France·12 - 19 September 2026

Harvest Your Horizons: Women's Bordeaux Retreat

Sip slowly. Breathe deeply. Begin again.

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Overview

There's a certain softness to the light in southwestern France, a gentle glow that seems to touch everything. It spills across the vineyards in the early morning, filters through ancient stone walls warmed by centuries of sun, and lingers on shared tables as the day comes to a peaceful close. This is the rhythm we'll ease into for a week: a pace that is slow, intentional, and beautifully alive. Our journey begins deep in the countryside, where a small group of women will gather at a private Chateau near the important medieval town of St. Emilion, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Mornings here will open with the comforting scent of strong coffee and fresh bread. Our coaching sessions will unfold naturally, sometimes beneath ancient trees, other times around a quiet table, as we begin the meaningful work of reconnecting with ourselves, with one another, and with the kind of profound wisdom that often gets lost in the rush of everyday life. The days themselves are shaped not by rigid checklists, but by experiences designed to awaken something deeper within. Imagine a private tasting at a woman-led winery, where passion and tradition meet. Picture an afternoon lost traipsing through cobblestone streets, or a gentle river cruise gliding past dramatic limestone cliffs and ancient castles. There will be delicious meals prepared just for us, laughter shared easily over local oysters and exquisite wines, and conversations that stretch into the evening with effortless grace. Later in the week, the energy shifts as we transition to Bordeaux city, a place that feels both grand and surprisingly grounded. Here, we'll walk, taste, and reflect, gathering for a final evening that feels less like a goodbye and more like a return to a truer self. This is a journey for women who are ready for more, more genuine connection, more present moments, and more expansive room to breathe. It is for those who intuitively sense that the most meaningful journeys are, ultimately, the ones that gently guide us back to ourselves.

Highlights

Visit the farmer's market in Bordeaux

Visit the farmer's market in Bordeaux

Take a farm to table cooking class with Local chef

Take a farm to table cooking class with Local chef

Visit numerous elite Wineries

Visit numerous elite Wineries

Savor delectable French food and wine

Savor delectable French food and wine

Step Inside a Monolithic Masterpiece

Step Inside a Monolithic Masterpiece

Visit a renowned French Writer's Estate

Visit a renowned French Writer's Estate

Explore Josephine Baker’s Château

Explore Josephine Baker’s Château

Cruise the Scenic Dordogne

Cruise the Scenic Dordogne

Itinerary

Here's a day-by-day itinerary of the trip. Press the "<" and ">" buttons below to scroll through each day.

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Bordeaux

Day 1: Saturday, September 12th, 2026

Welcome to Bordeaux! Your journey with us begins with a group transfer into the heart of the French countryside, so please plan your arrival accordingly. Getting to our enchanting château retreat is part of the adventure, and we’ve arranged convenient group transfers to make it easy.

If you're arriving by train, we'll meet you at the main station at 1:15 pm. If you're flying in, please plan to land by 1 pm so we can greet you at the airport. From there, we’ll travel together through rolling vineyards and quiet villages to reach our castle getaway in the countryside.

If you’d like to arrive a day early in Bordeaux, you can book an extra night through our Add-on section. We’ll be happy to pick you up from your hotel and bring you to the group meeting point. If you would like to stay one night early in Paris check out our Hotels We Love page for Paris. Please note that travel to your initial pickup location—whether it’s the train station, airport, or early-arrival hotel—is at your own expense.

Once we arrive, we’ll settle into Château Chaumeton, our elegant and tranquil base for the next five nights. Surrounded by the serene beauty of the French countryside, this historic 14th century château offers an authentic and relaxed setting to begin our journey.

After you’ve had a chance to unpack and unwind, we’ll gather for a welcome drink. A local chef will then prepare a special dinner in the château’s dining room—our first delicious taste of the region’s celebrated cuisine. At dinner you'll get to know your fellow travelers as well as our local guide and Girls' Guide Founder, Doni Belau who owns a home in the region. Jen Frey your coach for the week will go over the coaching plan for the next few days. 

Included

Dinner

Welcome Drinks

Train Station/Airport Pickup in Bordeaux

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Bordeaux

Day 2: Sunday, September 13th, 2026

After a lovely breakfast at the château, we’ll gather in the peaceful garden for our first coaching session, held from 10 am to 12 pm. Titled Unconditional Love, this opening session sets the stage for a deeper exploration of love—starting with yourself. You’ll discover what it really means to be lovable, how to intentionally love others, and how to welcome more love into your life.

Lunch will be a true local experience at Cabane Bar à Huîtres in St. Emilion, renowned for its fresh oysters and charming terrace views. In the afternoon we'll embark on a private guided walking tour of St. Emillion, including a fascinating visit to the impressive underground monolithic church, one of only 2 in France. 

You'll then have some free time to explore the town's unique shops and charming cobbled streets at your leisure. Later, we'll enjoy a specially curated wine tasting at Château Soutard, where their wines consistently earn top marks from international critics.

We'll return to the château to refresh before heading to dinner at Les Soeurs Guinguette* by the river for a wonderfully casual and fun evening outdoors.

*What is a Guinguette?

Included

Coaching session: "Unconditional Love"

All tours, meals, & activities

chateaumontaigne

Gironde

Day 3: Monday, September 14th, 2026

We'll start the morning with an optional visit to the Castillon market for those who wish to meet our chef and explore the region's seasonal produce, getting a true taste of local life.

Next, we'll enjoy a private tour of Château de Montaigne, once home to the famous French philosopher and writer. Lunch will be along the river at Le Pessaquai offering relaxed local dishes with a beautiful river view.

In the afternoon, we’ll gather for our next coaching session, Love Your People, over tea at our founder Doni Belau’s country home, Le Priolet. This session will guide you in deepening your most important relationships, finding more fulfillment in the connections that matter most. We’ll explore how to set loving boundaries, uncover the unspoken expectations you may hold for others, as well as understanding the crucial difference between authentic love and people-pleasing.

Afterward, you’ll have time to unwind—take a walk, paddle a kayak, or simply soak in the peaceful surroundings. In the evening, we’ll come together for a hands-on cooking class back at our château, where we’ll prepare a beautiful meal using fresh, local ingredients. To make the evening even more special, we’ll enjoy a tasting of regional caviar paired with champagne.

Included

Coaching session: "Love Your People"

Cooking Class

All tours, meals, & activities

Day4

Bordeaux

Day 4: Tuesday, September 15th, 2026

Following breakfast, we’ll set off for a full-day exploration of the Dordogne region to our east. Our first stop is a spectacular garden, followed by a visit to Château des Milandes, the former home of Josephine Baker, the African American singer and actress. We’ll have lunch on the terrace of the château before continuing on to Beynac, one of the most beautiful medieval towns in France.

Later in the afternoon, we’ll embark on a private cruise along the Dordogne River. With its calm waters and picturesque scenery, it’s the perfect backdrop for reflection and informal coaching as we enjoy wine and appetizers on board. During this session, Loving Love, we’ll explore why love can sometimes feel frightening and how to move beyond the resistance that holds us back. We’ll talk about how fear influences our choices, how emotions are simply vibrations in the body, and how to choose love—even when it feels risky.

After the cruise, we’ll take a short stroll through the charming Bastide town of Bergerac before sitting down to dinner at La Table du Marché Couvert, where we’ll continue the conversation in good company.

Included

Coaching session: “Loving Love”

All tours, meals, & activities

Day5.1

Bordeaux

Day 5: Wednesday, September 16th, 2026

After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll head to Pomerol for a visit to Clos de Clocher. This boutique winery, led by a talented female winemaker, offers an intimate tour and tasting, followed by a delightful picnic lunch taken among the vines.

In the afternoon, we’ll come together for a dedicated coaching session in a peaceful, inspiring setting. Titled Loving Through Adversity, this session will explore why challenges are an inevitable part of the human experience—even when we long for ease. You’ll learn how to expand your capacity to face adversity with grace, navigate the pain that comes with being fully human, and avoid layering on unnecessary suffering.

Later that evening, we’ll gather for a special Michelin star dinner at Logis de la Cadene, a beautiful setting for reflection, connection, and a perfect way to end our time together in the lovely Gironde region. 

Included

Coaching session: "Loving Through Adversity"

Wine tasting

All tours, meals, & activities

Day6

Bordeaux

Day 6: Thursday, September 17th, 2026

We'll begin the day with breakfast before heading north to the Médoc Peninsula. After the scenic drive, we’ll visit one of the region’s standout vineyards, such as Château La Lagune, run by two sisters.

Lunch will be something different today: flavorful Vietnamese cuisine at Co Ba in Pauillac. In the afternoon, we’ll return to Bordeaux and gather for our final coaching session, Loving from Your Future, held in the serene setting of Bordeaux City's Jardin Public. In this powerful session, you’ll learn how to stop waiting for external validation and begin living from the wisdom of your future self—the version of you who already knows what’s possible. We’ll guide you through visualizing her, tuning into her voice, and learning to trust her guidance. As we sit together in the park with refreshments, you’ll have time to reflect and integrate everything you’ve experienced before we check in to the 5* Le Boutique Hotel & Spa.

Dinner is a short walk away at a Taiwanese restaurant known for its creative small plates.

Included

Coaching session: "Loving from Your Future"

All tours, meals, & activities

Day7

Bordeaux

Day 7: Friday, September 18th, 2026

After breakfast, we’ll join for our final coaching session—an intentional closing to the transformational journey we’ve shared. This session will give you space to reflect on how far you’ve come, celebrate the personal shifts you’ve experienced, and commit to the insights and practices you want to carry forward. You’ll connect with your future self once more and anchor into the clarity, love, and power that’s now yours to lead with.

Next we’ll venture out on a guided food and history tour of Bordeaux, strolling through the city’s elegant streets, we’ll sample local specialties and learn about Bordeaux’s rich cultural past—from Roman roots to its rise as France's wine capital. 

The early afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace. You might choose to explore a museum, browse the boutiques, have a spa treatment or simply sit at a café and savor the city. 

To cap off our time together, we’ll board a private sunset cruise on the Garonne River. As the city glows in golden light, we’ll toast to our journey with dinner and wine onboard—a powerful and heartfelt farewell surrounded by the women who’ve shared this meaningful experience with you.

Included

Sunset Dinner Cruise

Final coaching session: "Intentional Closing"

All tours, meals, & activities

Day8

Bordeaux

Day 8: Saturday, September 19th, 2026

After a final, delicious breakfast together, we'll share our goodbyes, filled with memories of an incredible week. For those inspired to linger longer in this captivating region, Bordeaux truly has an abundance on offer. You might wish to delve into its rich cultural scene with a captivating opera or ballet performance, explore more of its historic charm, or simply savor the ambiance at one of its world-class wine bars. We're happy to assist you in arranging any extra nights, ensuring you can continue to soak in every moment of this unforgettable French experience. For those traveling home today take a taxi to the train station if heading back to Paris or taxi to the airport both are a short distance from the city center. The hotel will help everyone pre-book taxis as needed, and Uber works well here too. 

Included

Breakfast

Not Included

Transfer to airport or train station

You'll Be Staying Here

Chateau Chaumeton

Chateau Chaumeton

Château Chaumeton, a beautifully restored 15th-century castle near the Dordogne River and just 15km from Saint-Émilion, offers the perfect setting for our life coaching retreat. Set within a working vineyard, this historic château blends centuries-old charm with modern comfort. With its original towers, spacious country kitchen, and stylish yet cozy interiors, it's a peaceful, inspiring space to relax, reflect, and reconnect.

Le Boutique Hotel & Spa

Le Boutique Hotel & Spa

Le Boutique Hôtel & Spa is a chic 5-star stay in the heart of Bordeaux, set in an elegant 18th-century townhouse. With stylish rooms, a serene courtyard, and a full spa, it’s the perfect blend of luxury and charm—just steps from the city’s best sights.

Hosts

Doni Belau

Doni Belau

Doni is the owner and founder of Girls' Guide to the World, and she only picks a few trips to do each year. She has traveled to 80 countries and counting. Her favorite part about guiding tours is meeting the amazing women who join her. 

gg2theworld
Jen Frey

Jen Frey

We’re excited to welcome Jen Frey as the life coach on an upcoming Girls’ Guide to the World trip. A Master Certified Life and Leadership Coach and host of the Think on Purpose podcast, Jen has over 2,500 hours of experience helping women overcome perfectionism, self-doubt, and burnout to lead with clarity and confidence.


With two decades in nonprofit leadership and her current role as Executive Director of one of Chicago’s largest YMCAs, Jen understands the challenges of high-achieving lives. A self-described recovering perfectionist, she blends mindset and somatic practices to help women create lives that feel authentic, joyful, and purposeful. Ready to quiet your inner critic? Jen’s your guide.

Price

Private King Bed Room at the Chateau & Private Room at Bordeaux Hotel

Private King Bed Room at the Chateau & Private Room at Bordeaux Hotel

Your own ensuite room with King Bed

FROM$11,155

Private King Bed Room at the Chateau with shared hall bath & Private Room in Bordeaux

Private King Bed Room at the Chateau with shared hall bath & Private Room in Bordeaux

Everyone gets their own fabulous room!

FROM$10,255

Shared Twin Room at the Chateau with separate shared bath & shared room in Bordeaux

Shared Twin Room at the Chateau with separate shared bath & shared room in Bordeaux

Share a room with a friend or family member Note: bathroom is on a lower floor

FROM$8,755

Private Queen Room at Le Priolet with shared bath & Private Room in Bordeaux Hotel

Private Queen Room at Le Priolet with shared bath & Private Room in Bordeaux Hotel

FROM$9,655

Add Ons

Stay an Extra Night in Bordeaux September 11, 2026

Stay an Extra Night in Bordeaux September 11, 2026

Includes one night and breakfast at the Le Boutique Hotel in Bordeaux

PRICE$555.00

ADD THIS
Stay an Extra Night in Bordeaux September 11, 2026 - Shared Room (each person sharing should purchase this add on)

Stay an Extra Night in Bordeaux September 11, 2026 - Shared Room (each person sharing should purchase this add on)

Includes one night and breakfast at Le Boutique Hotel in Bordeaux

PRICE$315.00

ADD THIS

An amazing cultural and wine experience

Bordeaux

You are in for a real treat with this trip! We'll be immersing ourselves in the renowned beauty of Bordeaux and its stunning surrounding region. Far more than just a city sharing its name with famous French wine, Bordeaux boasts 350 historical buildings and monuments, dozens of fascinating museums and art galleries, and, of course, some of the most famous and best wineries in the world. And that's not even mentioning the food – you'll discover some of the finest cuisine in all of France right here. Get ready for an unforgettable journey through history, culture, and culinary delights!

Bordeaux

What's Included

What's Included

English and French speaking host and facilitator included

Everything stated in the itinerary above including all meals (except where otherwise noted)

Accommodations at unique, 4-star or better hotels

Museum and other entry fees

Dinner at a Michel Star restaurant

Two wine tastings

Two picnics

Cooking class

GG2W welcome gift

Culinary & wine experiences

Cultural & historic activities

Six transformational coaching sessions

Private river cruises

Roundtrip airfare to France

Meals and drinks not stated in the above itinerary

Trip and Medical Insurance (required)

All personal souvenir expenses

Transport to and from Bordeaux

FAQs

Fly into Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, France.

The trip officially starts on the evening of September 12th, but if you are traveling across an ocean to get to France, consider arriving a day early so you have time to relax and get acclimated to the local time zone. If you do decide to arrive early, please let us know and we will book your room for you and make sure that you stay in the same room as you will be in when the trip starts.

We will have a zoom call about 6 weeks before the trip starts to discuss all that information and give you a packing list. Here is a great website that we love that will help you with packing and travel trips.

The climate is quite comfortable in September. Temperatures range from a high of 79°F to a low of 55°F, with mostly sunny days and only a slight chance of rain.

Presently, if you are a U.S. citizen, you do not need a visa to visit France for tourism stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your intended travel dates. 

We require that everyone traveling with Girls' Guide be able to comfortably walk 3–5 miles per day unassisted, and without difficulty, can navigate stairs, uneven streets or paths, and occasional steep terrain. Most of our trips require this level of physical mobility and fitness, especially when visiting historic towns and landmarks where vehicle access is limited and walking often offers the best experience. Additionally, some of the 4 and 5-star boutique or historic hotels we stay in do not have elevators and may require climbing stairs to get to your room or access other facilities in the hotel.

Inquire about this trip

Harvest Your Horizons: Women's Bordeaux Retreat

France· 12 - 19 September 2026· 7 nights

FROM$11,155/pp