This immersive Fantasy Photoshoot Retreat with Master Photographer Ida von Aves Château de Puy Vidal returns for a second time as we journey into your inner myths and archetypes—embracing strength and vulnerability, grief and joy, beauty and pain. Guided by visionary photographer Ida von Aves and expert hair and makeup artist Sarah Scherer, you’ll explore and celebrate a self-image rooted in compassion and power.
Drawing on classical art and her mastery of light and shadow, Ida will help you embody your inner villain, queen, knight, or goddess—becoming a living work of art inspired by the Medieval, Renaissance, and Pre-Raphaelite eras.
This is more than a costume or a scene — it’s a creative rite of passage. Through archetype work, cinematic styling, and the gaze of an artist’s lens, you explore the inner figures that live within you: the muse, the heroine, the sorceress, the goddess, the wanderer. The camera becomes a mirror that reveals not performance, but truth — the part of you that has always been powerful, playful, and alive.
And through gathering with other women on the same journey, the experience deepens into something profoundly personal. Exploring these archetypes in community amplifies the healing — witnessing and being witnessed transforms self-expression into self-recognition.
Guided by artists who understand both the theatrical and the tender, you’ll inhabit your story completely. The Château’s history, beauty, and atmosphere become your stage; the light becomes your collaborator.
You leave not only with photographs, but with proof — of your courage to be seen, your belonging among kindred spirits, and your capacity to turn imagination into embodiment.
Step through our enchanted doors—where muses gather and myths come alive.
€ 5,750-€ 6,750
Master Photographer
Ida von Aves
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.
Ready to become part of the story?
Gallery
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 tv and film hair and makeup artist, a veteran cosplayer, and has worked with Ida on many 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 hoping to bring to life.
The Retreat Journey
A preliminary schedule for the week
A Day at the Retreat
8:30 - 9:30
Breakfast Buffet
10:00 - 13:30
Set the Stage, Hair & Make-up, Individual Photoshoots
13:30 - 14:30
Lunch in the Interior Courtyard
14:30 - 17:30
Individual Photoshoots continue
19:00
Aperitif Hour
20:00
Medeival Banquet
21:00
Dungeon Quest
Outside of your photoshoot, the Chateau is yours to explore, relax and play in.
Portrait Package Details
Photoshoot costumes & styling
What should you bring?
Booking & Payment
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 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.
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.
