France 2025 Retreats

Escape to a charming corner of the Southwest of France

Join your hosts, Lea, Vicki and Margo for a 5-night, 6-day escapade in a stunning corner of the Southwest of France, that will nourish your senses and invigorate your sense of wonder. 

You’re home for your retreat will be a 19th Mansion on the property of Chateau de Clauzade, which has remained in the same family since it was constructed in the early 1800s.  You’ll be located just outside of the charming village of Saint Savinien, along the River Charente, in Charente Maritime.

Each day you’ll experience picturesque beauty, charm, and history of the region.  You’ll explore handpicked pockets from the Atlantic Ocean to quaint villages along the Charente River. 

While you jaunt around the scenic Southwest of France, this unforgettable experience will take you on a sensory voyage of culture, connection, cuisine, friendship, movement, relaxation, and above all, fun and laughter!

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2025 Retreat Dates:

  • Retreat 1: 9th to 14th September 2025

  • Retreat 2: 16th to 21st September 2025

Accommodation:

  • 3 Twin Share rooms with private bathrooms

  • 4 Single rooms with private bathrooms

  • Triple share room may be arranged on request

Retreat Amenities

  • Use of common areas, terrace, and pool

  • 30 hectares of grounds, river, and chapel

  • Bicycle use and wifi

 

Your Investment:

  • AUD $3,000 per person twin share

  • AUD $3,500 per single room

  • Triple share on application

Your adventure begins with your meet and greet at La Rochelle railway station (which is also your return location)

Inclusions

  • 5 nights and 6 days of fun, discovery, mindfulness, and movement

  • French champagne upon arrival

  • Your meals each day; either at the Maison or on location when we go exploring

  • ‘Rise and Shine’ movement classes including, Yoga, Qigong, Tai Chi, Stretch and Relax (all optional and all levels catered for)

  • Exploration of handpicked locations, including Cognac, La Rochelle, Ile de Re, Saint Savinien and Taillebourg 

  • Guided wine tour of Chateau de Cognac

  • French cooking lesson

  • There are plenty of bikes to use at your leisure and pleasure to take your own ride of exploration into St Savinien and the nearby villages

  • Shopping, sightseeing, and meeting locals

  • Nature walks

  • Transportation during your retreat

Not Included

  • International flights and internal transfers to and from La Rochelle

  • Alcohol

What to Expect

As well as time to relax and enjoy the beautiful grounds of the Maison de Clauzade, or take your own bicycle ride around the nearby villages, we’ll be taking you on excursions to explore further afield;

In the stunning portside town of La Rochelle, you will be able to explore the streets of the Old Port and discover the quaint boutiques and cafes.  The portside dining is so typically French, and if you like oysters – you’ll love them here!

At every turn in the Old Port, you’ll be taken back centuries! Discover the magnificent Giant Clock that stands as the gateway to the Old Port, and the towers around the port that date back to the early 12th century. 

We’ll take you across the bridge to visit Ile de Re, a picture postcard island, renowned for its beaches, the ruins of the 12th century Abbey de Chateliers, and THE most famous ice cream in the region, La Martiniere, people patiently queue for ages... it is worth the wait! (we’ve done it! And we hate to queue!)

The Charente region is world renowned for its cognac, and with us you’ll be visiting the town of Cognac, where you’ll be taken on a guided tour of the 10th century Chateau de Cognac.  Rebuilt many times over the centuries, Chateau de Cognac was the birthplace of Francois the First (King of France 1515 – 1547), Kings and Queens from all over Europe have walked the halls and been entertained in the Grand Ballroom, it’s been a prison (you can still see the names of prisoners carved into the sandstone), and since 1795 it has been the home of the Baron Otard Cognacs.  Even if history is not really your thing; this place will capture your imagination.  

Closer to ‘home’ you’ll explore the charming towns and villages dotted around the Chateau de Clauzade.  You’ll get to know the gals in the local Boulangerie in St Savinien, you’ll dine alongside the Charente ‘River’ in the enchanting village of Taillebourg, you can try your hand at pétanque if the urge takes you, we will wander around the grounds of the Chateau Taillebourg, nestled up on a hill, overlooking the village. 

You’ll have the opportunity to brush up on your high school French and practice with the locals you will meet along the way, when we spend time and experience the warmth and hospitality of some local friends!

 

Our primary objective is to surprise and delight you! 

Our desire for you, is that you have an unforgettable experience of a lifetime, and you leave with more friendships than you came with!

Terms & Conditions

Payment Schedule:

  • Deposit: $500 on confirmation of your registration

  • Payment 2: $1,500 on 6 January 2025

  • Final Balance:  16 June 2025

Cancellation Schedule:

  • Before 6 September 2024 – deposit is refundable

  • 90 – 60 days prior to retreat date: 50% cancellation fee

  • 59 – 30 days prior to retreat date: 75% cancellation fee

  • 29 day or less before retreat date: 100% cancellation fee