France · 6 days
Être takes place over six days on Arcachon Bay, on France's Atlantic coast. Hélène chose a place she knows personally, having spent summers on this part of the Bordeaux coastline. The retreat page doesn't publish an hour-by-hour timetable, but it does name the four things the week is built from: asana, breath, Vedic ph…
Home › Europe › France › Atlantic Coast Yoga Wellness Week on France's Arcachon Bay
France · 6 days
Être takes place over six days on Arcachon Bay, on France's Atlantic coast. Hélène chose a place she knows personally, having spent summers on this part of the Bordeaux coastline. The retreat page doesn't publish an hour-by-hour timetable, but it does name the four things the week is built from: asana, breath, Vedic philosophy and storytelling.
The physical practice comes from two places. Classical Ashtanga Vinyasa brings the precision, and Katonah Yoga® brings a creative structure. Hélène then adds Vedanta, yoga philosophy and stories to the teaching, so a session can be as much about understanding the practice as doing it.
The main difference from a typical yoga holiday is the emphasis on study. Hélène openly says this isn't a vacation, and she describes the week as built for depth rather than distraction. If you want a light class before a day of sightseeing, this may not be the right fit. If you've wanted more context from your classes, it probably is.
The group is kept small because only a limited number of rooms are available. Past guests mention that closeness. Jackie, who attended a previous France retreat, wrote that she felt lucky to be "surrounded by women willing to be real", and that Hélène teaches "feeling, meaning, and love" as well as form.
Hélène teaches the retreat herself. Besides this week in France, she runs a retreat in the Catskill Mountains in New York, teaches group classes and private sessions, and writes essays on yoga twice a month.
Arcachon Bay is on the Atlantic near Bordeaux, and Hélène links the slower pace of the week directly to this coastline. The page doesn't give the name of the venue or the exact town, so ask for those details before booking.
- Room for the retreat dates (room details to be confirmed) - Asana practice led by Hélène Roy - Breath practice - Vedic philosophy sessions - Storytelling sessions
- Travel to and from Arcachon Bay (not listed as included) - Travel insurance (not listed as included) - Personal expenses (not listed as included)