The retreat runs five days and four nights. Check-in is from 3 PM on Day 1, with time to settle in, meet the other women and take a short walk before dinner at 7 PM. Most days run from 8 AM to 5 or 6 PM including travel time, with dinner at 7 PM. The last session ends at 3 PM and check-out is at 4 PM.

What you actually do: guided walks through the landscapes of Occitanie — forests, mountains, gorges, countryside, ancient paths and viewpoints — with the local history pointed out along the way. There are slow outdoor picnics, periods of silent walking, gentle stretching and body awareness sessions, sunrise or sunset experiences, journalling and reflection, and swimming where conditions allow. Rivers, lakes and Mediterranean waters all feature depending on the day.

What makes it different from a standard hiking holiday is the size and the flexibility. Five participants maximum means the pace can be adjusted, the group can stop when something catches its attention, and the day can be reshaped around the weather. Jo's background is in nature therapy, meditation and mindfulness, breathwork, hypnotherapy and past-life regression, and she brings those into the week — forest bathing, meditation and nature-connected walking sit alongside the trails rather than replacing them.

Jo and Bob have been organising and hosting retreats in this largely unspoilt part of southern France since 2006. They also deliver Fast-Track residential courses for guides and coaches seeking accredited certification in nature therapy and natural wellness. They are walkers, writers and coaches, and they live in the village year-round.

The location is the village of Escueillens, about 25 minutes southwest of Carcassonne, in the Razès and Pays Cathare. Rolling hills, vineyards, woodland and quiet country paths surround the property. Carcassonne, the medieval market town of Mirepoix, Limoux and the Cathar castles are all within reach, and Carcassonne airport and the train stations at Carcassonne and Bram are around 25 minutes away — transfers from both are included.

What's included

- Airport and station pick-up and drop-off from Carcassonne airport, Carcassonne train station and Bram train station - 4 nights accommodation in a private gîte - 3 daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) plus snacks - Water, tea and coffee served throughout the day - Welcome drink - Breathwork sessions - Transportation during the retreat - Excursions and activities - Nature hikes with a trusted guide - Forest bathing - Luggage storage - Parking - Wifi connection - Pre and post retreat support from the hosts

What's not included

- Flights - Travel insurance - Visa fee - Additional activities not included in the itinerary