Wellness Walking and Reading Escape in the French Countryside

The retreat is built around two gentle walks on the Camino de Santiago, which passes through this part of France. On two mornings, you'll be driven to the start of the day's walk, and walk 10 or 11 kilometers through vineyards, woods, and meadows. You don't carry a heavy backpack, and you come back to the same farmhouse each night. The walks are optional – you can spend the day with your book instead if you prefer.

The farmhouse itself is a restored Landaise building with original beams and half-timbered walls. There's a large garden where you can read in the sun, and your bedroom has a view over the meadows or woods. Evenings are spent in the farmhouse, with generous home-cooked meals and plenty of quiet.

Margaretha leads walks and also offers introductions to walking meditation and yoga nidra, but again, these are entirely optional. She's a trained life coach and hypnotherapist, and she's happy to talk with you about whatever's on your mind, but she won't push it. She has a menagerie of horses and cats who are part of the place, and they add to the sense of being far from the usual routine.

The retreat is small, so you get plenty of personal attention. There are only a few rooms, and you'll be with a handful of other guests who are also looking for a quiet break. It's the kind of place where you can be sociable if you want, but you can also keep to yourself without anyone thinking it's odd.

What's included

- 4 nights accommodation in a private room in a 200-year-old farmhouse - Scrumptious brunches and dinners (except for dinner on Day 4) - Two guided walks on the Camino de Santiago (optional) - Introduction to walking meditation, writing meditation, and yoga nidra - Transport to and from the starting and ending points of each walk - Use of towels, and access to a hairdryer - Concierge flights & travel assistance - Curated playlists for your self-practice - Post-retreat integration support (online session)

What's not included

- Flights - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Alcoholic drinks - Dinner on Day 4 (budget €15-30) - Extra day/night stay (optional, starting at €115)