Women's Wellness & Art Retreat in the French Countryside

Just Be is a week-long retreat for women aged 40 and over, held from mid-May to early October. You stay for seven nights, from Saturday to Saturday, in a beautifully renovated stone house in the Côtes-d'Armor region of Brittany. The house is set in a quiet valley, surrounded by trees and a gentle stream—the kind of place where you can actually hear yourself think.

The retreat is the creation of Tracey, who spent years travelling and working in the creative industry before settling in France. Her time in Asia, including studying Thai massage at Wat Pho in Bangkok and practising yoga, shaped her approach to wellbeing. She is not a teacher in the traditional sense; instead, she creates a space where relaxation happens naturally. Guests often arrive tense and leave noticeably lighter.

What makes Just Be different is its scale. With a maximum of three guests, every stay is personal. Tracey anticipates needs, prepares meals, and arranges gentle outings to places like a silent abbey or a local artist's studio. There are no itineraries, no group dynamics to manage, and no pressure to socialize. You can be as private or as sociable as you like.

The property itself is a renovated longère (a traditional Breton farmhouse) with oak beams, granite stone walls, and a mix of rustic charm and modern comfort. There are three private bedrooms available, two in the main house and one in a separate barn conversion. The garden is a peaceful spot for reading or napping, and there's a library, terrace, and free wifi if you need to stay connected.

Optional art classes are available with Emma Gale, a local artist who runs Studio 58, and Kate Pickin, a professional gilder with over 30 years of experience. These workshops are not included in the price but can be booked for two-hour sessions or full days. They're a lovely way to tap into your creativity, and you'll come away with a small piece of art to remind you of your time in Brittany.

What's included

- 7 nights accommodation in a private room - 3 daily meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) - Water, tea, and coffee served throughout the day - Welcome drink - Free excursions to sites of interest - Transportation during the retreat - Parking - Wifi connection

What's not included

- Airport transfers - Flight costs - Visa fees - Travel insurance - Additional treatments - Additional activities not included in the itinerary - Art classes (optional, extra cost)