Château de Bourgon, northwestern France
MAy 9th-13th, 2024

 
 
 

A culinary and creative spring Retreat at a French chateau in the heart of Mayenne DEVOTED TO STYLING, FOOD AND LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY, VISUAL STORYTELLING & EDITORIAL CONTENT CREATION.

SECURE YOUR SPOT FROM: €939
(1ST RATE OUT OF 3)

 
 
 
 

A HIGHLY CURATED LEARNING RETREAT FOR FOOD AND TRAVEL LOVERS, VISUAL STORYTELLERS, AND CREATIVE DREAM CHASERS LED BY 7-TIME AWARD-WINNING COOKBOOK AUTHOR AND PHOTOGRAPHER, SIF ORELLANA, ALONG WITH BESTSELLING LIFESTYLE BOOK AND EXPERIENCED MAGAZINE PRODUCER, VIVIAN CHRISTENSEN

A Collaboration between Sisterhood Retreats & Jeanne d'Arc Living

 
 
 

“WE ARE SO EXCITED TO OPEN UP ENROLLMENT FOR OUR 4-night/5-day May SPRING retreat at the enchanting ‘Château DE BOURGON’ in Mayenne, France! This retreat is designed to empower and inspire creative, ambitious women from all over the world and invite them to embark on a journey where the art of photography meets the culinary delights of France. IT offers a unique opportunity to delve into the world of styling AND food and lifestyle photography, be part of a professional editorial magazine department ➕ Learn everything about how to create high-quality content for an esteemed, International lifestyle magazine.”

- VIVIAN & SIF

 
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People from all walks of life are welcome, and all ability levels from beginner to experienced can join the retreat. Men are also wholeheartedly welcome, provided they are ready to join the company of visionary and adventurous female creatives! Feel free to bring your smartphone instead of a bigger camera if that suits you better. Regardless of your skill level, you'll receive new tools and guidance to enhance your content creation, styling, and visual storytelling skills. Even if photography isn't your primary interest, there will be ample opportunities for skill-building and learning throughout the retreat.

 
 

INTRODUCTION
In the heart of an enchanting castle, nestled among lush gardens, you'll discover a photography experience like no other. Springtime in the French countryside is magical, and we couldn't be more excited about opening up this super creative retreat for booking.

We have put our hearts and souls into creating the most educational, inspiring, and eventful program, that teaches you how to create high-quality editorial content, takes your photography and storytelling skills to the next level, and gives you a unique opportunity to network with like-minded creatives from all over the world, while indulging in the best French food and treats and soaking up the beauty of the French countryside.

During the retreat, you will be invited to join a real editorial department as a photographer and stylist. You will get a unique chance to take part in every step of the process of creating high-quality French countryside content for the spring issue of Jeanne D’Arc Living 2025, which comes out in 50,000 copies in 6 languages ​​in 10 different countries.

The program will include wreath creation, a combined horse carriage trip and photo shoot into the woods, a table setting, a French picnic, a cooking/baking class with the lady of the castle, candlelight dinners, market strolling, an excursion into a picturesque medieval village, lunch at a local brasserie, and classes in styling, photography, and magazine content creation.

BECOME A PUBLISHED MAGAZINE CONTENT CREATOR
Carefully guided and instructed by Vivian and Sif you will learn how to develop, style, arrange, photograph, and create editorial content around French spring gatherings, cooking, baking, flower decorations, etc. Your work will be presented in the magazine and your name will be mentioned, which means that you can use the issue as a fantastic reference.

ACCOMMODATION
Our home during the retreat is the historic, majestic Château de Bourgon, owned by the most welcoming and warmhearted couple, Isabel and Alain, who invest all their love and energy in taking good care of us. You can book a shared double room with a private bathroom, or private accommodation with a private bathroom (extra charge of €400).

WHEN
The workshop begins on May 9th, 2024 at 4 PM and ends on May 13th, 2024 at 11 PM.

WHO
This retreat is aimed at anyone with a passion for creativity and artistic expression - photographers, both amateur and professional, interested in improving their photography techniques, especially in the context of lifestyle, food, and interior photography, visual storytellers, creators, and makers aspiring to have their work published in international magazines, entrepreneurs, and freelancers looking to monetize their creative talents and photography skills, food & travel enthusiasts who want to experience the beauty of France while indulging in the delicious French cuisine and creative pursuits.

We welcome all levels of expertise and people from all walks of life.

WHERE
Your home during the retreat is the fifteenth and sixteenth-century Château de Bourgon, nestled in the heart of Mayenne in northwestern France. As you step through its ancient gates, you're not just entering a castle; you're immersing yourself in a narrative woven by centuries. The castle's stones, weathered by time, hold the secrets of countless tales, and as you traverse its halls, you become part of a narrative that transcends generations. Your chamber, adorned with a tapestry of heritage, offers not only respite but a portal to a world where the past and present converge.

HOW TO GET THERE
To get to Château de Bourgon from Paris, you can take a train to Laval from Paris Montparnasse station. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours.

If you rent a car in Paris, the drive to Château de Bourgon takes approximately 3,5 hours, depending on traffic and the specific route taken. Follow the A81 highway towards Laval, and then proceed to Château de Bourgon based on local road directions.

PICK-UP & DROP OFF
A pick-up at Laval Railway station at 3:30 PM on May 9th will be arranged, and you will be brought back to Laval Railway station on May 13th after a lovely farewell breakfast at 11 PM.

 
 
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This retreat is not merely a getaway; it is an odyssey through time, an opportunity to be part of a narrative that unfolds in the embrace of a historic French castle

 

PRICE
€2.597 (Shared accommodation with private bathroom)
Prices listed are per person

+€400 for private accommodation with a private bathroom.

The educational service provided is VAT-exempt.

Included: This is an all-inclusive retreat. The enrollment fee includes accommodation in a shared double room with a private bathroom, all meals, drinks, and snacks, classes, hands-on training, workshop material, transportation, and excursions during the retreat PLUS a lovely goodie bag on arrival.

Not included: Travel costs (i.e. flights etc.), travel insurance (highly recommended), transportation from and to the airport/train station, and meals/items/ activities bought when you're not with the group.

Private occupancy: It is possible to purchase a single room with a private bathroom for an additional charge of €400.

The rooms are really spacious and therefore ideal for two people to share. If you are a mom and two daughters, there is a beautiful room that can be shared by three.

Payment in 3 installments: In case you wish to split the payment into three installments, this is possible. The first installment will be charged at the time of booking, the 2nd on January 15th, 2024, and the 3rd on March 1st, 2024. Each installment is €939 (shared accommodation) and €1.067 (private accommodation).

The spots are extremely limited, so book as soon as possible. The retreat is held in English.

 

CLASSES AND ACTIVITIES
Throughout the retreat, we will indulge in good French food, baked goods, wine, and snacks. Each day during the retreat we will have an editorial meeting in the morning followed by classes, market-strolling, mini-workshops, siestas, and excursions.

We will throughout the retreat take you through styling, expression, light, trends, composition, use of props and backgrounds, editing, and camera techniques.

ABOUT THE CASTLE
Chateau de Bourgon has garden views, free WiFi, and free private parking. There is a private bathroom with a bath and a hair dryer in each room. In the castle’s beautiful garden, you have access to a lovely natural stone swimming pool.

EQUIPMENT & THINGS TO PACK
We encourage you to bring the camera you normally shoot with - whether it is a big DSLR camera or the camera on your smartphone doesn’t play any role. Just bring what you are familiar with.

The quality and resolution of smartphone cameras have improved tremendously, and more and more magazines accept photos shot with your smartphone. So if you prefer to shoot with the camera on your phone, it is absolutely fine. Please also bring your tripod if you prefer to use one during your shoots, and your laptop if you wish to edit photos for the magazine features on it (if you prefer to do this on your phone it is definitely a good alternative).

A pair of comfortable walking shoes and a warm sweater for chilly evenings are also great to bring along.

 
 

MEET YOUR RETREAT HOSTS, TEACHERs & EDITORS IN CHIEF

 

SIF ORELLANA

  • Sif is the author of 18 food & lifestyle books, 7 of which have won international awards and earned the title ‘Best in the World’. She is a publisher, and photographer, and runs her own travel-based workshop and retreat business, Sisterhood Retreats, with courses in cooking, photography, styling, storytelling, book production & SoMe. These are held in Italy, France, Spain, Sweden, and Denmark. In addition, Sif works as a freelance photographer and journalist for various Danish and international brands, newspapers, and magazines. Sif holds an MA. in Literary History and Mass Communication from Aarhus University and has supplemented her education with studies in journalism, photography, styling, positive psychology, and design and management of creative processes. She has also worked in the cultural sector for 12 years as marketing manager for Aarhus Festuge and event manager at ARoS Aarhus Art Museum.

  • “I love bringing projects into the world that add meaning and inspiration to people's lives. For me, life is about learning to master skills, contributing to the world with what feels authentic and meaningful to us, and trusting that inside each of us lives a great and powerful potential just waiting to be unleashed. In writing my books, I have always been on a mission to pack them with recipes and written & visual narratives that would resonate, inspire, motivate, and empower my audience. All the insights and skills I have built up over the years and learned to master in entrepreneurship, photography, styling, writing, sales and marketing, SoMe, and experience-based business development, I now translate into courses that can benefit like-minded creatives who seek to share their creative voice with the world and optimize their skills sets. I've seen time and time again what a difference it can make to know exactly what steps to follow to gain the insights you need to build a business based on your passion and expertise, boost your sales, and craft the life of your dreams. I would be honored to share my toolbox with you too.”


    - SIF ORELLANA

VIVIAN CHRISTENSEN

  • Vivian has been running the Jeanne d' Arc Living wholesale company for almost 20 years, specializing in handicrafts and furniture. At the same time, she has been the editor of her own publishing house of the same name, and has published lifestyle books and magazines all over the world. Over the years, she has published 15 books and more than 120 magazines in several languages. Since 2021, Vivian has been working exclusively in book and magazine publishing, which is her biggest passion. In addition, she organizes events, workshops, and markets, as well as trips around the world. The magazine Jeanne d' Arc Living is international and is published in 6 different languages, every 6 weeks. It features articles of inspiring homes, nostalgic European garden design and floral arrangements, creative DIY ideas, and simple food recipes - all with a focus on creativity, recycling, and ecology, and in French and Nordic country style with a modern and industrial touch.

  • “We need community and networking more than ever before. My biggest wish with Jeanne d´Arc Living is to bring together people who share a common passion. This is exactly what we do in Jeanne d'Arc Living. Over the years, I have made thousands of pictures, movies, and other content for books, brochures, and magazines, and not least for social media. I know how important it is to be visible on social media and I have more than 146,000 followers on FB and 24,000 on Instagram - increasing every week. Therefore, I am really happy and proud to be able to offer you these retreats together with Sif. There is no doubt that our competencies together can help you to do so. Privately, I live at Kærby Mølle, north of Randers, where the company is located and where we hold most events and workshops. The mill is located in scenic surroundings with its own lake, stream, and both forest and meadow in the backyard. This wonderful place will be your setting when you participate in our retreat.”


    - VIVIAN CHRISTENSEN

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Due to logistics, and the people involved, the workshop is non-refundable. So please register only if you know you can attend. However, we would be very happy to transfer your spot to someone else should you be unable to make it and know someone who will take your spot. We encourage you to have valid travel insurance before embarking on the trip. Please read our terms and conditions before enrolling.

 
 
 

Step into the castle's magical French kitchen and capture the warm, dappled light filters through the charming shutters, creating an ambiance that's nothing short of enchanting. your camera will become your creative brush, painting a story rich in textures, and colors.

 
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TESTIMONIALS

“I WENT ON A SISTERHOOD RETREAT, AND IT WAS A JOURNEY OF SELF-DEVELOPMENT, CLARITY, ENERGY, NEW PHOTOGRAPHY SKILLS, EXCITING TRIPS, SURPRISES, AND ADVENTURES.

I went with Sif Orellana, who is a cookbook author, has won several awards, and is a woman I’m almost starstruck by. In addition to being a fantastic photographer, author, stylist, content creator for several magazines, and having her own publishing company, she’s an amazing person who sees your potential, uplifts and encourages you, and shares her best tricks and ideas. I can definitely recommend taking a closer look at her work. The highest recommendations from me!”

PUK DAMGAARD, DENMARK

“Sending love and gratitude for a wonderful week together.

I hope you’ve been able to reflect on all the wonderful people, and experiences you have been able to bring together. So happy to be part of it once again. Much Love.

ABBIE ASADI, UK

“My work-related trip to Denmark took me to the charming city of Aarhus, where I met someone extraordinary, now a dear friend—Sif Orellana.

Sif, a remarkably creative and inspiring individual, generously shares her knowledge and passion through her Sisterhood Retreats network with like-minded women globally. Meeting Sif instilled in me the confidence to pursue my dreams in photography and even led to publishing my own cookbook.”

MISA HAY, SHETLAND

"I

SIGNED UP FOR SIF'S WORKSHOP HOPING TO HONE MY VISUAL STORYTELLING TECHNIQUES...BUT I LEFT WITH SO MUCH MORE."

For me, the main benefits came when Sif shared the inside secrets of her incredible personal success story and from receiving invaluable individual feedback which she happily provided beyond workshop hours and even upon my return home! Importantly, she makes you feel comfortable instantly, no matter your photographic experience. Her down-to-earth approach helped participants to immediately gel well together which made the workshop fun.

Sif's style of communicating her visual storytelling knowledge is unique and made me feel truly connected and inspired. I returned home equipped with more tools and fully motivated to take action on my dreams.

I can’t speak highly enough of Sif's workshops.

IVAN EBEJER, MALTA

“I strongly recommend joining Sif Orellana in any upcoming retreat.

She shares her talent, but, more importantly, her wisdom! You might not know but you cannot really live happily without it!

KAJSA JEPPSON, SWEDEN

“I AM STILL IN SOME KIND OF EUPHORIA AFTER MY RETREAT WITH SIF ORELLANA."

Thank you so much for being the most inspiring, caring and warm person I have met in a long time, Sif. I will always be grateful for this retreat.

NETTAN DAHLQUIST. NORWAY

"AFTER SPENDING JUST A FEW DAYS TOGETHER AT A SCANDINAVIAN CHRISTMAS TALE RETREAT, A VERY SPECIAL BOND WAS CREATED BETWEEN EVERYONE IN OUR LOVELY GROUP."

It was such an honor to be a part of this creative bunch, made extra special by our lovely leader and teacher Sif. Her passion and ability to inspire, her big heart and kind words, her empathy and unlimited generosity are so precious and inspiring that we were all in awe. I came back home with a full heart and lots of new friends. It was unforgettable! Thank you Sif for bringing us all together and sharing your hearts and wisdom!”

KARMEN KODA, PARIS

 
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