Loire Valley May 2026
Join me for a gorgeous weekend of photography, floral arranging, and wine tasting in the French Countryside
A Soulful Photography Retreat in the French Countryside
Spring 2026 | Château de la Ruche, Loire Valley, Le Mans
May 1-3
Join us for a soulful spring escape at a storybook château nestled in the French countryside. This intimate retreat is designed for photographers and creatives who crave beauty, inspiration, and connection. Together, we’ll slow down, savor long meals, wander through blooming gardens, explore local châteaus, and create from a place of presence.
With floral arranging, wine tasting, and curated photo sessions woven throughout, this experience is as nourishing as it is inspiring.
This 3-day intimate retreat is an invitation to step away from the noise, reconnect with your vision, and explore your creative voice — all in the heart of rural France.
Hosted by me and Château de La Ruche, this experience blends visual storytelling, slow living, and creative community for photographers seeking beauty, depth, and joy in their craft.
What’s Included:
3 nights at the stunning Château de la Ruche
A dreamy 18th-century estate surrounded by nature, charm, and calm.Daily photography sessions
Explore composition, natural light, and your visual voice through guided prompts and gentle mentorship 1:1.Curated experiences with local artisans
Including floral arranging with florist extraordinaire, Cloe Le Berre, a private wine tasting & cycling photo tour exploring châteaux from Chinon to Saumur with Dionysis Bike Tours (very gentle!)Delicious, seasonal meals and afternoon tea
Thoughtfully catered on-site, simple, nourishing, and very French.Transportation for all retreat activities
Transport to and from our accommodation isn’t included, but transport for our wine and cycling tour is included. Airfare is not included. I highly suggest renting a car if you’d like to explore beyond the area afterwards. See more location information for the nearby airport and transport options here.All photos courtesy of Chateau De La Ruche
See more of the beautiful rooms and grounds of Château de la Ruche
Ready to join us?
Wake to a soft spring morning, dew on the grass and birdsong in the air. After a cozy country breakfast, join fellow creatives for a garden photo session, floral arranging with local blooms, wine tasting, and exploring fairytale châteaus.
A day to spark inspiration, connect deeply, and soak in the beauty of rural France.
More logistical and itinerary details will be sent upon booking your spot!
Investment:
$3,150 USD per person
Includes all lodging, food, activities, and transportation during the retreat.
Flights and travel to/from the château not included
I’m keeping this retreat small and heart-centered — only 8 spots available.
This is for photographers (or photo lovers) who crave time to explore, reflect, and refine their creative voice in a setting that inspires.
If this sounds like a dream, you can hold your place with a fully refundable $250 deposit until July 2025
No pressure, this just lets me know you’re seriously interested and want early access to booking before it opens to the public. If you decide to book, it will be put towards the final cost.
Reserve your spot with a non-refundable deposit. The remaining 50% will be due November 1, 2025, after which no refunds can be offered.
Getting there
Château de la Ruche, 72290, Teillé, France
You’ll find Château de la Ruche tucked away in the countryside 20 minutes from the beautiful ancient city of Le Mans in the Pays de la Loire.
The Château is just a few minutes from the A28 auto-route that takes you from Calais to the South of France, making us the perfect place to stop as you travel through France.
Calais is an easy four-hour drive from us. Caen is just an hour and a half away. La Havre and St Malo are two and a half hours away.
The closest airport is Tours, and there are regular Ryanair flights from London Stansted all year round. Nantes airport is two hours away and has flights from Edinburgh, Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham, Southampton, Bristol and London.
There are direct trains from Paris Charles de Gaulle airport to Le Mans and from Gare Montparnasse in central Paris. Car hire is available at Le Mans train station from all the usual companies.
The Château hosts recommend that all of our guests have a car, our drive is almost a kilometre long in itself and the local area is lovely to explore. If you’d prefer not to drive, it is possible to use Uber to travel from Le Mans train station to the Château. Please note, though, that it isn’t possible to use Uber to arrange travel from the Château back to Le Mans – you need to ask your driver to come and collect you when you check-out.
Questions?
Let me know!