Re-treat yourself
My French retreat is now fully booked for the year, but there are a few spots on our September Rewinding, yoga and wild swimming retreat outside Bath, UK, September 13-15/16 2024.
Here are some pics from last year's Rewinding weekend. For more details see Autumn retreat
Recharge and Unwind
A Soulful Summer Yoga retreat in FRANCEJuly 18-July 22 2024
Who fancies escaping to recharge those inner batteries? Join me over a 4-night, 5-day soulful Yoga and Meditation retreat in a converted medieval farm, deep in the beautiful countryside of the Loire Valley.
You'll be treated to a revitalising mix of warming, transformational yoga and workshop-style sessions to inspire and develop your personal practice, balanced with nourishing somatic awareness movement, yin and restorative yoga to allow you to go deeper and truly let go. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the practices and the amazing French countryside surroundings for a truly sublime summer celebration.
YOGA
Arrive on Thursday 18th – settle in, then enjoy a nectar-infused gentle flow to tease out knots in the tissues and aches from your travels, before a freshly prepared Vegetarian/Vegan dinner.
Over the coming days you’ll experience a range of styles with a different anatomic and philosophic focus threaded through, but all dancing around the theme of boosting vitality, unravelling tension and recharging ourselves.
Each morning, we’ll explore different forms of pranayama and meditation, including gentle flowing Yoga & Qi Gong inspired movement meditation outside and barefoot - if weather permits ;) – before a long flowing practice to invigorate and inspire. Enjoy a well-deserved breakfast and chill or play time before lunch.
Afternoons are free to explore the beautiful area - take a trip to local medieval market towns and chateaux, including a gorgeous one just across the field! Visit the river or tour a vineyard, or just relax in the gardens of the converted farm, swimming in the heated outdoor pool, relaxing muscles in the new sauna, or reading in a hammock in the orchard.
Early evening yoga will vary between workshop-style sessions, flow and restore, or yin/fascia releasing movement and Yoga Nidra depending on the group energy.
During our time together there will be a full moon which we will celebrate with a full moon flow, gather for songs and stories around a campfire and meditation under the stars.
ABOUT THE FARM
The 700-year-old farmhouse has been lovingly restored over the past 30 years. In total there are four converted barns which can sleep up to 15 guests. There are five bathrooms, all shared. There is also a brand new canvas stretch tent in the garden which makes for an amazing outdoor practice space, a yurt on site which is often used as a meditation space.
Hammocks are hidden amongst the trees in the fruit orchard. There is also a private 16m heated swimming pool, sauna, a games room with pool and table tennis tables. Wifi is also available.
PRICE
£699 per person (private room for one)
£599 per person (for friends or couples sharing double or twin rooms)
Non refundable deposit of £200 to secure your space* Remainder eight weeks before start of retreat.
Payment plan available. *Unless you can pass the place onto someone else.
INCLUDES Four night's accommodation, three freshly prepared vegetarian meals a day – vegan and other dietary requirements catered for, please ask, and please let us know of any allergies. Food is locally sourced, organic where possible — some salads come straight from the farm gardens. All of the yoga (8 sessions minimum) meditation and Nidra. Equipment provided, but please bring your mat if you prefer to use your own.
EXTRAS
Your travel to and from the retreat is not included, or insurance. There will be optional excursions throughout the week so please bring additional Euros for extra drinks, meals outside of The Farm, chateaux entrance tickets, and any taxi fares.
French wine and beer will be available, although at an extra cost (there is an honesty chart on the fridge which is paid for at the end of your stay).
SPREADING THE GOOD VIBESThe venue is a social enterprise – the owners set up a charity in 2005 to help those in one of the World's poorest countries to become healthy, educated and self-sufficient. A portion of each retreat will be donated to African Vision Malawi – a non-profit charity helping orphans and vulnerable people in rural Malawi.
For more info please visit
www.africanvision.org.uk
GETTING THEREThe Farm is located in the picturesque Loire Valley, in between two historic medieval towns, Chinon, and Richelieu.
*By trainTrains go to Tours, where you change trains to Chinon 15 minutes away. We can help co-ordinate taxis /pick-ups nearer the time.
*Driving - From Caen, Le Havre roughly 4 hours; 3 hours from Paris and about 6 hours from Calais.
*By air: Tours or Poitiers Airport are equal distance and cab share is easiest. We can help co-ordinate.
* All Yoga and meditation practices will be suitable for all abilities – with inspiration and encouragement to help you progress and deepen your practice wherever you are. Modifications and alternatives will be offered for injuries and health issues, and challenges for those who want more.
The daily routine will offer free time – with most activities in the morning and late afternoon before dinner. Afternoons will be yours to use as you wish. We will aim at keeping silence on wakening until after the morning meditation session.
and see https://www.retreattothefarm.co.uk
