8-Daagse Slow Living Wellnessretraite in de Provence, Frankrijk

This retreat invites you to slow down, reconnect with the essence of life, and discover simple pleasures in the heart of Provence. It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in deliberate living.

Step into a realm where time gently unravels, a transformative journey that allows you to release the burdens of a hectic world and embrace the unhurried rhythm of life in the heart of Provence. You’ll discover the art of mindful living and the exquisite beauty that lies in savoring each breath and step. This retreat offers you the opportunity to experience authentic local living, immersing yourself in the daily life and culture of Provence.

What to expect

• Slow down: Immerse yourself in a thoughtfully crafted program, blending nature, culture, and wellness. Learn diverse methods that encourage slowing down and take intentional pauses to reconnect with the present moment
• Let go: Experience the liberating power of now. Through mindfulness practices and stress management techniques, find the freedom that comes with letting go
• Reconnect: Take a moment to check in with yourself, rekindling your sense of self and gaining insight into your personal journey. Discover a profound connection with yourself and the world around you
• Focus: Through mindful exercises, learn how to direct your attention with purpose, gaining clarity on what truly matters. This newfound focus enables you to discern the essentials, allowing for a more meaningful and intentional life

Included activities

• Wine tasting
• Mindfulness workshop with a therapist
• Art therapy session
• Pranayama workshop
• Yoga sessions
• Bike tour through the vineyards
• Stargazing with an astronomer
• Afghan walk: Mindful hike
• Slow cooking class
• Canoe excursion

Itinerary

Day 1 - Meet others, discover yourself - Grignan

• 14:00 Arrival in Grignan, listed among the "Most Beautiful Villages of France," dominated by the majestic Renaissance Château of Madame de Sévigné

Afternoon

• Welcome ceremony to meet Mégane, your retreat leader, and fellow participants
• An opportunity to set your intentions for the retreat

Evening

• Welcome dinner in Grignan discovering local products

Day 2 - Inner Journey - La Garde Adhémar

Morning

• Discover the famous Val des Nymphes (the valley of the nymphs) during a mindfulness workshop led by a therapist
• Enjoy a traditional French picnic in the countryside

Afternoon

• Your discovery moment! Free time to stroll through the picturesque streets of Grignan, visit Le château, and learn about the fascinating story of Madame de Sévigné

Evening

• Experience Provençal traditions with an “apéro” and learn the game of pétanque

Day 3 - Take your time - Abbaye d’Ayguebelle

Morning

• Cycle through the vineyards to the Abbaye d’Ayguebelle. Experience the serenity of a monastery founded in 1137, home to 19 monks devoted to prayer and simplicity
• Wine-tasting experience with the Bour family at their 18th-century Provençal Domaine

Afternoon

• Take a couple of hours of free time to practice the traditional “sieste” and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Bastide
• Join a yoga session before dinner

Evening

• Stargazing workshop guided by an astronomer from the iconic 12th-century astronomical tower in Chamaret

Day 4 - Let go and breathe - Saou

Morning

• Practice the art of pranayama, an ancient breathing technique led by a therapist in the hilltop village of Saou

Afternoon

• Discover the magical Saou forest by participating in a meditative walk using the Afghan Walk technique

Evening

• Traditional dinner in the heart of La Drôme Provençale

Day 5 - Let food be your medicine - Drôme Provençale

Morning

• Start the day with a traditional yoga class
• “Slow cooking” class to learn recipes from the traditional Mediterranean diet, ending with a degustation lunch

Afternoon

• Take a few hours of free time to absorb the benefits of slow living
• Lavender photoshoot (seasonal)
• Meet a local farmer who cultivates truffles and lavender, and take a moment to discover his lifestyle

Evening

• Enjoy the emblematic “apéro” and a tasting of local products with a view of Grignan’s château

Day 6 - Art is therapy - Dieulefit

Morning

• Head to the village of Dieulefit, officially labeled "Town of Arts and Crafts" Unleash your inner artist with an art therapy workshop guided by a renowned artist

Afternoon

• Free time in Dieulefit, where you’ll find art galleries, pottery workshops, small restaurants, and hiking trails

Evening

• Festive dinner

Day 7 - Enjoying the pleasure of life - Isle-sur-la-Sorgue - Avignon

Morning

• Let it go with the flow on the Sorgue River during a canoe session

Noon

• Explore L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, often called the “Venice of Provence,” a town built on an island formed by five branches of the Sorgue River

Afternoon

• Free time in Avignon, the capital of Vaucluse and “City of Popes,” a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll have the opportunity to visit the “Palais des Papes”, stroll through the city, or even dance “Sur le pont d’Avignon”

Evening

• Farewell dinner on a typical Péniche (riverboat) looking at Avignon

Day 8 - Departure day - Bring it back home

Morning

• Closing ceremony, grounding and digesting the slow living lifestyle to bring it home with you. Au revoir. Depart at any time (extension prior / post trip available on request)