Your Invitation
Imagine yourself spending a week in a private 16th-century Dordogne chateau, fingers in vibrant paints, creating art you never thought possible. You'll leave with skills to create artwork, transform your home decor, create personalized gifts, or even start a creative side hustle.
Our talented printmakers can't wait to share their craft with you, whether you're a seasoned artist or haven't picked up a paintbrush since grade school. Two generations of artists with one goal — to make you a fantastic gel printer.
Between print sessions, we'll explore hidden corners of France, savor mouthwatering local cuisine, and toast to new friendships. It's not about "finding yourself" — it's about making something beautiful, having a blast, and experiencing the real France.
Don't worry if you can't tell a brayer from a burnisher — we've got you covered. And if you're already a pro? Get ready to push your skills to new, exciting places.
Our Le Cordon Bleu-trained chefs are whipping up meals so good, you might forget about the art altogether (don't worry, we'll remind you).
We'll wander through postcard-perfect villages, chat with local artisans, and soak up enough culture to make you feel like a temporary local. It's a creative explosion and all things French rolled into one fabulous week.
Spaces are limited — we're keeping things cozy. So if you're thinking, "This sounds like my kind of adventure," don't wait. Join us for a week you'll never forget — and is unique to you. No berets required, but we won't judge if you bring one.
Your Experience
Live the Chateau Life
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Enjoy the Château common rooms and 15 ha of grounds during your 7-night stay.
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Bedrooms are generously sized, with a small seating area.
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Mix of en-suite and shared facilities - max 2 bedrooms share w.c. or shower.
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Rooms are first-come, first-served by reservation date.
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Fibre wifi available throughout the Château
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Stay with a small group of like-minded people - limit of 10 guests.
Authentic French Cuisine
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Champagne reception on evening of arrival!
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All meals prepared by two Chefs trained at Le Cordon Bleu, who know and love French cuisine
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Cultural excursion to an authentic market with the Chefs to discover this quintessential part of life
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Open kitchen - pop in to discover tips of cuisine from the pros!
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Locally produced wines from small vineyards, selected for our cave by a wine expert.
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Non-alcoholic beverages of your choice.
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Tea & coffee all day, plus snacks and aperitif too!
Create & Be Inspired by France
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Experiment with intuitive techniques: Layer colors, textures, and patterns on a gel plate
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Explore endless possibilities: Create prints for framing, cards, journals, and mixed media art
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Develop your unique style: Receive guidance from expert instructors in daily workshops
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All supplies included for your creations
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Join the Chefs in a French market experience - a true cultural essential
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Step into history with tours at majestic local châteaux
Endless Printmaking Opportunities
Picture yourself coming away with skills that enable you to:
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Create personalized stationery, greeting cards, and gift wrapping materials
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Craft one-of-a-kind journals, phone cases, and other personalized accessories
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Decorate custom textiles for home decor items like clothing, lampshades and throw pillows with your prints
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Produce limited edition art prints for galleries or online sales
Your Itinerary
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Beginnings
Your retreat begins with an introduction to materials and an instructed demo. Explore the chateau grounds on a foliage scavenger hunt, using your finds for nature-inspired printing.
After a group lunch, dive into discussions on paint properties and experiment with various materials for unique prints. You'll learn to use stencils, masks, and alternative mediums to create diverse effects.
Sue introduces the final project, followed by instructor demonstrations and open studio time for personal exploration.
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Process & Product
On this exciting day, you'll transform your gelli prints into beautiful, practical creations. Craft unique items like jewelry, picture frames, and origami boxes using the papers you've designed.
After a communal lunch, we'll venture into a charming local town for an afternoon of exploration and shopping. Bring your camera or smartphone to capture inspiring sights that will influence your final project back at the chateau.
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Functional Fabric
Start your day by joining the chefs on a delightful excursion to a nearby market town. Let your tastebuds & creativity soar as you capture inspiring photos for your work.
Then, dive into textile design, applying your newfound gel printing skills to fabrics. Enjoy personalized sessions with Sue and Rebecca to brainstorm ideas for your final gel print project.
As the day winds down, you'll have the opportunity to share your favorite images and project ideas with Rebecca, setting the stage for an exciting final day of creation.
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Plan Your Final Project
Using photos that each student has taken over the course of the week, we will spend the morning transferring those images onto canvas. Transferred images will be blocked in with acrylic paints.
After lunch, make use of of open studio time for painting and applying gel printed papers to their final collages. Sue and Rebecca will be on hand for all your questions!
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Discover Dordogne
Enjoy local markets and culture on this final excursion day to discover the delights of the Dordogne. Enjoy a picnic lunch at a historic venue, and explore and shop at your own pace.
The rest of the day will be studio time for you to continue on your masterpiece.
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Show time!
In the morning we will work on finishing your art pieces and then in the afternoon we will hang the artwork for the mini show opening in the evening!
In the evening we will host a reception and each artist will give a short talk about their work. We love an art show!
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Au revoir!
We will be so sad to see you go but you will begin your journey home, refreshed, relaxed and with your creativity revived.
Please note: We might adjust this itinerary due to the usual reasons - weather, group direction, or unplanned opportunities!
Meet Your Hosts
Meet Sue
Sue MacDonald is a dedicated artist and award-winning educator based on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. With a deep passion for watercolor, acrylics, and the evolving art of gel printing, she continually pushes the boundaries of her mediums, seeking new techniques and perspectives that bring her work to life.
A lifelong learner and experimenter, Sue is committed to helping others find inspiration within themselves and nurturing a love for creative exploration. She encourages her students to challenge their limitations, embrace new artistic horizons, and uncover the limitless potential within their own creative journeys.
Meet Rebecca
Rebecca Ryan is a versatile, interdisciplinary creative director with a passion for cultivating creativity and collaboration. With a deep understanding of design and the creative process, she is dedicated to supporting artists in refining their skills, exploring new mediums, and fostering inspiration.
Rebecca thrives on empowering others to create meaningful, impactful work that resonates both personally and collectively.
Meet Sel Hospitalité
Let’s face it: French haute cuisine isn’t often associated with fun.
We started Sel Hospitalité - a boutique hospitality group specializing in one-of-a-kind culinary experiences - because we wanted to bring the two together in a refreshing experience that reflects who we are. So, who are we?
We’re Megan & Val. We’re two Le Cordon Bleu trained chefs hailing from Canada and Haiti, respectively. We met at the prestigious institute in Paris. Between us, we hold diplomas in Cuisine, Pastry & Boulangerie. Over glasses of wine during our studies - we were in Paris, after all - we traded stories, realizing we shared the same views on food & hospitality and the joy that comes from sharing our love of food with others though cooking and education. So, we decided to create Sel with the simple mission of bringing people together through the art of cooking and the pleasure of savouring exceptional food.
Indulge, savour and learn with us during your stay at Château de Saint-Germain-des-Prés through thoughtfully prepared meals, optional ateliers and our open kitchen policy.
Bonne dégustation!
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.
Testimonials
FOR SUE MACDONALD
Sue MacDonald has taught at least two classes a year for our Artisans group for at least 10 years. Her classes are always inventive — she teaches a new technique each time. She is very clear in her instruction and is always willing to make it possible for everyone in the class to succeed. Sue’s classes are some of the favorites of the group. The projects that we have made are some of my favorites and I display them in my home. Sue is a wonderful instructor with a great sense of humor and knows how to make the project work for all levels of expertise. Anyone having a chance to take instruction from Sue will love it and walk away feeling very confident about their abilities to complete the projects.
I have attended several of Susan’s art classes and have enjoyed every single one. Susan offers innovative classes tailored to meet the needs of all levels of participants. Her step-by-step directions made it easy for me and everyone who attended to feel successful. Sue’s classes are fun and creative, bringing out everyone’s artistic talents.
FOR MANOR & MAKER
I stayed at the Château for seven days during an art retreat. From the moment I arrived I was made to feel absolutely at home in an environment that celebrated the finer things in life. The Château accommodations are pristine, comfortable and elegant. The meals were beautifully prepared and dinners paired with wonderful French wines. But most impressive were the chatelains Stephen and Sara. They went out of their way to ensure that I remained comfortable and relaxed throughout my stay. This was a wonderful experience and I highly recommend a stay at this beautiful Château with these wonderful chatelains. -- RS
Your abundant and warm hospitality was unwavering. It is apparent that you are passionate to create an atmosphère that is welcoming and carries forward the legacy of sharing the Manor's purpose. - RG
Start Your Art Retreat Today!
Reserve your spot by completing the deposit payment below. Completing your deposit is your agreement to the Terms & Conditions.
Early Bird pricing in place until March 1, 2025 - save €500!
Single Occupancy
Early Bird €4495
Private room.
En-suite or shared bath (max 2 rooms per bath).
Regular Price €4995 from March 1 2025
Double Occupancy
Early Bird €3495 pp
Bring a Friend and Save €1000!
When you bring a friend and share a room (or elect to share your room), you'll both enjoy 20% off!
Regular Price €3995 from March 1 2025
What's Included
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8 days & 7 nights accommodation at Château de Saint-Germain-des-Pres
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Daily tailored instruction by Sue & Rebecca
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All your supplies for your creative exploration
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All meals served at the Château; prepared by personal Chefs
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Day excursions to local site(s), including transportation and entry fees
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Market excursion to enjoy an authentic French experience — with the Chefs!
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Wines, beers, & ciders served with meals at the Château
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All non-alcoholic beverages throughout your stay
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Access to Château common areas, grounds, and studio for free time
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Transportation from the pickup point (local train station) to the Château
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Professional travel agent services for that extra hand & security
What's Not Included
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Transportation from your hometown to the pickup point, including airfare, train connections, or car rental
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Baggage, accident, cancellation, nor travel insurance ('cancel for any reason' strongly recommended to protect your investment)
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Personal expenses, such as passport, visa, laundry, telephone calls
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Any other meals not served at the château
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Alcoholic beverages not served at meals at the château
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Any extra tours or excursions off the property, should you choose to roam
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and any other items not specifically noted as included
Questions & Answers
I don't have a lot of experience creating art. Is this retreat for me?
Absolutely! We create a supportive, judgment-free environment where you can grow at your own pace. Our experienced instructors understand the challenges of adult learners and will guide you through your creative discovery. Join in and make something wonderful!
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!
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May I arrive earlier or stay later than the retreat dates?
Much as we love having guests, 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.
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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 Chefs have the training to accommodate most diets, unfortunately, severely restrictive diets and other food sensitivities may be harder to accommodate - please send us a mail to inquire!
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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.
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What will the weather be like?
Day time temperatures in September are around 24C (74F) with night time lows around 16C (58F). You can expect mostly sunny days, with average monthly precipitation less than 10mm (0.4 in). Of course, these are averages, so weather could be warmer or cooler, rainier or sunnier during your stay. We recommend packing layers for this time of year, along with a light rain coat.
Still Have Questions?
Drop us a line. We'll do our best to get back to you in 48 hours.