A Fantasy Photoshoot Retreat with Vanessa Bussoletti

The Dark Romantic

A week of longing, desire, transformation and surrender.

October 6 -13, 2027

A Fantasy Photoshoot Retreat with Vanessa Bussoletti

The Dark Romantic

A week of longing, desire, transformation and surrender.

October 6 -13, 2027

A Fantasy Photoshoot Retreat with Vanessa Bussoletti

The Dark Romantic

A week of longing, desire, transformation and surrender.

October 6 -13, 2027

"There are worlds within us that we have yet to give ourselves permission to express."

"There are worlds within us that we have yet to give ourselves permission to express."

"There are worlds within us that we have yet to give ourselves permission to express."

There is something delicious about meeting ourselves in the shadows, in the wanting, in the wildness. About giving our romantic imaginations permission to wander somewhere they might not otherwise go.

Returning for her second year at The Lady of the Château, photographer Vanessa Bussoletti joins us for The Dark Romantic, a seven-night journey into the haunting beauty, longing, and mystery of Gothic romance.

Through three photographic worlds inspired by Persephone, The Phantom of the Opera, and Wuthering Heights, we explore different dimensions of our inner lives: the courage to encounter what lies in shadow, the desire to be seen and admired while claiming our own voice, and the freedom to embrace our passionate, instinctive nature.

But we go beyond the aesthetics to ask why these stories, images, and characters speak to us so deeply. What do they awaken in our imaginations? What neglected parts of ourselves might they be inviting us to reclaim?

At The Lady of the Château, we believe beauty is far from superficial. The images, stories, colors, and worlds we are drawn to often reveal something meaningful about our inner lives. Through archetypal exploration, imaginative and somatic practices, personal styling, and artistic portraiture, we give those inner worlds space to be discovered, expressed, and celebrated.

And we do it together. These extraordinary weeks bring together women who share a curiosity about themselves and the world, a longing for a life richly lived, and a love of beauty, fantasy, history, and personal expression. Women who understand the pleasure of going deep, but also the importance of play, laughter, and a little theatrical extravagance.

There is something remarkable about finding kindred spirits who recognize and celebrate the parts of ourselves that rarely find expression in everyday life. The friendships formed here often extend far beyond the château walls.

For seven nights at Château de Puy Vidal, we invite you to explore the many worlds within you, give your imagination a little more room to breathe, and discover what becomes possible when you bring more of that inner world into the light.

€ 5,150-€ 6,150

Meet yourself in the dark

Photographer, Storyteller, Dreamer

Vanessa Bussoletti

Artist's Letter

I have always been a creative soul. My love of visual storytelling and artistry drove me to pickup a camera as a teenager, and despite attending university to study for a different career path, my heart continued to lead me back to photography time and time again until I seized the courage, took a leap of faith and pursued it as a career – trusting that my love for the art would translate and resonate with other kindred spirits.

A self-portrait artist and photographer, I seek to help women connect more deeply to themselves. My desire is to capture emotion, mood and a timeless kind of beauty, telling stories of femininity, vulnerability, self-expression and strength through a visually poetic and historical and fantastical lens, creating worlds for all the dreamers.

I want my clients to feel empowered by the beauty and grace they possess within themselves, and it is my goal to help uncover parts of themselves that they have longed to embrace and embody – but have never quite known how. 

Self-Styling

Fantasy Retreat

3 Photoshoots

in Chateau and Grounds

10 Final

Fine Art Portraits

Self-Styling

Fantasy Retreat

3 Photoshoots

in Chateau and Grounds

10 Final

Fine Art Portraits

Self-Styling

Fantasy Retreat

3 Photoshoots

in Chateau and Grounds

10 Final

Fine Art Portraits

3 Photoshoot Worlds

The Dark Queen

The Gothic Muse

The Wild Romantic

3 Photoshoot Worlds

This retreat is a self-styling experience, but perhaps a much simpler one than you might imagine. Rather than elaborate costumes or carefully constructed characters, we invite you to explore how a few beautiful, thoughtfully chosen pieces can bring different dimensions of your imagination to life.

Across three distinct photographic worlds, the emphasis is on simplicity, silhouette, and expression. A single length of red fabric draped around the body for the Dark Maiden. A flowing white dress or romantic nightgown for the Gothic Muse. A dramatic black gown with a skirt that catches the wind for the Wild Romantic.

These are simple, iconic looks. No elaborate accessories, complicated hairstyles, or extravagant purchases required. Think bare feet, loose hair, natural makeup, and beautiful fabrics that move with you.

What matters most is not how much you wear, but how you inhabit it. The shape of a neckline, the fall of a skirt, the way fabric frames your face or follows the lines of your body. We encourage you to choose colors, textures, and silhouettes that flatter you, feel wonderful to wear, and express something of the energy you wish to explore.

And you won’t have to figure it all out alone. We’ll share visual inspiration, moodboards, and links to recommended shops and brands to help you find what you need. For anyone who would appreciate more personalized guidance, photographer Vanessa Bussoletti will also be available for individual styling consultations before the retreat.

Because the magic of these portraits doesn’t come from the costume. It comes from you.

3 Photoshoot Worlds

The Dark Queen

The Gothic Muse

The Wild Romantic

3 Photoshoot Worlds

This retreat is a self-styling experience, but perhaps a much simpler one than you might imagine. Rather than elaborate costumes or carefully constructed characters, we invite you to explore how a few beautiful, thoughtfully chosen pieces can bring different dimensions of your imagination to life.

Across three distinct photographic worlds, the emphasis is on simplicity, silhouette, and expression. A single length of red fabric draped around the body for the Dark Maiden. A flowing white dress or romantic nightgown for the Gothic Muse. A dramatic black gown with a skirt that catches the wind for the Wild Romantic.

These are simple, iconic looks. No elaborate accessories, complicated hairstyles, or extravagant purchases required. Think bare feet, loose hair, natural makeup, and beautiful fabrics that move with you.

What matters most is not how much you wear, but how you inhabit it. The shape of a neckline, the fall of a skirt, the way fabric frames your face or follows the lines of your body. We encourage you to choose colors, textures, and silhouettes that flatter you, feel wonderful to wear, and express something of the energy you wish to explore.

And you won’t have to figure it all out alone. We’ll share visual inspiration, moodboards, and links to recommended shops and brands to help you find what you need. For anyone who would appreciate more personalized guidance, photographer Vanessa Bussoletti will also be available for individual styling consultations before the retreat.

Because the magic of these portraits doesn’t come from the costume. It comes from you.

3 Photoshoot Worlds

The Dark Queen

The Gothic Muse

The Wild Romantic

3 Photoshoot Worlds

This retreat is a self-styling experience, but perhaps a much simpler one than you might imagine. Rather than elaborate costumes or carefully constructed characters, we invite you to explore how a few beautiful, thoughtfully chosen pieces can bring different dimensions of your imagination to life.

Across three distinct photographic worlds, the emphasis is on simplicity, silhouette, and expression. A single length of red fabric draped around the body for the Dark Maiden. A flowing white dress or romantic nightgown for the Gothic Muse. A dramatic black gown with a skirt that catches the wind for the Wild Romantic.

These are simple, iconic looks. No elaborate accessories, complicated hairstyles, or extravagant purchases required. Think bare feet, loose hair, natural makeup, and beautiful fabrics that move with you.

What matters most is not how much you wear, but how you inhabit it. The shape of a neckline, the fall of a skirt, the way fabric frames your face or follows the lines of your body. We encourage you to choose colors, textures, and silhouettes that flatter you, feel wonderful to wear, and express something of the energy you wish to explore.

And you won’t have to figure it all out alone. We’ll share visual inspiration, moodboards, and links to recommended shops and brands to help you find what you need. For anyone who would appreciate more personalized guidance, photographer Vanessa Bussoletti will also be available for individual styling consultations before the retreat.

Because the magic of these portraits doesn’t come from the costume. It comes from you.

3 Themed Evening Atmospheres

What to bring: Your wardrobe for each shoot will work beautifully for the events in the evening.

The Underworld

Feast

The Midnight

Masquerade

The Wilding

Night

3 Themed Evening Atmospheres

What to bring: Your wardrobe for each shoot will work beautifully for the events in the evening.

The Underworld

Feast

The Midnight

Masquerade

The Wilding

Night

3 Themed Evening Atmospheres

What to bring: Your wardrobe for each shoot will work beautifully for the events in the evening.

The Underworld

Feast

The Midnight

Masquerade

The Wilding

Night

The Retreat Journey

A peek into the preliminary schedule for the week

The Archetype Sessions

Throughout the retreat, a series of guided archetype sessions invites participants to explore the inner landscapes of The Dark Romantic. Each session is devoted to one of the retreat’s three archetypal expressions: The Dark Maiden, The Gothic Muse, and The Wild Romantic. Drawing inspiration from Jungian psychology, mythology, and Gothic literature, these intimate gatherings offer a space to explore the desires, contradictions, and hidden dimensions of ourselves that each character represents. Through reflective exercises, guided visualization, storytelling, and simple rituals, we explore three distinct psychological journeys: the encounter with the unknown, the discovery of our own voice, and the freedom to express our instinctive nature. Participants are invited to consider where these different qualities already live within them, which they may have neglected, and how they might wish to give them greater expression. The emphasis is not on theory, but on curiosity, imagination, and personal discovery. Movement and breathwork practices offer opportunities to explore these reflections through the body, cultivating presence, openness, and creative freedom. Together, these sessions create a bridge between inner exploration and artistic expression, inviting each woman to step into her photographic worlds not simply as a fictional character, but as an opportunity to explore and express something meaningful within herself.

The Archetype Sessions

Throughout the retreat, a series of guided archetype sessions invites participants to explore the inner landscapes of The Dark Romantic. Each session is devoted to one of the retreat’s three archetypal expressions: The Dark Maiden, The Gothic Muse, and The Wild Romantic. Drawing inspiration from Jungian psychology, mythology, and Gothic literature, these intimate gatherings offer a space to explore the desires, contradictions, and hidden dimensions of ourselves that each character represents. Through reflective exercises, guided visualization, storytelling, and simple rituals, we explore three distinct psychological journeys: the encounter with the unknown, the discovery of our own voice, and the freedom to express our instinctive nature. Participants are invited to consider where these different qualities already live within them, which they may have neglected, and how they might wish to give them greater expression. The emphasis is not on theory, but on curiosity, imagination, and personal discovery. Movement and breathwork practices offer opportunities to explore these reflections through the body, cultivating presence, openness, and creative freedom. Together, these sessions create a bridge between inner exploration and artistic expression, inviting each woman to step into her photographic worlds not simply as a fictional character, but as an opportunity to explore and express something meaningful within herself.

The Archetype Sessions

Throughout the retreat, a series of guided archetype sessions invites participants to explore the inner landscapes of The Dark Romantic. Each session is devoted to one of the retreat’s three archetypal expressions: The Dark Maiden, The Gothic Muse, and The Wild Romantic. Drawing inspiration from Jungian psychology, mythology, and Gothic literature, these intimate gatherings offer a space to explore the desires, contradictions, and hidden dimensions of ourselves that each character represents. Through reflective exercises, guided visualization, storytelling, and simple rituals, we explore three distinct psychological journeys: the encounter with the unknown, the discovery of our own voice, and the freedom to express our instinctive nature. Participants are invited to consider where these different qualities already live within them, which they may have neglected, and how they might wish to give them greater expression. The emphasis is not on theory, but on curiosity, imagination, and personal discovery. Movement and breathwork practices offer opportunities to explore these reflections through the body, cultivating presence, openness, and creative freedom. Together, these sessions create a bridge between inner exploration and artistic expression, inviting each woman to step into her photographic worlds not simply as a fictional character, but as an opportunity to explore and express something meaningful within herself.

A Day at the Retreat

8:30 - 9:30

Breakfast in the Spode Room

10:00 - 12:30

Archetype Session

12:30 - 13:30

Lunch in the Interior Courtyard

13:30 - 18:30

Individual Photoshoots

19:00

Aperitif Hour

20:00

The Midnight Masquerade

21:00

Dungeon Escape

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.

Portrait Package Details

The Photoshoot Styling Process

What should I bring?

Booking & Payment

Built in 1267

A living part of history.

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 more than a backdrop for your retreat. It’s a companion in your process. A still and storied presence that grounds you, softens you, and gently calls you back to the joy of creating.

Explore

Built in 1267

A living part of history.

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 more than a backdrop for your retreat. It’s a companion in your process. A still and storied presence that grounds you, softens you, and gently calls you back to the joy of creating.

Explore

Built in 1267

A living part of history.

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 more than a backdrop for your retreat. It’s a companion in your process. A still and storied presence that grounds you, softens you, and gently calls you back to the joy of creating.

Explore

Retreat Accommodations

See all bedrooms

Your Journey Awaits

Our workshops and retreats are thoughtfully curated to bring together like-minded creatives in a supportive, inspiring environment. To ensure a balanced and intentional group dynamic, all retreats begin with a brief application. This allows us to thoughtfully curate each experience and better understand our guests.

You’ll hear back within 48 hours. If accepted, you’ll receive a booking invitation—your place is only confirmed once a reservation is made.

To keep our retreats accessible, we offer flexible payment plans, beginning with a deposit to secure your place and the option to divide the remaining balance into installments.

If you have any questions or encounter booking issues, please email us at retreats@ladyofthechateau.com

Apply now

Echoes of the Experience

FAQ

These retreats are for you if...

…you have a rich inner world, a curious imagination, and a desire to explore the many dimensions of yourself through creativity, storytelling, beauty, and self-expression.

At their heart, our fantasy retreats are experiences in creative identity exploration. Drawing inspiration from Jungian psychology, mythology, somatic practices, and self-portraiture, we invite you to discover and express different facets of yourself.

We move naturally between depth and lightness. One moment, you might be exploring an archetype or reflecting on your inner world. The next, you’re dressing up for a fantastical photoshoot, laughing around the dinner table, or singing karaoke. We believe playfulness and introspection belong in the same room.

There is plenty of time for reflection, creative experimentation, meaningful conversation, and simply enjoying the pleasure of being together. We welcome curious, open-minded guests who respect personal boundaries, value connection, and approach others with kindness and emotional maturity.

An Important Note

These are creative retreats, not therapy, mental health treatment, or spiritual healing programs. While our experiences may inspire meaningful personal discoveries, we do not offer psychological treatment, trauma processing, crisis intervention, or intensive emotional support.

Our use of mythology, archetypes, and symbolic practices is imaginative and reflective rather than tied to any particular spiritual belief system.

Above all, come with curiosity rather than expectations of transformation. We invite you to explore, experiment, reflect, play, and discover whatever naturally emerges.

If a week devoted to imagination, beauty, meaningful connection, and the many possibilities within you makes your heart leap a little, we warmly invite you to apply.

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.

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, partners in life and work. 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, partners in life and work. 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, partners in life and work. 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
16110 La Rochefoucauld, France

admin@ladyofthechateau.com

The Château Letters

We send occasional letters about beauty, creativity, life at the château
and the extraordinary people who gather here — along with first access to new retreats,
workshops and special invitations.

I'm interested in:

© The Lady of the Chateau SAS | Est. 2021 

How to Reach us

Château de Puy Vidal
16110 La Rochefoucauld, France

admin@ladyofthechateau.com

The Château Letters

We send occasional letters about beauty, creativity, life at the château
and the extraordinary people who gather here — along with first access to new retreats, workshops and special invitations.

I'm interested in:

© The Lady of the Chateau SAS | Est. 2021 

How to Reach us

Château de Puy Vidal
16110 La Rochefoucauld, France

admin@ladyofthechateau.com

The Château Letters

Join us at Château de Puy Vidal from wherever you are.
We send occasional letters about beauty, creativity, life at the château and the extraordinary people who gather here — along with first access to new retreats,
workshops and special invitations.

I'm interested in:

© The Lady of the Chateau SAS | Est. 2021