Storyteller - Wintering
January 22-27, 2025
At the magical Château de la Gonette,
Simiane-la-Rotonde, Provence
with
Yago Bruna | Doreen Kilfeather
Hosted by Ruth Ribeaucourt
Food by Harriet Davidson
Styling by Jeni Glasgow
& Special Guests
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Wintering.
“The universe buries strange jewels deep within us all, and then stands back to see if we can find them. The hunt to discover those jewels––that’s creative living.”
This January, join us for a very special Storyteller retreat designed to ease you through this liminal passage.
“We must emerge slowly from our wintering. We must test the air ... gradually unfurl our new leaves.” - Katherine May, Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times
Winter invites rest and introspection, a season that gently calls on us to be kinder to ourselves. Our aim is to create an intimate experience that allows you to unwind, connect, and open yourself up to all the wondrous creative possibilities awaiting in 2025.
As always the key tenets of our retreats are solidly focused on learning through generosity, trust and collaboration. We create a space that invites you to dream, explore, play, and evolve as an artist and storyteller. Throughout the retreat, we’ll provide the tools to strengthen and support your creative foundation for the year ahead.
Ruth Ribeaucourt x
“If we opened people up, we’d find landscapes”
“…it was a retreat on the art of storytelling in the south of France, and if that wasn’t already going to be a week to remember, it swiftly became far more. It became about the story of each of us — where we were from, who we’ve loved, where we are going — and then, somehow, it became about our story, a story of a group of wonderfully talented, warm, thoughtful and wild-in-the-best-way creatives coming together.” Harriet Davidson
Our mentors, magic-makers, and key masterclasses
This January we will host a 6-day all-inclusive retreat with a focus on storytelling through photography. This immersive, hands-on experience will feature practical and theoretical workshops and collaborative sessions, and is open to photographers of all levels.
Each and every participant brings a life layered with stories and experiences which deeply influence how each of us see the world and connect with others. Our goal is to nurture you and the very personal stories you wish to share.
Finding the light: Learning how to see it and use it
Doreen Kilfeather will lead a workshop to open up and guide you to look for the light and learn how to use it in your photography. Doreen will take us behind her very personal process for preparing for a shoot, talking about her choice of equipment, light, composition and connecting with the subject.
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Doreen Kilfeather is a photographer based in Dublin, specialising in portrait and documentary photography.
“Elements I am drawn to are youth, humour, melancholy, vulnerability, beauty and simplicity. My portraits often feature children and young adults and I strive to portray not necessarily a picture of what the subject looks like at a certain point in time, but rather a sense of who they are. The depiction of character may be plain and clear or elusive and puzzling. But it must be there. That evanescent element that reveals the subject as well as the moment.” Doreen Kilfeather
Softening the edges of comfort
Yago Bruna will host an equal parts playful + challenging workshop encouraging you to step outside your visual-storytelling comfort zone.
Yago will be on hand throughout the retreat to help push you to play with light, movement, angles, subjects, film-making… and technology.
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Yago Bruna is a versatile, multidisciplinary, passionate self-taught photographer who lives in Barcelona, Spain.
After a successful and long career working as a creative director for various advertising agencies, Yago decided to turn his focus full-time to photography. In the years since, he has gone on to work with national and international brands and his talent has been recognised in many publications such as VOGUE, Vanitatis, Elle, CN Traveller, and Hola magazine.
He describes his signature style as characterised by, ‘thoughtful composition, simplicity, a unique colour treatment, a love of natural light, and a quest for emotion with every shot’. His versatility is apparent in the diversity of his portfolio which encompasses many different areas of photography including travel, fashion, weddings, lifestyle, portraiture, and still life.
In addition to his photographic work, Yago is an experienced and much-loved photography teacher and he openly and generously teaches his secrets and self-taught tricks to mastering natural light and storytelling through photography.
Photo by Lean Timms
Going deeper to the heart of the story
Ruth Ribeaucourt will lead insightful discussions on the world of magazine editorial: how to seek exposure and pitch your stories; how to cultivate links, relationships and collaborations; advice on what to be aware of; and how to keep your story current with the world media…but most importantly how to ensure you connect heart to your storytelling.
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Ruth Ribeaucourt is an Irish photographer, creative director and editor-in-chief of FAIRE and she lives in Provence, France. She discovered photography later in life and is passionate about exploring ways to share compelling human narratives, shining a spotlight on the people who create the art, objects and crafts that transform and elevate our homes and lives. Her photography has been commissioned by book publishers, Hardie Grant UK (2023), Editions de La Martinière (2023), Éditions Eyrolles (2022) and Simon & Schuster (2021) and magazines including Lodestars Anthology, Out of Eden’s magazine (cover photograph), FAIRE magazine, Flow magazine, Madame Figaro Japon, Lodestars Anthology, My French Country Home, Quilt Mania, Simply Vintage, Where Women Create, and What Women Create.
Her first book, Chez Antoinette Poisson was published by Flammarion in October 2023.
Our team of magic makers….
Harriet Davidson - Our chef and gastronomical dream weaver
Harriet is a story teller: stories usually on food, people, pleasure, beauty, moments — life. She spends her days either cooking food or writing and editing words on food. And then there is her wonderful compulsion to photograph.
Photo by Lean Timms
Jeni Glasgow - Stylist and storyteller
‘Jen is often considered in the same space as food, and what she brings to that table is indeed a feast, both literally and metaphorically. But that’s only one element of her genius. Everything about Jeni comes back to her impulse to create. Her home is her studio and stage, an entire creative biosphere. A hunter, a gatherer, an assembler, a disassembler, a maker, a curator, a thinker, a sartorialist, and a dancer. Her situational art- the way she lives her every moment - prompts us to see our own living space as if it, too, were a narrative base. She shows that the real art of the matter is here at home and in the everyday rhythms and rituals of our days.’ - Doreen Kilfeather. Instagram | website
Photo by Doreen Kilfeather
Chateau de la Gonette
Our accommodation and the heart of our retreat is the breathtaking 17th-century Château de la Gonette, nestled at the foot of the medieval village of Simiane-la-Rotonde in the Luberon region of Southern France. Once the cherished home of celebrated interior designer Robert Kime, it was affectionately known as the ‘Sleeping Princess.’ Today, its current owners, author Alice Nelson and her husband, have become its new guardians, embracing this role with care and sensitivity as they continue the estate’s historic purpose as a sanctuary for those seeking peace, inspiration, and connection. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to create magic here in 2025.
You can read about this history of this beautiful property in a feature from House & Garden and visit their instagram here.
Retreat package & costs
Solo room options : ALL SOLD OUT
Shared room options : All of our shared room options are very large, generous bedrooms, decorated with antiques sourced at nearby Isle sur la Sorgue, family heirlooms, storied antique beds and layers of antique textiles.
Neruda bedroom: Shared bedroom with two king beds and shared bathroom (room is shared between two guests). Note this is a large bedroom with two king beds. Price: €4200 per person (ONE SPOT RESERVED)
Kime bedroom: Shared bedroom with two king-size beds and shared bathroom (room is shared between two guests). Note this is a large bedroom with two king beds. Price: €4200 per person
Ondaatje bedroom: King bed (four poster bed) with ensuite bathroom (room is shared between three guests). Price: €4200 per person
Ernaux : Shared bedroom with single beds and ensuite bathroom (room is shared between three guests). Price: €3800 per person (ONE SPOT RESERVED)
This creative retreat is a 6 day all-inclusive experience and includes:
Six day (5 night) stay in the very beautiful Château de la Gonette in Simiane la Rotunde in the Luberon region of Provence, South of France.. We have privatised La Gonette for the duration of our retreat and our guests will be able to really relax and enjoy all of the shared rooms including the gardens, orangerie, sittings rooms and terraces.
All of your meals (including refreshments/delicious local wine) for the duration of the retreat. Harriet Davidson, our guest chef will cook heartfelt, seasonal food for the duration of the retreat with 2-3 extra special supper parties and meals at key local restaurants with invited guests.
Bespoke travel design by your host, Ruth Ribeaucourt who has lived in Provence for over 15 years and has a deep connection to the regions creative community. Ruth always strives to create a very intimate, transformative insiders experience with exclusive opportunities to meet and connect with local and international visual storytellers, creatives and craftspeople.
Our two invited mentors (Yago Bruna and Doreen Kilfeather) are exceptional photographers and truly gifted teachers, who share all that they know and love with generosity.
Our dream team of creatives behind the scenes, Harriet Davidson, Jeni Glasgow and Indie Miller who nourish and weave beauty wherever they go.
All exclusive visits to meet with artists and creatives, intimate gatherings, supper discussions and roundtables with invited guests are included in the retreat fee.
We will manage and handle transport every day of the retreat from Château de la Gonette to our daily excursions and planned experiences.
Transport to and from Avignon TGV train station. One group transfer is organised on Wednesday 22 January and Monday 27 January.
Your transport to and from excursions and classes is included.
All towels, linens and cosmetics (shampoo and shower gel) are provided.
What is not included:
Your travel to and from Marseille or Paris airport / Avignon TGV to our retreat. Any costs for visas / overnight accomodation / taxi’s etc are not included.
Note: We can share our contacts for a private taxi should you wish to book a private car transfer and not take the group transfer - or if you prefer to transfer from another airport/location to the retreat venue.Any additional gifts, supplies, snacks you wish to purchase during your stay.
Obligatory travel insurance.
FAQs
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What is included:
Six days (Five nights) stay in the very beautiful Chateau La Gonette in Simiane la Rotunde in the Luberon region of Provence, South of France.
All of your meals (including refreshments/wine) for the duration of the retreat - including 2-3 extra special supper feasts.
All of the individual workshops and any necessary materials (except cameras which you must provide yourself)
Transport to and from Avignon TGV train station. One group transfer is organised. On Wednesday 22 January at 11h and a return transfer on Monday 27 January to arrive at Avignon TGV train station for 14h00. Many of our French Muse guests choose to fly in the night before our retreats and spend a day exploring the vibrant city of Marseille.
Your transport to and from excursions and classes is included.
All towels and linens, shampoo is provided.
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Your travel to and from Avignon TGV train station i.e. your flights / transport to get you from your home to Avignon TGV for the group transfer is not included.
Obligatory travel insurance.
As for the connection, we will be organising one group transfer from Avignon train station at 11h and a return transfer to arrive at Avignon train station for 14h00. Many of our French Muse guests choose to fly in the night before our retreats and spend a day exploring the vibrant city of Marseille.
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Unfortunately due to the nature of this retreat we are unable to offer refunds should you need to later cancel. If you wish to find a replacement then your place can go to them but we cannot refund any payments made. We will do our best to advertise and try and fill the place for you but cannot guarantee success in filling your place at late notice.
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Our retreat is based in the village of Simiane-la-Rotunde in the Luberon region of Provence.
We provide a group transfer from Avignon TGV station.
Tuesday 22 January 11h pick up from Avignon TGV train station
Monday 27 January Drop off at Avignon TGV station at 14h00.
We are also on hand to help you book a taxi / private driver if you prefer to be picked up from another city. (this cost is not included but we’re very happy to be your coordinator on the ground).
The nearest airport is Marseille (1hr 50 mins drive) and the nearest train station is Avignon Central (1hr 40 mins drive). An alternative route is to fly to Paris and then take the TGV train to Avignon TGV (3hrs direct).
Many of our French Muse guests choose to fly in the night before our retreats and spend a day exploring the vibrant city of Marseille.
Please don’t hesitate to drop me a line if you’d like help planning your trip as there is so much to see and do in this region.
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Comprehensive travel insurance is now compulsory - and will ensure peace of mind and mean that you are covered fully for sickness, accident, or loss/damage of your personal property (cameras/laptops etc) during your trip.
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We would advise you to bring your DSLR camera and/or Iphone to participate in workshops. If you wish to bring your tripod then great, we will have two Manfrotto tripods available for everyone to use/experiment with.
Software: We will email with a list of apps / helpful software closer to the date but it would be a good idea if you wish to learn editing to install Adobe Lightroom on your laptop to get the most out of our editing workshop.
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Absolutely! We are a small group and intentionally keep our retreats intimate so that we can follow along at the rhythm of each individual person.
For true beginners, Ruth Ribeaucourt will lead an introductory class on basic camera settings to capture beautiful photos, harnessing natural light, ideally getting everyone shooting on manual mode for the retreat. We’ll talk about the effects of internal camera settings such as shutter speed, aperture, and ISO on your images.
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You can pay either by International Bank transfer or Wise transfer. Please contact us if you prefer paypal.
Final payment is due by xx (8 weeks prior to retreat).
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In the unfortunate event that a mentor is unable to attend, The French Muse and Faire magazine will offer an alternative course of equal standard and quality.
The story of Denis Brihat captured and written by Andres Espinosa during the Storyteller 2023 Retreat
Who is this retreat for?
This retreat is perfect for anyone who is interested in creating lifestyle, interiors and food photography but also suitable for creatives with an interest in writing, travel and cooking. Perhaps you’re a small business owner and you’d love to learn the skills to create your own creative content with a clear and distinctive, very personal visual narrative…. It is also for anyone who needs a creative kick, maybe you are finding yourself stuck in a creative rut or perhaps you want to start a new project or take off in a new direction.
Workshops will rotate in small groups with plentiful practical workshop time PLUS creative sessions about writing and editing content for editorial; the business of editorial photography; with discussions on how to weave your personal creative story into an original voice and harness the power of storytelling, across social media platforms and the press.
Many of us, mentors and team alike on this retreat have hit a major career reset at some point, and we’ve been obliged to feel and navigate our way toward more nourishing creative careers and we will lift, support and gently mentor you with a maximum amount of heart!
Open to photographers of all levels.
For beginners, Ruth Ribeaucourt will lead an introductory class on basic camera settings to capture beautiful photos, how to approach lighting, ideally getting everyone shooting on manual mode for the retreat. We’ll talk about the effects of internal camera settings such as shutter speed, aperture, and ISO on your images.
For more experienced photographers we will encourage you to explore a personal project/dream/goal during these 5 days and our team of mentors will be on hand to help make it happen!
“This is what snippets of a week with @ruthribeaucourt looks like on her @faire.press Storytelling retreat in Provence. Add in sounds of chiming bell towers, delicious French words flying about over candlelit dinners, hand-dyed silks swishing about in the afternoon sun; tastes of @glasgow_diaz’s food creations inc. anchovies, tomatoes, herb-smothered potatoes and puffer fish made from puff pastry (I’ll never get over that Jeni); smells of crushed wild marjoram underfoot, a dry forest hugging a lush vineyard, the unique and intimate smells of stepping into someone’s home, exposing decades-old prints on old ilford paper stock, and freshly picked cepes still covered with dirt at the market; and feels of curiosity, inspiration and warmth from a group of creatives so wildly talented and open to sharing and learning (photographers, videographers, textile artists, cooks, silversmiths, wine makers, writers, sculptors etc etc) and you’ll begin to start to feel the nourishing overwhelm (oxymoron?) of this retreat. I’m not sure I’ve ever been a part of anything more beautiful. Thank you Ruth for sharing your Provençal world with us and for the invitation to be a photography teacher/mentor for this week. It was like nothing else. I’m full, in all the beautiful ways. Time to digest.”
Lean Timms @leantimms
“Huge thank you to all of the mentors and creatives who brought their passion, wisdom, generosity, hearts, and stories to this enchanting week in the Luberon ✨I am forever changed having known you all.”
Kelsey Glennon @kelsey_glennon
“As a comparatively less experienced photographer, I was so impressed with the mentors’ focus on meeting participants where they were, no matter what their level. Their wisdom and keen insights, not to mention their technical expertise, helped each of us to elevate our work.
I learned so much — most importantly how to look for the light, to be open to every instance in which its presence or absence has the power to create magic.
This was my first creative retreat of any kind, and I attended on my own. How fortunate I was to find Ruth’s workshop and to share an unforgettable five days in Provence with the most engaging and talented group of fellow participants, mentors, and special guests. This experience exceeded all expectations and continues to inspire my creative pursuits.
The accommodations at the bastide were lovely. Every detail, from the farm-fresh flowers, to the exquisitely set tables, to the delicious and imaginatively presented meals, contributed to an indelible experience, thanks to Ruth’s passionate eye for beauty and her superlative team.”
Susi Wunsch @velojoy
“Storyteller is a photographic retreat where I am discovering incredible stories. Each day is a new adventure, giving me the opportunity to explore the life and work of great artists in photography, sculpture, painting, and gastronomy in the amazing region of Provence, France.
I am sharing this adventure with a group of 20 photographers from around the world. Each one has a different perspective, and each tells the story in their own unique way. It's not a competition, but it's fascinating to see how there are so many ways to tell the same story.”
Yago Bruna @yagobruna
As my trip home is coming to an end, I reflect back on the storyteller retreat led by the amazing @ruthribeaucourt
Trying to narrow it all down to a few photos was way too hard.
I’m not one for words, but hopefully, I’ve retained a thing or two from all the amazing mentors we had during the week and my images will speak for themselves.
Thank you @yagobruna @leantimms @dkilfeather @harriet.olive @glasgow_diaz @alevidal and all the participants and amazing artists we encountered along the way.”
— Max Lemoine (Storyteller Retreat 2023)
“Four years ago, I wrote the following to my dear friend Ruth @ruthribeaucourt creator of @faire.press :
“Several months after my return from your Forage Feast and Photography workshop, I can still close my eyes and feel the magic, smell the lavender, taste the delicious food, hear the laughter, get inspired by the creative energy, and be moved by all the amazing women from around the world you brought together. Those few days in Provence were truly memorable and will forever fill my heart through my creative journey. For all of it, I am truly grateful… I would come back in a heartbeat…”
And, to my great delight, not only did I go back, but I could rewrite much the same thing today, now that I am back home from the Storyteller Retreat Ruth hosted a few weeks ago.
I am aware that waiting that long to post about one’s experiences is an eternity, but I feel like taking my time to tell the story of that beautiful week I spent in Provence, and of the following days I spent in Florence and in Perugia to meet the three lovely ladies of @giudittabrozzetti for a very special project…
To be perfectly honest, it’s also the best way I’ve found to prolong the pleasure of that wonderful trip...
To be continued…”
— Marie Florence (Storyteller Retreat 2023)
How our guests have captured our previous Storyteller retreats
