6-Day Yoga and Wellness Reset in the French Countryside

The French Re-Set Retreat is a six-day, five-night stay at Gites de Source, a small retreat centre run by Linda Hickey and her husband Claude in the Charente-Maritime region of southwest France. The centre sits among vineyards and sunflower fields, about an hour from Bordeaux and half an hour from the Médoc wine region. It has three cottages, a yoga shala, a large pool, and gardens, all very quiet and rural.

Each day follows a simple structure: a morning yoga or Pilates class, a big brunch, free time in the afternoon, and a gentle evening session before dinner. Linda, a 500-hour Yoga Alliance-certified instructor with almost 30 years of practice, teaches a mix of vinyasa flow, yin yoga, yoga nidra, and Pilates mat classes. She also works as a nutritional therapist and runs workshops on food and mood. Claude handles the cooking and leads optional nature walks, tailoring the distance to the group.

The itinerary includes creative workshops like intuitive painting and art therapy, plus a nutrition session looking at how food affects your mood. There's also plenty of unstructured time to swim, bicycle, or simply sit on the terrace with a book. Optional extras include reflexology, Reiki, and massage, all available on site for an extra charge.

What sets this retreat apart is the scale. With a maximum of seven guests, it feels less like a retreat and more like staying with friends in the countryside. The reviews consistently mention the warmth of the hosts, the quality of the food, and the peaceful atmosphere. It's not a fitness bootcamp and not a luxury spa—it's a simple, restful week designed to let you reset your body and mind.

What's included

- 5 nights accommodation in a private or shared cottage - 3 meals daily (large brunch, snacks, and evening dinner) - Daily yoga and Pilates classes - Daily meditation and pranayama classes - Daily yoga nidra sessions - Guided nature walks - Art therapy workshop - Nutrition workshop - Welcome drink - Water, tea, and coffee served throughout the day - Wellness welcome pack - Free parking - Free wifi - Free drop-off at Montendre train station - Pre and post retreat support from the team

What's not included

- Flights - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Airport transfers (available for €150 per person return) - Reflexology and Reiki treatments (from €35) - Massage treatments - Extra nights - Personal expenses