The Poetic Eye:

Photography as a Practice of Wonder

Greetings!

Last year I offered a retreat hosted by Perigord Retreats in the beautiful Perigord area of France filled with hilltop villages, the winding Dordogne river, and ancient castles. It is an area that has a poetic and fairy tale quality to it, and I loved it so much that I'm going back in October, 2027. But this time we will be staying in a Chateau!

Katel and Harrison of Perigord Retreats will still be our amazing hosts. Harrison knows the area like the back of his hand and handpicks our outings to make sure we really get to experience the heart of the area. Katel provides the delicious food which is genuinely some of the best food you'll eat in France (ask my husband!). Perigord Retreats has been welcoming artists from around the world to the Dordogne for years, and their experience shows in the many ways they care for us.

Our itinerary is varied and includes markets, caves with prehistoric art, hilltop castles, beautiful gardens and quaint medieval villages - landscapes that have inspired pilgrims and artists for centuries.

Our excursions will include some of the most beautiful villages in France, such as Sarlat, Beynac, La Roque-Gageac, Rocamadour, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, and many hidden places known only to our local hosts. Together we will explore and photograph enchanting medieval villages, hilltop castles, rivers, gardens, markets, and landscapes that have inspired artists and pilgrims for centuries.

I think this is how we are supposed to be in the world -

present and in awe.

Anne Lamott

Each participant will receive:

A journal of photography ideas and techniques created specially for this retreat offering daily invitations to see deeply.
A creative book kit consisting of original vintage French papers and laces, hand picked by Catherine at French markets over the years, together with a selection of other special papers to create your Artist Book.
The materials needed for you to create your watercolor imprints to enhance your book.
A set of The Creative Photographer Exploration Cards to Expand Your Creativity so you can continue improving your photography after you return home

With a single poetic detail, the imagination
confronts us with a new world.
Gaston Bachelard

Our home for our ten days together will be a beautiful château, where spacious gardens and elegant surroundings offer time to reflect, unwind and create in the studio space.

There are ten beautifully furnished en-suite bedrooms available. This is a small retreat where each participant will get personal attention.

The cost which includes 9 nights accommodation, all food and beverages, including wine (except for two lunches and two dinners), transportation for excursions, pick up and drop off from Gourdon Station, and creative instruction and supplies is:

Chateau Suite: Bedroom in the chateau with its own ensuite bathroom for single person - €4600 (approx. $5,170)
Farmhouse Suite: Bedroom in the farmhouse on the Chateau domaine with it’s own ensuite bathroom - €4300 (approx $4,830)
Couple’s Suite: Room is a for a couple with their own ensuite bathroom - €7300 (approx. $8,200)

Registration and payment is handled by Perigord Retreats who will assist you with booking details.

For more information and links to book go here to my website.

Feel free to email me if you have questions. I'd also be happy to schedule a call to answer any questions you may have about travel. I have a lot of tips from my years of international travel which I always share in a Zoom meeting for retreat participants. Last year the group met up with me in Paris and we took the train together to Gourdon, so no need to worry about how to get to Gourdon!

I hope you can join me.

Warmly,

Catherine