After an extraordinary response to The Witches’ Coven, with our first retreat selling out in just three days, we are delighted to announce a second week!
Welcome to The Witches’ Coven.
You are invited you into a world of sisterhood, magic, and mystery, where the stories of witches, enchantresses, and powerful women become invitations to explore the wild, intuitive, and unconventional parts of ourselves.
Returning to Château de Puy Vidal for her third year, master photographer Ida von Aves brings her theatrical artistry and magnificent wardrobe to three enchanting photographic worlds inspired by witchcraft and feminine mythology. Through costume, character, and imaginative play, we will celebrate the witch as a symbol of creativity, rebellion, and the wonderful freedom to be ourselves.
Beyond the photographic experiences, we will draw upon Jungian archetypes, symbolism, and storytelling to explore the many dimensions of feminine identity - from the qualities we embrace openly to those we may have learned to keep hidden. An invitation to embrace our contradictions, trust our intuition, and make room for the many women who live within us.
But perhaps the oldest magic of all is the simple act of gathering. Of women coming together to share stories, laughter, beauty, and a little delicious mischief. Of finding kindred spirits who understand our fascination with the mysterious and the beautifully strange. There is a particular kind of freedom in being among women who celebrate our individuality rather than asking us to soften it. The coven reminds us that we need not make ourselves smaller to belong.
For seven nights, the ancient walls, candlelit halls, and mist-covered gardens of Château de Puy Vidal become our enchanted world. We’ll celebrate the most magical season with feasting, revelry, and the company of our own coven. A week where depth meets delight, imagination meets self-discovery, and a little wildness is always welcome.
€ 5,150-€ 6,350
When the veil grows thin
Master Photographer
Ida von Aves
Artist's Letter
I work with Baroque light, Pre-Raphaelite storytelling, and Renaissance composition. Which is a fancy way of saying: this isn't a photoshoot. It's a painting session that happens to use a camera. You're not posing. You're just there, and I photograph you the way the Old Masters would have painted you. Whatever shows up, we're going there. Overly dramatic? Good. That's the point. Soft and vulnerable? Even better. Rage, joy, tears, full theatrical collapse? Excellent. There's no such thing as too much here. If anything, I'll ask you to go further. You show up. I read what's there. We create something that doesn't look like you – it looks like you, finally seen the way you've always felt.
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.
The Retreat Journey
A sample schedule for the week to give you a taste of the expereince
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
18:00
Aperitif Hour
19:00
The Dark Moon Ball
21:30
Medieval Dungeon
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 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.
