Chateau Marouatte Southern France May 8-15, 2024

An amazing journey awaits you in Southern France shooting grand landscapes and medieval towns and castles.

Fly to Paris then you will take the bullet train and be picked up at the station by the Chateau staff. Enjoy dinners created by Chef Chris featuring an amazing array of French and International cuisines. All meals and local wines are provided during the entire stay.

Stay in the 12th century Castle Marouatte.

Here’s everything that’s included—

7 nights lodging at the Castle ( check out the rooms in the gallery), ALL meals (breakfast, lunches and dinners) including beer , soda and local wines from the Bergerac region. Some lunches will be at the Chateau and some will be in the medieval towns.

All transportation is included during the workshop. Including transportation to shooting locations, and pick up and return to the train station when you leave.

The only things not included are airfare , the train to Angouleme France from Paris, Personal expenses. All these amenities and the complete itinerary for only $3990 per person. $2000 holds a seat in the workshop. Plus if 2 people share a room there is a $500 discount.

Itinerary-

Wednesday Shuttle from the Train station in Angouleme to the Castle then at 6:30 pm an evening meet and greet session with dinner following. I will cover the weeks itinerary and introduce our host and owner Miles Copeland.

Thursday We begin the workshop with shooting sunrise in the country side, thenthe beautiful grounds around the Castle. Lunch at the Chateau. Then an evening shoot at the River Dronne. Cocktails at 6:30 with dinner at 7:30 pm. Night shoot of the Milky Way, weather permitting

Friday We guide you to the towns of La Bourdeilles and Brantom. See images of both in the Marouatte gallery. Lunch in Brantom. Afternoon critique session at the Castle. Cocktails at 6:30 with dinner at 7:30 pm.

Saturday A day trip to the Dordogne River region with stops along the way and lunch in one of the oldest town in France, La Roque-Gageac. Retuning to the Castle for Cocktails and Dinner.

Sunday An early morning shoot in the countryside near the Castle, then breakfast. After we see an ancient abby in ruins, one of the most popular locations in 2019. Then shooting at Saint Jean De Cole, where we will also do lunch. Then the prehistoric caves at Grotte De Villars. Cocktails and Dinner stating at 6:30 pm

Monday Sunrise shooting the landscapes. Breakfast. And an evening sunset shoot. Returning to the chateau for Cocktails and dinner.

Tuesday  Morning at the market in Riberac, then shooting the cave church in Auberterre and lunch in town. An afternoon critique, then cocktails and dinner. After which another sunset shoot near the Castle.

Wednesday Shuttle you back to Angouleme to catch the train.

For those who wish to spend more time at the Chateau we are offering cooking classes conducted by the Chateau Chef Chris. In addition, if several people want to arrange side trips a shuttle is available. The cooking class is only $12 per person and the shuttle is $25 per hour divided among those who wish to attend.

For any questions you might have please email or give me a call to discuss. Space in limited so please sign up early.

Comments from our class of 2019.

This was a wonderful workshop, the castle and the grounds are beautiful. It was well worth the time and the money. The French country side is both beautiful and green and the people are great. We highly recommend this trip. Bob is a great leader and we have taken multiple workshops with him and have never been disappointed. Brigitte Kiba, Dallas

A medieval castle nestled in the picturesque French countryside; ancient abbeys carved into rugged hillsides; and a cave of stunning rock formations combine for a truly unique photographic adventure.  For a week , you will stay at the Marouatte, a 12^th century Gothic castle that will take you back to the time of the Crusades.  With its lavish interiors and rich architecture, the Castle itself offers endless photographic opportunities.  You will also be treated to delicious meals by a gourmet chef that would please even the most discerning foodies. Combine all of this with Bob’s creative talents and technical expertise, and you have a great photography workshop that is so much more than just taking beautiful pictures.
Alex

The Marouatte workshop was a great experience. The castle was beautiful and interesting, and the owner was gracious enough to give us a tour and explain the long history of the place. I never thought I would get to stay in a 12th century castle! The staff were all friendly, helpful, and very knowledgeable about the area. The food at the castle was delicious and varied (thank you Chris and Sam!), and some of my best meals while in France were at the castle. Every day we went to a beautiful village, countryside or historic site, and the photographic opportunities were numerous and widely varied. There was also time over meals to get to know the other participants and our host. This is the best workshop I’ve ever participated in and I’m sure to do it again. Thanks, Bob and Paula, for a truly amazing workshop! Cindy

Marouatte Workshop— This workshop offers much more  intimate landscapes .”Rivers in Bloom” — delightful small French villages. Lots of architectural photos. The castle itself was amazing and worth a lot of images. Bob found lots of great spots for shooting. We also traveled to a breathtaking cave, a local market and the wine center of St Emilion.  All enjoyed the wonderful cuisine presented at the Castle. A perfect way to see the Dordogne area of France.
Dick Gross