are a cherished part of your experience — lovingly prepared four-course feasts that reflect the heart and soul of French cuisine. Our chefs create each menu with care, using locally sourced ingredients and seasonal flavors to bring you something truly special.
We’re happy to accommodate certain dietary needs, including vegetarian, dairy-free and gluten-free preferences. However, due to the nature of our kitchen, our chef’s traditional approach, and the foundations of French culinary style, we’re unfortunately not able to accommodate vegan diets, highly specialized dietary restrictions, or severe, life-threatening allergies.
If you have any dietary concerns at all, we kindly ask that you reach out before booking: retreats@ladyofthechateau.com.
Additionally, if you live with severe environmental allergies (such as to insects, dust, or humidity), please let us know in advance. For your safety and peace of mind, we reserve the right to decline bookings if we determine that we cannot safely meet your needs.
Is there a pool?
Yes! Our outdoor pool is heated, perfect for a refreshing dip in summer and a comfortable swim in spring and fall.
Our large hot tub makes a perfect place to unwind alone or with some new friends after a day of creativity.
Is there a pool?
Yes! Our outdoor pool is heated, perfect for a refreshing dip in summer and a comfortable swim in spring and fall.
Our large hot tub makes a perfect place to unwind alone or with some new friends after a day of creativity.
Is there a pool?
Yes! Our outdoor pool is heated, perfect for a refreshing dip in summer and a comfortable swim in spring and fall.
Our large hot tub makes a perfect place to unwind alone or with some new friends after a day of creativity.
Led with Vision, Sustained by Love
We are your hosts—and it’s our joy to welcome you into the world we’re building here at Château de Puy Vidal.
Lady of the Château was co-founded and is led by Julia and Caroline, a couple and the creative force behind the brand. They are joined by Julia’s sister Penelope and their parents, Maruca and Robert, to create a family-centered space where creativity, personal growth, and meaningful connection are at the heart of everything they 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 hope you’ll join us.
Led with Vision, Sustained by Love
We are your hosts—and it’s our joy to welcome you into the world we’re building here at Château de Puy Vidal.
Lady of the Château was co-founded and is led by Julia and Caroline, a couple and the creative force behind the brand. They are joined by Julia’s sister Penelope and their parents, Maruca and Robert, to create a family-centered space where creativity, personal growth, and meaningful connection are at the heart of everything they 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 hope you’ll join us.
Led with Vision, Sustained by Love
We are your hosts—and it’s our joy to welcome you into the world we’re building here at Château de Puy Vidal.
Lady of the Château was co-founded and is led by Julia and Caroline, a couple and the creative force behind the brand. They are joined by Julia’s sister Penelope and their parents, Maruca and Robert, to create a family-centered space where creativity, personal growth, and meaningful connection are at the heart of everything they 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 hope you’ll join us.
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
