Retreats

Stay in this beautiful guesthouse that was recently built to fit in perfectly with the

style of this incredible Medieval manor.

There's even a Medieval-style herb and vegetable garden right at our doorstep!

Escape to a quiet little country village about 30 minutes from of the city of Chartres.

You'll have plenty of time to wander the

trails through the woods, relax in the pool, and meet awesome,

like-minded people from around the world!

That could be you, all while learning

French cooking techniques and soaking up the slower French way of life. Sigh...

What's Included in your beautiful 5 days in the French countryside!

All room and board (all meals including breakfast, lunch and dinner) (Starts with lunch on the first day through a hearty brunch on the final morning) Guests must leave by 10 am on the last morning.
All transportation for activities during the retreat
3 cooking classes with Katrina Billard. We'll focus on seasonal, from scratch cooking using local, sustainable ingredients as much as possible. You'll learn traditional French dishes and desserts, as well as a dishes inspired by a variety of world cuisines.
A wild-edible plant walk with a local French plant expert followed by a cooking workshop with what we find on our walk! (Only for the June retreat)
1 hour massage
1 boat ride on an electric boat for up to 5 people. Go back in time on a beautiful ride in a moat around a medieval walled village. (Weather-permitting. This is not available in October and we'll find a fun alternate activity.)
Visit to the Billard Family Honey Farm including honey tasting
1 dinner out at a fine dining restaurant in or around Chartres. Includes starter, main and dessert as well as one alcoholic drink
Visit to the Notre Dame de Chartres Cathedral and other beautiful sites around the city
Any other activities planned by the organizer, which are subject to change, but will consist of visits to local farms, outdoor markets and demos or tastings with food professionals.
Access to the walking trails in the woods and the outdoor pool at your leisure (For the July retreat the pool is replaced by a jacuzzi, and instead of walks in the woods you can toodle around on a little boat on site. This is an old mill, so it's right on the water.)

What's Not Included:

Plane tickets to and from France
Transportation to and from the retreat site on the first and last days of the retreat. Katrina will offer guidance on the address, taxis, trains or other logistics to help you easily reach the retreat location.

FAQ

Airport Information:

You can fly into either Charles de Gaulle or Orly International Airports.

I recommend you arrive at least one day prior to the retreat

and stay one day longer if you can.

This will allow you to get over jet lag and have a more relaxed journey to the retreat location.

For the June retreat the manor is about 90 minutes by car from the Paris suburbs,

about 90 minutes by train from the Paris Montparnasse train station and

then you'll need to get a 30 minute taxi ride to the retreat location.

For the July Retreat the location is about 1 hour from the Paris suburbs

by car or by train.

Once you register, Katrina will give you details on how to arrive at the retreat location.

* €500 deposit for the retreat is non-refundable.

If you cancel your booking 60 days prior to the retreat, any further payments are refundable, but not the deposit.

Katrina will send retreat waiver after your payment for you to agree to by email.

Email katrina@empoweredkitchen.com to receive and agree to the waiver in advance if you prefer to read it before making your payment.

French Country

Farm & Foodie Retreat

Starts at €1,600 and prices will rise by €100 per room type on January 25th for the June retreat.

€1,600 per person

€1,900 per person

Pay for my June Retreat

€1,800 per person

€2,300 per person

€2,500 per person

Pay for my July Retreat at the old French mill