Flow and Stillness: Pilates, Canoeing & Deep Rest Retreat in South of France

Flow & Stillness is a 6-night retreat at La Commanderie in the heart of the Gers, South of France, where movement and relaxation naturally complement one another. The retreat philosophy is rooted in the belief that true restoration comes from balancing activity with deep rest. Each day is structured to provide a gentle rhythm: morning Pilates to strengthen and awaken the body, daytime canoe adventures along two peaceful rivers, and evening restorative practices to release tension and restore body and mind. The program is designed to be accessible to all levels, with no previous experience required in Pilates, yoga, or canoeing. All activities are guided and adapted to suit different levels, and participants should be comfortable in the water and able to swim.

The unique aspects of this retreat lie in its perfect blend of movement, nature, and rest. You'll strengthen your body through daily Pilates, spend your days immersed in the beauty and tranquillity of the Gers' rivers, enjoy delicious organic plant-based meals, unwind by the pool, and discover how restorative it can be to slow down after a day outdoors. The retreat also includes a special silent canoe journey, where without conversation, the sounds of nature come forward—birdsong, dragonflies, paddles dipping into the water—offering a profound experience of presence and listening.

Benefits of the retreat include a stronger, more supple body; a calmer mind and deeply rested nervous system; beautiful memories of peaceful days on the river and long summer evenings; a renewed appreciation for the balance between movement and stillness; and simple inspiration to bring more ease, presence, and joy into everyday life. The retreat is designed for both women and men, and while it has a special focus on the feminine—honoring the cyclical, the intuitive, the sensual—men who feel a genuine call to meet this dimension within themselves are welcome to enter this space with presence and respect.

The instructors, Catja and Sylvie, bring a wealth of experience and warmth to the retreat. Catja is a joy-sparking yoga guide with over 800 hours of training in Yoga Nidra, Yin, Restorative, and Menopause Yoga, as well as somatics and women's circle facilitation. Sylvie is an experienced Pilates teacher and founder of BodyMovePilates, who brings warmth, precision, and humor to her sessions. Together, they create a safe, grounded space where participants can arrive as they are, move at their own pace, and simply be supported.

La Commanderie itself is an old stone property that once belonged to the Knights Templar, surrounded by fields, sky, and quiet. It features a saltwater pool, a meditation chapel, a light-filled yoga hall, and beautiful outdoor spaces. The accommodation is intentionally simple—a mix of shared rooms and glamping tents—designed to bring you back to what actually matters: simplicity, connection, and being close to nature. This is not a luxury retreat center; it's a place where things are kept simple on purpose, allowing you to put your phone down, breathe, and land.

What's included

- 6 nights accommodation in shared rooms, private rooms, or glamping tents - 3 daily delicious and nutritious organic meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Daily Pilates classes - 4 canoe adventures on the rivers of the Gers - Daily restorative yoga, yin yoga, or Yoga Nidra sessions - Access to saltwater pool, sauna, and jacuzzi - Shared Thursday evening dinner at a local restaurant - Pre and post retreat support from the team - Parking - Wifi connection - Free pick-up from Auch or Condom train station (arranged in advance)

What's not included

- Flights costs - Visa fee - Travel insurance - Airport transfers (except as noted) - Personal expenses - Optional spa treatments