Each day has a loose theme, moving from rest towards connection. Day one is about landing: welcome tea, a slow settling-in walk, an opening circle and a light forest stroll before an early dinner. Day two is quieter — sunrise stretching and breathing, a silent morning walk, a journaling session on listening to the body, then a group walk at golden hour and a fireside meditation in the evening.

Day three steps up the activity. Morning movement and forest bathing, then a longer contemplative hike with themes of identity and belonging, a midday sharing circle, and something creative in the afternoon — mandalas, nature altars or mindful art — closing with a sunset gratitude practice. Day four is the most social: an energising walk or hilltop hike, partnered listening and trust exercises, an outdoor picnic, an optional cold-water dip or barefoot grounding, and an evening group ritual.

Day five is for wrapping up. A sunrise intention walk, integration journaling, a closing circle and a farewell nature blessing, with a personal plan to take home. Check-in is from 10:00 and check-out is 16:00, and the schedule can shift to suit the group.

What separates this from a standard walking week is the range of what Jo is qualified to lead. She is a certified nature therapy guide, meditation and mindfulness instructor, breathwork coach, past life regressionist and hypnotherapist, with 19 years of experience. Past life regression is offered as an optional extra, and guests who have taken it mention it as a highlight.

The setting does a lot of the work. The Razès sits in the Pays Cathare, surrounded by Cathar castles, vineyards, forested lakes and quiet hamlets. Optional add-ons include a half-day or full-day trip around the Cathar castles with transport and entry included, and there is swimming in lakes and rivers and hiking in the Pyrenees nearby.

What's included

- 5 nights accommodation in a private apartment - Airport pick-up and drop-off at Carcassonne airport - Pick-up and drop-off at Bram, Carcassonne and Castelnaudary train stations - 3 daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Water, tea and coffee throughout the day - Welcome drink - Transportation during the retreat - Guided nature hikes with a trusted guide - Yoga, stretch and flex sessions - Meditation and mindfulness sessions - Breathwork - Specialised workshops - All retreats delivered in English (French on request) - Pre and post retreat support - Luggage storage - Free parking - WiFi connection

What's not included

- Flights - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Additional activities not in the itinerary - Optional past life regression session - Optional half-day or full-day Cathar castles trip - Optional extra nights before or after the retreat - Laundry (charged per kg) - Private classes - Toulouse airport transfers (€180 per person return)