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Retreats & Workshops at the Castle

If ever there was a place to hold a plein-air painting or photography workshop Marouatte Castle would top the list.  A genuine fortified medieval castle in one of the most beautiful regions of France.  Majestic towers and battlements amid its 270 acres of grounds, the castle is a feast for the eyes everywhere you look, both inside and out.  Live for a week inside a picture! The living quarters and eleven bedrooms are richly decorated with period antiques and art throughout in keeping with the castle’s majestic ambiance while providing warm comfort and modern amenities. ​

 

Located in the Perigord Vert region of the Dordogne, picturesque villages and towns, castles and rivers, vineyards and walnut orchards abound. Lots to see, lots to paint, a photograph everywhere you look! You will see the city of Perigueux with its medieval pedestrian quarter boasting one of the most picturesque cathedrals in France as well as Roman ruins dating 

 

from 100 AD, only a 35 minute drive from the castle. Market day in the town of Riberac, painting in the town of Brantome with its Abbey founded by Charlemagne, the castles of Bourdeilles, Mareuil, Puyguilhem, and Chateau de Villebois- Lavelette, the river Dronne with the cliffs it has carved out along its banks. Finally, the caves of Grotte de Villars with Neolithic paintings dating from 19,000BC.   

 

Food!  The Perigord is famous for its food, duck, Foies Gras, walnuts, and truffles are specialties. Wine from Bergerac is also exquisite. In addition, All dietary needs are catered for by the castle's resident chef. Meals are all included, most served at the castle with several lunches in picnic style or in local restaurants. At Marouatte a Happy stomach mean happy artists!

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The castle itself affords many painting and photographic opportunities to inspire creativity right there on the grounds and time will be available to take full advantage of what the castle has to offer. Your host and owner of the castle is a collector of antique stained glass, medieval tiles, Gothic wood and stonework and a wide array of period architectural antiques that have been added to enhance the medieval ambiance.​ Each day trips will be scheduled to take you to picturesque sites in the region chosen by the artist.

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