Register before 6 Oct 26 to hold your spot
The Mythic Life | A Fantasy Photoshoot Retreat with Ida von Aves
A Fantasy Photoshoot Retreat
with Ida von Aves & Sarah Shearer
October 7–14, 2026
Château de Puy Vidal
Step into a world where myth and memory intertwine—where personal discovery is celebrated through beauty, fantasy, and embodiment.
The Mythic Self is an immersive fine art photoshoot retreat set within a 13th-century château in the French countryside. This intimate experience invites you to explore transformation, archetype, and creative self-expression through carefully crafted portraiture, ritual play, and deep communal connection.
Guided by visionary fine art photographer Ida von Aves and expert hair and makeup artist Sarah Shearer, each participant is thoughtfully transformed into a living work of art. Through light, shadow, gesture, and emotion, Ida’s direction evokes the drama of the Medieval world, the elegance of the Renaissance, and the sensual romanticism of the Pre-Raphaelites—always grounded in who you are.
Alongside the photoshoots, The Lady of the Château team curates a week of aesthetic revelry: dress-up evenings, long meals, dancing, rest, and unhurried moments of belonging among fellow fantasy lovers. This is a return to play, to imagination, and to the mythic threads woven within you.
Come wander our château halls and gardens, where muses awaken, stories soften their edges, and myths are allowed to live again.
INCLUDED in your retreat
3 Fine Art studio Photoshoots with ida von aves
Includes 3 fully edited, high-resolution portraits, delivered after the retreat.
Accommodations
Your choice of a private bedroom at Château de Puy Vidal.
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks:
Coffee, tea, aperitif cocktails, French wines, and 24/7 access to a coffee + snack bar.
Wardrobe & Styling INCLUDED
Wardrobe, Styling and Hair Makeup provided by Ida von Aves and Sarah Scherer.
Each photoshoot look will be planned in advance of your shoot. Prepare in advance with Ida and the Lady of the Chateau and then refined on the day of your photoshoot.
Styling Supplies
The Lady of the Chateau will provide:
Curling irons • Hot rollers • Bobby pins • Hair accessories • Steamers for outfits • Large makeup vanities with lit mirrors
(Please bring your own costumes, wardrobe, and makeup for our theme dinners and medieval banquet evening!)
Facilities
Full access to the Château estate: salons, common rooms, art studio, formal French gardens, pool, and hot tub.
Shuttle Service
Complimentary pick-up and drop-off at Angoulême Train Station, just 18 minutes away.
Supportive Environment
A warm, imaginative atmosphere encouraging creativity, play, and self-expression.
Event Photography
Complimentary candid photography documenting your experience via Lady of the Chateau team.
NOT INCLUDED
FLEXIBLE PAYMENT OPTIONS
To make this retreat more accessible, we offer:
A 35% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your place.
If you need support or custom arrangements, we are happy to help.
Email us anytime at [email protected].
NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT POLICY
To honor the investment made by The Lady of the Château and our guest artists, a 35% non-refundable deposit is required at booking.
Significant time, planning, and upfront costs go into crafting these experiences, and last-minute cancellations impact the viability of our retreats.
We strongly encourage purchasing travel insurance for peace of mind.
We recommend World Nomads, which offers coverage for unexpected circumstances.
For questions or guidance, please reach out at [email protected].