6-Day Yoga and Wellness Escape in the French Countryside

Most days follow a gentle rhythm. You start with a 60-minute Vinyasa flow in the open air, have a leisurely breakfast, and then have the day to yourself until the early evening Yin session. Both classes are taught by Venetia, a Yoga Alliance certified instructor with 500 hours of Ashtanga Vinyasa training from Kranti Yoga in Goa and additional study in Yin Yoga with Bernie Clark. She works with all levels, so beginners and experienced practitioners will both find something to take from the week.

The food is a big part of the experience. A dedicated chef team prepares breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, using seasonal ingredients and a lot of local produce. Meals are served outdoors on the terrace when the weather allows, and there's always tea, coffee, fruit, and snacks available. Most dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice, and they send out a form to collect that information before you arrive.

The property itself is the real draw. The chateau is surrounded by 75 acres of landscaped gardens, vineyards, and woodland, with walking trails right on the doorstep. The accommodation is split between the main house and a separate outbuilding called the Grange. Rooms are individually styled, and most have private en-suite bathrooms with either a deep bath or a walk-in shower.

One day is set aside for exploring. The group heads to Cahors, a medieval town with Gothic architecture and a UNESCO-listed bridge, where you get free time to wander and have lunch. In the afternoon, there's a private tour of a local chateau winery with a guided tasting of the region's distinctive Cahors wine.

The retreat is run by a studio with a long track record in the UK. They've been running retreats at this property and others in France and Spain for a while, and the reviews from guests at their other locations talk about well-organised weeks, good teachers, and excellent food.

What's included

- 5 nights luxury accommodation in a private or shared room - 3 daily chef-prepared meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) plus snacks - Twice daily yoga classes (Vinyasa and Yin) - All yoga equipment - Excursion to Cahors town and chateau winery with wine tasting - Airport pickup and drop-off (from Toulouse-Blagnac) - Unlimited access to heated pool, hot tub, tennis court, cinema room - Daily housekeeping - Welcome drink - Free parking and WiFi

What's not included

- Flights - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Lunch on the excursion day - Additional excursions or transport - Private Pilates or yoga tuition - Spa treatments, massages, and beauty treatments