Women's Seasonal Wellness Escape in the Loire Valley: Yoga, Massage & Château Living

Château de Jalesnes sits in the middle of the Loire Valley, surrounded by forest, gardens and courtyards. It's a 17th-century estate that's been restored to keep its original character while making it comfortable — think high ceilings, old stone and quiet corners rather than a hotel lobby. The retreat takes over part of the château for the week and keeps the group small and women-only.

The daily rhythm starts with a slow breakfast, then guided movement or yoga with Santosha Yoga. Mid-morning there's usually a seasonal ritual or workshop — this is where the foraging, plant knowledge and moon ritual work happens. Midday brings a light lunch and free time: swim, read, cycle into the countryside on the bikes provided, or do nothing at all. Afternoons are when massages and sound baths are scheduled. Evenings are chef-prepared vegetarian dinners, fireside chats, journaling, and early nights.

What separates this from a standard yoga retreat is Jo's background. She trained in therapeutic nutrition and herbal medicine and worked in wine and natural viticulture before that, so the foraging and plant sessions come from actual working knowledge of the landscape rather than a script. The seasonal rituals are tied to the time of year the retreat runs, which is why the autumn dates lean into foraging and the moon ritual workshop.

The 5-night Autumn Retreat includes three massages with Jo, two sound baths, the plant forage workshop, the welcome ritual, yoga sessions and bike hire, plus a welcome basket in each room with tea, coffee, milk and fresh apple juice, a wellness book, and essential oils made in collaboration with La Guérisseuse Verte. The 3-night Autumn Reset includes two massages, one sound bath, foraging, yoga and a final ecstatic dance ceremony instead.

Accommodation is in one- or two-bedroom suites at the château, taken as single or double occupancy. Pick-up and return from Saumur train station are included on arrival and departure days, and the château can help book trains from Paris. Check-in is Monday afternoon at 4pm and check-out is Saturday morning at 10am. Accessible rooms are available on request.

What's included

- 5 nights' accommodation in a suite at Château de Jalesnes (Autumn Retreat) - Full wellness programme across the week with additional small-group time with Jo - 3 massage sessions with La Guérisseuse Verte - 2 sound baths - Plant forage workshop - Ritual welcome ceremony - Moon ritual workshop - Yoga sessions with Santosha Yoga - Bike hire for exploring the Loire countryside - Continental/light breakfast daily - Light lunch daily (sandwiches, quiches, cheese & crudité boards) - Chef-prepared vegetarian evening meals - Tea, coffee, infused water and juice available 24/7 - Welcome basket in each room (tea, coffee, milk, fresh apple juice) - Wellness book gift for every guest - Essential oils in collaboration with La Guérisseuse Verte - Pick-up and return from Saumur train station - Help with train bookings from Paris and other cities

What's not included

- Travel to and from Saumur (train tickets not included) - Travel insurance - Alcohol (the retreat is alcohol-free) - Personal expenses and souvenirs - Additional treatments or massages beyond those included - Any meals taken outside the château