I wanted to have my next yoga retreat in France for a few reasons. I’m kind of into wine and yoga (it’s become my calling card around town) and I’ve had a classic, girly love affair with all things French since I was little. Heck, I’m listening to Debussy as I write this blog.
I lived there for a bit. Studied the language, art, and wines. My main reason for wanting to offer this retreat? I really want to share my love of France and yoga with others. Here’s what I’m most looking forward to this June 1st to 8th:
1) Joi de vivre – visit the culture that invented this phrase and do the very thing (yoga) that helps a person embody it. Yoga helps us appreciate life. French culture has an innate love of beauty, food, art and nature. Put the two together for a perfect combination. Name a country that does laissez faire better…. Pretty hard to do considering ‘laissez faire’ is another phrase they invented. Je gagne.
2) More than just a yoga retreat. The surrounding countryside gives you the option to hike, bike, horseback ride, canoe, hot air balloon, do kayaking, go golfing, visit sandy beaches along the riverbed, where there’s even world class surfing on Le Mascaret tidal bore! Whether your vacation involves these activities or a time of leisure, sitting by a heated salt water pool reading your favorite book – I wanted this retreat to offer options. Not to mention options for a spouse or partner who hasn’t quite fallen in love with yoga (yet) but likes the other things listed above. Everyone has individual ways of relaxing, and this retreat accommodates those needs.
Also cheese. Did I mention the cheese? If you’re lactose intolerant, no worries! The Chateau Chef has you covered. Dietary requirements are taken care of. There are tasty and nutritious options for vegetarians and vegans.
Even more to the point, this trip is meant to be about restoration. I didn’t want this to be the type of vacation that you need to recover from after it’s over. Ever heard someone say. “Just got back from my trip. I need another vacation to recover from that one!” Not this time! You’ll be as relaxed as a French metro worker on strike after this week away.
3) The beauty of visiting a country with history. There’s something to be said for walking down the street and stumbling across a church that was built in 1502. The inspiring feeling of history hanging in the air, rich with stories and mystery. The Chateau Bardouly, our home for the week, was first built between 1580 and 1608. It housed the headquarters for the French resistance of WWII. A series of tunnels exists under its foundation, used during the protestant and catholic conflict. The current owners hired local artisans who would insure the look and feel of the home would stay true to its French Countryside style. Translation? It’s drop dead gorgeous and filled with an amazing legacy. There are some of the oldest cave drawings in all of Europe right by the Chateau. The largest Buddhist center in Europe is also just a stone’s throw away. This place is steeped in culture, just waiting to be explored.
4) Cuz Wine. All of this loveliness will be taking place in the wine region of Bordeaux. I’m in giddy disbelief. When I took my sommelier course, the depth of history, progress, and world class wines we studied that came from this region was unparalleled. If you’re a wine lover, it’s like going to the mothership. Beam me up Chianti! (Just kidding, that’s a totally different region and wine varietal, but the alliteration was too good to pass up). I digress.
The chateau even hires a sommelier to expertly pair meals with impeccable regional wines. After this gastronomic delight you can drift off to bed in one of their individually designed rooms – falling into super fancy, high thread count sheets. We fancy, huh!
Wake up the next morning, start with some yoga, and the fun begins all over again.
Click HERE to see more details, what to expect in a day and to reserve your spot. Experience warm summer days in the south of France.
Come with me for this once in a lifetime experience. Let yoga and France bring you back home to yourself. Hope to see you there!
