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Join 7-time award-winning cookbook author and photographer, Sif Orellana, and bestselling lifestyle book author and seasoned magazine producer, Vivian Christensen, for an unforgettable 4-night/5-day SUMMER retreat. Designed for those who love food, travel, and creativity, this experience blends expertise, inspiration, and adventure in an immersive and enriching environment.
INTRODUCTION
Nestled within the enchanting walls of a French château, surrounded by lush gardens, awaits a retreat experience like no other. Designed to inspire, indulge, and connect, this late-August getaway is perfect for couples, friends, and solo adventurers alike—both women and men.
This immersive retreat celebrates food, wine, creativity, and the art of French living. Set against the stunning backdrop of the French countryside, you’ll enjoy an engaging program filled with a diverse range of mini-workshops and activities designed to cater to all interests and skill levels, allowing participants to tailor their experience by choosing the sessions that resonate most with them.
Highlights of the Program Include:
Cooking and Baking Workshops: Learn to create French culinary classics with guidance from the lady of the château.
Styling and Photography Classes: Sharpen your creative eye and capture the beauty of your surroundings, perfect for beginners and seasoned enthusiasts alike.
AI Mini-Workshops: Discover how to integrate AI tools into your creative and professional workflows.
Table-Setting and Styling: Master the art of creating beautiful and inviting tablescapes inspired by French elegance.
Culinary Excursions: Stroll through local markets, savor lunch at a charming brasserie, and visit a picturesque medieval village for an authentic taste of French culture.
Candlelit Dinners and Picnics: Indulge in unforgettable meals that celebrate the best of French food, wine, and hospitality.
Whether you’re looking to learn something new, refine your creativity, or simply immerse yourself in the retreat’s inspiring environment, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
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 €500).
WHEN
The retreat begins on August 28th, 2025 at 4 PM and ends on September 1st, 2025 at 11 PM.
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 August 28th will be arranged, and you will be brought back to Laval Railway station on September 1st after a lovely farewell breakfast at 11 PM.
“This retreat is more than a getaway; it’s a celebration of creativity, culture, and culinary delights, all unfolding in the timeless beauty of a historic French château.”
- Sif & Vivian
PRICE
€2.597 (Shared accommodation with private bathroom)
Prices listed are per person
+€500 for a private accommodation with a private bathroom.
STAY TOGETHER, SAVE MORE: SPACIOUS CHÂTEAU ROOMS FOR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS
The château offers a selection of stunning, spacious rooms that can comfortably accommodate 3, 4, or even 5 guests. If you’re a family or a group of friends looking to share a room with more than two people, we’re pleased to offer a discount of €150 per person. Simply send us an email, and we’ll provide you with a personalized booking link to secure your stay.
The educational service provided is VAT-exempt.
The spots are extremely limited, so book as soon as possible.
The retreat is held in English.
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.
Payment in 5 installments: In case you wish to split the payment into 5 installments, this is possible. The first installment will be charged at the time of booking, the 2nd on February 1st, 2025, the 3rd on March 1st, 2025, the 4th on April 1st, 2025, and the 5th on May 1st, 2025. Each installment is €527 (shared accommodation) and €627 (private accommodation).
CLASSES AND ACTIVITIES
Throughout the retreat, we’ll savor the finest French cuisine, freshly baked treats, exceptional wine, and delightful snacks. Each day features a thoughtfully curated program, blending market strolls, engaging mini-workshops, relaxing siestas, and memorable excursions.
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
If you’re eager to enhance your photography skills, we encourage you to bring the camera you’re most comfortable using—whether it’s a high-end DSLR or your smartphone. The choice is entirely yours, as the quality and capabilities of smartphone cameras have advanced remarkably. If you prefer to shoot with your phone, that’s perfectly fine! For those who enjoy using a tripod, feel free to bring it along for your shoots.
Additionally, we recommend packing comfortable walking shoes, swimwear, and a warm sweater for cooler evenings to ensure you’re prepared for all aspects of the retreat.
WELCOME LETTER AND INSPIRATION
A couple of weeks before the retreat, you will receive a welcome letter with all the practical details, a list of participants, and a comprehensive itinerary to help you prepare for the experience. Additionally, we’ll share valuable tips and inspiration to enhance your styling and photography skills, so you can begin your learning journey even before we meet in Aarhus.
After the retreat, we’ll follow up with a thoughtful round-up, providing additional inspiration to help you continue applying what you’ve learned and keep the creative momentum going.
SECRET FACEBOOK GROUP
10 days before we kick off the retreat, we will also invite you to become a member of a private Facebook group. Here we will upload links, recommendations, and advice, we share with you during the retreat. You can use this online forum to introduce yourself to the other participants, and perhaps coordinate to meet already before the retreat begins if you are lucky enough to have a few more days in France.
BOOKING
Early registration is strongly suggested since there are limited spaces available.
MEET YOUR RETREAT HOSTS, TEACHERs & EDITORS IN CHIEF
SIF ORELLANA
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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.
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“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
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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.
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“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
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.
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 VODA, PARIS
