So You Want to
Move to France
Imagine transforming your dream of French living into reality.
Our Move to France Programmed Residency is your immersive gateway to understanding life in the enchanting Southwest. Over one intensive week, we'll guide you through the nuanced landscape of property buying, cultural adaptation, and lifestyle transition.
You'll explore both charming smaller villages and vibrant regional towns, gaining firsthand insights into daily French living.
We'll demystify administrative processes, share insider perspectives on local communities, and provide practical workshops that bridge your current life with your French aspirations.
This isn't just a program—it's your personal roadmap to creating a meaningful life in Southwest France.
Your Itinerary
1
Beginnings
In the afternoon take your time, familiarize yourself with the private Château de Saint-Germain-des-Prés and extensive grounds.
We will explore the Château grounds, town and cemetery together. Enjoy a bubbly reception as we get to know each other and what we're looking for in this life change .
2
Perigueux
We will start with a lively conversation about overcoming your fears, and common expat issues.
In the afternoon, we'll head out to the local regional capital of Perigueux, discover local administration, shopping, terrace life and have supper at a restaurant in town.
3
Property
A local immobilier (property expert) will come in and talk about property buying & renting in France -what to expect, and what to prepare. Plus how to read a property listing - you'll learn some surprising twists!
In the afternoon, we'll talk about getting started with admin, and transportation.
4
Culture
Let's discover how to get the best out of your new culture - surprising ways to make connections and get things done. Then we'll discover the joy of the "apero dinatoire" with some other local expats and French neighbours.
5
Market Day
An authentic French market (along with etiquette tips) will set you up for both a hearty lunch and discovering the best of French life. A practical run into a grocery store to compare products and cost of living.
6
Practical Life
Let's delve into medical, French politics, visas, and business options. We'll have experts on hand to answer so many questions.
7
Brocante!
We'll head out for a bit of fun to discover the essential second-hand market scene, and then one of the Prettiest Villages in France. Lunch out on your own, a chance to practice your cultural lessons before heading home tomorrow.
Please note: We might adjust this itinerary due to the usual reasons - weather, group direction, or unplanned opportunities!
Your Experience
Live the Chateau Life
-
Enjoy the Château common rooms and 15 ha of grounds during your 7-night stay.
-
Bedrooms are generously sized, with a small seating area.
-
Mix of en-suite and shared facilities - max 2 bedrooms share w.c. or shower.
-
Rooms are first-come, first-served by reservation date.
-
Fibre wifi available throughout the Château
-
Stay with a small group of like-minded people - limit of 10 guests.
Authentic French Cuisine
-
Champagne reception on evening of arrival!
-
Continental breakfast with pastries fresh from the boulangerie just steps away.
-
Most meals prepared by your hosts and a personal chef who loves Perigord cuisine.
-
Two lunches out on your own in cute villages
-
One supper on your own in the local capital of Perigueux
-
Locally produced wines from small vineyards, selected for our cave by a wine expert.
-
Non-alcoholic beverages of your choice.
-
Tea & coffee all day, plus snacks and aperitif too!
Local Connections
-
Workshops with local experts on property buying, visas, business development, and navigating a new culture
-
Authentic local farmers’ market experience, with Chefs highlighting local foods and vendors.
-
Excursions to smaller & larger villages & cities, including a brocante experience (scheduling permitting)
-
Aperos with other expats & French neighbours
Meet Your Hosts
Meet Sara & Stephen
We are Sara & Stephen Cole, Canadians who dreamt of moving to France. We're excited to share our dream, our home, the Château de Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
The tower of the chateau is from the 16th century, and features a broad spiral stone staircase. Built by a noble family nearly 500 years ago, the 'blazon' or crest of the family still shows on the tower.
We created “Manor and Maker” to reflect the two sides of our adventure. One, to live as chateau owners with all the ups and downs and two, to pursue our passions as makers, creating art in all its forms. We invite others to come together, united by their passions, to share in this adventure.
We will be available on-site all week to ensure you have a comfortable stay.
Welcome to Manor & Maker.
Start Your New French Life Today!
Reserve your spot by completing the deposit payment below. Completing your deposit is your agreement to the Terms & Conditions.
Single Occupancy
€1895
Private room.
En-suite or shared bath (max 2 rooms per bath).
Double Occupancy
€1495 per person
€2990 per couple
Max 2 individuals per room.
En-suite or shared bath (max 2 rooms per bath).
What's Included
-
7 nights accommodation at Château de Saint-Germain-des-Pres
-
All meals served at the Château; prepared by your hosts or a personal chef
-
Access to experts on property buying, language, cultural changes, visas, and French business
-
Two excursions to local site(s), including transportation and entry fees
-
Market excursion to enjoy an authentic French experience
-
Wines, beers, & ciders served with meals at the Château & all non-alcoholic beverages
-
Access to Château common areas, grounds, and studio for free time
-
Transportation from the pickup point (local train station) to the Château
-
Professional travel agent services for that extra hand
What's Not Included
-
Transportation from your hometown to the pickup point, including airfare, train connections, or car rental
-
Meals not served at the château - there will be two lunches and one supper on your own during the excursions
-
Baggage, accident, cancellation, nor travel insurance ('cancel for any reason' strongly recommended to protect your investment)
-
Personal expenses, such as passport, visa, laundry, telephone calls
-
Alcoholic beverages not served at meals at the château and any alcohol in excess of 18% vol
-
Any extra tours or excursions off the property, should you choose to roam
-
and any other items not specifically noted as included
Questions & Answers
I'm not 100% sure I'm moving to France. Is this residency for me?
Yes! This is a great chance to come to France and get some clarity on whether this big life change is really for you. We'll run gently into the cultural differences first hand, and have great discussions about fit, fear, and other expat concerns.
Where are you located & how do I get there?
We are in the town of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Dordogne, postal code 24160 (there are a couple of more places of that name in France!). We have easy train connections from Bordeaux to Thiviers (our most popular route) or Paris to Angouleme via TGV. We will pick you up from either station. Here's our guide on how to get to us. Plus the services of our travel agent are at your disposal to ensure you have a helping hand!
+
_
Do I need to speak French?
No, your hosts can help you with all local needs. It's always nice to be able to say 'hello' (Bonjour!) and 'thank you' (Merci!) though, isn't it? Plus we'll have an expert to get your started or help polish up!
+
_
May I arrive earlier or stay later than the retreat dates?
Much as we love having guests, we aren't open as a B&B, so accommodation is only available on the retreat dates. There is lots to explore in our area, if you wish to make your own plans to extend your holiday.
+
_
Can you accommodate my food sensitivity?
France is famous for its fine cuisine, fresh produce markets, delicious pastries and cheeses! Enjoy chef-prepared suppers all week; the taste of France is part of your immersive experience. Our personal chef has the training to accommodate most diets, unfortunately, severely restrictive diets and other food sensitivities may be harder to accommodate due to table d'hotes rules - please send us a mail to inquire!
+
_
What if I get sick and can't come? (Cancellation Policy)
We strongly recommend 'cancel for any reason' travel insurance. We do not offer last-minute refunds for any reason, due to advance planning costs. Check out the terms & conditions for other timing. Travel insurance protects your investment, and helps alleviate disappointment if your plans have to change.
+
_
What will the weather be like?
Day time temperatures in March are around 16C (60F) with night time lows around 6C (42F). You can expect mostly sunny days, with average monthly precipitation around 60 mm (2.3 in). Of course, these are averages, so temperatures could be warmer or cooler, rainier or sunnier during your stay. It's springtime - layers and a light raincoat are recommended.
Still Have Questions?
Drop us a line. We'll do our best to get back to you in 48 hours.